What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept? The Ultimate Guide

Costco is one of the most popular wholesale retailers in the United States, known for its wide selection of products and competitive prices. If you’re a Costco member or considering becoming one, it’s important to know what credit cards are accepted at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. In this blog post, we’ll explore the credit cards Costco accepts, recent changes to their credit card policy, and tips for maximizing your rewards when shopping at Costco.

Key Takeaways

• Costco accepts Visa credit cards, Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi, most PIN-based debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
• Costco’s exclusive partnership with Visa helps keep costs down for the company and its members by negotiating lower interchange fees.
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi offer exclusive benefits and rewards for Costco members.
• To maximize rewards at Costco, use a Visa credit card with bonus rewards on wholesale club purchases, consider the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, and take advantage of Costco’s Executive Membership program and competitive prices on gas, travel, and other services.

Costco’s Credit Card Acceptance Policy

As of 2024, Costco accepts the following credit cards in its warehouses and online:

• Visa credit cards
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
• Most PIN-based debit cards (processed as cash)
• Costco Shop Cards

It’s important to note that Costco does not accept Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit cards. This policy has been in place since 2016 when Costco ended its partnership with American Express and began exclusively accepting Visa credit cards.

Also read: Does Target Accept Afterpay? Here’s What Shoppers Need To Know

Why Does Costco Only Accept Visa Credit Cards?

Costco’s exclusive partnership with Visa is designed to keep costs down for the company and its members. By limiting the types of credit cards accepted, Costco can negotiate lower interchange fees (the fees merchants pay to credit card companies for processing transactions). These savings can then be passed on to customers in the form of lower prices.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

While Costco accepts all Visa credit cards, the retailer offers its own co-branded credit card: the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. This card provides exclusive benefits for Costco members, including:

• 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter)
• 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all Costco and Costco.com purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Cash back rewards are provided in the form of an annual credit card reward certificate, which can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

For business owners who shop at Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi offers similar benefits to the personal card, with some additional perks:

• 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter)
• 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all Costco and Costco.com purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with a paid Costco membership
• Employee cards at no additional cost

Using Debit Cards at Costco

In addition to Visa credit cards, Costco also accepts most PIN-based debit cards. When using a debit card at Costco, the transaction is processed as a cash purchase, and you may be subject to a daily purchase limit set by your bank. It’s important to note that debit cards with only a Visa or Mastercard logo may not be accepted if they cannot be processed as a PIN-based transaction.

Costco Shop Cards

Costco Shop Cards are prepaid cards that can be purchased and used for shopping at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. These cards can be loaded with a value of up to $2,000 and make great gifts for friends and family who love shopping at Costco. Shop Cards can be purchased using cash, checks, debit cards, Visa credit cards, and EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer).

Also read: Does Old Navy Accept Apple Pay? – Everything You Need to Know

Maximizing Rewards at Costco

To get the most value out of your Costco purchases, consider these tips:

1. Use a Visa credit card that offers bonus rewards on wholesale club purchases, such as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card or the Chase Freedom Flex℠.
2. If you’re a frequent Costco shopper, consider applying for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi to earn bonus rewards on your Costco purchases and other categories like gas, dining, and travel.
3. Use Costco’s Executive Membership program to earn an annual 2% reward (up to $1,000) on eligible Costco purchases.
4. Take advantage of Costco’s competitive prices on gas, travel packages, and other services to maximize your savings and rewards potential.

Changes to Costco’s Credit Card Policy in 2024

While there have been no major changes to Costco’s credit card acceptance policy in 2024, it’s essential to stay informed about any potential updates. Costco regularly reviews its partnerships and policies to ensure the best value for its members. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, there’s always a possibility that Costco may make adjustments to its credit card acceptance policy in the future.

Also read: Does Amazon Accept Cash App? Your Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions