Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — but only Visa and Mastercard at the pump

Costco takes four major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. However, this changes depending on where you swipe. At the fuel station, Costco accepts only Visa and Mastercard. Inside the warehouse, all four networks work. If you have an American Express or Discover card, you can use it in the store but not at the gas pump — you will need a Visa or Mastercard for fuel.

Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or any other card network. It also does not take store-branded cards or Costco-branded credit cards from other banks. The only Costco card that works is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which is issued by Citi and carries the Visa logo.

Cash, debit cards, and checks are also accepted throughout the warehouse and at the pump. Costco does not accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets at this time, though this policy can change by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa and Mastercard work everywhere at Costco — in the warehouse and at the fuel pump.
  • American Express and Discover work inside the warehouse but not at the gas station.
  • The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is the only Costco-branded credit card accepted; it is issued by Citi and carries the Visa network.
  • Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted at most Costco locations.
  • Debit cards and cash are accepted at all Costco locations and fuel stations.

Why Costco Limits Which Cards It Takes

Costco negotiates its own payment processing agreements with card networks. Unlike most retailers, Costco does not accept every card that exists — it has chosen to work with only four networks and to exclude others. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation. Costco can set these rules because it operates its own membership model and controls access to its stores.

The fuel pump restriction is separate. Costco's fuel stations run older payment terminals that do not support American Express or Discover. Upgrading these terminals across thousands of locations is expensive, and Costco has not made that investment. Visa and Mastercard work at the pump because their technology is compatible with the existing hardware.

Using the Costco Anywhere Visa Card

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a rewards card issued by Citi that earns cash back on Costco purchases. It carries the Visa logo, so it works everywhere Visa is accepted — including at Costco's fuel pump. This card is the only Costco-branded credit card that Costco itself accepts.

If you have a Costco credit card from a different bank or a different issuer, it will not work at Costco. For example, some older Costco cards were issued by American Express. Those cards no longer work at Costco because Costco ended its relationship with American Express for credit cards in 2016. If you hold one of those older cards, you will need to use a different payment method at Costco.

You do not need the Costco Anywhere Visa Card to shop at Costco. Any Visa or Mastercard will work. The Costco card is optional and is only worth getting if you want the rewards rate and plan to use it regularly.

What Happens If You Try to Use an Unsupported Card

If you attempt to pay with a card Costco does not accept — such as Diners Club or a store card from another retailer — the transaction will be declined at the register. The cashier will ask you to provide a different payment method. This happens in real time, so you will know immediately that your card does not work.

At the fuel pump, the card reader will reject the card before you can pump. You will need to go inside, pay with a different card, and return to the pump. This is why it is important to know which cards work at the pump before you arrive.

Costco does not charge a fee for a declined transaction, but your card issuer may. Some banks charge a small fee when a transaction is declined. Check your card's terms if you are concerned about this.

Debit Cards and Other Payment Methods

Costco accepts debit cards from any bank, as long as they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. A debit card with a Visa or Mastercard network logo will work at the pump and in the warehouse. Debit cards without a network logo — such as a card that only works at your bank's ATM — will not work at Costco.

Costco also accepts cash and checks. Checks must be written to Costco and must include your membership number. You will need to show a valid ID when paying by check. Cash is the fastest option if you want to avoid any payment processing questions.

Costco does not accept digital wallets at most locations. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other mobile payment systems are not supported, even if your phone is linked to a Visa or Mastercard. This is a Costco policy, not a card network limitation. Some warehouse locations may have updated their terminals to accept digital wallets, but this is not standard across all Costco stores.

International Cards and Traveling to Costco

If you have a Visa or Mastercard issued by a bank outside the United States, it will work at Costco. The card network matters, not the country of issue. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, which is separate from Costco's payment processing.

If you are traveling and have a Discover or American Express card from another country, the same rule applies: it will work in the warehouse but not at the fuel pump. Currency conversion is handled by your card issuer, not by Costco.

Before traveling, contact your card issuer to let them know you will be using your card at Costco. Some banks flag international transactions as fraud and decline them. A quick call to your bank prevents this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use American Express at Costco?

American Express works inside the Costco warehouse for purchases, but not at the fuel pump. If you need to buy gas, you will need to use a Visa or Mastercard instead. Costco ended its exclusive relationship with American Express in 2016 and now accepts multiple card networks.

Does Costco take Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Most Costco locations do not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets. You must use a physical card or cash. Some newer warehouse locations may have updated terminals, but this is not standard. Call your local Costco to ask if they accept mobile payments.

What if I only have an American Express card and need to buy gas?

You will need to use a different payment method. Go inside the warehouse, pay for a gift card with your American Express, and use the gift card at the pump. Alternatively, use cash, a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, or a check.

Is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card required to shop at Costco?

No. You can shop at Costco with any Visa or Mastercard. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is optional and only worth getting if you want the cash back rewards and plan to use it regularly at Costco.

Will a Costco gift card work at the fuel pump?

Yes. Costco gift cards work at the fuel pump just like they work in the warehouse. If you have a card that Costco does not accept, you can buy a gift card inside the warehouse and use it at the pump.