Costco Pilots 8-Second Checkout Stations

New automated pay stations aim to dramatically reduce wait times for members.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:30pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a Costco membership card and a contactless payment terminal arranged on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the efficiency and convenience of the retailer's new automated checkout system.Costco's new automated pay stations aim to get members through checkout in record time.Today in Miami

Costco is launching a pilot program featuring automated pay stations that are expected to reduce checkout times to an average of just 8 seconds per customer. The new system is being tested at select Costco locations as the retailer looks to streamline the in-store experience and get members through the checkout process faster.

Why it matters

Costco is known for its long checkout lines, which can be a major pain point for members. These new automated pay stations are part of the company's broader efforts to improve the customer experience and make shopping at Costco more efficient. Faster checkout times could lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The details

The new automated pay stations feature a simple, intuitive interface that allows customers to quickly complete their transactions without the need for a cashier. Customers simply scan their items, pay, and are on their way in a matter of seconds. Costco is testing the system at select locations to gather feedback and fine-tune the technology before potentially rolling it out more widely.

  • Costco announced the new pilot program in April 2026.

The players

Costco Wholesale

A major American membership warehouse club chain that provides a wide selection of merchandise. Costco is known for its bulk sizing, low prices, and superior customer experience.

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What’s next

Costco will evaluate customer feedback and usage data from the pilot program to determine if the automated pay stations should be implemented at additional locations.

The takeaway

Costco's new automated pay stations represent the company's latest effort to streamline the in-store shopping experience and reduce frustrating wait times for members. If successful, the technology could become a model for other retailers looking to speed up checkout and improve customer satisfaction.