Costco Pharmacy.. if someone picks up your narcotic prescrption whatever, but we want your ID if you use CREDIT CARD

[Need More RWHP]

They never give me trouble, regardless of what the prescription is. I've never been ID'd for it when I pay cash, not once, to make sure that I'm the patient whom the controlled substance was prescribed to.

 

Last time, I paid with AMEX. The pharmacist technician got in my face about showing them the ID for AMEX, not to ensure I'm the patient whom the DEA schedule III narcotics were prescribed to.

 

I was asked for ID. I asked why. They said "because you're using a credit card and they're concerned about protecting me". I said "protecting me whatever, you're concerned about protecting your own flowers".

 

Conclusion: the COSTCO pharmacy apparently don't give a damn who uses who's prescription, as long as they're paid for it. They're more concerned about unfounded fear that they might get a charge back from a stolen credit card.

 

 

Another shady thing about COSTCO. They'll require you to sign the HIPAA thing to pick up the prescription, saying that you've read the blah blah blah documents ordering you to "just sign it" and when you ask for the said documents, they don't have it available! WTF?

Edited July 29, 2009 by Need More RWHP

[GEORGE]

They never give me trouble, regardless of what the prescription is. I've never been ID'd for it when I pay cash, not once, to make sure that I'm the patient whom the controlled substance was prescribed to.

 

Last time, I paid with AMEX. The pharmacist technician got in my face about showing them the ID for AMEX, not to ensure I'm the patient whom the DEA schedule III narcotics were prescribed to.

 

I was asked for ID. I asked why. They said "because you're using a credit card and they're concerned about protecting me". I said "protecting me whatever, you're concerned about protecting your own flowers".

 

Conclusion: the COSTCO pharmacy apparently don't give a damn who uses who's prescription, as long as they're paid for it. They're more concerned about unfounded fear that they might get a charge back from a stolen credit card.

 

 

Another shady thing about COSTCO. They'll require you to sign the HIPAA thing to pick up the prescription, saying that you've read the blah blah blah documents ordering you to "just sign it" and when you ask for the said documents, they don't have it available! WTF?

SO DID YOU BEND-OVER AND SHOW IT

 

[Uncle Leo]

They never give me trouble, regardless of what the prescription is. I've never been ID'd for it when I pay cash, not once, to make sure that I'm the patient whom the controlled substance was prescribed to.

 

Last time, I paid with AMEX. The pharmacist technician got in my face about showing them the ID for AMEX, not to ensure I'm the patient whom the DEA schedule III narcotics were prescribed to.

 

I was asked for ID. I asked why. They said "because you're using a credit card and they're concerned about protecting me". I said "protecting me whatever, you're concerned about protecting your own flowers".

 

Conclusion: the COSTCO pharmacy apparently don't give a damn who uses who's prescription, as long as they're paid for it. They're more concerned about unfounded fear that they might get a charge back from a stolen credit card.

 

Another shady thing about COSTCO. They'll require you to sign the HIPAA thing to pick up the prescription, saying that you've read the blah blah blah documents ordering you to "just sign it" and when you ask for the said documents, they don't have it available! WTF?

You had me. You lost me at "unfounded".

[cljohnr]

The sky is blue.

I was asked for ID.

 

Apparently they don't care that the sky is blue, but they have the nerve to ask for my ID.

 

I don't understand what the policy on prescriptions has to do with their tender policy. They are two distinct, unrelated issues.

[thelowpriceleader]

Were you buying the prescription as a non-member? Not that it should make any difference. But the members technically show ID by way of the membership card that could be compared to the credit card.

 

I find it hilarious that pharmacies will dispense prescriptions so openly, just say the name and get the goods.

[azntg]

I think American Express' ID policy stems by extension of their "treat Amex cardholders the same as Visa/MC cardholders" policy. But if Costco isn't accepting Visa/MC to begin with, they might be technically in the right to ask for ID. Don't hold me against it though, it's only my speculation.

 

I find it hilarious that pharmacies will dispense prescriptions so openly, just say the name and get the goods.

 

Though don't get me wrong. I think it is kinda messed up that in many pharmacies, just mentioning a name is enough to get the pills without any earnest attempt in verification (of course, except in cases where a representatively regularly picks up prescriptions on behalf of others. Still some value in being a regular sometimes)

[hurricanesfans27]

I have no problem paying with a dc or a cc at CVS when I pick up my drugs they ask for my birthday and thats it.

