Costco's Credit Card Rules

Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all warehouse locations and online. You cannot use Diners Club, JCB, or other cards, even if they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. The warehouse will decline them at checkout.

Costco also accepts their own branded Costco Visa card, which is issued by Citi. This card earns rewards on Costco purchases and is the only co-branded card Costco actively promotes, though it is not required to shop there.

At the gas station attached to your warehouse, the same rules apply — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover only. Some older gas pumps may not accept American Express, so bring a backup card if you use Amex.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover everywhere in the warehouse and online, but no other card types.
  • The Costco Visa card earns rewards on warehouse purchases and gas, but you do not need it to shop — any accepted card works.
  • Gas station pumps at Costco locations sometimes reject American Express, so carry a second card if Amex is your only option.
  • Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or store credit cards from other retailers, even if they display a Visa or Mastercard logo.

Why Costco Limits Which Cards They Take

Costco negotiates directly with card networks rather than accepting all cards that exist. This lets them control processing fees and pass savings to members. The four networks they chose — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — represent the vast majority of card volume in the United States.

Costco dropped American Express as their exclusive partner in 2016 and began accepting Visa, Mastercard, and Discover alongside Amex. This change happened because Costco wanted to reduce the fees they paid per transaction. American Express typically charges higher processing fees than the other networks, so Costco added cheaper alternatives.

The Costco Visa card exists because Citi pays Costco a fee to issue it. Costco benefits from the partnership without losing control over which cards work in the warehouse.

What Happens If You Try to Use an Unsupported Card

The card reader will decline your card at the register. The cashier cannot override this — the system rejects it automatically. You will need to provide a different card that Costco accepts, or pay with cash, debit, or a check.

This includes cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo but are issued by a third party, such as a store card from another retailer that happens to run on the Visa network. Costco's system checks the card's issuing bank and network, not just the logo on the front.

If you discover this at checkout, ask the cashier whether you can step aside, call your bank, and request a different card be sent to you. Some banks can issue a temporary card number over the phone, though this is rare.

The Costco Visa Card and Rewards

The Costco Visa card earns 4% cash back on gas (including Costco gas stations), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. These rewards are paid as an annual statement credit or check, not as points you redeem.

You must be a Costco member to get the card. The card itself has no annual fee, but your Costco membership does. The card is issued by Citi and requires a credit check.

If you do not want the Costco card, any other Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card works just as well in the warehouse. You do not earn extra rewards with those cards at Costco unless the card itself offers category bonuses for warehouse or grocery purchases.

Using Credit Cards Online at Costco.com

Costco.com accepts the same four card networks as the warehouse: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay with PayPal, which links to your bank account or card.

Online checkout does not accept checks, cash, or EBT. If you have a Costco membership card but no accepted credit card, you can place an order by phone and pay with a check or money order, though this is slower than online checkout.

Costco.com ships to most addresses in the continental United States. Some items, such as alcohol or hazardous materials, have shipping restrictions by state.

International Cards and Traveling to Costco

If your card is issued outside the United States but carries a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo, Costco will accept it. The card must be valid and not expired. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, which is separate from Costco's processing.

Costco does not accept cards issued in currencies other than US dollars. If you are traveling and your home country's card network is not one of the four Costco accepts, you will need to pay with cash or arrange a different payment method before you arrive.

Some Costco locations near the Canadian border accept Canadian Visa and Mastercard, but this is not may provide. Call your local warehouse before traveling if you plan to use a Canadian card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid Visa or Mastercard at Costco?

Yes, as long as the prepaid card carries a Visa or Mastercard logo and is not expired. Costco's system treats prepaid cards the same as regular credit cards. Some prepaid cards have daily spending limits set by the issuer, so check your card's terms if the transaction is declined.

What if my card is declined but I know I have enough credit?

The decline could mean your card is not one of the four networks Costco accepts, your card is expired, or your bank flagged the transaction as suspicious. Ask the cashier which network your card uses. If it is Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, call your bank to ask why they declined it.

Does Costco take Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Yes. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco because they transmit your card information to the card reader. You must have a supported card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) linked to your digital wallet. The warehouse treats mobile payments the same as swiping a physical card.

Can I use a business credit card at Costco?

Yes, if it is issued on the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover network. You do not need a business membership — a regular Costco membership works with any accepted card. Some business cards have different rewards structures, so check your card's terms to see what you earn at warehouse retailers.

What if I only have an American Express card and the gas pump rejects it?

Older gas pumps at some Costco locations do not support American Express due to technical limitations. Bring a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card as a backup, or pay inside the warehouse with your Amex. Costco is gradually upgrading pumps, but the process is slow.