Credit Card Policy at Costco
Costco has a unique credit card policy compared to other retailers, with specific agreements that dictate which cards are accepted. This policy helps Costco negotiate lower merchant fees, which contributes to keeping prices low for customers.
Current Accepted Credit Cards
- Visa: Costco has an exclusive agreement with Visa, making it the only major credit card network accepted at their U.S. warehouses
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
Other Payment Methods
In addition to Visa credit cards, Costco accepts several forms of payment:
- Debit cards (including Visa and PIN-based debit)
- Cash
- Checks
- Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards
- Costco Shop Cards
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card offers several advantages:
- 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (first $7,000 per year, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel worldwide
- 2% cash back on all Costco purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
International Costco Locations
Payment acceptance varies by country:
| Country | Primary Credit Cards Accepted |
|---|---|
| Canada | Mastercard |
| United Kingdom | Mastercard, Visa |
| Japan | JCB, Mastercard |
| Australia | Mastercard, Visa |
Online Shopping Considerations
When shopping on Costco.com, the payment options are more flexible. In addition to Visa, you can use:
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
All Visa credit cards are accepted, but you'll need a Costco membership to make purchases unless buying select items marked as "Non-member Price."
Special Circumstances
Gas Stations
Costco gas stations accept:
- Any Visa credit card
- Most debit cards
- Costco Shop Cards
Food Court
The Costco food court follows the same payment guidelines as the warehouse, but some locations may be cash-only for small purchases.
Tips for Costco Shoppers
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Get the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: This card offers substantial cash back benefits on various purchase categories.
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Plan Your Payment Method: Remember that only Visa is accepted in-store to avoid checkout surprises.
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Use Mobile Payments: Link your Visa card to a mobile payment app for convenience.
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Consider Online Shopping: If you prefer using a different credit card, shop on Costco's website where more options are available.
For more detailed information on merchant fees and policies, visit Costco's membership and payment policies.