SOME Costco customers have pointed out an unusual perk that’s unrelated to shopping.
The little-known benefit is one of several that consumers can get with a membership at the warehouse retailer.
Costco notably offers two subscription tiers at its over 600 locations nationwide.
They include Gold Star and Executive.
Gold Star is the base membership for $65 annually and comes with some relatively standard perks.
These include having access to buy items in-store and online, having two cards per household, and the signature 100% satisfaction guarantee.
For Executive, it’s a bit more at $130, but there’s also an annual 2% cash back reward, discounts on Costco Services like travel, car buying, insurance, and even check printing.
Costco Travel is particularly popular for those who have decided to pay more for the Executive membership, as there can be some serious discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and comprehensive vacation packages.
Except, a crucial travel benefit for Executive and even Gold Star members was only recently noticed by some longtime Costco customers.
“TSA let me through airport security with my Costco card!” an excited shopper wrote in a Reddit thread.
NOT ALONE
That’s right, Costco cards can be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration as a valid form of identification, instead of a driver’s license or state ID.
Other members also cited similar experiences.
“This happened to me too! I was so thankful a Costco card worked,” someone else commented.
“I got through LAX a few years ago with my Costco card too! Couldn’t believe it,” another echoed.
Still, other consumers argued it wasn’t due to any special agreement that Costco held with the TSA.
Instead, it provides an efficient way for the TSA to match information to quickly verify a traveler’s identity without a proper ID.
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“Yes, TSA can accept any ‘alternative’ ID they deem appropriate,” a Redditor said.
“School ID, employer ID, etc.”
“Not to damper your excitement about your Costco working as ID, but TSA can verify your identity without any physical proof,” a fellow traveler added.
TSA CONFIRMATION
This information is verified on the TSA website.
“In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly,” a statement notes.
“By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight.”
Costco cards hold crucial identity-matching information like a traveler’s full name, photograph, and sometimes even debit or credit card details that are simple verification markers.
While still off the list of accepted forms of identification by the TSA, it could still get members on flights.
Either way, it’s best to keep it around when traveling, just in case.
Several major changes are also coming this year to all 905 warehouses Costco has globally.
Costco also recently copied a rival with a self-checkout adjustment to speed up the payment process.
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