The Costco credit card is not harder to get than most cards, but it has one unusual requirement
You need a Costco membership to hold a Costco credit card. That is the main difference between applying for this card and applying for a standard rewards card from a bank. If you already have a membership, the credit approval itself works the same way as any other card — the issuer (Citi Bank) pulls your credit report, checks your income, and decides based on your credit history and current debt.
The card itself comes in two versions: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card. Both require an active membership. If you do not have a membership yet, you will need to buy one before you can even start the credit card process. That membership costs money upfront, which is the real barrier for most people — not the credit approval.
Your credit score does matter. Citi does not publish a minimum score, but based on what cardholders report, you generally need a score in the mid-600s or higher to have a reasonable chance. If your score is lower, you might still be approved, but it is less likely. The card does not offer a secured option or a starter version, so there is no backup route if you are denied.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an active Costco membership before you can apply for the credit card, and the membership itself costs between $60 and $130 per year depending on the tier.
- Citi Bank issues the card and makes the credit decision based on your credit score, income, and existing debt — the same factors they use for other cards.
- There is no secured card option or second-chance version, so if you are denied, your only path forward is to rebuild your credit elsewhere first.
- The card offers cash back on Costco purchases and gas, but you only earn rewards if you use it at Costco or Costco gas stations, not at other retailers.
What your credit score needs to be
Citi does not publish a minimum credit score for the Costco card, but applicants who report approval typically have scores of 650 or higher. If your score is below 650, approval is still possible but becomes less likely. Your score is not the only thing Citi looks at — they also consider your income, how much debt you already carry, and whether you have missed payments recently.
If you were denied, Citi will send you a letter explaining the main reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt relative to your income, or recent late payments. You can call Citi's reconsideration line within 30 days of denial to ask if there is anything that might change their decision, though this rarely reverses a denial outright.
The membership requirement and what it costs
Costco memberships come in three tiers: Gold Star ($65 per year), Executive ($130 per year), and Business ($65 per year for business owners). You must have one of these active before you apply for the credit card. You cannot hold the credit card without a membership, and if your membership lapses, your card remains active but you lose the ability to shop at Costco — which defeats the purpose of having the card.
The membership cost is separate from any annual fee on the card itself. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card has no annual fee, which is unusual for a rewards card. This means your only cost is the membership itself. If you are not already a Costco member, budget $65 to $130 upfront before you apply for the card.
How the application process works
You apply for the Costco credit card through Citi's website or by phone. You will need your Costco membership number, Social Security number, income information, and details about your current debts and accounts. The application takes about 10 minutes. Citi will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points.
You will usually get a decision within minutes if you apply online. If Citi needs more information, they may contact you by phone or email. Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it at Costco locations and Costco gas stations immediately, even before the physical card arrives, if you set up your account online.
When you might be denied and what to do next
If your credit score is very low (below 600), you have recent late payments, or your debt-to-income ratio is very high, Citi may deny you. There is no second-chance or secured version of the Costco card, so denial is a hard stop with this particular card. You cannot reapply immediately — you should wait at least three to six months and work on improving your credit score before trying again.
If you are denied, focus on building credit elsewhere first. A secured credit card from a bank or credit union, or a card designed for people rebuilding credit, can help you establish a better payment history. Once you have made on-time payments for several months and your score has risen, you can come back to the Costco card. Many people successfully apply after their second or third attempt.
The rewards structure and whether the card is worth it
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card earns 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 per year, then 1% after that), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on everything else. However, you only earn the higher rates if you use the card at Costco, Costco gas stations, or may have access to travel and restaurant merchants. At other retailers, you earn just 1% cash back, which is lower than many standard rewards cards.
The card makes sense if you shop at Costco regularly and buy gas there. If you rarely visit Costco or prefer to shop elsewhere, the rewards will not be worth the membership cost. The card is also Visa, so it works at any merchant that takes Visa, but you will not earn the bonus rates outside Costco.
How the Costco card compares to other rewards cards
The main trade-off with the Costco card is that you must be a member to use it, and membership costs money. Other rewards cards have no membership requirement and no annual fee. However, the Costco card has no annual fee itself, and if you are already a Costco member, the card is free to hold.
If you are not a Costco member, the membership cost ($65 to $130 per year) needs to be worth it based on your shopping habits. If you shop at Costco frequently and use the gas station, the rewards and bulk savings often justify the membership. If you shop there rarely, the membership cost will outweigh any credit card rewards you earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Costco card if I have no credit history?
It is unlikely. Citi needs to see some credit history to make a decision. If you have never had a credit card or loan, start with a secured card or a card designed for people new to credit. Once you have six months of on-time payments, you will have a better chance with the Costco card.
What happens to my card if my Costco membership expires?
Your card stays active, but you cannot use it to shop at Costco. The card itself does not close, but it becomes useless for its main purpose. You can renew your membership anytime to use the card again.
Can I apply for the Costco card online, or do I have to go to the warehouse?
You apply online through Citi's website or by phone. You do not need to visit a Costco warehouse to apply. However, you do need to have an active membership number before you start the application.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come within minutes if you apply online. Your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online before the physical card arrives.
Can I reapply if I was denied?
Yes, but wait at least three to six months. Use that time to improve your credit score by making on-time payments and lowering your debt. Then reapply. Many people are approved on their second or third attempt.