Costco accepts most major credit cards, but membership type and warehouse location affect which ones
Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at most U.S. warehouses. However, the card rules depend on your membership level. If you have a Gold Star or Executive membership, you can use any of those four card types. If you shop at a Costco Business location with a Business membership, the same four cards work there too.
The one real restriction: Costco does not take Diners Club or other store cards, and it stopped accepting all Visa cards at some international locations years ago — but in the United States, Visa works everywhere. Costco also accepts their own Costco Anywhere Visa card, which earns cash back on purchases.
You can pay with a credit card at the warehouse register, at the self-checkout kiosks, or online at costco.com. Gas stations at Costco warehouses have their own rules: they accept Visa and Mastercard, but not American Express or Discover.
Key Takeaways
- Costco warehouses in the United States accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at checkout and self-checkout.
- Costco gas stations only accept Visa and Mastercard, not American Express or Discover.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa card earns cash back on warehouse purchases and gas, and it is the only store-branded card Costco accepts.
- Online orders at costco.com accept the same four major card types as the warehouse.
Credit cards at the warehouse checkout
When you reach the register with your items, you can hand over any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The cashier will process it the same way as any other retailer. You do not need to tell them in advance or show your membership card separately — your Costco membership is tied to your account, and the card reader will recognize it when you scan your membership barcode or use your phone number.
If you are using a debit card that carries a Visa or Mastercard logo, it works the same way. Costco does not distinguish between credit and debit at the point of sale — both are processed through the same payment networks.
Self-checkout and mobile payment at Costco
Costco self-checkout kiosks accept the same four card types. You insert or tap your card into the reader, and the transaction goes through without a cashier. If you want to use your phone to pay — Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay — those services work at self-checkout as long as your phone is linked to a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover account.
At the warehouse entrance, you still need to show your membership card or provide your membership number to enter. Mobile payment does not replace that step.
Costco gas station payment rules
Costco gas pumps are more restrictive than the warehouse. They accept Visa and Mastercard only. American Express and Discover do not work at the pump, even though they work inside the warehouse. This is a Costco policy, not a limitation of the card networks themselves.
If you want to use American Express or Discover to buy gas, you have to pay inside the warehouse at the fuel desk rather than at the pump. Some members keep a Visa or Mastercard specifically for gas to avoid this step.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card and cash back
Costco issues its own credit card through Visa, called the Costco Anywhere Visa card. It earns 2% cash back on Costco warehouse purchases and gas, 1% on all other purchases, and the cash back is paid as an annual reward certificate you can use at the warehouse or online.
You do not have to use the Costco card to shop — any of the four major card types work. But if you shop frequently and pay with a credit card anyway, the Costco card's cash back can add up. The card has an annual fee that varies, so check the current terms before opening an account.
The Costco card is the only store-branded card Costco accepts. They do not take American Express-branded store cards or other retail credit cards.
Online orders and credit card payment
When you order from costco.com, you enter your card information during checkout. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also save your card to your Costco account so you do not have to re-enter it for future orders.
If you are a Costco member but do not have a warehouse membership, you can still order online and pay with a credit card — but shipping costs explore, and some items are warehouse-only. Check the product page to see whether an item ships to your address.
What to do if your card is declined
If your card is declined at Costco, the most common reasons are: the card has expired, you have hit your credit limit, the card issuer flagged the transaction as suspicious, or the card type is not accepted at that location (for example, American Express at a gas pump).
Ask the cashier or pump attendant which card type they need, or try a different card if you have one. If you believe the decline was an error, contact your card issuer directly — they can tell you whether the transaction was blocked on their end and why.
Costco itself does not block transactions based on your membership status or purchase history. The decision to approve or decline comes from your card issuer, not from Costco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use American Express at the Costco gas pump?
No. Costco gas pumps accept Visa and Mastercard only. If you want to use American Express, you must pay at the fuel desk inside the warehouse instead of at the pump.
Does Costco take Discover cards?
Yes, Discover works at the warehouse checkout and online. It does not work at Costco gas pumps. If you have a Discover card, you can use it to buy merchandise but will need a Visa or Mastercard for fuel.
What if I pay with a credit card but my membership is expired?
You cannot enter the warehouse or use the gas station without an active membership, regardless of your payment method. Your membership status is checked at the entrance, before you reach the register. You will need to renew your membership first.
Can I use a prepaid credit card at Costco?
Yes, as long as the prepaid card carries a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. Prepaid cards work the same way as regular credit cards at checkout and online. Gas pumps follow the same rules — Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards work, but American Express and Discover do not.
Does the Costco Anywhere Visa card work at other stores?
Yes. The Costco Anywhere Visa is a regular Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn the higher cash back rate (2%) only on Costco warehouse and gas purchases. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.