Payment Options at Costco 💳
Historical Context
For many years, Costco and American Express enjoyed an exclusive partnership that made AmEx the only credit card accepted at the wholesale club. This partnership was beneficial for both parties, as it allowed Costco to offer competitive merchant fees and provided American Express with a steady stream of transactions from Costco's large customer base. However, in 2016, Costco made a significant shift in its credit card policy, ending its 16-year partnership with American Express.
Current Credit Card Policy
As of now, Costco does not accept American Express cards for in-store purchases. Instead, the retailer has partnered with Visa, making it the only credit card network accepted at Costco warehouses in the United States. This change was primarily financial, as partnering with Visa allowed Costco to secure lower transaction fees.
Accepted Payment Methods
Here's a comprehensive list of payment options available at Costco:
- Visa credit cards
- Debit cards (any brand)
- Costco Shop Cards
- Cash
- Checks
- EBT cards (for eligible items)
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay - must be linked to Visa)
- PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card Benefits
Costco now partners with Citi to offer the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card, which provides members with several benefits:
- 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases
- 3% cash back on restaurants and travel
- 2% cash back on Costco purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Online Shopping Considerations 🛒
For online purchases at Costco.com, the payment options are more flexible. In addition to Visa, you can use MasterCard and Discover cards for online transactions. Additionally, you can purchase Costco Shop Cards online using an American Express card, which can then be used for in-warehouse or online purchases.
Alternative Options for AmEx Cardholders
If you're an American Express cardholder wanting to shop at Costco, consider these workarounds:
- Purchase a Costco Shop Card using your AmEx through Costco.com
- Use a debit card instead
- Apply for a Visa credit card
- Carry cash as a backup payment method
Remember that regardless of payment method, you must be a Costco member to make purchases, except for certain services like the pharmacy and optical department.
International Considerations
It's important to note that Costco's credit card policy can vary by country. For example, in Canada, Costco accepts MasterCard instead of Visa. Therefore, if you're traveling internationally, it's a good idea to check the specific payment policies of the Costco location you plan to visit.
For more information on Costco's payment policies, you can visit their official website.