Get a replacement card at the membership desk or online
If you have lost your Costco card, you can request a replacement in person at any Costco warehouse or through your online membership account. The in-person route is fastest — you can walk out with a new card the same day. The online route takes a few business days but works if you cannot visit a warehouse soon.
You will need your membership number to replace the card either way. If you do not have it memorized, look for it on old receipts, your account confirmation email, or ask a Costco employee to look it up using your name and phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Visit the membership desk at any Costco warehouse with your ID to receive a replacement card on the spot, usually at no cost if it is your first replacement.
- Log into your Costco.com account and request a replacement card through your membership settings if you prefer not to visit a warehouse.
- Have your membership number ready — you can find it on receipts, confirmation emails, or ask Costco staff to locate it using your name and phone number.
- Replacement cards typically arrive within five to seven business days when ordered online, though some warehouses may charge a small fee for additional replacements.
- Your membership remains active even without the physical card — you can shop using your phone number or account number at checkout.
Replacing your card in person at the warehouse
Walk into any Costco warehouse and go directly to the membership desk, usually located near the entrance or customer service area. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. Tell the staff member you lost your card and need a replacement.
The membership associate will look up your account using your name and phone number or membership number. They will print a new card on the spot, which takes less than five minutes. Your new card is active when ready and works at any Costco location worldwide. Most members receive their first replacement at no charge, though Costco may charge a small fee (typically five to ten dollars) for additional replacements within a short timeframe.
Ordering a replacement online through Costco.com
Log into your Costco.com account using your email address and password. If you do not have an online account, create one using your membership number and email. Once logged in, look for the "Membership" or "Account Settings" section, usually found in the top menu or under your profile.
Select the option to order a replacement card. You will be asked to confirm your membership information and mailing address. Costco will ship the new card to the address on file. Replacement cards ordered online typically arrive within five to seven business days, though delivery times vary by location. You will receive an email confirmation with tracking information once your card ships.
Using your membership without the physical card
You do not need to wait for a replacement card to shop at Costco. Your membership is tied to your account, not the physical card itself. At checkout, you can provide your phone number or membership number instead of scanning the card. The cashier will look up your account and process your purchase normally.
If you shop online at Costco.com, straightforward log into your account — no card is needed at all. This option works indefinitely, so you can continue shopping while your replacement card is on the way or while you decide whether to order one.
What to do if you cannot find your membership number
Check your email for your Costco membership confirmation message, which contains your membership number. Look through old receipts from Costco purchases — the number appears on every receipt. You can also call your local Costco warehouse and provide your name and phone number, and staff will locate your membership number in their system.
Once you have the number, you can use it to order a replacement card online or provide it to the membership desk when you visit in person. If you have neither the number nor access to old documents, visiting the warehouse in person is the simplest option — staff can pull up your account using just your name and ID.
Replacement fees and timing by membership type
Gold Star (standard) members and Executive members follow the same replacement process. The first replacement card is usually free. Costco may charge a fee for multiple replacements within a certain period — typically five to ten dollars per card — though policies vary slightly by location and membership status.
Household cards (the second card linked to your membership) can be replaced using the same methods. If you are the primary member and your household member lost their card, either of you can request a replacement at the membership desk or online. Replacement timing is the same: same-day in person, five to seven business days by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shop at Costco without my card while waiting for a replacement?
Yes. Provide your phone number or membership number at checkout and the cashier will look up your account. This works when ready and you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive. Online shopping also requires no card — just log into your account.
What if I lost my card while traveling or outside my home country?
Visit any Costco warehouse worldwide and bring your ID to the membership desk. They can print a replacement card on the spot using your membership information. If you are far from a warehouse, use your phone number or membership number at checkout until you return home.
Do I need to cancel my old card before getting a replacement?
No. When you request a replacement, the old card is automatically deactivated in Costco's system. You do not need to take any additional steps. If you later find the original card, it will no longer work.
How much does a replacement card cost?
The first replacement is usually free. Additional replacements within a short timeframe may cost five to ten dollars, though fees vary by warehouse location. Ask the membership desk about your specific situation when you request the replacement.
Can I get a replacement card mailed to an address different from my membership address?
When ordering online, the card ships to the address on file with your membership. To have it sent elsewhere, contact your local Costco membership desk or call Costco member services to update your mailing address before ordering the replacement online.