Costco’s latest membership rule officially takes effect today, ending the grace period that began in June after the perk was introduced. The change gives Executive Members exclusive access to shop an hour earlier than other customers.
From now on, only those with the $130 Executive Membership will be allowed inside Costco stores from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day. On Saturdays, the exclusive period is shortened to 30 minutes, with all customers permitted entry starting at 9:30 a.m. Non-Executive members will be denied entry before 10 a.m. on weekdays and before 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
The new policy has stirred controversy among some shoppers, but Costco has defended the move. In a statement, the company said: “Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco.”
Costco’s membership tiers include the $65 Gold Star and $130 Executive, along with a $65 Business Membership. While the Business tier offers different benefits, it does not qualify for the early shopping privilege. Executive members also gained access to a $10 monthly credit earlier this summer.
With these changes, Costco is doubling down on rewarding its highest-tier members, while shifting shopping flexibility away from lower-tier memberships.
