Review Insights · App Store
Costco
Costco Wholesale Corporation · 1,214,013 ratings · ★ 4.9
4.9
★★★★★
1,214,013 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 46 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"costco"
12 negative reviews mention this · 26% of all complaints
★★★★★ "So bad. Shame on you Costco, check Sam’s Club app and try to do something similar to it" - ManolyAlex
2
"store"
12 negative reviews mention this · 26% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Don’t bother!. App is literally only good for checking in at the store in case you forgot your physical card. Don’t bother searching for anything on it, if you’re very lucky it might show you something vaguely similar to what you entered. Search for chair…" - ElgrinFau
3
"search"
9 negative reviews mention this · 20% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Don’t bother!. App is literally only good for checking in at the store in case you forgot your physical card. Don’t bother searching for anything on it, if you’re very lucky it might show you something vaguely similar to what you entered. Search for chair…" - ElgrinFau
4
"membership"
9 negative reviews mention this · 20% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Useless. It’s impossible to renew a membership online. Spent 3 hours. The website had server error. But still need to go to the store, though I need a delivery!!" - mariadziubenko
5
"something"
8 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "So bad. Shame on you Costco, check Sam’s Club app and try to do something similar to it" - ManolyAlex
6
"does"
7 negative reviews mention this · 15% of all complaints
★★★★★ "even QR code scanner does not work. poor service, unreliable app" - CalifAndrUSA
7
"terrible"
6 negative reviews mention this · 13% of all complaints
★★★★★ "This app sucks. People are reviewing the store and not the app. This app is completely unusable. The search function was written by a five year-old on an etch of sketch. Imagine searching on "olive oil" and not seeing the item come up that you're standi…" - Cjhsa
8
"delivery"
5 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Don’t bother!. App is literally only good for checking in at the store in case you forgot your physical card. Don’t bother searching for anything on it, if you’re very lucky it might show you something vaguely similar to what you entered. Search for chair…" - ElgrinFau
9
"order"
5 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Cake order feature sucks. I’ve been trying to use the app to order cupcakes for my daughters birthday without going into the store since it now takes 24 hours advance notice for CUPCAKES!!! 😵💫 it just keeps spinning and never actually takes me to the ordering ste…" - Bbsnowbunny
10
"doesn"
5 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Doesn’t work on iPad. Doesn’t open on iPad just sits there with c logo" - Version 5.0
11
"love"
5 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Love Costco but website and app are trash. Love Costco but website and app are trash…" - Joe Joe jack
12
"warehouse"
5 negative reviews mention this · 11% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Love Costco but app is underwhelming. If Costco’s goal is to be mediocre to average in e-commerce, then this app will suffice. Otherwise they need to step it up, but online and in-warehouse. The Same Day feature needs a different solution, either its own app or a separate tab…" - LAX20531
📋 All 46 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
So bad
Shame on you Costco, check Sam’s Club app and try to do something similar to it
Don’t bother!
App is literally only good for checking in at the store in case you forgot your physical card. Don’t bother searching for anything on it, if you’re very lucky it might show you something vaguely similar to what you entered. Search for chairs? Would you like some potatoes instead? How about ravioli? Let us tell you about our same day delivery! Absolutely useless.
Cake order feature sucks
I’ve been trying to use the app to order cupcakes for my daughters birthday without going into the store since it now takes 24 hours advance notice for CUPCAKES!!! 😵💫 it just keeps spinning and never actually takes me to the ordering step. I’m already fully logged in and it keeps trying to “log in”. I was hoping to save myself a trip there but I guess not! Please get this fixed!
even QR code scanner does not work
poor service, unreliable app
This app sucks
People are reviewing the store and not the app. This app is completely unusable. The search function was written by a five year-old on an etch of sketch. Imagine searching on "olive oil" and not seeing the item come up that you're standing right in front of because you didn't type in EVOO.
Terrible
Terrible
Doesn’t work on iPad
Doesn’t open on iPad just sits there with c logo
Useless
It’s impossible to renew a membership online. Spent 3 hours. The website had server error. But still need to go to the store, though I need a delivery!!
Loads super slow
Very slow app. Takes a looong time to load clicking on cart.
Love Costco but website and app are trash
Love Costco but website and app are trash…
Verification is insane
Attempted to verify my membership and the questions were wild. It asked about an address associated with my dad’s office from 30 years ago. it gave street options and asked which was closest- googled each and none were within 60 miles. It listed names, one of which was my middle name so I chose it and I failed the verification…. What in the world is this…
Useless
Would be great if I didn't have to sign in every single time I want to scan at the store. Utterly useless, developers must be from some make a wish program.
Junk app
Login in all the time.
Junk app.
It shows items not in stock.
Absolute garbage app.
Junk app.
It shows items not in stock.
Absolute garbage app.
