What Payment Methods Costco Takes at Checkout and Online

Costco accepts cash, debit cards, most major credit cards, and its own Costco credit card—but membership type and shopping location affect which ones work

Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all warehouse locations and on its website. You can also pay with cash, debit cards, checks (in-warehouse only), and the Costco Anywhere Visa card. The Costco Visa card is the only card that earns rewards on Costco purchases—2% back on most items, 4% on gas and EV charging, and 3% on travel and restaurants. If you don't have a Costco membership, you can still shop online without one, but you'll pay a 5% surcharge on most items and won't have access to warehouse locations.

Payment rules differ slightly between in-warehouse and online shopping. At the warehouse, you can use cash, checks, debit, or any of the credit cards listed above. Online, you cannot pay with checks or cash, only cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you're a member paying with a non-Costco card, you won't earn rewards, but you'll still get member pricing on items.

Key Takeaways

• Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, debit cards, and its own Costco Anywhere Visa card at all warehouse locations.
• The Costco Anywhere Visa card earns 2% cash back on most purchases and 4% on gas, but only works if you have a Costco membership.
• Online shopping does not accept cash or checks—only cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Non-members can shop online and pay with any major credit card, but will pay a 5% surcharge on most items.
• Checks are only accepted in-warehouse, not online or at self-checkout kiosks.

Credit Cards and the Costco Visa Difference

Costco takes all four major credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. However, only the Costco Anywhere Visa card earns rewards on your purchases. This card is issued by Visa and gives you 2% cash back on most Costco purchases, 4% on Costco gas stations and EV charging, and 3% on travel and restaurants outside Costco.

If you use a different credit card—even another Visa or Mastercard from your bank—you'll still be able to check out, but you won't earn Costco rewards. You'll earn whatever rewards your own card offers, if any. The Costco Visa is a separate product you apply for through Costco's website or at the membership desk. You do not need to be a Costco member to own the card, but you do need a membership to use it at the warehouse.

American Express is accepted at Costco, but Costco does not issue an American Express card. If you have an Amex from another bank, you can use it to pay, but you won't earn Costco-specific rewards.

Cash, Debit, and Check Payment at the Warehouse

Costco accepts cash and debit cards at all warehouse locations without restriction. You can pay with bills and coins, or swipe or insert your debit card at checkout. Debit payments process immediately and draw directly from your bank account, just as they do at any other retailer.

Checks are also accepted in-warehouse, but only at the register—not at self-checkout kiosks. Costco will ask for a valid ID when you write a check. This payment method is becoming less common as fewer people carry checkbooks, but it remains an option if you prefer it. Checks are not accepted online or through Costco's mobile app.

Digital Wallets and Mobile Payment Options

Costco accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at warehouse checkout terminals and online. These digital wallets link to your credit card, debit card, or bank account and let you pay by holding your phone or smartwatch near the card reader. The payment method underneath the wallet (your Visa, Mastercard, or bank account) determines whether you earn rewards.

If you use Apple Pay or Google Pay with your Costco Visa card linked inside, you'll still earn the 2% or 4% cash back just as you would with the physical card. At the warehouse, most checkout lanes support contactless payment, though some older self-checkout kiosks may not. Online, digital wallets are accepted at the payment screen during checkout.

Online Shopping Payment and Non-Member Checkout

Costco.com accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. It does not accept cash, checks, or wire transfers. If you're a member, you can use any payment method and receive member pricing. If you're not a member, you can still shop online, but you'll pay a 5% surcharge on most items to cover the cost of non-member access.

Non-members cannot shop at warehouse locations without a membership, but the online option lets you purchase items without joining. The 5% surcharge applies to most products, though some items like medications and certain household goods may have different rules. If you decide to become a member later, you can link your existing online account to your new membership.

What Costco Does Not Accept

Costco does not accept personal checks online or at self-checkout kiosks—only at staffed registers in-warehouse. It does not accept PayPal, Venmo, or other third-party payment apps. Store credit or gift cards cannot be used as a payment method; they must be purchased separately and are treated as merchandise.

Costco also does not accept other retailers' store cards or co-branded cards from competitors. If you have a card from another warehouse club or big-box retailer, it will not work at Costco. International credit cards may work online, but acceptance varies by card issuer and country of origin—contact your bank if you're paying from outside the United States.

How Costco Membership Affects Payment Options

Your membership status does not change which payment methods Costco accepts, but it does affect pricing and rewards. Members pay the regular price on all items and can earn rewards with the Costco Visa card. Non-members can shop online and pay with any major credit card, but they pay 5% more on most purchases and cannot enter a warehouse.

If you have a Costco membership but don't own the Costco Visa card, you can still use any other credit card, debit card, or cash. You'll just miss out on the 2% to 4% cash back that the Costco Visa offers. The membership itself does not require a specific payment method—it's a separate annual fee you pay upfront, usually at renewal time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Costco Visa card if I don't have a membership?

No. The Costco Anywhere Visa card requires an active Costco membership to use at the warehouse. You can own the card without a membership, but you cannot enter a warehouse or use it there. You can use it for travel, restaurants, and other purchases outside Costco.

Do I earn rewards if I pay with a non-Costco credit card?

You earn rewards from your own credit card's program, not from Costco. Only the Costco Anywhere Visa card earns Costco rewards. If your bank card offers cash back or points, those will post to your account as usual, but Costco does not add extra rewards on top.

Can I pay with a check online?

No. Costco.com only accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. Checks are only accepted at in-warehouse registers. If you prefer to pay by check, you must shop at a physical warehouse location.

What happens if I use a card that's not accepted?

The payment will be declined at checkout. The cashier or online system will tell you the card is not accepted and ask you to provide a different payment method. This usually happens within seconds, and you can then pay with an accepted card, cash, or debit.

Does Costco accept cryptocurrency or Bitcoin?

No. Costco does not accept cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, or any digital currency. Only traditional payment methods—credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks (in-warehouse), and digital wallets—are accepted.