Which Credit Cards Costco Actually Accepts

Costco only takes Visa cards, plus their own Costco Anywhere Visa card

Costco stopped accepting American Express, Discover, and Mastercard in 2016. Today, the warehouse will take any Visa card — whether it's from your bank, a rewards card, or a travel card. They also accept their own Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which is a Visa issued through Citi Bank.

This means if you have an American Express, Mastercard, or Discover card, you cannot use it at Costco's warehouse locations or their website. You can still use those cards at Costco Gas stations, but not inside the warehouse itself. The rule applies to all Costco locations in the United States.

Costco also takes cash, debit cards (as long as they run on the Visa network), and their own Costco Cash Card, which is a prepaid card you load with money. They do not take Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets, even if those wallets contain a Visa card.

Key Takeaways

• Costco accepts any Visa card, including bank Visas, rewards Visas, and their own Costco Anywhere Visa Card.
• American Express, Mastercard, and Discover cards do not work at Costco warehouse locations, though they work at Costco Gas stations.
• Debit cards work at Costco only if they are connected to the Visa network.
• Digital payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted, even if they contain a Visa card.
• Costco also takes cash and their prepaid Costco Cash Card.

How the Costco Anywhere Visa Card works

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a rewards card made specifically for Costco members. You apply for it through Citi Bank, and once approved, you get a physical card in the mail. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco.

The card gives you cash back on Costco purchases. The exact percentage varies — you earn a higher rate on gas and food purchases than on general warehouse items. You also earn cash back on other Visa purchases outside Costco, though at a lower rate. The cash back shows up as a credit on your Costco account once a year, usually in December.

You do not need the Costco Visa to shop at Costco. Any regular Visa card works. The Costco card is only worth getting if you shop there regularly and want the extra cash back rewards.

What to do if you have a Mastercard or American Express

If your main card is Mastercard or American Express, you have three options at Costco. First, you can bring a different Visa card if you have one — a second card from your bank, an older rewards card, or a travel card. Second, you can pay with cash or a debit card (if it runs on Visa). Third, you can get a Costco Anywhere Visa Card.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card application takes about 10 minutes online. Citi Bank will tell you right away if you are approved, and the card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not want another card, simply bring a Visa or cash to Costco.

Costco Gas stations are different — they accept Mastercard and American Express at the pump, so you can use those cards there even if you cannot use them inside the warehouse.

Using Visa debit cards at Costco

Debit cards work at Costco as long as they are connected to the Visa network. Most debit cards from major banks run on Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. You can check your debit card to see which network it uses — the logo is printed on the front or back of the card.

If your debit card runs on Mastercard or Discover, it will not work at Costco warehouse locations. You would need to use a Visa debit card, cash, or bring a Visa credit card instead. Debit cards work the same way as credit cards at checkout — you insert, tap, or swipe the card, and the money comes out of your bank account right away.

Online Costco purchases and payment methods

Costco's website accepts Visa cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, and American Express. This is different from the warehouse, where American Express does not work. You can also pay with PayPal on the website, as long as your PayPal account is linked to a Visa or American Express card.

For online orders, you enter your card information at checkout, and Costco charges your card when your order ships. If you are a Costco member, you can save your card information so you do not have to enter it every time. Costco also accepts their Costco Cash Card online.

Why Costco switched to Visa only

In 2016, Costco ended its partnership with American Express and switched to Visa. The company said the change was about cost and member value. American Express charges merchants higher fees than Visa does, and Costco decided those savings could go toward better rewards for members who use the Costco Visa card.

This was a major shift — American Express had been Costco's only accepted card for decades. The change surprised many members, but Costco has stuck with it. Today, Visa is the only credit card network accepted at Costco warehouses in the United States.

What happens if you try to use a card Costco does not accept

If you try to pay with a Mastercard or American Express at the warehouse checkout, the card will be declined. The cashier will tell you the card is not accepted and ask you to use a different payment method. This happens at the register, so you will know right away.

The best way to avoid this is to check your card before you get in line. Look at the front of your card for the logo — Visa has a blue and gold design, Mastercard is red and orange, and American Express is blue. If you are not sure, ask your bank which network your card uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Mastercard at Costco Gas?

Yes. Costco Gas stations accept Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Visa. The warehouse itself only takes Visa, but the gas pumps are different. You can pay with any major card at the pump.

Does the Costco Anywhere Visa Card have an annual fee?

No, there is no annual fee for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. You do not have to pay anything to hold the card. You only earn cash back when you use it to make purchases.

What if I do not have a Visa card and do not want to get one?

You can pay with cash at Costco. You can also use a Visa debit card if your bank account is connected to the Visa network. If neither of those works for you, a Visa credit card is the only other option for warehouse purchases.

Can I use digital wallets like Apple Pay at Costco?

No. Costco does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other digital wallets, even if those wallets contain a Visa card. You must use a physical card or cash.

Will Costco ever accept other credit cards again?

Costco has not announced any plans to accept other cards. The company has used Visa exclusively since 2016, and there is no indication that will change. If you shop at Costco regularly, having a Visa card is necessary.