Costco Accepts Only Visa Credit Cards

Costco takes Visa credit cards only. This means American Express, Discover, and Mastercard are not accepted at Costco warehouses or on Costco.com, even if you have a membership. The restriction applies to all Costco locations worldwide.

This policy has been in place since 2016, when Costco ended its partnership with American Express and switched to Visa as its exclusive credit card partner. If you want to use a credit card at Costco, it must carry the Visa logo.

Debit cards, cash, and checks are still accepted. Costco also accepts its own branded Costco Anywhere Visa card, which is issued by Citi and carries the Visa network logo. If you do not have a Visa credit card, you can pay with cash, debit, or the Costco Visa card.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts Visa credit cards only; American Express, Mastercard, and Discover are not accepted at any Costco location.
  • The Costco Anywhere Visa card, issued by Citi, is the co-branded option and earns rewards on Costco purchases.
  • You can still shop at Costco using cash, debit cards, or checks if you do not have a Visa credit card.
  • This Visa-only policy applies both in-warehouse and online at Costco.com.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card and Its Rewards

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a co-branded card issued by Citi that earns cash back on Costco purchases. The card earns 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,500 per year, then 1%), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. These rewards are paid as an annual rebate check or deposited into your Costco account.

You do not need the Costco Anywhere card to shop at Costco. Any Visa credit card works. The Costco card is simply the option that gives you rewards tied to your spending there. If you already have a Visa card from another bank, you can use it at Costco without any problem.

The Costco Anywhere card has an annual fee. As of 2024, the standard version costs $65 per year, and the Executive version costs $130 per year. The Executive version offers higher cash back rates on Costco purchases and travel, but only if your spending is high enough to offset the extra fee.

Why Costco Switched to Visa

Costco and American Express ended their partnership in 2015 after a contract dispute. American Express wanted higher fees; Costco wanted lower costs. Rather than renew with Amex, Costco chose Visa as its exclusive partner starting in 2016.

This switch affected millions of Costco members who held American Express cards. Those members had to switch to Visa or use cash and debit. The change also meant Costco could negotiate better rates with Visa and pass some savings to members through lower prices and membership fees.

Using Other Cards at Costco Gas Stations

Costco gas stations have the same Visa-only rule as the warehouse. You cannot use American Express, Mastercard, or Discover at the pump. This applies even if you have a Costco membership.

If you do not have a Visa card, you can pay for gas inside the warehouse with cash or debit. Some Costco locations allow you to pay with cash at the pump as well, but this varies by location. Call your local Costco to confirm whether pump payment is available.

What Happens If You Try to Use a Non-Visa Card

If you attempt to pay with an American Express, Mastercard, or Discover card at checkout or at the gas pump, the transaction will be declined. The card reader will not process the payment. You will need to provide a different payment method on the spot.

This can be frustrating if you did not know about the Visa-only policy beforehand. The best approach is to confirm you have a Visa card before you shop. If you do not, bring cash or a debit card instead.

Paying for Costco Online with Non-Visa Cards

Costco.com also accepts Visa credit cards only. The same rule applies to online purchases as it does in the warehouse. You cannot check out with American Express, Mastercard, or Discover.

You can pay for online orders with cash or debit if you use a Visa debit card. Some Costco members use PayPal or other digital wallets at checkout, but these wallets must be linked to a Visa card or Visa debit card to work. Check the payment options at checkout to see what is available in your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Mastercard or American Express at Costco?

No. Costco accepts Visa credit cards only. American Express, Mastercard, and Discover are not accepted anywhere at Costco, including the warehouse, gas station, and Costco.com. You can pay with cash, debit, or checks instead.

Do I need the Costco Anywhere Visa card to shop at Costco?

No. Any Visa credit card works at Costco. The Costco Anywhere card is optional and is useful only if you want to earn cash back rewards on your purchases. A regular Visa card from any bank is accepted.

What if I only have an American Express card?

You can still shop at Costco using cash, a debit card, or a check. You cannot use the American Express card for payment. If you want to use a credit card, you will need to open a Visa account or apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa card.

Can I use a Visa debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Costco accepts Visa debit cards the same way it accepts Visa credit cards. The Visa network logo is what matters, not whether the card is a credit or debit product. You can use either at the warehouse, gas station, or online.

Does the Visa-only policy apply to Costco Travel?

Costco Travel bookings can be made on Costco.com, so the same Visa-only rule applies to payment. You must use a Visa card to pay for travel packages booked through Costco Travel.