"In the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the front door of your local shop," Costco said in an online statement. "Once implemented, before entering all members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR code on the scanner."

For members with cards that do not have a photo, Costco recommends they come prepared with a valid photo ID, but encourages shoppers to visit the membership desk and have their photo taken, according to a report by CNN.

Costco's new rule also requires customers to be accompanied by a valid cardholder to enter its shops, making it more difficult for non-members to enter using cards that do not belong to them.

The move is an extension of a system Costco tested in some shops earlier this year, which required members to scan their cards at machines located near the shop entrance, rather than simply showing a card to employees.

Self-pay machines were also affected by Costco's measures. Last year, the company began requiring shoppers to present their membership card and photo ID to use the cash registers.

"We do not believe it is fair for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as our members," Costco said in a statement last year.