Costco Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, Costco has evolved into the world's second-largest retailer by revenue, operating over 910 warehouses across multiple countries. The company's business model centers on membership-based wholesale retail, offering bulk quantities of quality merchandise at competitive prices to both individual consumers and businesses. Costco's success stems from its focus on operational efficiency, employee satisfaction, and strong vendor relationships that enable competitive pricing on everything from groceries and electronics to automotive services and pharmacy offerings.

Starbucks has expanded into premium teas through Teavana, ready-to-drink beverages, food offerings, and innovative store formats, including Reserve Roasteries. Its community stores have a new store model introduced in 2011, intended to reflect the character of the specific neighborhood in which they’re introduced. These stores also partner with organizations that serve disadvantaged communities.

Working at Costco means joining a company known in the retail industry for paying employees well. Costco consistently ranks among top employers, offering starting wages significantly above industry averages, comprehensive health benefits available to part-time employees, and robust retirement plans. Its promote-from-within culture means many management positions are filled by team members who started in entry-level roles. With employee tenure significantly longer than retail industry standards, Costco demonstrates its commitment to creating lasting careers.

Yes. After extending a conditional job offer, Costco or retail companies like Costco can request a background check from a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). This screening process helps the company verify candidate information and maintain workplace safety standards across all warehouse locations.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the specific screenings ordered by a retailer like Costco and the accessibility of records. Database searches can complete in minutes, whereas searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or additional verification may extend beyond a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for details.

A retailer or Costco background check report may include:

Note that drug testing requirements vary by position and location, with safety-sensitive roles typically requiring comprehensive screening.

Lookback periods for background checks vary by state law, position requirements, and the CRA's data sources. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions. Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits many criminal records to only seven years of reporting eligibility. However, certain roles may require a more extensive review period, and some convictions may remain on a background check indefinitely. Candidates should research state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand local limitations on background check scope and timing.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent before ordering a background report. Employers must also provide the candidate with a copy of the report, as well as a pre-adverse action notice if they may take negative action. Candidates must be given a reasonable time to dispute any errors that the background check may report.

Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of any offense, its age, and relevance to the specific job. Following this process gives candidates the opportunity to address any concerns and provide context for their background information.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr lets you preview what retailer employers like Costco may see during their hiring process and helps you identify potential inaccuracies in advance. In one report, you can review:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers during the application process. While a profile doesn’t replace an official employment background check, it’s a good starting point to view your own record and have conversations about points or errors with a potential employer if needed.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support if you have questions about your background check process.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.