New costco shopping policy: Executive members get 9 a.m. early access nationwide

Costco’s Executive-Only Early Hour Is Here: Details, Perks, and How It Works:

A new costco shopping policy is rolling out this month that gives Executive Members an exclusive hour to shop before everyone else. Most warehouses will open their doors at 9 a.m. for Executive Members, with general entry starting at 10 a.m. After the Labor Day closure on Monday, September 1, 2025, the change takes effect Tuesday, September 2. Multiple reports and member emails indicate some clubs have been soft‑running this for weeks, with tighter enforcement expected going forward.

Quick takeaways

• Executive-only entry: 9–10 a.m. Monday–Friday; 9–9:30 a.m. Saturday; 9–10 a.m. Sunday
• General entry: 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays; 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays
• Eligibility: Executive Members only (the black card)
• Cost: Executive Membership $130/year vs. Gold Star $65/year
• Perks: Up to 2% annual reward on most purchases, plus extra savings on services (exclusions apply)
• Start date: Tuesday, Sept 2, 2025 (warehouses are closed on Labor Day)

What the new costco shopping policy changes

• Dedicated early hour: Executive Members can enter one hour before other members on most days.
• Stricter entry checks: Expect staff to verify your membership tier at the door during the early window.
• Consistency: Reports point to an August 31 enforcement deadline, so warehouses that were flexible before are now expected to adhere.

Early-hours schedule (local time)
During the early‑access window, the costco shopping policy sets opening at 9 a.m., with slight differences on Saturdays.

Day	Executive-Only Entry	General Entry
Mon–Fri	9:00–10:00 a.m.	10:00 a.m.
Saturday	9:00–9:30 a.m.	9:30 a.m.
Sunday	9:00–10:00 a.m.	10:00 a.m.

Notes:

• Warehouses were closed on Labor Day (Mon, Sept 1, 2025); enforcement begins Tue, Sept 2.
• Departments like Pharmacy, Optical, Tire Center, and Hearing Aid may keep different hours—check your local warehouse.

Who gets in early:

This New costco shopping policy applies only to Executive Members. You’ll need to show a valid Executive card (or digital card in the app) at the entrance. Guests may accompany an Executive Member, but only members can make purchases, and the Executive Member must be present at checkout.

Enforcement, entry checks, and what to bring
Stores are now expected to enforce the costco shopping policy at the door, especially during the early window. Tips:

• Bring your physical or digital membership card ready to scan
• Have photo ID available if requested
• If you’re Gold Star, you’ll be asked to wait until general opening time
• Returns, membership services, and specialty counters may open closer to general hours

How to upgrade to Executive (and is it worth it?)
To benefit from the New costco shopping policy, you can upgrade your membership at the Member Services desk, via the Costco app, online, or by phone. Executive costs $130/year versus $65 for Gold Star. Many members offset the difference with:

• 2% reward on most Costco purchases (annual cap applies; exclusions like gas and some services may not qualify)
• Extra savings on travel, insurance, and auto services
• Occasional Executive‑only offers
  If you don’t earn back the difference, Costco’s membership guarantee typically allows you to adjust or downgrade—ask your warehouse for details.

Tips to make the most of the early hour

• Arrive 5–10 minutes before 9 a.m. to breeze through entry
• Hit high‑demand aisles first (electronics, seasonal, meat/produce)
• Use the app’s shopping list to move faster
• Consider self‑checkout to minimize wait times
• If you’re planning returns, aim for after general opening when service desks are fully staffed

What might vary by location

• Some warehouses may adjust the exact early access windows during peak season
• Specialty departments (Pharmacy, Optical, Tire Center) often keep separate hours
• Costco Business Centers and international warehouses operate on different schedules; check locally
• Local regulations and holidays can affect opening times