Costco accepts several credit card options, but the most widely accepted is the American Express card. Costco also accepts Discover cards, but not Mastercard or Diners Club cards.
In fact, Costco has a long-standing partnership with American Express, which is why you'll see Amex cards being accepted everywhere. This partnership dates back to 1997, making it a staple in the warehouse club's payment options.
You can also use your personal or business Visa debit card at Costco, but keep in mind that some services like pharmacy and optical may require a credit card. This is because these services often require a credit check or have specific payment requirements.
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Credit Cards Accepted
Costco warehouses accept a variety of credit cards, including all Visa cards and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi.
You can also use other payment methods like cash, most PIN-operated debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
If you're a Costco Business member, you can use a Business check to make a purchase.
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Costco warehouses also accept EBT Cards and personal checks from current Costco members.
Mobile payments using an eligible payment method are also accepted.
Here are the credit cards accepted at Costco warehouses:
- All Visa Cards
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi*
- Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi*
The accepted credit cards at Costco gas stations are similar, with all Visa cards and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi being accepted.
You can also use most PIN-operated debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, and Apple Pay to make a purchase at Costco gas stations.
Note that American Express is not accepted at Costco Canada warehouses or online at costco.ca, but you can use it to pay for a Costco grocery order through Instacart.
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Payment Methods
Costco Canada accepts a variety of payment methods, including Mastercard credit cards, debit cards, and cash. You can also use your smartphone to pay for in-store purchases via Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
If you're shopping online at Costco.ca, you can use Mastercard credit cards, Visa credit cards, debit cards, or a Costco Shop Card. For in-store purchases, you can also use personal cheques or a Costco Shop Card.
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Here's a breakdown of the payment methods accepted at Costco Canada warehouses, online, and gas stations:
- Costco Canada Warehouses: Mastercard credit card, debit card, cash, Costco Shop Card, personal cheque
- Costco.ca: Mastercard credit card, Visa credit card, debit card, Costco Shop Card
- Costco Canada Gas Stations: Mastercard credit card, debit card, Costco Shop Card (physical card only)
Note that mobile payments, such as Apple Pay, are also accepted at Costco warehouses and gas stations.
Accepted Payment Methods
When shopping at Costco Canada, you can pay with a variety of methods. You can use a Mastercard credit card, debit card, or cash at the warehouse.
Costco also accepts digital and physical Costco Shop Cards, which can be used in-store or online. Additionally, you can pay with your smartphone using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay in-store.
If you're shopping online at Costco.ca, you can use a Mastercard credit card, Visa credit card, or debit card to pay. Costco Shop Cards are also accepted online.
At Costco gas stations, you can fill up using a Mastercard credit card, debit card, or Costco Shop Card (physical card only).
Here's a breakdown of the accepted payment methods at Costco:
You can also use other payment methods like PIN-operated debit cards, traveler's checks, and personal checks at Costco warehouses.
Accept American Express
You might be surprised to know that you can actually use American Express to pay for your purchases at Costco, but only under certain circumstances. American Express isn't accepted at Costco Canada warehouses or online at costco.ca, where you'll need to use a Mastercard or Visa.
However, if you place a Costco grocery order through Instacart, you can use American Express to pay for your purchase. This is a great option if you have a high-end Amex card with a high earn rate, as you'll quickly be able to earn plenty of points or cash back.
Visa Credit Cards
Visa credit cards are widely accepted at Costco warehouses and gas stations.
You can use any Visa card at Costco warehouses, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi.
In fact, all Visa cards are accepted at Costco warehouses, making it easy to shop and pay with your preferred card.
At Costco gas stations, you can also use any Visa card, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi.
Here are some of the Visa credit cards you can use at Costco:
- All Visa Cards
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
- Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi
Gas Stations and Online Purchases
At Costco gas stations in the US, you'll need a Visa credit card to pay at the pump.
You can also pay for gas with most non-American Express debit cards and Costco Shop Cards. This payment policy is similar to in-warehouse purchases.
