You need a Costco membership first, then you apply directly through Costco or Citi

The Costco credit card comes in two versions: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card (for non-members and members alike) and the Costco Visa Card (members only). Both are issued by Citibank. You cannot walk into a Costco and apply on the spot — you apply online through Costco's website, by phone, or by mail. The process takes about 7 to 10 business days from application to decision.

If you want the member-only card, you must already have an active Costco membership. If you want the Anywhere card, you do not need a membership to hold the card itself, but you will need one to shop at Costco and earn the card's rewards. Most people get the member card because the rewards are better.

The application asks for your Social Security number, income, employment history, and existing credit accounts. Citi will pull your credit report to check your score and payment history. There is no annual fee for either card, which is unusual — most premium cards charge $95 or more per year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Costco Visa Card requires an active Costco membership; the Costco Anywhere Visa Card does not, but you need a membership to use the rewards at Costco.
  • You apply online at costco.com, by phone at the number on Costco's website, or by mail — not in the warehouse itself.
  • Citi will check your credit report and typically makes a decision within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Both cards have no annual fee, and rewards are paid as an annual rebate check or statement credit, not points you redeem immediately.
  • You need a credit score in the mid-600s or higher to have a reasonable chance of approval, though Citi does not publish a minimum.

What credit score you need

Citi does not publish a minimum credit score for the Costco card, but based on what cardholders report, approval is more likely with a score of 650 or above. If your score is below 600, you may still be approved, especially if you have a long history with Costco or a strong income, but it is less common.

Your score is not the only thing Citi looks at. They also consider how much debt you already carry, whether you pay your bills on time, how long you have had credit accounts open, and your income relative to your debt. Someone with a 620 score but no missed payments and low debt may be approved, while someone with a 700 score and recent late payments might be denied.

If you are denied, Citi will mail you a letter explaining the main reason — usually "credit score too low" or "too many recent inquiries" or "insufficient credit history." You can call the number on the letter to ask for more detail, and you can reapply after 30 to 90 days if you have improved your situation.

How to apply online or by phone

The easiest route is online at costco.com. Go to the credit card section, choose which card you want (member or Anywhere), and click "Apply Now." You will be taken to Citi's application page. Fill in your personal information, Social Security number, income, and employment details. The form takes about 10 minutes.

After you submit, you will see a message saying your application is being reviewed. Some people get an instant decision on the screen; others see a message that says "We will let you know soon." If you do not get an instant answer, check your email and mail over the next week — Citi sends decisions by both channels.

If you prefer to apply by phone, call the number listed on Costco's credit card page. A representative will walk you through the application over the phone and can answer questions about the card's rewards or terms. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also mail in a paper application if you request one from Costco's member services desk.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Citi will send it to the address you provided on the application. When it arrives, you will need to activate it — you can do this online, by phone, or by using it for your first purchase.

Your credit limit will be set based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Most first-time cardholders get limits between $500 and $5,000, though some get higher. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for a few months.

The card earns rewards as an annual rebate, not as points. At the end of each year, Citi calculates your total rewards and either mails you a check or credits your statement. You cannot redeem rewards during the year or transfer them elsewhere — you get one lump sum once a year.

Differences between the member card and the Anywhere card

The Costco Visa Card (member only) earns 4% cash back on gas at Costco, 3% on restaurants and travel, and 1% on everything else. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card earns 4% at Costco warehouses, 3% on restaurants and travel, and 1% elsewhere. The member card's rewards are slightly better at the warehouse itself.

The Anywhere card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco. The member card works everywhere too, but most of its value comes from shopping at Costco. If you do not have a Costco membership and do not plan to get one, the Anywhere card is less useful because you cannot earn the 4% warehouse rate.

Both cards have no annual fee. Both require you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident. Both are issued by Citi and use the same application process.

What to do if you are denied

If Citi denies your application, the letter will explain why. The most common reasons are a credit score that is too low, too many recent credit inquiries (which suggest you are applying for credit everywhere), or insufficient credit history (you have not had credit accounts long enough).

You have options. You can reapply after 30 to 90 days if you have improved your score or paid down debt. You can also ask a family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards — this can boost your score if they have a long history and low balances. Or you can start with a secured credit card from another bank to build your history, then apply for the Costco card later.

If your score is the issue, focus on paying all bills on time for the next few months and paying down credit card balances if you have them. Even small improvements can change the outcome on a reapplication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to apply for the card?

Only if you want the Costco Visa Card (member only). The Costco Anywhere Visa Card has no membership requirement to hold it, but you will need a membership to shop at Costco and use the card's warehouse rewards. Most people get the member card because the rewards are better.

How long does it take to get approved?

Citi usually makes a decision within 7 to 10 business days. Some applicants get an instant decision when they submit online; others receive a decision by mail or email a few days later. Your card arrives 7 to 10 days after approval.

What if I have no credit history?

You will likely be denied because Citi has no record of how you handle debt. Start with a secured credit card from another bank, use it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, then reapply for the Costco card. A secured card requires a cash deposit but is much easier to get approved for.

Can I use the card outside of Costco?

Yes. Both the member card and the Anywhere card work anywhere Visa is accepted. The difference is the rewards rate — you earn 4% at Costco and its gas stations, but only 1% at other stores (except restaurants and travel, which earn 3%).

Is there an annual fee?

No. The Costco Visa Card and Costco Anywhere Visa Card both have no annual fee. This is one of their main advantages compared to other premium cash-back cards.