What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept? (A Shopper’s Guide)

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Ever been declined at a Costco checkout? Our latest guide explains exactly what credit cards Costco accepts in-store (Visa only!) and online, why the rule exists, and the best cards to use.

Ever had that moment of panic at a packed Costco checkout lane? Your cart is full, the line behind you is long, you confidently swipe your card, and… declined. Don’t worry, it’s probably not your bank. Costco, known for its amazing bulk deals, plays by a very different set of rules when it comes to payments.

This confusion is common, but it’s easily avoided.

In this guide, we will clear up the confusion once and for all. We’ll show you exactly what credit cards Costco accepts in its warehouses, at its gas stations, and online. We’ll also explain why these rules exist and share a few tips to make sure you’re always prepared and even earning rewards on your purchases.

Table of Contents

In-Store and at the Gas Station: It’s Visa or Nothing

Let’s get straight to the most important rule. At all Costco warehouses in the United States, and at all Costco gas stations, you can only pay with Visa credit cards.

That’s it. If you try to pay with any other type of credit card, it will be declined.

Accepted: Visa ✔️
Not Accepted: MasterCard ❌, American Express ❌, Discover ❌

This rule comes from Costco’s exclusive partnership with Visa, which began in 2016 after they ended their long-standing relationship with American Express. So, if you show up with a MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover card, the cashier will politely ask you for a different form of payment.

The most popular card you’ll see members using is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, which is specifically designed to maximize rewards on Costco purchases.

ALSO READ: Can You Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card? (What to Know Before You Try)

Online at Costco.com: A Little More Flexible

Here’s a twist that many people don’t realize: the rules are different when you shop online.

At Costco.com or through the Costco mobile app, you can pay with both Visa and MasterCard credit cards. This gives you a bit more flexibility if your preferred card is a MasterCard.

However, even online, American Express and Discover are still not accepted.

What Other Payment Methods Does Costco Accept?

If you forget your Visa credit card or prefer not to use one, you still have plenty of other options to pay for your purchases at a Costco warehouse.

Costco accepts the following forms of payment:

Debit or ATM Cards: Most debit cards with a PIN will work.
Cash: Always an option in-store.
Costco Shop Cards: These are Costco’s gift cards, which can be used by both members and non-members.
Checks: Personal or business checks are accepted from members with valid identification.
EBT Cards: For the purchase of eligible food items.
Mobile Payments (with a catch): You can use mobile payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. However, the underlying card linked to your digital wallet must be a Visa card. If your Apple Pay is linked to a MasterCard, it will be declined.

The Business Behind the Rule: Why Is Costco So Strict?

So, why does Costco have this exclusive Visa-only rule in its stores? It all comes down to business and saving money.

Credit card networks charge merchants a small percentage of each transaction, known as an “interchange fee.” By signing an exclusive partnership with Visa, Costco was able to negotiate a much lower transaction fee rate than other networks were offering.

Those savings, though small on each transaction, add up to hundreds of millions of dollars per year for a high-volume retailer like Costco. They can then pass those savings on to their members in the form of lower prices. In return, Visa gets exclusive access to the millions of high-value transactions that happen at Costco every single day.

ALSO READ: How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? The 4 Levels of Credit Card Ownership

The Best Visa Cards for Maximizing Your Costco Rewards

Since you have to use a Visa, you might as well use one that gives you great rewards on your Costco spending. Here are a few top options:

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: The official choice. It offers 4% cash back on eligible gas (including Costco gas), 3% on restaurants and travel, and 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: A fantastic all-around card that earns 1.5% cash back on everything, including your Costco purchases, plus bonus cash back in other categories.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: A simple and powerful option that gives you a flat 2% cash back on every single purchase, with no categories to track.

Using the right Visa card can earn you hundreds of dollars in cash back each year, especially if you shop for a large family or a small business.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Checkout

Forgetting the Gas Station Rule: The biggest mistake people make is assuming the gas station has different rules. Costco gas stations also follow the Visa-only rule. Your MasterCard will decline instantly at the pump.
Assuming Your Mobile Wallet Will Work: Remember, just because your mobile wallet works at other stores doesn’t mean it will work at Costco unless the card linked to it is a Visa.

Summary

Now you know exactly which cards work at Costco and why. To recap the simple rules:

In-Store & Gas Stations: Visa credit cards only.
Online at Costco.com: Visa and MasterCard.
Mobile Payments: Only if linked to a Visa card.

By keeping a Visa card in your wallet, you can ensure a smooth checkout every time and even earn great rewards on your bulk purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at Costco?
A: Yes, you can use mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay at Costco, but the credit or debit card linked to your digital wallet must be a Visa card for the transaction to be approved.

Q2: Why doesn’t Costco accept MasterCard in its stores?
A: Costco has an exclusive partnership with Visa that allows them to pay lower transaction fees. In exchange for these lower fees, Costco agrees to only accept Visa credit cards in its physical locations.

ALSO READ: Credit Cards That Only Pull From Equifax: A Smart Applicant's Guide (2025)

Q3: Is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi worth it?
A: For most regular Costco shoppers, yes. It has no annual fee (with your paid Costco membership) and offers excellent cash-back rates on gas (4%), restaurants/travel (3%), and Costco purchases (2%), making it one of the best cards for maximizing rewards at the warehouse.

Q4: Do these payment rules apply to Costco in other countries, like Canada or the UK?
A: Not necessarily. The exclusive credit card partnership can vary by country. For example, in Canada, Costco only accepts MasterCard. Always check the official Costco website for your specific country to see their payment policy.

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