Costco or anything like it??

Hi there!

So I keep reading about people who have Costco memberships here, but when I look at their website, it basically says that the "average joe" can't pay and sign up to be a member like in the U.S....Am I right?? This idea totally bums me out because I used to go there ALL the time in the U.S. for multiple items (aside from groceries) is there a loop-hole into getting one? Or is there a place here that is kind of a Costco knock-off or something?? (Its not like I can't live without it, but it's nice to have it!) Any thoughts, opinions, ideas, etc. appreciated!!

Thanks friends!! 

Yes, you are right.  Membership is not open to anyone as it is in the US.  We somehow convinced them to give us one, but if you cannot, you can open one the next time you are in the US and the membership is accepted in the UK locations as well (at least thats what the staff at our Costco in Reading told us).

Yes, you are right.  Membership is not open to anyone as it is in the US.  We somehow convinced them to give us one, but if you cannot, you can open one the next time you are in the US and the membership is accepted in the UK locations as well (at least thats what the staff at our Costco in Reading told us).

Costco in the UK operates a lot like Costco/Price Club use to operate in the US, that said it is worth checking with your HR you may qualify for membership and not even know it!

My sister has used her US Costco membership numerous times in the UK and has never had a problem.

Ohhh!! Good to know!! Thanks everyone!!

Is the Costco here much like the one in the U.S.??

You have to be employed in a specific field in order to get a UK membership. There's a list somewhere. But barring that, just get your US membership next time you're home (or do you still have it?).

Funny enough, I still have my old card, but it expired back in Oct. of 2009 and I never renewed it because at that time I was divorced and didn't want to spend the money on the membership since I didn't go much anymore! I would just ride the coat-tails of a friend and give her cash for my items and then she would purchase it for me! LOL! I was spoiled back in Boise!

US Membership will work here and is transferable. Anyone can go to the front desk to enquire about membership, so it might be worth the trip to your local store to see if you or your partner qualifies. I used to work for Aviva and qualified as its considered part of the Financial market. My partner qualifies as he works for BT. Both non-union jobs.

US Membership will work here and is transferable. Anyone can go to the front desk to enquire about membership, so it might be worth the trip to your local store to see if you or your partner qualifies. I used to work for Aviva and qualified as its considered part of the Financial market. My partner qualifies as he works for BT. Both non-union jobs.

That is how I got my membership was through a place I worked that qualified even though it seemed unlikely that it would.  Check with your and your partner's work, you never know!

If you still have your old card, you may be able to renew it here in the UK.  I know a UKYankee member who did that at the Croydon Costco.

I got somebody here a membership through Transpondia.  It was at the Lakeside store. 

Ohhh!! Good to know!! Thanks everyone!!

Is the Costco here much like the one in the U.S.??

When you are inside a Costco in the UK, you'll notice that they're EXACTLY like the ones in the USA! you'll feel right at home in that respect!

I've used my UK issued Costco card in the US no worries at all

As already mentioned, Costco membership isn't open to everyone, you have to qualify for membership

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I've used my UK issued Costco card in the US no worries at all

As already mentioned, Costco membership isn't open to everyone, you have to qualify for membership

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I think the criteria for membership is, do you have money?

I think the criteria for membership is, do you have money?

You also need some utility bills   

You also need some utility bills   

Yes will they pay them for me.?

Someone did mention awhile back on one of the other Costco threads out there somewhere that the UK Costco has relaxed its membership requirements more recently.  Not sure what there is to that or not?  Maybe it depends on the store and/or if you catch an employee on a good day.