Does Costco Have a Credit Card? What You Need to Know

Yes, Costco does offer a co-branded credit card, but it's important to understand how it works and what it requires.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Costco partners with Citi to issue the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, a rewards-focused credit card designed specifically for Costco members. The card earns cash back on purchases made at Costco and gas stations, plus a smaller rate on other eligible purchases.

The key distinction: this card is a rewards card, not a membership card. You need a valid Costco membership to apply, and the card itself is separate from your membership status. Having the credit card doesn't replace your membership—you'll still need an active Costco membership to shop there.

How the Rewards Structure Works 💳

The card earns cash back at different rates depending on where you spend:

• Costco purchases and gas stations: Higher cash back rates
• Travel and dining: A middle tier of rewards
• All other purchases: A lower cash back rate

Cash back rewards are typically deposited directly into your Citi account, though the exact mechanics and timing depend on your account terms and the issuer's policies.

What You Need to Qualify

To apply, you'll generally need:

• An active Costco Gold Star or Executive membership (the card cannot be used by warehouse members without a current membership)
• A valid credit history for the issuer to assess your creditworthiness
• A Social Security number and standard identification information

Approval depends on your credit profile and the issuer's underwriting standards. Not everyone who applies will be approved, and approval terms vary by individual financial history.

Important Variables That Affect Your Decision

Membership requirement: Unlike some retail cards, you cannot use this card if your Costco membership lapses. This creates an ongoing cost consideration beyond the card itself.

Annual fee structure: Credit cards issued with a membership component often carry annual fees. These fees offset the cost of the membership or card program, so your math on whether the rewards justify the fee depends on your actual spending patterns.

Spending patterns: The card makes the most financial sense if you:

• Shop regularly at Costco (where the higher cash back rate applies)
• Fill up at Costco gas stations
• Hold an active membership you'd maintain anyway

If you rarely visit Costco or don't shop at its gas stations, the rewards may not offset any applicable fees.

Credit profile impact: Like any credit card application, applying triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can briefly affect your credit score. Multiple applications in a short timeframe compound this effect.

Other Costco Payment Options

You're not required to use the Costco credit card to shop there. Costco accepts:

• Other major credit cards and debit cards
• Cash
• Checks
• Costco Cash (their gift card product)

The credit card is optional—it's designed as a rewards incentive for members who already shop frequently at Costco.

What to Evaluate Before Applying

• Your actual annual Costco spending and whether it's concentrated where the card pays the highest rate
• Whether you'll maintain your membership regardless (since the card requires active membership)
• Your current credit utilization and how a new card might affect your credit profile
• Whether you'd actually use the card consistently or if it would sit unused

The right decision depends entirely on your shopping habits, financial situation, and whether the structure aligns with your patterns. Review the current terms directly through Citi or Costco's website, since specific rates, fees, and bonus structures change over time.