Costco's Senior Shopping Hours
Costco does open early for seniors, but only on certain days and only at certain locations. The company reserves the first hour of business on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for members aged 60 and older. This means if your local Costco normally opens at 10 a.m., seniors can enter at 9 a.m. on those two days. The policy applies to all Costco warehouses in the United States, though individual stores may adjust the exact times slightly.
You do not need to sign up in advance or show proof of age at the door. You straightforward arrive during the senior hour window and present your membership card. A Costco employee may ask your age, but the company does not require documentation. If you do not have a membership, you cannot use the senior hour — the early access is for members only.
Senior hours were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to give older shoppers a less crowded time to shop. Costco has kept the program in place since then. The specific days and times can vary slightly by location, so it is worth calling your warehouse ahead of time to confirm the exact schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Costco opens one hour early on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for shoppers aged 60 and older who hold a valid membership.
- You do not need to register or bring proof of age — just show your membership card when you arrive during the senior hour window.
- Senior hours explore at all U.S. Costco locations, though the exact opening time may differ by warehouse.
- Call your local Costco to confirm the senior hour start time before your first visit, since times can vary.
How to Find Your Local Costco's Senior Hour Times
The fastest way to learn your warehouse's exact senior hour is to call the store directly. Look up the phone number on Costco's website by entering your zip code in the warehouse locator. When you call, ask specifically for the Tuesday and Thursday senior shopping hour start time — do not assume it matches the regular opening time.
Some warehouses open at 9 a.m. for seniors, others at 9:30 a.m., depending on when the location normally opens to the general public. A few locations in rural areas or with unusual hours may have different senior hour windows, so the phone call takes the guesswork out. You can also ask the employee who answers whether the program is currently running at that location, since Costco occasionally pauses it for operational reasons.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit the warehouse in person on a Tuesday or Thursday morning and ask a staff member at the entrance. They will tell you the senior hour window and can answer questions about what you can and cannot do during that time.
What You Can and Cannot Buy During Senior Hours
You can buy anything during senior hours that you would normally buy during regular shopping hours. There are no restrictions on product categories, quantities, or membership tier. If you have a Gold Star membership, you shop the same way. If you have an Executive membership, you earn the same rewards. Senior hours straightforward give you access to the warehouse when it is less crowded.
The one practical limit is that some departments may not be fully staffed during the early hour. The deli, pharmacy, and tire center may open a few minutes after the warehouse itself, or may have limited staff. If you need a specific service, it is worth arriving a few minutes after the senior hour begins to give those departments time to open, or calling ahead to confirm they will be available.
You cannot shop during senior hours without a membership, and you cannot bring non-members into the warehouse with you during that time — the same rule applies as during regular hours. If someone needs to shop with you, they must have their own membership card.
Who Qualifies for Costco Senior Hours
You must be 60 years old or older to use the senior shopping hour. Costco does not require you to show a birth certificate or government ID. The company relies on your word, though an employee may ask your age at the entrance. If you are 60 or older and have a valid membership, you are welcome to shop during the senior hour window.
Your membership type does not matter. Gold Star members and Executive members both have access to senior hours. If your membership has expired, you will need to renew it before you can enter the warehouse, whether during senior hours or regular hours. Household members on your account do not have separate senior hour access — only the person whose name is on the membership card can use the early shopping time.
Why Costco Offers Senior Hours and What to Expect
Costco introduced senior hours to reduce crowding and give older shoppers a calmer shopping environment. The warehouse is typically much less busy during the first hour of the day, especially on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Checkout lines are shorter, aisles are less congested, and you have more space to move around and browse without feeling rushed.
During senior hours, you will still see other shoppers — the warehouse is not reserved exclusively for seniors. Other members may also be shopping, and some employees will be restocking shelves or preparing departments for the day. But the overall volume is significantly lower than during peak shopping times like weekend afternoons or weekday evenings.
If you use a mobility device, need extra time to navigate the warehouse, or straightforward prefer a quieter shopping experience, senior hours can make a real difference. Many seniors find they can shop more comfortably and take their time without feeling pressured by crowds behind them.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Bring your Costco membership card. That is the only document you need. You do not need to bring proof of age, a driver's license, or any other ID. If you pay by credit card, bring the card you have on file with Costco, though most locations accept multiple payment methods.
Arrive a few minutes before the senior hour window opens so you can park and walk to the entrance without rushing. The warehouse may not unlock the doors until the exact start time, so do not be surprised if you have to wait a moment. Once the doors open, you shop normally — grab a cart, fill it, and head to checkout when you are done.
If you use a motorized scooter or wheelchair, Costco has them available at the entrance, though the supply is limited. Arriving early during senior hours increases the chance one will be available. If you need one, ask an employee at the entrance and they will help you get set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Costco does not have senior hours?
Most U.S. Costco locations offer senior hours, but a small number may not due to staffing or operational constraints. Call your warehouse to confirm. If your location does not have a formal senior hour program, ask whether the manager can suggest a less busy time to shop, or whether they plan to start the program in the future.
Can I bring a family member or caregiver with me during senior hours?
Yes. Your caregiver or family member can shop with you if they have a valid Costco membership. If they do not have a membership, they cannot enter the warehouse. Some seniors arrange for a caregiver to get their own membership so they can shop together during senior hours.
Do I need to shop only during senior hours, or can I also shop during regular hours?
You can shop whenever you want. Senior hours are an option, not a requirement. Many seniors use the early hour for their main shopping trip and then pop in during regular hours if they need something else. Your membership works the same way at any time.
What if I am 59 and will turn 60 soon — can I start using senior hours now?
No. Costco's policy is for members aged 60 and older. You will become may be able to access on your 60th birthday. If you are close to that date, you can start using senior hours as soon as you turn 60.
Are senior hours the same at every Costco location?
The days are the same — Tuesday and Thursday — but the start time varies by warehouse. A Costco that opens at 10 a.m. will have senior hours starting at 9 a.m., while one that opens at 9:30 a.m. will have senior hours starting at 8:30 a.m. Always call your local warehouse to confirm the exact time.