Costco Is Making Some Changes In 2026: What Customers Should Know

Costco has been doing well over the years and is looking to expand and add processes to help the profits keep rolling in while also benefiting its customers. For the new year, Costco has announced some major changes it's looking to implement.

For example, as added benefits for those with an executive annual subscription, they will get discounts for an Instacart membership, more time to shop, and deals for RVs from Camping World. Additionally, for those who have the Costco Anywhere Visa, they can get more cash back in 2026, with a slight increase at gas pumps, taking it from 4% to 5%. All of these benefits go along with previous implementations, such as the home improvement services that will help you get the most out of your Costco membership. 

There is also a focus on making the cost of prescriptions even more transparent. For those working at Costco, they can look at raises as part of the three-year employee agreement started in 2025. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg for what Costco has coming in 2026. Many of the changes focus on expanding, making life easier for members, and keeping costs low through various methods, including bringing in new technology and implementing faster checkout processes. 

The company has been testing out a scanning technology to make checking out simpler. As customers shop, they can scan their items, which then makes the whole process much quicker. When they have paid, a QR code will appear on their app saying that the payment has been completed. Then, it can be scanned at the exit to make for a less painful receipt verification process and help speed up the lines to leave.

For those who don't use the Scan & Go technology, there are changes being made to checkout as well. Before, scanning products at the register couldn't be started until a membership card was scanned. However, the CEO of Costco, Ron Vachris, said (via Seeking Alpha) that they are "allowing our employees to scan small- and medium-sized transactions while the member is still in line. So upon reaching the cashier, nothing has to be removed from the cart, and only payment is needed."

Another perk for Costco members is the addition of new warehouses, and, by the end of April 2026, the company should have additional stores in Roseville and North Visalia, California; Liberty Hill, New Braunfels, and Forney, Texas; St. George, Utah; and a Winnipeg Business Center in Manitoba. Since one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when shopping at Costco's home section is not comparing the in-store and online prices, having a warehouse nearby could be a major benefit. The company is also looking at opening up stand-alone gas stations.

Other major Costco changes focus on keeping prices low. For example, stores across the US will start to include membership scanners. Some have already started placing them at the front entrance, but they will be rolled out across the rest of the stores, as well as introduced into the food court. This means that soon, only members of Costco will be able to get any meals or snacks. 

Costco also hopes to get more people to renew their membership. To do this, they are looking at reformatting the app. Not only will the adjustment work to make it more personalized and easy to use, but it's going to push for digital memberships and renewals as well, targeting the younger demographics.

Costco is also putting some extra focus on its Kirkland products, such as adding more of its own brand into stores. Additionally, the company is making a push to make its items as locally sourced as possible. Doing so will allow for lower costs, as they can avoid many tariffs, but it can also reduce the price of shipping and open up more jobs as they expand their manufacturing. Though there are some Costco Kirkland brand home items that customers say aren't worth buying, many of their products are good, and an expansion may allow for items you regularly stock up on to be even more affordable.