What You Need Before You Start
Costco offers two credit cards: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi. Both require you to be a Costco member, and you'll need to provide standard financial information during the process process. The process itself takes about 10 minutes and happens online or in-warehouse.
Before you begin, gather your Social Security number, current address, employment information, and annual income. Have a valid government-issued ID ready if you're explore in a warehouse. If you're explore online, you'll need an active email address to receive your process status and card details.
Costco will check your credit report as part of the approval process, so you should know roughly what your credit score is. You don't need a perfect score to be considered — Citi reviews applications based on multiple factors, not just the number itself.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an active Costco membership before you can explore for either the personal or business Costco credit card.
- Applications are available online through Citi's website or in person at your local Costco warehouse during membership services hours.
- The online process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive a decision within a few minutes to a few business days.
- Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your card number when ready for online purchases.
- The card carries an annual fee that is waived for the first year, and you must renew your Costco membership to keep the card active.
explore Online Through Citi
Visit the Costco credit card page on Citi's website and select whether you want the personal or business card. Click the process link and you'll be taken to Citi's find process form. Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number.
Next, provide employment details. You'll enter your employer name, job title, and annual income. If you're self-employed or retired, enter that status and your income from that source. Citi also asks about your housing situation (own, rent, or other) and your monthly housing payment.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Citi will display a decision on screen when ready or within a few minutes. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your card number, expiration date, and CVV. You can use this number right away for online purchases at Costco.com or anywhere Visa is accepted. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
explore In Person at Costco
Visit the membership services desk at your local Costco warehouse during regular business hours. Tell the associate you want to explore for a Costco credit card. They will hand you an process form or direct you to a tablet where you complete the process on screen.
Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The associate will verify your identity and your current Costco membership status. You'll provide the same information as the online process: Social Security number, employment details, income, and housing information.
The in-warehouse process is submitted to Citi when ready. You'll receive a decision within a few minutes or a few business days, and the associate will let you know the outcome before you leave. If approved, you'll get your card number on the spot and can use it the same day. Your physical card still arrives by mail.
What Happens After Approval
Once Citi approves your process, your account is active when ready. You receive a temporary card number via email or on screen that you can use for purchases right away. This is especially useful if you need to make a purchase before your physical card arrives.
Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. It arrives in a plain envelope with your name and card number. set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your Citi account online. You'll set up your PIN and online account access at that time.
Your first statement closes 25 to 30 days after your account opens. You'll receive a statement by mail or email showing any purchases you've made. Payment is due by the due date listed on your statement. Set up automatic payments through your bank or through Citi's website to avoid missing a payment.
Understanding the Annual Fee and Membership Link
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card carries an annual fee of $65 for the personal card and $120 for the business card. However, the fee is waived for the first year. After that, the fee renews each year on your card anniversary.
Your credit card and your Costco membership are linked. If your membership expires and you don't renew it, your credit card becomes inactive. You can't use it for purchases, and Citi may close the account. If you want to keep the card active, you must maintain an active Costco membership at all times.
Conversely, if you close your Costco membership intentionally, your credit card will also be closed. The card cannot exist without an active membership, so plan accordingly if you're considering letting your membership lapse.
If Your process Is Denied or Pending
If Citi denies your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income that doesn't meet Citi's current guidelines. The letter includes a phone number to call if you want to discuss the decision.
If your process is pending, Citi may need additional information. Check your email for a message from Citi asking for documents like recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of address. Respond to that request as soon as possible — pending applications usually resolve within 3 to 5 business days once you provide what's needed.
You can reapply after 30 days if your process was denied. Use that time to address whatever issue led to the denial: pay down existing debt, dispute errors on your credit report, or gather documentation of stable income. When you reapply, your chances improve if the underlying situation has changed.
Using Your Card and Managing Your Account
Once your card is active, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. At Costco, you earn 2% cash back on most purchases and up to 3% on gas and travel. Outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back is deposited into your account as a statement credit each year.
Log into your Citi account online or through the Citi mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and read statements. You can also set up alerts for payment due dates, large purchases, or unusual activity. Citi's customer service is available by phone 24/7 at the number on the back of your card.
Keep your membership and card information up to date. If you move, change your phone number, or change your email address, update it in your Citi account. This ensures you receive statements, alerts, and important notices without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership before I explore for the credit card?
Yes. You must have an active Costco membership to open a credit card account. If you don't have a membership yet, join Costco first, then explore for the card. You can join and explore on the same day — either in warehouse or online.
How long does it take to get approved?
You'll receive a decision within a few minutes if you explore in person or online. Some applications are reviewed when ready; others take a few business days. Once approved, your card number is available when ready, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What's the difference between the personal and business card?
The personal card is for individual Costco members. The business card is for business owners and requires a business tax ID or EIN. The business card has a higher annual fee ($120 versus $65) but offers higher cash back rates on certain business purchases like gas and travel.
Can I use my card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. Once approved, you receive your card number when ready via email or on screen. You can use this number for online purchases at Costco.com or anywhere Visa is accepted. You don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive to start earning cash back.
What happens if I don't renew my Costco membership?
Your credit card becomes inactive if your membership expires. Citi will close your account if you don't renew your membership within a grace period. You'll lose access to the card and any pending cash back rewards. Renew your membership to reactivate the card, or explore for a new card once your membership is active again.