Getting a Costco Credit Card Requires a Costco Membership First

You cannot get a Costco credit card without an active Costco membership. Costco issues two credit cards — the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card — and both require membership to hold. If you do not have a membership, you will need to purchase one before you can be approved for either card.

The membership requirement exists because Costco uses the card as part of its membership ecosystem. Your card is tied to your membership account, and Costco uses membership status to verify your identity during the application process. You can purchase a membership in-warehouse, online at costco.com, or by phone at 1-800-992-2683.

Once your membership is active, you can apply for the credit card immediately. There is no waiting period between joining and applying.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco membership is required before you can apply for either Costco credit card, and you must have an active membership at the time of approval.
  • You can apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card online at costco.com, in-warehouse at the membership desk, or by phone at 1-800-992-2683.
  • The application process takes about 15 minutes and Costco will tell you immediately whether you are approved, pending, or denied.
  • If you are denied, you can reapply after 90 days, and Costco will tell you the reason for the denial when you ask.
  • The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can use it at Costco locations immediately upon receipt.

Where and How to Apply for the Costco Card

You have three ways to apply: online, in-warehouse, or by phone. The online application at costco.com is the fastest route — you fill out the form, receive a decision within minutes, and can start using the card as soon as it arrives. You will need your Costco membership number, Social Security number, and basic income information.

In-warehouse applications happen at the membership desk. A Costco employee will walk you through the form on a tablet or computer, and you will get a decision on the spot. This method works well if you are already at Costco and want to complete the process in person.

Phone applications are available by calling 1-800-992-2683. A representative will guide you through the questions and tell you the outcome during the call. This option takes longer than online or in-warehouse — typically 20 to 30 minutes — but works if you prefer speaking to a person.

What Happens During the Application Review

Costco will pull your credit report and check your credit score, payment history, and existing debt. The bank issuing the card (currently Visa, through a partnership with Costco) uses this information to decide whether to approve you. There is no minimum credit score published by Costco, but most cardholders report approval with scores in the mid-600s or higher.

You will receive one of three outcomes: approved, pending, or denied. Approved means the card is issued immediately and will arrive by mail. Pending means Costco needs more information — they will call you within a few business days. Denied means you do not meet their current criteria.

If you are denied, Costco will provide a reason when you ask. Common reasons include recent late payments, high existing debt relative to income, or a very recent negative event on your credit report. You can reapply after 90 days.

Timeline From Application to Using Your Card

The approval decision comes immediately or within minutes if you apply online or in-warehouse. If you apply by phone, you will know the outcome during the call.

After approval, the physical card ships by mail and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card at any Costco warehouse location as soon as you receive it. You cannot use it online at costco.com until you activate it, which you do by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your Costco account.

If you need the card urgently, ask during your application whether Costco offers expedited shipping. Some locations and membership tiers may have this option, though it is not standard.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card

The personal Costco Anywhere Visa Card is for individual members and household cardholders. It earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases, 1% on other purchases, and has no annual fee. You can add an authorized household member to your account at no extra cost.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is for business owners and sole proprietors. It earns 3% cash back on Costco purchases, 2% on gas and restaurants, and 1% on other purchases. It also has no annual fee. You must have a business membership to hold this card, and the application process is the same.

Both cards work at any Visa merchant, not just Costco. The difference in cash back rates reflects the higher spending patterns of business accounts. Choose the personal card if you shop for yourself or your household; choose the business card only if you have a registered business and a Costco business membership.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied

A denial does not affect your Costco membership — you can still shop at Costco with your membership card. It only means you cannot hold the Costco credit card at this time.

Ask Costco or the issuing bank for the specific reason. Common fixable reasons include recent late payments (wait 6 to 12 months), high credit utilization (pay down existing balances), or too many recent credit inquiries (wait 3 to 6 months). If the reason is a mistake on your credit report, you can dispute it with the credit bureau.

You can reapply after 90 days. If you fix the underlying issue — such as paying down debt or letting negative marks age — your chances improve significantly on the second attempt.

Managing Your Costco Card After Approval

Once you receive your card, activate it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Costco account online. You can set up automatic payments, view your balance, and download statements through the Costco website or the Costco mobile app.

Your cash back is deposited as an annual reward certificate that arrives in December. You can use this certificate to buy anything at Costco — groceries, gas, merchandise, or services. The certificate is valid for one year from the date issued.

If you close your Costco membership, your credit card account closes automatically. If you close the card but keep your membership, you can still shop at Costco with your membership card. You will lose access to the cash back rewards and any pending reward certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Costco credit card without a Costco membership?

No. Costco membership is a requirement for card approval. You must have an active membership at the time you apply and at the time you are approved. If your membership lapses, your card account will close.

How long does it take to get approved for a Costco credit card?

You receive a decision immediately if you apply online or in-warehouse. Phone applications take 20 to 30 minutes. After approval, the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card at Costco locations as soon as you receive it.

What credit score do I need for a Costco credit card?

Costco does not publish a minimum credit score. Most approvals happen with scores of 650 or higher, but some people with lower scores are approved and some with higher scores are denied. The decision depends on your full credit history, not just the score.

Can I add a household member to my Costco credit card?

Yes. You can add one household member as an authorized user at no cost. They receive their own card linked to your account and can make purchases, but you are responsible for all charges. You can remove them at any time by calling the number on the back of your card.

What do I do if my Costco credit card application is denied?

Ask Costco or the issuing bank for the reason. Common reasons include recent late payments, high debt levels, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after 90 days. If the reason is an error on your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau before reapplying.