What Payment Methods Costco Takes at the Register and Online

Costco accepts cash, debit cards, most major credit cards, and its own Costco Visa — but not all payment types work everywhere

Costco takes Visa cards (including its own Costco Visa), Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at warehouse locations and online. You can also pay with cash, debit cards, checks (in-warehouse only), and EBT cards for may be able to access items. Costco does not take Diners Club, JCB, or other store cards. The one exception: if you have an older Costco American Express card, it still works in-warehouse, but Costco stopped issuing new American Express cards in 2016.

Payment rules differ slightly between the warehouse and online. At the warehouse, you have more options — checks and cash work there. Online, you're limited to credit cards, debit cards, and Costco Cash (Costco's digital gift card). Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay work online and at some warehouse locations, but not all warehouses support them yet, so check with your local Costco first.

Key Takeaways

• Costco Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Visa cards all work at the warehouse and online; American Express works only in-warehouse if you have an older card issued before 2016.
• Cash and checks are accepted in-warehouse only; online purchases require a credit or debit card.
• EBT cards work for may be able to access food items at the warehouse, but you cannot use them online.
• Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay may work at your warehouse location, but availability varies by store.

Credit and Debit Cards at the Warehouse

At Costco warehouse locations, you can use Visa (including Costco Visa), Mastercard, and Discover without restriction. American Express works only if you hold one of the older Costco American Express cards issued before 2016 — Costco ended that partnership and switched to Visa. If you have an older Amex card, bring it to the warehouse; it will still be accepted.

Debit cards work the same way as credit cards at checkout. There is no separate debit-only line or process. Costco does not charge a debit fee, and the transaction goes through as a standard debit purchase.

Online Payment Options

Costco.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Costco Visa. You cannot use American Express online, even if you have an older Costco Amex card. Debit cards work online the same way they do in-warehouse.

You can also pay with Costco Cash, which is Costco's digital gift card. If you have a physical Costco Cash card or a digital code, you can enter it at checkout. Some members use Costco Cash as a way to prepay for purchases or to spend rewards from their Costco Visa.

Cash and Check Payments

Cash is accepted at all warehouse locations. Costco does not charge a fee for paying with cash, and there is no minimum or maximum amount — you can pay your entire bill in cash if you choose.

Checks are accepted in-warehouse only, not online. Costco accepts personal checks and cashier's checks. You will need to show a valid ID. Checks are not accepted at Costco gas stations.

EBT and Government Benefit Cards

Costco accepts EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards for may be able to access food items at warehouse locations. EBT covers items like produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples, but not alcohol, prepared foods, or non-food items. You cannot use EBT online.

If you have questions about whether a specific item is EBT-may be able to access, ask a cashier before checkout. The register will tell you which items were paid with EBT and which require another payment method if you're buying both may be able to access and ineligible items in one trip.

Mobile Payment Apps and Digital Wallets

Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at some Costco warehouse locations, but not all. Support for mobile payments has been rolling out gradually, and availability depends on your local warehouse's payment equipment. Before you rely on mobile payment, contact your warehouse or check the Costco website to confirm whether your location accepts it.

Mobile payments do not work at Costco gas stations. At the pump, you must use a physical credit or debit card.

What Costco Does Not Accept

Costco does not take Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay, or other store credit cards (like Kohl's or Target cards). PayPal is not accepted in-warehouse or online. Cryptocurrency and buy-now-pay-later services like Affirm or Klarna are not accepted.

If you have a Costco American Express card issued after 2016, it will not work — you need to switch to a Costco Visa or use another payment method. Costco stopped issuing new American Express cards in 2016 when it moved its partnership to Visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay at the gas station?

No. Costco gas stations only accept physical credit and debit cards. Mobile payment apps do not work at the pump, even if your warehouse location accepts them inside the building.

What if I have an old Costco American Express card?

It still works in-warehouse only. You cannot use it online or at the gas station. If you want to use your Costco membership card benefits online or at the pump, you will need to switch to a Costco Visa or use a different payment method.

Can I split a payment between EBT and a credit card?

Yes. The cashier will ring up your EBT-may be able to access items first, charge them to your EBT card, and then charge the remaining items to your credit or debit card. Let the cashier know before they start scanning if you plan to split your payment.

Does Costco take PayPal?

No. PayPal is not accepted at Costco warehouses or online. You must use a credit card, debit card, cash, check, or EBT.

Will my warehouse accept Google Pay if I have a Costco Visa?

It depends on your location. Some warehouses support Google Pay; others do not. Contact your local Costco or check Costco.com to find out whether your warehouse has mobile payment capability before you plan to use it.