Garbage app
Sign in freezes, forgot password freezes. I only need to try either of these steps because it constantly kicks me out.
App Crashes or is barely usable
App crashes and doesn’t want to play well on the Apple platform. Sure wish someone would figure this out.
Bad performance
Search failing ! Most of the time the app is not displaying the products! Apple Store result is empty! How to give a feedback ? Even
Feedback page on app is failing
Feedback page on app is failing
Pointless app
I tried to order something from the app that is not available in my local warehouse but is available on Costco.com. It would not let me order since it is not available at my local warehouse even though it says it is available for two day delivery. So ridiculous. They need to take down this app because it is useless and frustrating.
Disappointed app
I’m very disappointed with the Costco app.
When I search the price for something, the app does not show me what I’ve search, instead it shows olive oil, plates, etc.
Ex: searched for Cornish hens. Ended up seeing chicken breasts, olive oil, plates, etc.
Ex: searched for foster farms. App brought up dishes, oil, etc.
Please fix the issue.
When I search the price for something, the app does not show me what I’ve search, instead it shows olive oil, plates, etc.
Ex: searched for Cornish hens. Ended up seeing chicken breasts, olive oil, plates, etc.
Ex: searched for foster farms. App brought up dishes, oil, etc.
Please fix the issue.
HORRIBLE app
This app is terrible. Things won’t load. Or I’ll be standing directly in front of something in the warehouse…. Yet the app will claim it doesn’t exist.
It’s been like this for years.
Same Club app has none of these issues. Which is why I usually order online from there.
Example: I was just trying to refill my dogs prescription on the app. I was in the PHARMACY section, yet the app showed me golf carts.
It’s been like this for years.
Same Club app has none of these issues. Which is why I usually order online from there.
Example: I was just trying to refill my dogs prescription on the app. I was in the PHARMACY section, yet the app showed me golf carts.
Slow
This app is so incredibly slow and buggy
Receipts
No option to view or to download online purchases receipts to send to manufactures for warranty purposes.
Trash
They try so hard to make trust look good
Queue
Save a vip spot for me or 1 star
Verify membership
Can’t verify my membership on app, asked question like where is closest street close to my previous address where I haven’t been back for more than 10 years what a stupid system.
Terrible
Defaults to 2 USA addresses when I am in the UK
app sucks
slow and glitchy. Barely works to check your membership and always has issues with loading things.
Do Not Shop Using The App
Do Not Use The App On Any Device! I made the mistake of using the app on my iPad and then my iPhone. I now cannot log into my account because I have reached my “Transfer Limit”. For some reason they do not want you to shop on their app. Can you imagine if Amazon wouldn’t let you purchase from them using both your tablet and your phone? It would never happen because they actually want your money! What a joke!
This app sucks
Probably one of the worst grocery store apps there is. Even Walmart has a better app. I love Costco, but this app is nothing but a headache. It lags, constantly logs you out and even if you decide not to log in with your Face ID, it still annoys you with “are you sure?” Bs.
Biggest issue however is how laggy it is.
Biggest issue however is how laggy it is.
Worst Shopping App Ever
This has got to be the most clunky shopping app I have ever used. Who designed the UI? The fact I can’t search for in store items from the bakery or even get it to pull up past purchases is terrible.
Artificial limitation on account login
I cannot login to same Costco account on the iPhone and on the iPad. It tries to transfer the membership card between devices. This is just an artificial limitation because I can login to my Costco account on multiple web browsers and that does not seem to be a problem. So the same implementation can be done on the app.
Can’t even start using the app
Any attempt to search for a warehouse is met with “We couldn’t find a match for _____.”
If you try to locate by enabling location, it says “We couldn’t find a match for “Current Location”.”
This next part isn’t specific to the app, but I figured I’d mention it anyway since it seems to be a trend with Costco’s tech side of things…
Switching to the website doesn’t work either for what I’m trying to do; trying to “Verify Membership” on the account section of the website is met with “The information you provided does not match with our records.Please try again.” That missing space is verbatim by the way, that is exactly how it is written.
And that message is shown *with the info that is autopopulated by the system* mind you! I deleted it and reinput it anyway, and am met with the same message.
Why do I have to spend so much time writing about this…why is Costco’s digital experience so terrible?
If you try to locate by enabling location, it says “We couldn’t find a match for “Current Location”.”
This next part isn’t specific to the app, but I figured I’d mention it anyway since it seems to be a trend with Costco’s tech side of things…
Switching to the website doesn’t work either for what I’m trying to do; trying to “Verify Membership” on the account section of the website is met with “The information you provided does not match with our records.Please try again.” That missing space is verbatim by the way, that is exactly how it is written.
And that message is shown *with the info that is autopopulated by the system* mind you! I deleted it and reinput it anyway, and am met with the same message.
