Costco shopper confused over ‘inconsistent’ gift card policy and fumes each store is a ‘total crapshoot’

A COSTCO shopper has been left puzzled over an “inconsistent” gift card policy at the warehouse club chain.

The confused client wondered whether they could shop at Costco without a membership, despite receiving a $200 shop card as a gift.

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The shopper, who went by ZhangMooMoo on Reddit, shared: “Can I walk into a Costco with a shop card?

“I am a college student and just received a $200 Costco shop card from my family uncle as a birthday gift.

“Though I don’t have a Costco membership, nor do my friends.

“I am wondering, can I just walk into a Costco with a shop card in my hand?”

One user responded, offering some clarity but also reinforcing concerns about inconsistent enforcement of the policy.

“Yes, you can,” the reply began, but went on to detail just how unpredictable the experience can be.

“There’s a lot of inconsistency between stores, though, so one store may let you right in the entrance, and another store may escort you through the registers to membership to get a temporary membership.”

The user also highlighted issues with paying any remaining balance once the shop card is used up.

They added: “Though US corporate policy is to allow you to pay any balance due after the card is used up with cash or debit, some stores will make you leave stuff behind and send you out the door with an unusable balance on the Shop Card.

“Again, it’s a total crapshoot how your store will treat it.”

This response mirrors the frustration of many Costco customers who feel that the company’s gift card policy is not uniformly applied across all locations.

While Costco’s official policy states that non-members can use a shop card for purchases, the practicalities of entering the store and paying off balances seem to vary widely depending on the location and even the staff on duty.

The confusion stems from Costco’s unique membership model, which requires an annual fee for full access to its warehouses.

While gift cards provide a loophole for non-members, the inconsistent application of the rules has left many shoppers bewildered.

Some stores are more lenient, allowing non-members with a gift card to enter easily, while others impose stricter rules that can make the shopping experience more difficult.

It comes after a shopper compared Costco to Disneyland after struggling not to get carried away in the store. 

Bethany Simko said it felt like she was “infiltrating a club” as they took her photo for her Costco store card. 

Meanwhile, another Costco customer blasted the retailer after being subject to a trio of checks – before she even paid for her groceries. 

The member, who has been subscribed to the wholesale chain for almost two years, has said she’s only stepped in the warehouse once following the less-than-ideal experience. 

In an X post, she claimed that she had been stopped twice in the aisles so a staffer could check her ID.

But, the inspections didn’t stop there, according to the shopper. 

She claimed she was also asked to prove her identity at the self-checkout kiosks. 

The shopper, who seemed bewildered by the ordeal, then compared Costco to its rival Sam’s Club.