Costco shared membership?

[MiaSRN62]

Hi,
Wondering if anyone knows if shared memberships are allowed?

My sister and I were thinking of splitting the membership cost but we do live at different addresses.

Thanks,

 

[Topper]

A free Household Card is available to a primary or add-on cardholder's spouse, domestic partner, or immediate family member over the age of 18 and living at the same address. Household Cardholders will be asked to present proof that they live at the same address as either the primary or add-on cardholder.

http://www.costco.com/member-privileges-conditions.html

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you checked the Costco website? I'm sure this is a standard question and the site has an answer for it.

 

[jmmess]

While the answer is technically no, I don't recall ever having to show proof of address except for possibly the primary account holder. Not saying anyone should cheat the system just providing an observation.

 

[scard192]

Could one of you get a second card for their spouse and give that to the other? At BJ's when you use the self checkout no one looks at your card when you check out.

or do you live close enough to shop together and use the one membership or does Costco not allow that?

 

[jmmess]

Could one of you get a second card for their spouse and give that to the other? At BJ's when you use the self checkout no one looks at your card when you check out.

or do you live close enough to shop together and use the one membership or does Costco not allow that?

That's not always true. Costco does crack down on this from time to time and makes sure the credit card matches the ID. Wouldn't suggest this route as it is more trouble than it's worth.

 

[scard192]

That's not always true. Costco does crack down on this from time to time and makes sure the credit card matches the ID. Wouldn't suggest this route as it is more trouble than it's worth.

sounds like they are pretty strict. no Costco near me so have not been tempted to join.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Do you guys have a BJs near you? BJs does let you add additional members to your membership for a nominal fee (I think $15). My parents have an account and have had me and my brothers added on for years. We all live in different states and it is no problem and within their rules.

We have both a BJs and Costco membership, but I like BJs so much better, they take manufactures coupons (and you can combine both manufacturers and BJs coupons!!) and they take regular credit cards (not just cash and debit).

 

[Judique]

Hi,
Wondering if anyone knows if shared memberships are allowed?

My sister and I were thinking of splitting the membership cost but we do live at different addresses.

Thanks,

My daughter and I share a membership but live at different addresses. We've never had a problem. I'm the primary; she has the second card.

In addition whenever I don't feel like going or even just going in, my other adult children have shopped for me using my card and my amex credit card. So at least at my Costco, no one is looking at much.

To add to this, when our Costco opened about 6-7 years ago, they called my office about coming and doing a membership day. I said sure and when they came they let many employees sign up splitting memberships between them. The signup was discounted and there was also a free $20 gift card after sign up.

 

[andychris14]

I have shared a membership with my neighbor for over 15 years. When we joined we did not hide that we did not live at the same address.
I would ask them directly in the location where you go.

 

[mjkacmom]

I was on my aunt's membership for 10 years, and we don't live in the same state. DH and I now share a membership.

 

[scard192]

We have both a BJs and Costco membership, but I like BJs so much better, they take manufactures coupons (and you can combine both manufacturers and BJs coupons!!) .

and something I learned here on this Board, if you have 4 pack (example) of say toothpaste, you can use more than one coupon for up to the number of individual units in the pack.

 

[SharonZ]

My mother lives with me, and I wanted her to get added to my Costco membership. She had to show her drivers license so that they could check that the addresses were the same. This was back in October 2014.

 

[LSchrow]

At BJ's when you use the self checkout no one looks at your card when you check out.

unfortunately true
so the man that had stolen someone else's BJs card, was able to charge over $5,000 at BJs....on the CCs he stole from me (took my entire wallet). and, there was another incident of someone fraudulently charging, again over $5000, in the same BJs a week prior.

DH & DD are on our BJs membership (I don't really go there), DH & I are on our Costco membership - while the two brands are comparable, Costco's membership & CC security is significantly better, IMHO.

btw, I did get the charges back, but the lack of any form of verification (checking photo and/or at minimum, gender, on store and/or credit card) means the store loses that money, resulting in higher costs for their consumers.

we will likely cancel our BJs membership, and just keep Costco.

 

[dsneprincess]

and something I learned here on this Board, if you have 4 pack (example) of say toothpaste, you can use more than one coupon for up to the number of individual units in the pack.

I learn something unexpected everyday on the Dis......Thanks, every bit helps!

 

[missnic]

In addition whenever I don't feel like going or even just going in, my other adult children have shopped for me using my card and my amex credit card. So at least at my Costco, no one is looking at much.

Wow - I had the opposite experience. DH and I share a membership. We were there together, using his card. The cashier saw both of us in line, but DH went to grab some boxes. I attempted to pay, and the cashier made DH come back over and verify that he, as the card holder, was physically present. I appreciate the security, but this was a little overkill.

 

[kimsuenew]

While the answer is technically no, I don't recall ever having to show proof of address except for possibly the primary account holder. Not saying anyone should cheat the system just providing an observation.

I know that for our membership I gave it to our adult son that still lives at home with us. When he went in to be added on, he had to show his drivers license as proof of who he was/his address. That was February 2014. I believe, like Sam's Club does as well, they stick to their rules.

 

[nugov2]

http://www.costco.com/member-privileges-conditions.html

Hmm, I'm surprised to read that as their policy. My mom and I have had a shared membership for 10+ years and I have never lived at the same address, nor have we ever claimed to when we went in to get our membership. We do it this way b/c with the bonus cash back our executive membership has been free for the past 9+ years. I often show my DL when my card is not with me and they have never said a word that the address is different than my mom who is the primary cardholder. I am really shocked to read that policy.

ETA that my dh shops with my card all the time. It is next to dd's soccer practice which he likes to go to, so I am always asking him to run in and grab stuff. They have never said a word to him that it is a picture of me on the card.

 

[Judique]

Wow - I had the opposite experience. DH and I share a membership. We were there together, using his card. The cashier saw both of us in line, but DH went to grab some boxes. I attempted to pay, and the cashier made DH come back over and verify that he, as the card holder, was physically present. I appreciate the security, but this was a little overkill.

My daughter went earlier this afternoon to pick up her contacts refills. She took my card and also picked up milk and fancy feast for the kitties. She also has a different last name then me. No problems. So I guess it may be where you shop?

I will say that I recognize the door people and the cashiers and I'm sure they know my face as I go often. It's very close to me.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thank all of you for your responses. I had a feeling the answer would be "no" from the one reference to "same household" on their website. I guess I felt "household" could possibly be translated to different things for different people.

But my sister called today to ask. They stated "no" since we lived at a different address. They added that they "used" to allow it, but "no longer at this location". Does this mean some locations are more laid back about it??

I chose Costco because of how close it is to my home. There is also a BJ's but that is 30 min away and I feel we won't use the membership as much if it's a hour or more roundtrip there and back. Costco is 5 min from my house.

Thank you all again!