Why do I have to spend so much time writing about this…why is Costco’s digital experience so terrible?
AI
No matter how minimal they are using AI. Gatta love that it is everywhere now(sarcastic).
Download 3 x
Download will not allow selecting Chico California nor 95928 and does not allow us to set or open into our Executive Account - ticked off by lack of service
Been to CS Desk in Chico twice to No Avail.
Fix please as at March 3, 14:15#1011
Again at April 21, 2026
App is not working for my Executive Membership please help !!!!
Been to CS Desk in Chico twice to No Avail.
Fix please as at March 3, 14:15#1011
Again at April 21, 2026
App is not working for my Executive Membership please help !!!!
App access
I went from being on my sister and brother in laws account that was NOT on auto renewal to my own account. I chose to not have auto renewal on my account. I am being told that I was able to use the app when I was on my sister’s account. BUT I get my own account and I am being told by the membership desk I am not allowed to use the app because I refuse to do auto renewal. WOULD LOVE to hear more on how that is fair and right. Americans with disabilities act anyone? Really? Post partum moms? This is the hill to die on for app access?
Great store - terrible app
The Costco app is really terrible. Keyword searches don’t seem to be linked very accurately in their database - who knows what you get when you search something.
Their Pharmacy component really is abysmal. Much of their formulary doesn’t seem to be available, and the search engine is incredibly narrow - for instance “Vetmedin” brings up 2.5mg chewable tablet only. No option to change dosing or type. This makes cost comparison, and knowing what products are available, nearly impossible.
Their Pharmacy component really is abysmal. Much of their formulary doesn’t seem to be available, and the search engine is incredibly narrow - for instance “Vetmedin” brings up 2.5mg chewable tablet only. No option to change dosing or type. This makes cost comparison, and knowing what products are available, nearly impossible.
Trash
This app is only good to scan your membership card. Outside of that the grocery lists never save, it’s hard to navigate and/or there’s always some error going on.
App poor, store great
I think people are rating the store and not the app interface. The app is horrible at showing what’s in store and just loading basic past purchases. For all the money Costco generates, let’s pay the people who can bring Costco into this century a bit more to make a less cruddy interface that’s more reliable as millenials are starting to get into Costco era and we’re more tech savvy and demanding of our user interface and store experiences to mesh seamlessly.
Love Costco but app is underwhelming
If Costco’s goal is to be mediocre to average in e-commerce, then this app will suffice. Otherwise they need to step it up, but online and in-warehouse. The Same Day feature needs a different solution, either its own app or a separate tab on the bottom, at the least. My elderly mother tries to order from Same Day and she clicks Back too many times or tries a search and she’s back on the warehouse section.
Seriously lacking
All these updates and this app still falls way short of actual usefulness.. please just copy Sam’s app and make this worth using.. for instance it always fails to find items even when using the actual item number. Also, it only shows the shipping price and not the actual price of a product without shipping… those two things seem like very basic necessities or any decent store app.
Instacart
App is more interested in pushing grocery delivery than being effective at showing current product offerings
Iphone app nearly unusable
I like shopping Costco but it's not possible to shop delivery using only the iPhone app. The app lags badly, at startup, when displaying cart, searching... When viewing individual items I see an "Add to Cart" button that does nothing. Clicking that button just makes the button spin for a second. The only way to add items to cart is from the listings of a search result. Searching for items inside a store using the in store mode usually turns out to correctly indicate whether the store has something but not where that something is, so you still need to ask an employee.
All in all, you still need to use a PC browser to order from Costco and you still need to ask an employee to find something in the store.
All in all, you still need to use a PC browser to order from Costco and you still need to ask an employee to find something in the store.
Costco refuses to show aisle locations and ingredients
Harris Teeter, Lowes, Walmart and many others now have aisle locations and some even have racks on their apps.
Not Costco App; management wants you to walk aimlessly through every aisle.
App also shows no ingredient or nutritional information about products.
Not Costco App; management wants you to walk aimlessly through every aisle.
App also shows no ingredient or nutritional information about products.
Dark mode please!
The app is functional but the biggest issue is lack of dark mode. You are missing out in sales because I can’t stand the super bright screen at night.
SAME DAY
The app has a feature called Same Day, cannot seem to figure out how to remove it. Deleted app and redownloaded, the app I downloaded did not have this feature.
Hickory Farm gift set
Awesome gifts + very good price…
Tired of logging in
I don’t always want to sign in but the app constantly asks to sign in. Why can’t I just use my password?!?!
warehouse view does not load
App needs some work. Can’t even load the Warehouse menu / view. It flashes content and then displays a blue background with text: Something Went Wrong Try Again.
Sentiment summary
98%
Positive (4-5★)
1%
Neutral (3★)
1%
Negative (1-2★)