Costco is trying a new way to check if its customers really are members.
A website called Costco Insider shared pictures on January 8. The pictures show a tablet on a stand with a sign. The sign says customers must scan their membership cards to enter the store in Issaquah, Washington.
Costco Insider says they're checking if the person's photo matches them. They asked people what they think about this on Facebook and X (used to be called Twitter).
One shopper on X said this is good for people who have real Costco memberships.
"I'm happy about this. I don't like being asked for my card at checkout," someone commented.
But not everyone likes the idea.
One person on Facebook thinks it will make lines longer and annoy people.
Costco's main office is near the store where they're testing the new card scanner, according to Costco Insider.
People who aren't members can still buy medicine from Costco's pharmacy. They can pay with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards, or a Visa card. But only members can go into the store to buy other things. This info is from Costco's customer service website.
According to a news release on January 4, Costco has 871 stores. Most are in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Costco also has stores in other countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan, and many more.