[Uncle Leo]

I think American Express' ID policy stems by extension of their "treat Amex cardholders the same as Visa/MC cardholders" policy. But if Costco isn't accepting Visa/MC to begin with, they might be technically in the right to ask for ID. Don't hold me against it though, it's only my speculation.

That's an interesting point.

 

I don't like Amex' "be like them" policy, though. I'd rather they grow a backbone and make their own.

[thelowpriceleader]

I'm wondering if AmEx is, how should we put this, not as good about paying for fraud as the Visa/MC issuing banks are...

[Need More RWHP]

I think American Express' ID policy stems by extension of their "treat Amex cardholders the same as Visa/MC cardholders" policy. But if Costco isn't accepting Visa/MC to begin with, they might be technically in the right to ask for ID. Don't hold me against it though, it's only my speculation.

That's an interesting point.

 

I don't like Amex' "be like them" policy, though. I'd rather they grow a backbone and make their own.

 

Yep, I use their pharmacy as a non-member, because I'm allowed to do so by law.

 

Yeah, I guess so, but they made it VERY transparent that they really couldn't care less who's picking up Schedule II narcotics. They're more concerned that someone might pay that $10 with a credit card not endorsed by a driver's license than they are about someone making off with narcotics not prescribed to them and paying cash. In the eyes of Costco, who gives a damn as long as the pills are paid for?

 

I wonder what they'll say if you just go up to the pharmacy tech and tell them I want those pill, how much, I don't have a prescription, but I'll pay cash, you don't care right???

[Credit Savvy]

They never give me trouble, regardless of what the prescription is. I've never been ID'd for it when I pay cash, not once, to make sure that I'm the patient whom the controlled substance was prescribed to.

 

Last time, I paid with AMEX. The pharmacist technician got in my face about showing them the ID for AMEX, not to ensure I'm the patient whom the DEA schedule III narcotics were prescribed to.

 

I was asked for ID. I asked why. They said "because you're using a credit card and they're concerned about protecting me". I said "protecting me whatever, you're concerned about protecting your own flowers".

 

Conclusion: the COSTCO pharmacy apparently don't give a damn who uses who's prescription, as long as they're paid for it. They're more concerned about unfounded fear that they might get a charge back from a stolen credit card.

 

 

Another shady thing about COSTCO. They'll require you to sign the HIPAA thing to pick up the prescription, saying that you've read the blah blah blah documents ordering you to "just sign it" and when you ask for the said documents, they don't have it available! WTF?

SO DID YOU BEND-OVER AND SHOW IT

 

Did you bend-over and show it, or did you bend-over and take it? Next time simply call 1-800-VISA-911. They will walk the violating cashier step-by-step through proper card acceptance procedure.

 

CREDIT CARD SIGNATURE IS ALL THE ID NEEDED

 

When you pay for merchandise with a Visa card, MasterCard, or American Express any store that accepts these cards should accept yours too, no questions asked. It's part of the deal that merchants agree to when they become participating members.

 

They must check your signature and the card - electronically or by telephone - to be sure it's valid. Once the answer comes up yes, they can go ahead and charge. They can't ask you for any further identification - not a license plate number, Social Security number, proof of address, phone number or photo ID.

 

Your personal ID isn't needed because Visa, MasterCard, and American Express all guarantee payment on cards that have been properly checked. If the issuer mistakenly authorizes a sale on a bad card, it should make good. MasterCard says that merchants receive instant settlement. The contract MasterCard merchants sign specifically prevents them from asking for personal ID.

 

Unfortunately, not all merchants play by the rules. Some, apparently, haven't read them.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 

MasterCard wants to hear about merchants who break their rules. Send the name and address and an account of what happened to MasterCard WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577 or call 1-800-300-3069. The merchant's bank will get a stiff letter, ordering it to investigate and bring the offending store into line - or pay a $2,000 fine. You may also report violations online:

 

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/c...violations.html

 

Visa enforces the same rules as MasterCard. "When we hear about a violation, we ask the bank that signed the merchant to get together with the merchant and see that the practice is stopped," Visa representative states. Violations of Visa’s Operating Regulations result in fines of no less than $5,000. To report a merchant, write to Visa Inc. P.O. Box 8999 San Francisco, CA 94128-8999 or call 1-800-VISA-911.

