You’ve probably seen the lines. They snake past the rotisserie chickens and deep into the dairy cooler on a Sunday morning. It feels like every person in your zip code is clutching a red-and-white card, waiting for their turn at the checkout. It makes you wonder: exactly how many Costco members are there now?
Honestly, the numbers are kind of staggering. As of early 2026, Costco has officially crossed a massive threshold. We aren't just talking about a few million suburban families buying toilet paper in bulk. We are looking at a global community that is larger than the population of many countries.
The Raw Data: How Many Costco Members Exist Right Now?
Let’s get straight to the point. According to the latest fiscal reports for early 2026, Costco currently has 81.4 million paid households.
But wait. That isn't the whole story. Since every paid membership usually comes with a free household card for another adult, the number of actual people carrying a card is much higher. Total cardholders have hit 145.9 million worldwide.
Think about that. 145 million people. If "Costco Land" were a country, it would be the 9th or 10th most populous nation on Earth, rubbing shoulders with Russia and Japan.
Why the sudden jump?
You might remember that Costco recently bumped up its membership fees for the first time in seven years. In 2024, the Gold Star membership went from $60 to **$65**, and the Executive level jumped from $120 to **$130**.
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Usually, when a company raises prices, people bail. Not here. Membership income actually surged by 14% recently. People are leaning into the "warehouse life" harder than ever because, frankly, the math still works. When a bag of dog food saves you $40 compared to a standard pet store, that $65 annual fee pays for itself by your second trip.
The Executive Tier: More Than Just a Shiny Card
If you look at the breakdown of how many Costco members choose the "fancy" card, the trend is pretty clear. Executive members now make up 39.7 million of those paid households.
That is nearly half of the entire member base.
Why are so many people paying double? It’s the 2% reward. In 2026, the cap on that reward is $1,250. If you spend at least $3,250 a year at Costco—which is basically just a monthly grocery run for a family of four—the Executive upgrade pays for itself.
Exclusive Perks are Changing the Game
Costco has started getting aggressive with perks to keep those Executive numbers climbing. In late 2025 and into 2026, they rolled out exclusive shopping hours for Executive members.
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At most U.S. warehouses, these high-tier members can get in from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekdays while everyone else has to wait in the parking lot. It’s a smart move. It rewards the big spenders with something more valuable than money: a store that isn't a chaotic mosh pit.
Where Are All These People Shopping?
With over 145 million cardholders, you need a lot of concrete and steel to hold them all. Costco is currently operating 923 warehouses globally.
The U.S. and Puerto Rico still hold the lion's share with about 639 locations. California alone has 143 stores. That means roughly 22% of all U.S. Costcos are in one state. If you live in California, you're never really more than a stone's throw away from a $1.50 hot dog.
The 2026 Expansion Plan
Management isn't slowing down. They are on track to open 28 new warehouses this fiscal year. We’re seeing more stores pop up in:
- Texas: New locations in places like Forney and Liberty Hill.
- Utah: A big expansion in South St. George.
- International: They are pushing hard into China and Korea, where the "membership club" concept is exploding.
The "Stickiness" Factor: Why Nobody Quits
The most impressive number in the 2026 data isn't the total count; it's the renewal rate.
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In the U.S. and Canada, the renewal rate is sitting at a rock-solid 92.2%. Globally, it’s 89.7%.
Retail experts call this "stickiness." Once you’re in the ecosystem, you stay. Even as Costco moves more into digital memberships and app-based shopping, the loyalty hasn't wavered. There was a tiny 10-basis-point dip recently because younger members who sign up online tend to be a bit more flighty than the "Gold Star" veterans, but 92% is still a number most businesses would kill for.
Is It Still Worth Being One of the Millions?
With the membership base growing, the warehouses are undeniably getting more crowded. To combat this, Costco has started installing membership card scanners at the food court and entrances to ensure only paying members are getting those subsidized pizza slices.
If you’re wondering if you should remain part of the 81 million, look at your "staple" spending. Analysis from early 2026 shows that if you buy Kirkland Signature items like:
- Pet Food: Savings of roughly $45 per bag compared to name brands.
- Gas: Often 20 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon than the station across the street.
- Pharmacy: Significant discounts on generic prescriptions.
If you use just two of those services consistently, the membership fee is essentially a moot point.
Actionable Insights for Current and Future Members
If you're already one of the millions of cardholders, or you're thinking about joining, here is how to navigate the 2026 landscape:
- Check your spending math: If you spend more than $270 a month, the Executive Membership is a no-brainer because the 2% reward covers the $65 upgrade fee.
- Use the early hours: If you have the Executive card, use that 9:00 a.m. window. The difference in stress levels between 9:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. is massive.
- Download the digital card: Costco is moving toward a tech-heavy entry system. Having the app set up with your "Costco Wallet" makes the new scanner entrance much faster.
- Monitor the new openings: With 28 new stores coming this year, check the Costco warehouse locator frequently if you live in a high-growth area like Central Texas or Northern California.
The sheer volume of Costco members tells us one thing: in a volatile economy, people value the "private club" feel and the predictable pricing of the Kirkland brand. As long as that hot dog stays at $1.50, those 145 million cardholders aren't going anywhere.