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Costco Passport Photo — Is There a Better Option?
Costco charges $5.99 for 2 photos. Our free online tool creates the same compliant passport photos in under 60 seconds — from any device, with unlimited retakes and digital downloads.
Costco
$5.99 for 2 photos
While you shop — typically 15-30 minutes
~590 US warehouses (declining Photo Centers)
No digital copies
MergeImages.net
$0 — Free
Under 60 seconds
Any device, anywhere, 24/7
Instant digital + print sheet
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Costco | MergeImages |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 (+ membership) | Free — no membership needed |
| Accessibility | Members only, limited locations | Anyone, anywhere, anytime |
| Digital copy | Not available | Instant download |
| Print quality | High-quality Costco paper | You choose paper quality when printing |
About Costco Passport Photos
Costco has long been known for offering the cheapest passport photos among major retailers at just $5.99 for 2 prints. However, this price comes with two important caveats: you need a Costco membership (starting at $65/year), and the number of Costco Photo Centers has been shrinking.
In recent years, Costco has been transitioning its photo services to online-only and has closed many in-store Photo Centers. Before driving to your nearest warehouse, call ahead to confirm they still offer the service. Some locations have eliminated the photo department entirely.
If you are already a Costco member and have a location nearby with an active Photo Center, $5.99 is an excellent deal for in-store photos. But for everyone else, a free online tool eliminates the membership requirement, the drive, and the uncertainty of whether the service is available.
Costco Pros
- Lowest price among major retailers at $5.99
- Good photo quality — Costco photo paper is well-regarded
- Fast service if Photo Center is staffed
Costco Cons
- Requires Costco membership ($65/year minimum)
- Many Photo Centers have closed permanently
- Limited locations compared to pharmacies
- No digital copies provided
- Must call ahead to confirm service availability
Costco Passport Photo FAQ
How much are passport photos at Costco?
Costco charges $5.99 for 2 passport photos. This is the cheapest among major US retailers, but requires a Costco membership ($65/year minimum).
Do all Costco locations offer passport photos?
No. Many Costco Photo Centers have closed in recent years. Contact your local warehouse before visiting to confirm they still offer passport photo services.
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Skip the store. Get your photo free.
Upload a selfie, get a compliant passport photo in under 60 seconds. Print it at Costco for $0.35 or download the digital file.
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