TSA Just Banned Costco Cards At Airports In New York

Ever since the deadline for getting a REAL ID passed, the Transportation Security Administration has been working hard to ensure travelers are following the rules, especially as the summer travel season approaches. According to TSA,

"Passenger screening at the airport is part of TSA’s layered approach to security to get you safely to your destination. TSA’s screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport and are developed in response to information on threats to transportation security."

To give you an idea of the number of people TSA screens daily, the most up-to-date numbers as of June 5, 2025, show that 2,798,889 people traveled through checkpoints on that day.

TSA Says No Costco Cards

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Republican U.S. House Representative Jim Sensenbrenner introduced the Real ID Act as H.R. 418 in February 2005, which passed in the House of Representatives. After some debate and delay, the bill was agreed on by both houses and signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush on May 11, 2005.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.' The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. ~ Department of Homeland Security

I dare to say that Costco is more popular now than it has ever been. After standing its ground on DEI against anti-DEI bullies, it has seen a surge in memberships, revenue, and popularity. But, even with its success, the TSA just made an announcement banning Costco cards.

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On its official Facebook page, TSA warned travelers about trying to use their Costco cards,

"We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a REAL ID because it absolutely does not."

You will need to provide a REAL ID, not your Costco card to get through security checkpoints. If you don't have a REAL ID, a valid U.S. passport works or a New York State Enhanced ID. You can find the list of other approved options here.

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