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Costco, the membership-based warehouse club, is known for its competitive pricing and wide selection of products. They accept a variety of payment options, but one question often arises: does Costco take American Express credit cards?
According to our research, Costco does accept American Express credit cards as a payment option in their warehouses. This is a convenient option for cardholders who want to use their rewards points or take advantage of other American Express benefits.
However, it's worth noting that Costco has a partnership with Citibank, which allows them to offer exclusive benefits to Citibank cardholders. But this doesn't mean American Express cardholders are left out in the cold.
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Credit Card Options
Costco has specific rules about which credit cards it accepts.
Visa credit cards are the way to go if you want to make payments in-store or online, as they are accepted at warehouses and gas stations.
If you have a Mastercard, you can use it to make online purchases through the Costco website or app. However, it's not accepted in-store.
Discover and American Express cards are not accepted at Costco, period.
Here are the credit card options at Costco in a nutshell:
Credit Cards Accepted
If you're a Costco member, you're probably wondering what credit cards they accept. The good news is that Visa is the way to go. You can use Visa-branded credit cards in their warehouses, and they're also accepted at Costco Gas Stations.
Mastercard is a bit more complicated. While they don't accept Mastercard credit cards in their warehouses, you can use them for online purchases at Costco.com or through the Costco app.
Don't even think about using American Express or Discover cards, as they're not accepted at Costco warehouses. That's right, no Amex or Discover cards will get you through the checkout line.
Here are the accepted credit cards at a glance:
Switching from Amex to Visa
Switching from Amex to Visa can be a smooth process, especially if you're aware of the key differences between the two. Amex cards often have higher fees, such as foreign transaction fees and late payment fees.
One of the main benefits of switching to Visa is the wider acceptance of their cards worldwide. Visa has a larger network of merchants, making it easier to use your card abroad.
For another approach, see: Amex Credit Card Fees
American Express
Costco does not accept American Express credit cards in its warehouses, but you can use them for online purchases at Costco.com or through the Costco app.
American Express was once accepted at Costco stores, serving as their exclusive partner from 1999 to 2016.
In 2016, Costco ended its relationship with American Express and moved on to Visa instead.
Intriguing read: Does Costco Accept Visa Credit Cards
Payment Methods
Costco has specific payment methods accepted online and in-store. You can use Visa and Mastercard credit cards for online purchases, but Mastercard is only accepted online.
If you're shopping at a Costco warehouse or gas station in the US, you'll need to use a Visa credit card. Unfortunately, Discover and American Express payments are rejected.
Here are some accepted payment methods at Costco, including online shopping options:
- Most PIN-based debit cards (excluding American Express)
- Costco Shop Cards
- Visa Click to Pay
Remember to check the Costco website for the latest credit card policies, as accepted payment methods can change with little notice.
Online Purchases
Online purchases can be made using a variety of payment methods on the Costco website.
Costco.com accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards, including Visa Click to Pay. You can also use most PIN-based debit cards, excluding American Express, to make online purchases.
Costco Shop Cards are another accepted payment option for online shopping. If you have a credit card that earns rewards, like the Bilt World Elite Mastercard, you can use it to shop online and earn points.
To shop at a Costco warehouse or gas station in the United States, you must use a Visa credit card.
On a similar theme: Online Retail Credit Cards
Other Payment Options
Costco offers various payment options both online and in-store to make your shopping experience more convenient.
You can use cash at in-store locations to pay for your groceries. In-store locations also accept Visa cards, Food Stamps (also known as EBT cards), Apple Pay, and Costco Shop Cards.
Using a Visa card is a popular option for online purchases on Costco.com, along with Discover cards and Mastercards.
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Unaccepted Credit Cards
If you're planning to shop at Costco, it's essential to know which credit cards they accept. Unfortunately, American Express and Discover credit cards are not accepted at Costco warehouses or online.
Costco only accepts Visa credit cards for in-store purchases, as well as online shopping. You can use a Visa credit card to shop at a Costco warehouse or gas station in the United States.
If you're looking to make an online purchase, Mastercard credit cards are accepted, but only for online spending, not in-store.
Here's a quick rundown of the unaccepted credit cards:
- American Express: Not accepted in-store or online.
- Discover: Not accepted in-store or online.
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.
Sources
- https://johnnyjet.com/credit-cards-costco-accept/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/why-doesnt-your-american-express-card-work-at-costco
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-costco-accept-american-express-tebid-kelly-kpnrf
- https://www.mlive.com/business/2015/03/costco_moving_from_amex_to_vis.html
- https://costco97.com/blog-post/does-costco-take-american-express/
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