Can I Use Someone Else's Costco Membership to Buy Gas?

Using someone else's Costco membership card for gas purchases can be a practical solution, especially in the absence of cash at Costco gas stations. However, there are specific rules and requirements to consider to ensure everything stays on the right side of legality and ethics.

General Requirements

Typically, Costco requires the member whose card is being used to be present during the transaction. This ensures accountability and aligns with their security protocols. If the member is present, you should be able to use their card to fill up at any of Costco’s gas stations.

Matching Card Details

It's important to ensure that the Costco membership card and the debit/credit card being used for settlement are in the same name. Using a friend's membership card and your own debit or credit card for payment may not be acceptable. This is because Costco's rules often require the credit card to match the name on the membership card to prevent unauthorized access.

Identity Verification

While you may be able to use the card directly on the pump, identity verification is a critical aspect. The back of the Costco membership card has the cardholder's picture, which typically matches the driver's license or ID. If your face doesn't match the picture on the card, you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

Exceptions and Variations

In some cases, your son's name being on your account may be acceptable. Many Costco membership accounts allow joint use, where another name can be added as a secondary cardholder. This is a more common and legal way to share the card, ensuring both parties are recognized and authorized.

Costco's Gas Payment Policy

When it comes to gas payments specifically, Costco often requires both a membership card and a credit card with the same name as the cardholder. This policy prevents non-members from refueling, ensuring that only those who are part of the Costco community can use the service.

Some locations may not verify the cardholder's name during the transaction, either at the register or the pump. However, this should never be relied upon, as Costco maintains strict rules to prevent misuse.

Conclusion

While it is possible to use someone else's Costco membership card for gas purchases, it's crucial to adhere to the rules and regulations set by Costco. Always ensure that the cardholder is present, the names match on both the membership and credit card, and that you have explicit permission to use the card. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in legal consequences and may violate Costco's terms of service.

Remember, the best approach is to use a joint account with named secondary cardholders, allowing for more straightforward and transparent transactions.