Costco accepts Visa cards only — no Mastercard, American Express, or Discover
Costco's payment policy is straightforward: they take Visa credit cards and debit cards, but no other major card networks. This has been their rule since 2016, when they ended their exclusive partnership with American Express. If you want to use a credit card at Costco, it must carry the Visa logo.
This applies at the warehouse checkout, at Costco.com, and at Costco Gas stations. The rule is the same whether you are a Gold Star member, Executive member, or non-member shopping with a member's card.
Costco also takes cash, checks, and debit cards from any network. But if you specifically want to earn rewards or carry a balance on credit, Visa is your only option at Costco.
Key Takeaways
- Costco accepts Visa credit cards and Visa debit cards, but no Mastercard, American Express, or Discover cards.
- This policy applies everywhere you shop at Costco: the warehouse, online, and gas stations.
- You can still pay with cash, checks, or any debit card network if you do not have a Visa.
- Costco does not issue its own credit card; you need a Visa card from a bank or card issuer.
- The Visa requirement has been in place since 2016 and shows no signs of changing.
Why Costco switched from American Express to Visa
Costco and American Express had an exclusive partnership for 14 years. In 2015, the two companies could not agree on new contract terms — primarily the fees Costco would pay American Express for processing transactions. Costco wanted lower rates; American Express wanted higher ones. Neither side moved, and the deal ended on June 30, 2016.
Costco then signed an agreement with Visa, which offered better rates and broader acceptance. Visa is the largest credit card network in the world, so switching meant Costco members could use cards from thousands of issuers instead of just American Express. For Costco, this meant lower processing costs and simpler operations.
American Express cardholders who shopped at Costco had to switch to Visa or use another payment method. Some Amex members left Costco; others obtained a Visa card to keep shopping there.
What Visa cards work at Costco
Any Visa credit card or Visa debit card will work at Costco. This includes:
- Visa cards issued by your bank
- Visa cards issued by credit unions
- Visa cards from card issuers like Capital One, Chase, or Discover Financial Services (which issues Visa cards alongside its own Discover brand)
- Visa debit cards linked to your checking account
- Prepaid Visa cards
The card does not have to be a premium or rewards card. A basic Visa card with no annual fee works just as well as a high-end travel rewards Visa. Costco does not care which bank issued it or what benefits come with it — only that it carries the Visa logo.
If you are looking for a Visa card that earns rewards on Costco purchases, you will need to shop among cards from banks and issuers outside Costco. Costco does not offer its own branded credit card.
Payment methods Costco accepts besides Visa
Costco takes several payment methods at checkout:
| Payment Method | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa credit cards | Yes | Any Visa card from any issuer |
| Visa debit cards | Yes | Includes bank debit cards and prepaid Visa cards |
| Mastercard | No | Not accepted at warehouse or gas stations |
| American Express | No | Not accepted since 2016 |
| Discover | No | Not accepted at Costco |
| Cash | Yes | US dollars only |
| Checks | Yes | Personal checks with valid ID |
| Debit cards (non-Visa) | Yes | Mastercard debit, Discover debit, etc. |
| Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Yes | If the underlying card is Visa or accepted debit |
The key distinction: Costco rejects Mastercard and Discover credit cards, but accepts Mastercard and Discover debit cards. If your Mastercard or Discover is a debit card, you can use it. If it is a credit card, you cannot.
Using Costco.com and Costco Gas with credit cards
The Visa-only rule applies to Costco.com as well. When you check out online, you can pay with a Visa credit card, Visa debit card, or other accepted methods like PayPal. Mastercard and Discover credit cards are not accepted online either.
At Costco Gas stations, the same rule holds. You can use a Visa card at the pump or inside the station. Mastercard and Discover credit cards will be declined.
If you pay with a debit card at the pump, any network (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) will work. The restriction is on credit cards only.
What to do if you do not have a Visa card
If you shop at Costco but do not have a Visa card, you have several options:
- Use a debit card. Any debit card network works at Costco, so you can pay directly from your checking account.
- Pay with cash or check. Costco accepts both, and checks require only a valid ID.
- Get a Visa card. If you want to use credit at Costco, you will need to open a Visa account with a bank or card issuer. Many banks offer basic Visa cards with no annual fee.
- Use a mobile wallet. If your phone supports Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can add a Visa card to it and pay at checkout without showing the physical card.
Opening a Visa card takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bank. If you need to shop at Costco before then, debit or cash will work when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Mastercard or Discover card at Costco?
Not if it is a credit card. Mastercard and Discover credit cards are declined at Costco. However, if your Mastercard or Discover is a debit card, it will work. Check your card or your bank statement to see which type you have.
Does Costco have its own credit card?
No. Costco does not issue a branded credit card. You must bring a Visa card from another bank or issuer. Some Costco members use a Visa rewards card to earn points on their purchases, but that card comes from the card issuer, not from Costco.
Will Costco ever accept Mastercard or Discover again?
Costco has not announced any plans to change this policy. The Visa agreement has been in place since 2016 with no public indication of change. If you want to use Mastercard or Discover at Costco, you would need to wait for Costco to renegotiate its payment agreements, which is unlikely in the near term.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at Costco if my card is Mastercard?
Only if your Mastercard is a debit card. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco, but the underlying card must be one Costco accepts. If you add a Mastercard credit card to Apple Pay, it will still be declined at Costco checkout.
What if I forgot my Visa card at home?
You can still shop at Costco using cash, a check, or a debit card of any network. You do not need a credit card to shop there — Visa is only required if you specifically want to pay with a credit card.