Costco accepts most major credit cards, but the rules depend on your membership type
Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at checkout — both in-warehouse and online. However, Costco members with a Gold Star membership (the standard tier) can use any of these cards. Members with an Executive membership earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases when they pay with their Costco Anywhere Visa card, but can still use other cards if they choose.
The card you use must be in your name or a name on your membership account. Costco will ask to see your membership card at the register or gate before you check out. If you are shopping online, you enter your card details during checkout, and your membership is linked to your account automatically.
Costco does not take American Express at the warehouse, even though it accepts Amex online. This is a long-standing agreement between the two companies. If you have an Amex card, you can use it on Costco.com but not in the building.
Key Takeaways
- Visa, Mastercard, and Discover work at Costco warehouses; American Express works online only.
- Executive members earn 2% cash back when they use the Costco Anywhere Visa card, but other cards are accepted.
- Your card must be in your name or match a name on your membership account.
- You must show your membership card at checkout, whether you are paying with a credit card or another method.
- Costco.com accepts all four card types, including American Express.
Using a credit card at the warehouse checkout
When you reach the register, the cashier will ask for your membership card first. Hand it over and let them scan it. Then tell them which card you want to use, or hand it to them directly. The card reader at the register accepts chip, tap, and swipe payments — use whichever method the machine prompts you for.
If your card is declined, the register will show an error code. Ask the cashier what it says; common reasons are a frozen account, insufficient funds, or a mismatch between the name on the card and the name on your membership. If the card is truly declined and you cannot resolve it on the spot, you can pay with a different card, a Costco Cash card, or a check.
Costco does not hold a temporary authorization on your card while you shop. The charge goes through only at checkout, so you will see one transaction on your statement per visit.
Paying with a credit card online at Costco.com
Log into your Costco.com account using your membership number and password. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. On the payment page, select "Credit Card" as your payment method and enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back).
Costco.com will ask for a billing address. This must match the address on file with your card issuer, or the transaction may be declined. If you have moved recently and your card issuer has not updated your address yet, contact them before placing your order.
Your order will process when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with your order number. Costco typically ships within one to two business days. You will see the charge on your credit card statement within a few days, depending on your card issuer.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card and cash back rewards
The Costco Anywhere Visa card is a co-branded card issued by Citi Bank. If you hold an Executive membership, you earn 2% cash back on all Costco purchases made with this card — both in-warehouse and online. You also earn 1% cash back on other purchases outside Costco.
The card has no annual fee for the first year, then $59 per year after that. However, the 2% cash back on Costco purchases often covers the fee if you shop there regularly. Cash back is issued as an annual reward certificate that you can use at Costco or Costco.com.
You do not have to use the Costco Visa card to shop at Costco. Gold Star members and Executive members can use any accepted card. The Visa card is optional and designed for members who want to earn rewards on their Costco spending.
What to do if your credit card is declined
If your card is declined at the register, ask the cashier for the decline code or reason. The most common causes are insufficient funds, a card that has been reported lost or stolen, a fraud alert from your card issuer, or a mismatch between the name on your card and the name on your Costco membership.
If the name does not match, you may need to update your membership account or bring a different card. If the decline is due to fraud protection, call your card issuer from the store (or later) and ask them to clear the hold. Many card companies will approve the transaction once you confirm it was you.
If you do not have another card with you, Costco accepts Costco Cash cards, checks, and debit cards. You can also leave your items at the register, go home, resolve the issue with your card issuer, and return another day to complete the purchase.
Credit card payment options for Costco Business members
Costco Business members can pay with the same credit cards as regular members: Visa, Mastercard, and Discover in-warehouse, and all four major cards online. The Costco Business Visa card offers 2% cash back on Costco Business purchases and 1% on other purchases, with no annual fee for the first year and $110 per year after that.
Business members do not earn the same rewards on the regular Costco Anywhere Visa card. If you have a business membership and want to earn cash back, you will need the Business Visa card instead. The rewards structure and redemption process are the same as the regular Costco Visa card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card at Costco?
No. The card must be in your name or the name of someone on your membership account. Costco checks the name on the card against your membership to prevent fraud. If you want to use a household member's card, add them to your membership account first.
Does Costco charge a fee for paying with a credit card?
No. Costco does not charge you a fee for using a credit card. Your card issuer may charge you interest if you carry a balance, but Costco itself does not add any surcharge.
Why was my American Express card declined at the warehouse?
Costco does not accept American Express at warehouse locations. This is a long-standing agreement between Costco and Amex. You can use Amex on Costco.com, but not in the building. Use Visa, Mastercard, or Discover instead.
How long does it take for a Costco credit card charge to show up on my statement?
The charge typically appears within three to five business days, depending on your card issuer and when the transaction was processed. In-warehouse purchases may take slightly longer than online purchases because the transaction has to be batched and sent to your bank.
Can I use a prepaid credit card at Costco?
Yes, as long as it is a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover prepaid card. The card must have a name on it that matches your membership account. Some prepaid cards do not allow large purchases or have daily spending limits, so check your card's terms before shopping.