Costco's membership structure can be a little confusing, especially if you're new to the warehouse club scene. Understanding the number of people allowed on a single membership is crucial before signing up. Let's clear up the confusion.
The short answer is that two adults can be on a standard Costco membership. This is true for both the Gold Star and Executive memberships. These two adults can be spouses, domestic partners, or even just two individuals who agree to share the membership. However, there's no limit on the number of children associated with the membership. Children of any age are included as part of the household under the primary membership holders.
How Many Adults Can Use a Costco Membership?
As mentioned above, the standard Costco membership allows for two adults. This is a key element of the membership agreement. Adding more adults would require purchasing a second membership.
Can I Add My Parents to My Costco Membership?
No, you cannot directly add your parents (or any additional adults beyond the two allowed) to your existing Costco membership. Each adult member needs their own card and associated membership fee.
What About Family Members – Can They Shop?
While only two adults can be on the membership, all members of the household, including children and other dependents, are permitted to shop using the membership card. This makes Costco memberships a popular choice for families.
What Happens if More Than Two Adults Use the Same Membership?
Costco's policy is generally enforced at the discretion of store management. While they usually don't actively count adults, consistently using a membership with more than the permitted two adults could lead to problems such as membership suspension or cancellation.
Can I Share My Costco Membership?
Sharing your membership is technically against Costco’s terms of service. While you can let family members shop, sharing your card with individuals outside your household who don't contribute financially towards the membership is discouraged.
Is it Worth it to Get Two Costco Memberships?
Whether getting two memberships is worthwhile depends entirely on your household and shopping habits. If you have two adults who regularly shop at Costco and use a significant amount of the purchased items, two memberships might be financially beneficial. However, for smaller households, one membership is often sufficient. Consider the cost of a second membership versus the potential savings from bulk purchases.
How do I add someone to my Costco membership?
You don't "add" anyone beyond the two permitted adults. The membership is linked to the two primary cardholders. Family members shop with either of the primary members' cards.
By understanding these points, you can make an informed decision about the best Costco membership option for your needs. Remember, the primary goal is to ensure everyone in your household can benefit from the membership, without violating Costco's policies.
