Costco Gas Stations Now Require This Before You Can Fill Up—Don’t Get Caught Out!

Costco members are about to see some big changes at the gas pumps. Known for offering some of the cheapest fuel prices around, Costco gas stations are now making updates that every member should be aware of. While the price is still a major draw, these changes are more about how you pay and who’s allowed to fill up.

Starting in some locations and likely expanding across the country, Costco is now requiring all drivers to use a valid Costco membership card before they can even pump gas. Earlier, some people were managing to fill up using a friend’s card or accessing the gas pumps without actually being members. But that’s no longer going to work. The change means stricter verification at the pump, which is part of a wider move to ensure only paying members enjoy Costco’s fuel benefits.

If you’ve used Costco gas before, you’ll know that the lines can be long—but the savings are often worth it. According to various reports and customer reviews, Costco gasoline is typically 10 to 20 cents cheaper per gallon compared to nearby stations. Over time, especially for daily drivers, those savings can really add up. But as more people caught on, the demand increased, and so did the number of non-members trying to get in on the deal.

To fight this, Costco has started rolling out new systems at some of its gas stations that require you to scan your membership card at the pump itself—just like you would at the entrance of the store. This means the days of borrowing your friend’s card or sneaking in for a quick fill-up might be over. And yes, this change is being enforced, not just tested.

What does this mean for regular Costco members? For most, it won’t make much of a difference except maybe for slightly shorter wait times. Fewer non-members in line could mean a quicker fill-up. However, if you’re someone who shared a card with a family member or used another person’s account, you may now need your own individual membership.

The move is seen by many experts as a way to protect the value of Costco’s membership, which currently costs $60 a year for basic members and $120 for executive members. The company makes a significant portion of its profits from membership fees, and giving non-members access to gas services could undermine that business model. Plus, as fuel prices fluctuate and competition tightens, Costco wants to ensure its core members feel that their investment is worthwhile.

Some locations are also updating their technology and pump layouts. This includes better card readers, digital screens, and faster processing at the pump to reduce wait times. But the big focus remains on verifying membership.

Customers who’ve already encountered the new system say it’s fairly simple. You drive up, insert your membership card, then pay using your regular credit or debit card. Some locations may eventually allow mobile payment options as well. If your card doesn’t work or is expired, the pump won’t activate. So make sure your membership is current before heading to the station.

This move is part of a larger trend where warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are tightening benefits and perks to maintain value and control crowds. While some customers might be frustrated at first, especially those who were used to bypassing the rules, most loyal members seem to support the decision.

If you’re someone who frequently gets gas at Costco, it’s best to keep your membership card handy and active. If you haven’t signed up yet, this might be the nudge you need to become a full member and access those exclusive fuel savings without interruption.