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FrustratedRecent User Sentiment

Costco

4.8 (1.6M)

Costco Wholesale CorporationUpdated Mar 2026

Overall #4120Shopping #8

What Is Costco?

The Costco mobile app is a utility-focused platform designed to enhance the member experience by integrating warehouse services like pharmacy management, travel booking, and digital membership cards. It effectively serves as a retention tool for the brand, though it currently faces significant technical hurdles.

Despite high star ratings, recent user sentiment is negative due to persistent crashes and authentication failures. The app maintains strong visibility in the App Store, ranking #8 in the Shopping category, which highlights a massive opportunity for growth if the underlying technical issues are resolved.

Media Gallery

Costco Key Features

Digital Membership CardDifferentiator

Access membership card directly from the app for warehouse entry and checkout

Pharmacy ManagementDifferentiator

Order prescription refills, track status, manage family accounts, and find pharmacies

Costco Travel IntegrationDifferentiator

Shop for vacation packages, hotels, cruises, and rental cars

User Sentiment

High confidence · 99 reviews
FrustratedRecent User Sentiment
4.9/ 5
99 reviews
High confidence

What Users Love

Brand Satisfaction

Great store; miserable app.

Costco is a great company...

Pain Points

App Stability and Crashes

The number of times the app crashes, freezes... can't be numbered.

Login and Authentication Issues

doesn't save my login info... have to sign in everytime

Is Costco Free? Pricing & Plans

Model: free

Tiers:
Free app for existing Costco members

The app serves as a value-add utility for existing members to increase engagement and convenience, rather than a direct revenue-generating product.

App Store Performance

ChartRankChange
Free#8
Free#4120

Costco Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High brand loyalty
  • Integration of exclusive services
  • Strong App Store visibility

Cons

  • Frequent app crashes
  • Broken authentication flows
  • Ineffective search functionality

Market Outlook

Growth Opportunities

  • Improve search conversion
  • Enhance inventory visibility
  • Stabilize login UX

Market Threats

  • Competitor apps with better UX
  • Erosion of brand trust due to technical failures

The Bottom Line

Costco is a frustrating shopping app that is completely free. With a 4.8/5 rating from 1.6M reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate brand satisfaction, though app stability and crashes remains a common concern.

Best for: Existing Costco members looking to streamline their shopping experience, manage pharmacy needs, and access exclusive member savings on the go.

App Details

iOS Version

26.3.1

Android Version

26.2.2

Release Date

Jun 21, 2012

iOS Price

Free

Android Price

Free

Generated by Marlvel.ai. Independent analysis. No publisher influence.

Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.