Costco accepts Visa cards only — no Mastercard, American Express, or Discover
Costco has a Visa-only policy for credit card payments at all US warehouse locations and online. This means any Visa card — whether issued by your bank, a credit union, or Costco itself — will work. Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club cards are not accepted for payment, though you can use them to pay your membership fee at the register or online.
This exclusivity agreement has been in place since 2016, when Costco ended its partnership with American Express and switched to Visa. The policy applies to in-warehouse purchases, gas station transactions, and costco.com orders. If you try to use a non-Visa card at checkout, the transaction will be declined.
Debit cards with a Visa logo work the same way as Visa credit cards. Cash and checks are also accepted. Some Costco locations accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, but only if the underlying card is Visa.
Key Takeaways
- Only Visa credit and debit cards are accepted for purchases at Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online — Mastercard and American Express will be declined.
- You can use any Visa card, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, a bank-issued Visa, or a credit union Visa.
- Mastercard and American Express can be used only to pay your membership fee, not to buy merchandise.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers 2% cash back on Costco purchases and 1% on other spending, but requires a Costco membership to use.
- If you don't have a Visa, you can still shop at Costco using cash, check, or debit card with a Visa logo.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card and its rewards
Costco's own credit card is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, issued by Citi. It earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases (warehouses, gas, and online), 1% cash back on all other purchases, and has no annual fee. The card requires an active Costco membership to open and use.
Cash back is issued as an annual reward certificate that you can use in-warehouse or online. The certificate arrives in your mailbox or email around February each year and is typically valid for one year. You cannot redeem it for cash directly — it must be spent at Costco.
The Costco Anywhere card also includes roadside information, travel accident insurance, and purchase protection, though these benefits are modest compared to premium travel cards. There is no sign-up bonus.
Other Visa cards that work at Costco
Any Visa card issued by any bank or credit union will work at Costco. This includes cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and basic Visa cards with no rewards at all. The card issuer does not need to be affiliated with Costco.
If you want rewards on Costco purchases but prefer not to use the Costco card, you can use a third-party Visa card instead. Many cash-back Visa cards earn 1.5% to 2% on all purchases, which is competitive with the Costco card's 2% rate on warehouse spending. However, the Costco card's 2% rate applies only at Costco, while a general cash-back Visa may earn less at other retailers.
The choice between the Costco card and another Visa depends on where you spend most of your money. If you buy most of your groceries and household goods at Costco, the Costco card's 2% rate there may outweigh a general card's higher rate elsewhere.
Why Costco switched from American Express to Visa
Costco and American Express ended their exclusive partnership in 2015 after a contract dispute over processing fees. American Express charges merchants higher fees than Visa and Mastercard, and Costco wanted to reduce costs. Visa offered better terms, so Costco made the switch in 2016.
This decision affected millions of Costco members who held American Express cards. Members had to switch to Visa or use cash and checks. Costco did not grandfather existing American Express cardholders or offer a transition period.
The Visa-only policy remains in effect today and is unlikely to change unless Costco negotiates a new deal with another card network. Costco has not announced any plans to accept Mastercard or American Express.
What to do if you don't have a Visa card
If you have a Mastercard or American Express but no Visa, you have three options: use cash or a check, explore for a Visa card, or use a debit card with a Visa logo. Many banks and credit unions offer free Visa debit cards, so this is often the fastest route.
You can also use your Mastercard or American Express to pay your Costco membership fee at the register or on costco.com, then use a different payment method for your purchases. This works if you renew your membership in person or online.
If you want to earn rewards on Costco purchases and don't have a Visa, opening a Visa card may be worth the effort. The Costco Anywhere card has no annual fee and no credit score minimum is published, though approval depends on your credit history.
Costco.com and mobile payment options
Costco's website accepts the same payment methods as the warehouse: Visa credit and debit cards, cash (not applicable online), and checks. You cannot use Mastercard or American Express on costco.com, even if you have a membership.
Some Costco warehouses accept Apple Pay and Google Pay at checkout. Both services work only if your underlying card is Visa. If your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet contains a Mastercard or American Express, that payment will be declined at Costco.
Costco does not accept PayPal, Venmo, or other third-party payment services. Wire transfers and bank transfers are not an option for online orders.
Costco gas station payment rules
Costco gas stations accept only Visa cards and Costco membership cards. You cannot use Mastercard, American Express, or Discover at the pump. Cash is not accepted at most Costco gas stations — you must use a card.
If you have a Costco membership card but no Visa, you can link a Visa card to your membership account online and use that card at the pump. The pump will recognize your membership number and charge the linked Visa.
Costco gas prices are typically lower than nearby stations, so the Visa-only requirement is a trade-off many members accept. If you want to use a non-Visa card, you will need to buy gas elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Mastercard at Costco if I'm a member?
No. Mastercard is not accepted for purchases at Costco warehouses, gas stations, or online, regardless of membership status. You can use Mastercard only to pay your membership fee at the register or on costco.com. For purchases, you must use Visa, cash, or check.
Does the Costco Anywhere Visa Card require a membership?
Yes. You must have an active Costco membership to open the card and to use it. If your membership expires, you can renew it using the card or another payment method, but you cannot use the card for purchases without an active membership.
What happens if I try to use a Mastercard at Costco checkout?
The transaction will be declined. The card reader will reject the payment because Mastercard is not in Costco's accepted payment network. You will need to provide a different payment method — Visa, cash, or check — to complete your purchase.
Can I use Apple Pay with my Mastercard at Costco?
No. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco only if your underlying card is Visa. If your Apple Pay wallet contains only Mastercard or American Express, the payment will be declined. You must add a Visa card to your mobile wallet to use it at Costco.
Is there a way to use American Express at Costco?
No. American Express is not accepted for purchases at any Costco location. You can use American Express only to pay your membership fee. If you want to earn rewards on Costco purchases, you will need to open a Visa card or use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card.