To shop online at Costco, you can use a Visa or Mastercard credit card, but Discover and American Express payments are rejected. If you're looking for alternative payment options, most PIN-based debit cards (excluding American Express) and Costco Shop Cards are accepted.
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Gas Stations
At Costco gas stations, you can pay with a variety of methods. Visa credit cards are accepted, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi.
Most PIN-operated debit cards are also accepted, making it convenient for those who prefer to use cash or debit. You can also use Apple Pay to pay for your gas.
If you're planning to fill up at a Costco gas station, it's a good idea to check if you have a Visa credit card or a PIN-operated debit card.
Online Purchases
If you're planning to make an online purchase at Costco, you'll need to know what payment methods are accepted. For Costco.com purchases, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the way to go, as they are accepted.
Unfortunately, Discover and American Express payments are not accepted on the Costco website. However, there are some alternative options, including most PIN-based debit cards and Costco Shop Cards.
If you're looking to earn rewards on your online purchase, you might consider using a credit card like the Bilt World Elite Mastercard, which offers valuable points.
Here are the online payment options accepted at Costco:
- Visa credit card
- Mastercard credit card
- Most PIN-based debit cards (excluding American Express)
- Costco Shop Cards
- Visa Click to Pay
Other Credit Cards
Costco accepts other credit cards aside from Visa, but you won't find them on the main list.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi are two other credit cards accepted at Costco warehouses.
Some other credit cards accepted at Costco warehouses include the Costco Shop Card, which can be purchased in-store or online.
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U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Card
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Card is a great option for those who want to earn cash back on their purchases. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
You can earn a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. This is a great incentive to start using the card and earning rewards.
The card offers 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose from a list of 24. Some of the retailers on this list include Ace Hardware, Apple, and Amazon.com.
You can also earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter in your choice of one everyday category. This category could be wholesale clubs, such as Costco, which earns you 3% cash back up to a $1,500 quarterly cap.
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After hitting the $1,500 quarterly cap, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases. This is a decent rate, but it's worth noting that some other credit cards may offer higher rates on certain categories.
To get 3% cash back at Costco, you'd need to opt-in to the "wholesale clubs" category before the new quarter begins. This is an important detail to keep in mind if you plan on using this card for your Costco purchases.
Here are some of the retailers on the list that offer 6% cash back on eligible purchases:
- Ace Hardware
- Apple
- Amazon.com
- Anthropologie
- Bed, Bath, & Beyond
- Best Buy
- Chewy.com
- Crate & Barrel
- Disney
- Home Depot
- Ikea
- Kohl's
- Lowe's
- Lululemon
- Macy's
- Menards
- Nordstrom
- Pottery Barn
- QVC
- Restoration Hardware
- Target
- Walmart
- Wayfair.com
- Williams Sonoma
Citi Anywhere Card
The Citi Anywhere Card is a great option for those who shop at Costco. It offers 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year.
The card also earns 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
To be eligible for the Citi Anywhere Card, you'll need to have excellent credit scores. This is because the card is open only to Costco shoppers with good credit.
The card has an annual fee, but the rewards rate makes it worth considering. You can earn up to $140 per year in cash back on gas purchases alone.
Here's a breakdown of the card's rewards rate:
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The regular APR for the Citi Anywhere Card ranges from 19.74% to 27.74%, so make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit cards does Costco not accept?
Costco does not accept American Express, Discover, or non-Visa credit cards in-store, but Mastercard is accepted online and through the app. However, Visa is the only accepted credit card network in-store.
What credit cards does Costco gas accept?
Costco gas stations accept Visa, most PIN debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards. Note: Some states, like Oregon and New Jersey, have full-service requirements.
Does Costco take credit cards at the pump?
Yes, Costco accepts credit cards at the pump, but a temporary hold of up to $150 may be placed on your account to ensure payment for fuel dispensed. This is a standard practice for most credit card transactions at the pump.
Sources
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/what-credit-cards-does-costco-accept/
- https://johnnyjet.com/credit-cards-costco-accept/
- https://www.finder.com/ca/credit-cards/which-credit-cards-does-costco-accept
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-to-use-at-costco
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/costco-anywhere-visa-card-by-citi/
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