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Costco is known for its vast membership benefits, but one thing many shoppers wonder is whether they accept all credit cards. The answer is a resounding yes, but with some caveats.
Costco accepts most major credit card brands, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. They also accept Costco's own credit card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card.
However, it's worth noting that some credit cards may incur a foreign transaction fee when used for international purchases.
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Credit Card Acceptance
Costco has a unique approach to credit card acceptance, and it's essential to understand what they accept and what they don't.
Costco only accepts Mastercard credit cards in its warehouses. This is a result of a deal they struck with Mastercard after ending their agreement with American Express in 2014.
You can use a Mastercard credit card, including a prepaid Mastercard, to make in-store purchases at Costco. However, this means you can't use American Express or Discover cards in their warehouses.
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If you're shopping online at Costco.ca, you have more payment options, including Visa credit cards, Mastercard credit cards, debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
Here's a breakdown of the credit card brands and their compatibility with Costco:
Costco's exclusive partnership with Visa makes it compatible with all Visa-branded credit cards, regardless of the issuer or financial institution that issued the card. However, you can't use American Express or Discover cards to make purchases at Costco warehouses or online.
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What They Don't Accept
Costco has its own set of rules when it comes to credit card acceptance. American Express isn't accepted in-store or online, except for through Instacart.
You can't use American Express to pay for in-store purchases at Costco Canada warehouses, nor can you use it to pay online at costco.ca. However, you can use it to pay for Costco grocery orders through Instacart.
In-store, you're limited to using a Visa credit card. Online, the options are a bit more flexible, but still, American Express isn't an option. You can use a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card to make online purchases, but not in-store.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can't use at Costco:
- American Express
- Mastercard (in-store)
- Discover
Keep in mind that accepted payment methods can change with little notice, so it's always a good idea to check the Costco website for the latest credit card policies.
Credit Card Options
Costco accepts a variety of credit cards, but not all Visa credit cards are created equal. The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi is the only branded Costco card, and it's a great option for frequent shoppers who want to earn rewards exclusively at Costco.
If you're a Costco member, you can apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa, which earns 2% cash back on store purchases and 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000). However, this card requires a Costco membership, which costs $60 or $120 per year.
You can also consider alternative payment methods if you don't have a Visa credit card or prefer not to use one. Some options include cash, checks, EBT cards, mobile payments, and even traveler's checks.
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Best
If you're a Costco shopper, you're in luck because there are some amazing credit cards out there that can help you rack up rewards on your shopping trips.
Some of the best Visa credit cards are designed specifically for Costco purchases, so you can earn rewards and save money on the things you need.
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These cards offer great benefits, such as earning cash back or rewards points on every purchase you make at Costco, which can be redeemed for discounts, gift cards, or even travel.
The key is to choose a card that aligns with your shopping habits and rewards goals, so you can get the most out of your credit card.
By using one of these top-rated credit cards, you can earn rewards on every purchase you make at Costco, which can add up to big savings over time.
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Right One for You
Your credit score plays a big role in determining which type of Visa card you'll be approved for. Premium cards with travel perks often require excellent credit.
If you're not careful, an annual fee can swallow up your rewards earnings. Think about how much you plan on spending at Costco and whether an annual fee is worth it.
Consider your spending habits and whether an annual fee is justified. If you don't plan on using the associated rewards, a no-annual-fee card might be the better choice.
The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi is a great option if you're a frequent Costco shopper. You'll earn 2% cash back on store purchases and 4% cash back on gas.
This card is only available to Costco members, who pay an annual membership fee of $60 or $120. You'll need to weigh the benefits against the cost of membership.
Alternatives Worth Considering?
If you don't have a Visa credit card, don't worry, there are alternatives worth considering. You can use cash to pay for your purchases at Costco.
Costco accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, which is always a good option to have. I've personally used cash to make purchases at Costco and it's worked out just fine.
Another option is to use a prepaid gift card, specifically the Costco Shop Card, which comes in amounts between $25 and $2,000. These cards are rechargeable and don't expire, making them a convenient choice.
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You can also use a Visa debit card to pay for purchases and gas at the warehouse. And, if you know someone who is a Costco member, they can purchase a Costco Shop Card on your behalf for a select amount.
Other payment options at Costco include checks, EBT cards, mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay with a Visa), and traveler's checks.
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Specific Cards and Brands
Costco has a partnership with Visa, making all Visa-branded credit cards accepted at the warehouse club.
You can use your Visa card for purchases anywhere, earning rewards regardless of where the purchase is made. In fact, you could earn more spending outside of Costco than at the store, especially if you refuel frequently.
Here are some specific Visa cards that are great for Costco shoppers:
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: No annual fee, variable APR of 15.49%, and rewards that can be earned outside of Costco.
Costco also accepts Mastercard credit cards, both in-store and online, although Discover cards are no longer accepted online.
CIBC Mastercard
The CIBC Mastercard is a great option for Costco shoppers. It offers no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice.
You can earn cash back on a wide range of purchases, including 3% cash back at restaurants and Costco gas stations, 2% cash back at Costco.ca and other gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The card also provides access to special Installment Plan interest rates on eligible Costco purchases, which can be a big plus for those who like to make big-ticket purchases.
You can earn up to $250,000 in Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance, as well as complimentary baggage delay insurance.
Here are the key benefits of the CIBC Mastercard:
It's worth noting that you must be a Costco member to apply for the card, and the cash back rate is lower for many purchases.
Citi Anywhere Visa Card
The Citi Anywhere Visa Card is a great option for Costco members who want to earn rewards on their purchases. It has no annual fee and a variable APR of 15.49%.
To get approved for this card, you'll need a Costco membership of at least $60 per year and a good credit score. This card is designed to integrate seamlessly with your Costco membership, making it a convenient choice for frequent shoppers.
You can use the Citi Anywhere Visa Card anywhere, not just at Costco. In fact, you might even earn more rewards on purchases outside of the warehouse club, especially if you refuel frequently – gas purchases earn the highest rewards.
Here are some key benefits of the Citi Anywhere Visa Card:
- No annual fee
- Variable APR of 15.49%
- Earn rewards on gas purchases
- Earn rewards on purchases made outside of Costco
Card Brands and Compatibility
Costco has a few rules when it comes to credit card brands and compatibility. You can use Visa-branded credit cards in its warehouses, at Costco Gas Stations, and online at Costco.com.
If you have a Mastercard, you can use it for online purchases at Costco.com or through the Costco app, but not in-store. Costco stopped accepting Discover cards on November 15, 2016, so you can't use them at the moment.
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American Express credit cards are not accepted in Costco warehouses, but you can use them to pay for grocery orders through Instacart.
Here's a breakdown of the top credit card brands and their compatibility with Costco:
If you're shopping online at Costco.ca, you can use Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards, but not American Express.
Sources
- https://johnnyjet.com/credit-cards-costco-accept/
- https://www.finder.com/ca/credit-cards/which-credit-cards-does-costco-accept
- https://www.zdnet.com/finance/credit-cards/what-credit-cards-does-costco-accept/
- https://millionmilesecrets.com/guides/credit-cards-costco-accepts/
- https://www.aimtuto.com/2023/12/what-credit-cards-does-costco-accept.html
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