Costco Is Quietly Changing Who Can Order From Its Food Court

Non-members have relied on one of the best Costco hacks to snag the warehouse club's iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, $9.95 pizzas, and sought-after specialty sundaes for years. While shoppers know you need a card to get into the store, you didn't always need to flash your Gold Star or Executive ID to order from the food court. That is, until now.

Costco's affordable in-store eatery is no longer open to everyone, and shoppers are divided about this change. Why did the warehouse club roll out restrictions? Keep reading to find out what the current policy is, whether loopholes still exist, how enforcement may vary by location, and why this decision makes financial sense for the store.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

What is Costco's new food court policy?

For years, non-members treated Costco like any other fast casual eatery. Instead of splurging on the annual membership, they breezed into the warehouse club for a midday meal, a delicious dinner deal, or a budget-friendly snack. And while these food court fans weren't allowed to shop the store, some Costco locations did little to stop them from enjoying a chicken bake or vanilla ice cream cup.

But a few years ago that all changed. Costco began more strictly enforcing its members-only policy, requiring shoppers to purchase a membership before visiting the food court. This switch-up coincided with the rollout of membership scanners at store entrances.

According to Costco's website, members "will be required to scan your membership card at the front door scanner when entering any Costco warehouse and show your membership card when checking out at a payment register."

Costco doesn't list a specific food court policy online or in every store. Based on customer reports (seen on social media), this is a gradual change that hasn't reached every warehouse club location.

When did Costco make this change?

In 2024, Redditors started sharing photos online of a new store policy. One older post features a sign that read, "Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from the food court. You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details."

Around the same time (in 2024), Costco issued a statement about the introduction of warehouse entrance scanners. "Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse. Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner."

The new front-door scanners prevented non-members from accessing the store or the food court without a member. Redditor Dragnys explained that the rollout was "Region based," adding, "A lot of locations allowed non-members to purchase from the food court until last year."

Why did non-members use the food court loophole?

The low prices on tasty treats make the food court an appealing option for members and non-members alike. Redditor lenniemom explained the draw in a complaint about the recent change, "When did it change that you have to have a Costco membership to purchase from the food court? I am seriously craving a Costco Hot Dog, and I love the fact that they are only $1.50."

The location of some Costco food courts made the mini eateries easy to access from outside of the store. Non-members could walk up, order, and pay without setting foot inside the warehouse. But as the policy changed, many clubs moved the food court inside the store or added separate membership card scanners at the ordering kiosk/register.

Why does Costco check membership cards?

In Costco's third-quarter 2026 earnings conference call, Gary Millerchip, Chief Financial Officer, reported that membership fee income increased by $133 million, or 10.7%, year over year. Paid Executive memberships rose 9.6% from the prior year, and total paid membership rose 4.1%.

An increase in membership-based profits and a skyrocketing membership base are driving Costco's expansion. But if the retailer allows non-members to use its services (such as the food court), the company is missing out on potential earnings. The requirement to show a card at the door, checkout, and food court reduces losses and maximizes Costco's ability to maintain its current growth trajectory.

One Redditor explained to a non-member who asked why they can't enjoy the affordable eatery without paying the annual fee, "The reason they're $1.50 is because members are subsidizing it."

Do you need a physical card to access Costco's food court?

While you do need a membership, you don't necessarily need a physical card to order from Costco's food court. Members can download Costco's app to use a digital version. You must create a Costco.com account to use the retailer's app and access your membership card. If you haven't already created an account, you can do so on the app or the store's website.

Per Costco's website, members can use a digital card in the following areas: Warehouse entry, checkout, returns, pharmacy, hearing aid, optical, tire center, and gas station. The retailer currently doesn't include the food court in its list of accepted digital card use areas. That said, if your Costco club only requires a card for entry, you can use the app-based alternative on your mobile phone to access the food court as well.

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, the decision to enforce a members-only food court policy is financial. With annual membership fees driving Costco's profit margin, allowing shoppers without a card to access the affordable eatery could impact the chain's overall profits.

Yes, Costco requires members entering the store to scan their membership ID, while guests must be accompanied by a member. But that doesn't necessarily mean each individual person needs their own separate membership.

Avoid wasting money on multiple fees and take advantage of the warehouse club's free second card. Customers can add one household member to their account for free. Visit your local Costco to learn more about this Gold Star and Executive-level perk.

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