What Payment Methods Costco Accepts Now

Costco's current payment options and what changed

Costco stopped accepting Visa cards in November 2024 and replaced them with their own branded Mastercard. If you have an older Costco Visa, it will not work at Costco locations or on Costco.com after the cutover date, though the card itself remains valid everywhere else Visa is accepted. The warehouse now takes Mastercard (including their Costco Mastercard), American Express, Discover, and cash. Debit cards work too, as long as they carry one of those network logos.

This shift happened because Costco's contract with Visa ended and the warehouse negotiated a new deal with Mastercard instead. The change affected only Costco—your Visa card works everywhere else as usual. If you shopped at Costco with a Visa before the switch, you received a transition period to use up your card balance or convert it, but that window has closed.

Key Takeaways

• Costco Visa cards stopped working at Costco after November 2024; existing cardholders received a Costco Mastercard as a replacement.
• Costco now accepts Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and cash—but not Visa—at warehouses and online.
• Your old Visa card still works at other retailers and online; only Costco locations and Costco.com rejected it.
• Debit cards work at Costco if they display a Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo on the front.
• Costco does not accept PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets at warehouse locations, though online checkout may differ.

The Costco Mastercard: what it replaces

If you held a Costco Visa, you were automatically issued a Costco Mastercard with the same account number and benefits. You did not have to request it—Costco mailed it to the address on file. The new card carries the same 2% cash back on Costco purchases (1% on gas), same annual fee (waived for Gold Star members), and same purchase protections as the old Visa.

The main difference is the network: Mastercard instead of Visa. That means your card now works at any retailer that takes Mastercard, not just Costco. Outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The rewards structure and statement cycle remain the same.

What payment methods work at Costco warehouses

At Costco warehouse locations, you can pay with Mastercard (including the Costco Mastercard), American Express, Discover, or cash. Debit cards work if they carry one of those network logos—check the front of your card. If your debit card only shows a Visa logo, it will not work at Costco, though it works everywhere else.

Costco does not accept PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or other mobile wallets inside the warehouse. You must present a physical card or cash. This is a warehouse-only rule; online checkout may have different options depending on your browser and payment method.

Paying for Costco.com purchases

Online, Costco accepts the same card networks as in-warehouse: Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use PayPal at checkout on Costco.com, which you cannot do in the warehouse. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay may work depending on your browser and device, since they typically route through one of the accepted card networks behind the scenes.

If you use a debit card online, the same rule applies: it must carry a Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. Visa debit cards will not process. For the fastest checkout, use your Costco Mastercard, since the system recognizes it immediately and applies any available member discounts automatically.

What to do if you still have a Costco Visa

If you received a Costco Visa before the switch and never received a replacement Mastercard in the mail, contact Costco member services. You can reach them by phone at the number on the back of your card, or visit the membership desk at any warehouse. They can confirm whether a card was mailed and resend it if needed.

Do not try to use an old Costco Visa at a warehouse checkout—it will be declined. If you have a balance on the card, you can still pay it off online or by phone using the account number, even after the card stops working at Costco. The account itself does not close; only the card's ability to charge at Costco ends.

Costco gift cards and member accounts

Costco gift cards work the same way they always did—you can buy them with any accepted payment method and redeem them at checkout. The payment method you use to buy a gift card does not affect how you use it. A gift card purchased with a Mastercard works identically to one purchased with cash.

Your Costco membership account is separate from your payment method. Renewing your membership, checking your balance, or updating your account information does not require a specific card type. You can manage your account online or at the membership desk regardless of which card you use to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Visa card at Costco gas stations?

No. Costco gas stations follow the same payment rules as warehouses: Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or cash only. If you have a Costco Visa, it will not work at the pump. Use your Costco Mastercard, another accepted card, or pay inside with cash.

What happens if I try to use a Visa card at checkout?

The card will be declined. The register will not process it. You will need to provide a different payment method—Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or cash. This applies to all Visa cards, not just Costco Visa cards.

Does Costco accept prepaid Mastercards or American Express cards?

Yes, as long as the prepaid card displays the Mastercard or American Express logo. Prepaid cards work like any other card on those networks. Make sure the card has a balance before checkout, since Costco will not process a declined transaction.

Can I use multiple payment methods on one purchase?

Costco warehouses typically process one payment method per transaction. If you want to split a purchase between a card and cash, ask the cashier before they ring you up—some locations can accommodate it, but it is not may provide. Online, you can usually only enter one payment method per order.

Do I earn cash back on Costco purchases if I use American Express or Discover instead of the Costco Mastercard?

No. Only the Costco Mastercard earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases. American Express and Discover cards earn whatever rewards their own issuer offers, which varies by card. If cash back is important to you, the Costco Mastercard is the only Costco-specific option.