Costco accepts all Visa credit cards and Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi. Given that the typical Costco grocery shopper spends an average of $100 per trip, using a credit card maximizes rewards and provides a much smoother shopping experience. Many of us have been there– standing at the checkout line, ready to pay, only to find out our card isn’t accepted. This can be especially frustrating, given the incredible deals that make Costco a favorite for many.
If you’ve ever wondered what credit cards Costco accepts, this guide will provide the clarity you need to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next Costco shopping spree.
Credit Cards Accepted by Costco
When planning your shopping trip to Costco, knowing which credit cards are accepted can help you avoid any surprises at the checkout. In the United States, Costco has specific policies regarding credit card acceptance, differing slightly between their warehouse locations, gas stations, and online stores. Here is a breakdown of the credit cards you can use at each:
U.S. Costco Warehouse Locations
- All Visa Cards, including:
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
U.S. Costco Gas Stations
- All Visa Cards
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
Costco.com
- All Visa Cards
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
- MasterCard credit cards, including:
If you’re wondering why Costco mainly accepts Visa cards, it’s because Costco has an agreement with Visa that enables it to pay lower merchant fees and potentially extend the savings to customers. However, note that the Visa-only policy applies to credit cards–Costco accepts most PIN-based debit cards.
Best Credit Card to Use in Costco
Out of all the credit cards available, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the best choice to use at Costco. It comes with $0 annual fee and gives you a competitive sign-up bonus of $200 in cash rewards after you spend $500 within the first three months.
One of the main reasons to use this card at Costco is that it gives unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases, which matches the bonus rewards offered by Costco’s own credit card. Additionally, you’ll earn 2% cash back on all other purchases outside Costco, providing consistent rewards without any extra effort. The generous sign-up bonus is just an added benefit, which the Costco shop card lacks.
Credit Cards Not Accepted by Costco
Due to Visa’s exclusive agreement with Costco, American Express, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards are not accepted at Costco warehouses and gas stations. However, Mastercard credit cards are accepted for purchases on Costco.com and through the Costco app.
Other Payment Methods Accepted by Costco
If your credit card isn’t accepted by Costco and you’re looking for alternative payment methods, you have plenty of options to choose from. Costco accommodates the diverse payment preferences of its members. Whether you’re shopping in-store, filling up at the gas station, or buying online, you have multiple ways to pay. Here are the different payment methods accepted at various Costco locations:
U.S. Costco Warehouse Locations
- Cash
- Costco Shop Cards
- Most PIN-based debit cards
- Personal checks from current Costco Members
- Business checks from current Costco Business Members
- Traveler’s checks
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards
- Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- FSA/HSA Visa or Mastercard debit cards are accepted at Pharmacies, Optical and Hearing Aid Departments
U.S. Costco Gas Stations
- Apple Pay
- Costco Shop Cards
- Most PIN-based debit cards
Costco.com
- Apple Pay
- Costco Shop Cards
- Most PIN-based debit cards
- Visa Click to Pay
Knowing these details keeps you ready whether you need to fill up your gas tank, shop in-store, or buy online. It helps you have a smooth shopping experience at Costco and get the most out of your payment method. If you’ve followed the payment guidelines but still run into problems, you can quickly contact Costco’s customer service by phone or live chat for help.
Does Costco Accept Mastercard?
Yes, Costco accepts Mastercard debit cards both in-store and online. However, when it comes to credit cards, Costco only accepts Mastercard credit cards for purchases made on Costco.com and the Costco app.
Unfortunately, Mastercard credit cards are not accepted at Costco warehouse locations or gas stations. The reason why Costco does not accept Mastercard credit cards at these locations is due to an exclusive agreement with Visa, which enables Costco to pay lower merchant fees.
Does Costco Gas Accept Mastercard?
No, Costco Gas does not accept Mastercard. Costco gas stations only accept Visa Cards and Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi.
Does Costco Take Apple Pay?
Yes, Costco accepts Apple Pay for purchases made in their warehouses, online, and at their gas stations.
If you’re planning a trip to Costco soon for their incredible deals and bulk items, don’t forget to use Cushion. By syncing your bills with your Google Calendar, this handy app helps you ensure you have enough grocery budget for your next visit. Additionally, it organizes your bills and enables you to stay on top of deadlines to avoid late payments. Let Cushion handle your finances, so you can focus on finding the best bargains at Costco.
Related articles:
- Credit Card Churning: Definition & Is it Worth the Risk?
- 6 Best Things to Buy with a Credit Card to Build Credit
Summary
The credit cards Costco accepts include all Visa credit cards and Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi. While Costco takes Mastercard debit cards, shoppers can only use Mastercard credit cards for purchases made on the Costco website and app. If you’re a Costco shopper, knowing which payment methods are accepted can help make your shopping trip easy and hassle-free.
