Tri-Cities just got a new Costco. What shoppers need to know about membership
The wait is over: Tri-Cities finally has a second Costco Wholesale location.
The massive new store opened its doors at 3125 Queensgate Drive in Richland on Friday, Aug. 8.
Construction began in November 2024 on the property, which features a large parking lot, gas station, electric vehicle charging stations and pads for additional retailers.
Costco’s expanded reach in the Tri-Cities area means many locals will have a chance to shop at the popular warehouse chain for the first time.
If you’re a new customer, the first thing you need to do is get a Costco membership.
Here’s everything you need to know:
What are membership options at Costco? What do you get?
In order to shop at Costco, you have to become a Costco member. You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for membership.
There are three different membership tiers available at Costco: Gold Star, Executive and Business.
All memberships come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Costco said on its website. That means you can cancel your membership at any time and get a refund.
Costco’s “everyday value” membership option lets you shop in person at Costco stores and online at Costco.com.
You also get perks including access to Costco gas stations and food courts, plus special departments including the optical, hearing and tire centers.
Each Gold Star membership comes with two Costco cards: one for you and one for another member of your household.
Costco’s Executive membership option offers all the perks of the Gold Star option, including two membership cards, plus additional exclusive benefits. Costco calls it the “best value” for would-be members.
Cardholders get additional savings for select Costco services, plus an annual 2% reward of up to $1,250.
You also get a monthly $10 credit for Costco orders placed via Instacart or SameDay.Costco.com.
Costco recently implemented early shopping hours exclusively for executive members.
On weekdays and Sunday, Executive members have Costco stores to themselves from 9 to 10 a.m.
On Saturday, Executive members get special shopping time from 9 to 9:30 a.m.
Costco offers a Business membership option for shoppers with access to wholesale deals in stores and online, plus the ability to purchase goods for resale with valid certification.
To qualify for a Business membership, you must present your business license or three pieces of business identification.
The Business membership comes with two Costco cards, but you can add cardholders for $65 per person. Each affiliate card comes with a free additional household card.
How much does a Costco membership cost? See prices
Costco’s Gold Star membership costs $65 per year.
An Executive membership costs $130 per year, while a Business membership is $65 per year.
You’ll also need to pay sales tax for all three membership options.
You’re allowed a maximum of two cardholders per Gold Star or Executive membership.
However, members are allowed to bring two adult guests with them while shopping, as long as the member does the purchasing. Children can also tag along as guests.
Do I need to show my Costco card to shop?
Before you enter Costco, an employee will verify your membership card.
The cardholder must be present — you can’t loan your card to a friend or family member to get them free access.
Once inside, you can shop as normal. At checkout, leave your Costco card out for the cashier to scan.
You’ll also need to show your Costco card when making purchases at special departments, including the gas station or optical or hearing centers.
Costco cards are also required to visit the food court, though this policy is enforced at some locations more than others.
Can I sign up for a Costco membership online? In person?
You can sign up online for a Costco membership, then visit the membership counter at Costco with a valid form of ID to receive your card.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 6, a membership office was open at 2735 Queensgate Drive to assist new members before the grand opening.
This story was originally published August 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM.