Costco has made a big change to its store hours and membership perks, and as of September 1, 2025, it’s no longer optional—these new rules are fully enforced. If you shop at Costco, especially in the morning, this shift could affect when you can enter the warehouse.
What Has Changed
- Only Executive Members (the top-tier Costco membership) are allowed to shop during the exclusive early morning window, which starts at 9:00 AM on weekdays and Sundays.
- On Saturdays, Executive Members receive a 30-minute head start, entering at 9:30 AM instead of 10:00 AM.
- Gold Star and Business members are no longer allowed inside during those early times; they must wait until the standard opening hours (10:00 AM on most days).
- The change was piloted starting June 30, but there was a grace period allowing some leniency for non-Executive Members. That grace period ended August 31, and enforcement is now strict.
Membership Differences
| Membership Tier | Annual Fee | Early Access | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Membership | ~$130/year | Yes (earlier entry times each morning) | 2% rewards on purchases, extra services, credits, etc. |
| Gold Star / Business Tier | ~$65/year | No early access since changes in Sep 2025 | Standard warehouse access, no special morning perks |
Why the Shift?
Costco says the change is a way to reward its most loyal shoppers—those who pay more in membership and often contribute more to total sales.
Benefits cited include:
- Less crowding during early hours for Executive Members.
- Easier shopping (parking, navigation, access to fresh or in-demand items).
- Potential to reduce peak congestion and improve the shopping experience overall.
However, not all feedback has been positive.
Reactions & Concerns
- Some longtime non-Executive members feel the change is unfair and creates a two-tier shopping system.
- Concerns from employees have surfaced — earlier opening means earlier work starts, staffing shifts may be impacted.
- Some customers worry that similar perks will continue to be reserved exclusively for higher-fee membership tiers.
FAQs
When did the new policy go into full effect?
September 1, 2025. That’s when Costco stopped allowing exceptions for non-Executive members during early access times.
What time can non-Executive members start shopping now?
On weekdays and Sundays, non-Executive members must wait until 10:00 AM. On Saturdays, they can enter at 9:30 AM.
How much does Executive Membership cost, and is it worth it?
Executive membership costs about double the standard membership (Gold Star or Business). Whether it’s worth it depends on your shopping habits—how early you like to shop, how often you go, and what other perks and rewards weigh in for you.
Will stores stay open longer because of this change?
Yes — some locations have extended Saturday hours so stores close later (one extra hour) to accommodate shoppers later in the day.
Can I still shop online or use delivery if I cannot access the early hours?
Q:
A: Yes, standard warehouse access remains in place starting at regular hours, and Costco’s online/delivery services are unaffected.
Key Takeaway
If you’re shopping early at Costco, this new rule will likely affect you — you’ll need to either get an Executive Membership or shift your schedule to after the exclusive morning window. For Costco, the change is a way to reward paying members with quieter access and less crowding. For non-Executive members, this may mean adapting or paying more to unlock perks.