Here's What To Do If You Forget Your Costco Membership Card On Your Next Trip
Grocery shopping can be hectic. After the work of planning out a menu and making a list of ingredients you'll need, there's the task of blocking off the time and then making sure you have everything you need to complete the trip. Sometimes amidst all the hullabaloo of a Costco run, you might find yourself frantically rummaging through your bag or pockets for your membership card.
There's no reason to panic, though. Costco has your back in these instances. To be clear, the company isn't going to just take your word for it that you've up to date on your membership fees. Bankrate says that annual membership will run you $60 and while there are some ways to shop in-store without a membership according to Clark, just saying you forgot your card isn't one of them.
The fix for this problem is actually pretty simple as long as you haven't forgotten your bag or wallet completely. Additionally, there's a solution that could alleviate this issue entirely.
Customer service is there for a reason
Whether you're visiting a store to pick up one of the items that nearly half of Costco shoppers say they always grab or a massive container of trail mix, forgetting your card is actually no big deal. Aisle of Shame lays out why there's no reason to be ashamed.
Aisle of Shame says that all you need to do is visit the customer service desk and inform the personnel that you forgot your card. Then, show your ID. They will verify your membership, then issue you a temporary pass.
USA Today lays out a way you can avoid having to remember your card using your smartphone. According to USA Today, you can use the Costco Android or iOS app and a Costco.com account to setup a digital membership card right in the app. USA Today says that a digital membership card is just as good as a physical card when you are shopping in-store.
If you ditch your physical card in favor of the app, though, make sure your phone has enough battery power to last your trip and a strong enough data connection to pull up the card in the app. USA Today also points out that while you can buy your groceries with just your in-app card, you'll still need your physical card to purchase gasoline at Costco.
If your phone is dead and you forgot your card, though, you aren't out of options. Costco gets that life is hectic.