Popular Membership Warehouse Store In Texas Has Controversial New Policy

Costco, with 41 locations in Texas, is cracking down on "membership" sharing to the ire of some.

Now, instead of the informal "flashing" of your card to a waving employee, the employee will scan your card and check to see if it's really your membership card- instead of your parent's or a card that belongs to your bestie.

The skepticism for the new policy isn't really about "getting away" with borrowing a membership, it's more a concern for potential long lines to get in, and a less friendly customer/ employee interaction at the very beginning of your shopping trip.

Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, you'll also have to show your driver's license. So you may want to go ahead and take the photo to speed things up.

I can't say with a straight face that I haven't been tempted to "borrow" a card, but only to buy a hot dog. I never went through with it because I was too nervous, anyway.

I remember the day I found out I could no longer go to Costco without a membership to buy a hotdog. It was embarrassing to be told "no" so I leaned into and proudly proclaimed, "Well, that's $1.50 you'll have to live without." I'm not sure anyone else thought the quip was funny.

It was a disappointment, especially since I promised my husband his first Costco dog. It'll remain a mystery to him unless we get a membership, I guess. And if/ when we do, we won't be able to "share the wealth" so to speak.

Costco is also increasing membership fees for the first time since 2017, but only by $5. At least the hot dog is staying $1.50- for now.