7 Costco 2026 Updates and Rules That Every Member Needs to Know

Costco members have always expected a few policy adjustments from time to time, but 2026 has brought a larger wave of operational changes than shoppers have seen in years. Many of the updates affect everyday parts of a warehouse visit, including entering the building, checking out, ordering food, and returning purchases. While most of these policies reinforce existing rules rather than introducing entirely new ones, they may surprise members who have not visited the company recently.

The good news is that nearly every change is designed to improve security, reduce wait times, or add new conveniences. Knowing what has changed before your next shopping trip could help you avoid unexpected delays and get more out of your Costco membership.

Checkout now starts before you reach the register

Costco continues looking for ways to shorten checkout times for members, and one of those big changes now begins while members are still waiting in line and with Automated Pay Stations, which the retailer is piloting in select warehouses.

Employees increasingly move through checkout lines scanning membership cards and even items that are still inside shopping carts before shoppers reach the cashier. By handling part of the process early, register and Automated Pay Stations transactions are able to move more efficiently during busy shopping periods.

Costco return policy enforcement has tightened

Costco's well-known satisfaction guarantee is still one of retail's most generous return policies, but enforcement of this policy has become more consistent and strict in 2026.

Members with unusually frequent returns or patterns involving heavily worn merchandise could receive written warnings or even risk losing their memberships. Electronics continue to have the long-standing 90-day return policy, making it especially important for shoppers to keep track of purchase dates.

The Costco app does more than ever

The Costco app has become a much more useful shopping companion than it previously was. Members can now store their digital membership card and complete more shopping tasks without making an extra warehouse visit, and as of this year, shoppers now have the ability to link any eligible Visa card for single-scan payment and membership verification.

Bakery and deli orders are also becoming easier to place online, reducing the need to stand in line at in-store service counters for many popular party and holiday items.

Pharmacy pricing has become more transparent

Costco expanded its health care offerings through a new pharmacy partnership that launched in January 2026.

Working with Navitus, the warehouse retailer now offers more transparent cost-plus prescription pricing for many medications. While savings vary by prescription, the additional pricing visibility could help members better compare medication costs before filling prescriptions.

Higher employee pay may benefit the shopping experience

In early 2026, Costco increased its starting hourly wage to $20 before quickly raising it again to $21. Average hourly pay across U.S. and Canadian warehouses now sits at roughly $31.

Although shoppers may not notice the wage increase directly, Costco puts a lot of value on its employee retention. Higher wages help contribute to experienced staff, shorter training periods, and more consistent customer service throughout the warehouse, making shopping experiences better for the customers.

Food court purchases now require membership verification

The days of stopping by Costco's famous food court without a membership are largely over. Many locations now verify memberships before customers can place food court orders, whether ordering at a kiosk or service window. The self-service ordering kiosks now feature mandatory card scanners.

The beloved $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is still the same price, but access is now reserved for members only. Some warehouses have also completed the switch from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola beverages, while others offer Kirkland Signature bottled water as an alternative in areas with soda taxes.

Executive members get earlier access to Costco shopping

Executive Membership holders now have another meaningful perk through stricter enforcement of early shopping hours. Eligible members generally receive access beginning at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, with a shorter early-access window on Saturdays.

Gold Star members are typically admitted beginning at 10:00 a.m. Employees are more consistently enforcing these schedules, making it worthwhile for Executive members who prefer quieter and earlier shopping trips. This fully took effect at the end of 2025.

Bottom line

Most of Costco's recent updates focus on enforcing policies that already existed while adding new technology to improve efficiency. Members who carry their membership card, understand the updated return expectations, and take advantage of the expanded mobile app are less likely to encounter surprises during their next visit.

One additional tip is to keep the Costco app updated on your phone before heading to the warehouse. As more services move into the app, including digital membership access and online ordering, it is becoming one of the easiest ways to streamline a shopping trip, save money on groceries, and get the most value from an active Costco membership.