How to Add Family Members to Your Costco Membership: A Complete Guide

Adding a family member to your Costco membership is a smart move for spreading the savings and convenience. The process is straightforward, but understanding the rules and nuances can save you time and potential headaches. Here’s the lowdown: a Costco membership allows you to add one free Household cardholder, and that person must reside at the same address as the Primary member. You simply need to visit a Costco membership counter with the prospective Household cardholder, present your Costco membership card, and provide proof of residency for both individuals.

Understanding the Costco Membership Structure

Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s clarify the different membership tiers and how they impact family additions. Costco offers two main individual membership levels: Gold Star and Executive.

• Gold Star Membership: This is the standard membership, offering access to all Costco warehouses and online shopping. It includes one card for the Primary member and one Household card for a resident of the same address.
• Executive Membership: This premium membership comes with an annual 2% reward (up to $1,000) on qualifying Costco purchases, as well as additional benefits on Costco Services like travel and insurance. Like the Gold Star membership, it also includes one card for the Primary member and one Household card.

Both membership levels allow for only one free Household card. There’s no option to add additional family members beyond that without them getting their own separate Costco membership.

The Step-by-Step Process of Adding a Household Member

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to add a family member to your Costco membership:

1. Visit the Membership Counter: Head to the membership counter at your local Costco warehouse. This is typically located near the entrance or exit.

2. Bring the Prospective Household Member: The person you want to add to your membership must be present at the membership counter. This is crucial, as Costco needs to verify their identity and take their photo for the card.

3. Present Your Costco Membership Card: Show your valid Costco membership card to the membership representative.

4. Provide Proof of Residency: This is the most important step. You’ll need to provide documentation that proves both you and the prospective Household member reside at the same address. Acceptable forms of proof usually include:

   • Driver’s license (with matching address)
   • Utility bill (such as gas, electric, or water bill)
   • Bank statement
   • Vehicle registration
   • Any official document displaying your name and address

   Important Note: Costco’s specific requirements for proof of residency may vary slightly by location, so it’s always a good idea to call your local warehouse ahead of time to confirm what documents they accept.

5. Verification and Photo: The membership representative will verify the information and take a photo of the new Household member for their card.

6. Activation and Card Issuance: Once the verification is complete, the new Household card will be issued, and it’s ready to use immediately.

Adding a Household Member Online or by Phone?

Unfortunately, you cannot add a Household member to your Costco membership online or by phone. The in-person verification and photo requirement necessitate a visit to the membership counter. This policy is in place to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of membership information.

What if the Household Member Moves Out?

If a Household member moves out of the Primary member’s residence, they are no longer eligible to use the Household card. The Primary member should notify Costco to cancel the Household card. The former Household member can then obtain their own Costco membership if they wish to continue shopping at Costco.

Understanding the Benefits of a Household Membership

The Household membership offers several key benefits:

• Shared Access: The Household member gains full access to Costco warehouses and online shopping, just like the Primary member.
• Separate Purchasing Power: Each cardholder can make purchases independently, which is convenient for families with shared expenses.
• Cost Savings: Instead of paying for two separate memberships, the Household membership allows two people living at the same address to enjoy Costco benefits for the price of one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adding Family Members to Costco

1. Who Qualifies as a “Household Member”?

A Household member is defined as someone who resides at the same address as the Primary Costco membership holder.

2. Can I Add My Child to My Costco Membership?

Yes, if your child lives at the same address as you, they can be added as the Household member. There is no age restriction.

3. What if My Driver’s License Doesn’t Match My Current Address?

You’ll need to provide an alternative form of proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement showing your current address. Costco is strict about address verification.

4. Can I Add a Roommate as My Household Member?

Yes, as long as your roommate resides at the same address as you and you can provide proof of residency for both of you.

5. Can I Transfer My Membership to Another Person?

No, Costco memberships are non-transferable. Each individual must obtain their own membership.

6. I Have an Executive Membership. Does My Household Member Also Get the 2% Reward?

No, the 2% reward is only earned on purchases made by the Primary member. However, all purchases made by both the Primary and Household cardholders count towards the reward earned by the primary member.

7. What Happens if My Household Member Loses Their Card?

The Household member can request a replacement card at the membership counter. They’ll likely need to present identification.

8. Can I Add a Second Household Member if I Pay an Additional Fee?

No, Costco only allows one free Household member per membership. If you want to add another person, they will need to purchase their own separate membership.

9. Can My Household Member Shop at Costco.com?

Yes, the Household member can shop online at Costco.com using their membership number and registering their own account.

10. Does the Household Member Have to Be a Relative?

No, the Household member doesn’t need to be related to the Primary member. The only requirement is that they reside at the same address.

11. I’m Separated from My Spouse But Still Live at the Same Address. Can I Add Them as a Household Member?

Yes, if you both reside at the same address, you can add your spouse as a Household member.

12. What if I Don’t Have a Driver’s License? What Other Documents Can I Use as Proof of Residency?

Besides a driver’s license, Costco typically accepts utility bills, bank statements, vehicle registrations, or any official document displaying your name and address. Always confirm with your local Costco for their specific requirements.

Adding a family member to your Costco membership is a straightforward process that unlocks significant benefits for both the Primary member and the Household member. By understanding the rules and following the steps outlined above, you can easily share the savings and convenience that Costco offers. Remember to always check with your local Costco warehouse for any location-specific policies or requirements. Enjoy the savings!