 

American Express also prohibits merchants from asking for IDs. "All a merchant is supposed to do is take an imprint, make sure the signature matches and swipe the card through the terminal, to get authorization." Report violations to: American Express P.O. Box 297812 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33329-7812 or call 1-800-528-4800 or report online: http://americanexpress.com/yourchoice

[hurricanesfans27]

canned response city here

[GEORGE]

canned response city here

FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN WORDS SINCE THESE ARE 100% FALSE

========================

NO CANNED RESPONSE CRAP THAT YOU KEEP ON TALKING ABOUT THIS WAS TYPED FROM SCRATCH

Edited September 8, 2009 by GEORGE

[tedjones666]

It's funny when I pick up my goodies I never got Id'd once, a simple name and boom, sign your life away, heck I could just know someone who gets them every month, and boom your set, no proof at all, It's sad too since all these drugs are so regulated yet pharmacy's do jack **** about protecting them once you pay using cash

Edited March 9, 2010 by Stryker
profanity removed; please refer to TOS.

[lolipop]

It's funny when I pick up my goodies I never got Id'd once, a simple name and boom, sign your life away, heck I could just know someone who gets them every month, and boom your set, no proof at all, It's sad too since all these drugs are so regulated yet pharmacy's do jack **** about protecting them once you pay using cash

More power to cash ?

[Equation]

I think American Express' ID policy stems by extension of their "treat Amex cardholders the same as Visa/MC cardholders" policy. But if Costco isn't accepting Visa/MC to begin with, they might be technically in the right to ask for ID. Don't hold me against it though, it's only my speculation.

Costco also accepts Visa and MasterCard, so that was not the reason.

[BBQ123]

Costco only takes American Express credit cards, but they do accept debit cards (as debit) I think.

[Equation]

Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.

[BBQ123]

Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.

 

But the Visa/MasterCard debit cards when used in-store have to be used with a PIN number, right?

[green2408]

Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.

 

 

They don't take my visa credit card. As far as I know they will only take a debit card. I've always assumed that because they are so low on prices that they don't want to pay for any incentives or miles ar anything.

[Equation]

<!--quoteo(post=4307032:date=Oct 1 2010, 09:50 AM:name=Equation)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Equation @ Oct 1 2010, 09:50 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=4307032"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

 

But the Visa/MasterCard debit cards when used in-store have to be used with a PIN number, right?

Right, so don’t forget your PIN or you’ll be SOL.

[BBQ123]

Costco has a deal with American Express where they get lower interchange rates in return to making American Express exclusively the only credit card they accept.

 

Costco takes cash, check, and debit cards (as DEBIT transactions where you use a PIN.) The debit card can be a Visa/MasterCard debit card, but it is not processed as a Visa/MasterCard, rather it's processed over the debit network (eg. Pulse, STAR, Cirrus) - most debit cards list a network on the back.

 

Costco also offers a co-branded American Express rewards card. If you sign-up, there's a $25 credit (covers half the membership cost for Costco): http://www201.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Costco-TrueEarnings

 

If you shop at Costco, you'll notice that they do not display Visa/MasterCard logos in store, as they don't accept them. They display the AmEx logos, as well as have signs indicating they take their own gift/cash cards, checks, cash, and debit.

[Equation]

Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.

Costco accepts these:

 

 

No questions asked. No ID needed.

[BBQ123]

Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted in-store, and both Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards are accepted at costco.com. So if you're harassed in-store, use Visa or MasterCard debit instead.

Costco accepts these:

 

 

No questions asked. No ID needed.

 

Costco (in store) accepts Visa and MasterCard debit cards as debit cards. You have to enter a PIN number to use them. If you are the type of person who uses their check card as "credit" and signs all the time (which is actually the best way to use them for fraud protection) and forgot your PIN because you never use it, you'll be out of luck at Costco.

[gj83]

The costco pharmacies are supposed to take FSA cards which could be Mastercard or Visa depending on the FSA administrator. They are technically "debit" cards, but mine does not have a PIN and says it should always be run as credit.

 

The FSA company my company uses issues duplicate cards in the same name as the primary card so if I had an extra card for DH it would still have my name. I also never changed the name on my FSA card when I changed my name so the last name doesn't match me and neither name matches DH, but according to the terms of my FSA account this is the way they operate. Thus a perfect example where checking ID would invalidate a perfectly valid transaction.

 

I haven't used my FSA card at Costco since only the pharmacy and optical areas are supposed to accept them and I mail order my prescriptions.

Edited November 10, 2010 by gj83