Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all warehouse locations and online
Costco stopped accepting American Express as its primary card in 2016 and switched to Visa. Today, Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover everywhere — in the warehouse, at the gas station, and on Costco.com. The one exception is the Costco Anywhere Visa card, which is Costco's own branded card and works at every Costco location.
Debit cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo also work. Cash and checks are accepted too, though fewer members use them now. If you show up with a card Costco does not take, the cashier will ask you to use a different payment method before you reach the register.
Key Takeaways
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted at all Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa card earns rewards on Costco purchases and is the only co-branded card Costco currently offers.
- Debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo work the same way as credit cards at checkout.
- Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or other specialty cards, even if they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo underneath.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card and how it differs from other cards
The Costco Anywhere Visa card is issued by Citi and is the card Costco promotes to members. It earns cash back on Costco purchases — the rate varies by category (gas, groceries, travel, and other) — and you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco. The card has an annual fee that matches your Costco membership tier.
If you do not have the Costco card, any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card will work at checkout. You do not earn Costco rewards with those cards unless the card issuer offers its own rewards program. For example, a Chase Sapphire card earns points on all purchases, including Costco, but those points go to Chase's program, not Costco's.
The Costco card is optional. Many members use their existing rewards cards and accept that they do not earn Costco-specific cash back. Others explore for the Costco card specifically to earn rewards on their regular shopping.
What happens if you try to use an unsupported card
If you reach the register with a card Costco does not take — such as Diners Club or a store card from another retailer — the cashier will stop the transaction and ask you to provide a different payment method. This happens before your card is charged, so there is no failed transaction on your statement.
Some cards carry a Visa or Mastercard logo but are issued by a specialty network. These do not work at Costco even though they have the logo. If you are unsure whether your card will work, call Costco's member services line or ask at the membership desk before you shop.
Using your card at Costco gas stations
Costco gas stations accept the same four card types as the warehouse: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can pay at the pump or inside the station. If you use the pump, insert your card and follow the on-screen prompts — the process is the same as any other gas station.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card earns a higher cash back rate on gas purchases than on other categories, so many members use it specifically at the pump. If you use a different card, you earn whatever rewards that card's issuer offers.
Paying for Costco purchases online
Costco.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online orders. You enter your card information at checkout the same way you would on any other website. The Costco Anywhere Visa card works online and earns rewards on Costco.com purchases just as it does in the warehouse.
If you have a Costco gift card, you can use it online as well. Some members combine a gift card with a credit card to reach their total — for example, using a $50 gift card and paying the remainder with a Visa. Costco will process both payments in sequence.
International cards and traveling with Costco
If you are traveling outside the United States, your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card will work at Costco locations in other countries, provided your card issuer allows international transactions. Before you travel, contact your card issuer to let them know you will be using the card abroad — many issuers flag foreign purchases as fraud unless you notify them first.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card works internationally at Costco locations and anywhere else Visa is accepted. Currency conversion fees and foreign transaction fees depend on your card issuer, not on Costco. Check your card's terms before you travel to understand what fees explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at Costco?
Yes, if your debit card carries a Visa or Mastercard logo. Debit cards work at the register just like credit cards. Your bank may charge a fee for debit transactions, depending on your account type, so check with your bank if you are unsure.
Does Costco accept Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes. Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco because they transmit your card information (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) to the payment terminal. You hold your phone near the card reader and complete the transaction the same way you would with a physical card.
What if my credit card is declined at Costco?
The most common reasons are insufficient funds, a fraud alert from your card issuer, or an expired card. Contact your card issuer to find out why the transaction was declined. If your card is expired or compromised, you may need to request a replacement before you can use it again.
Can I use a business credit card at Costco?
Yes, if it is a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. Business cards work the same way as personal cards at checkout. Costco does not distinguish between business and personal cards at the register.
Do I need a Costco membership card to use a credit card?
You need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, but you do not need a specific membership card if you have a photo ID. You can pay with any accepted credit card regardless of which membership tier you hold.