Costco accepts Mastercard, but only at the warehouse and gas station — not online
Costco takes Mastercard for in-warehouse purchases and at Costco gas stations. If you are shopping on Costco.com, Mastercard is not accepted. Online, Costco takes Visa, American Express, Discover, and their own Costco Anywhere Visa card. This split exists because Costco has a long-standing agreement with Visa that covers online purchases, while the warehouse and gas operations have different payment rules.
The restriction applies to all Mastercards — whether it is a standard card, rewards card, or business Mastercard. If you only have a Mastercard and want to shop online, you will need to use a different payment method or add a different card to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Mastercard works at Costco warehouses and Costco gas stations but not on Costco.com.
- Online shopping at Costco.com requires Visa, American Express, Discover, or the Costco Anywhere Visa card.
- Costco's payment rules differ between in-person and online because of separate agreements with card networks.
- Debit cards, cash, and checks are also accepted in warehouses if you do not have a may have access to credit card.
What payment methods work at Costco warehouses
At the physical warehouse, Costco takes Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and their own Costco Anywhere Visa card. You can also pay with cash, checks, or a debit card. The only major card network not accepted in the warehouse is Diners Club.
If you have a Costco membership, you do not need to use a credit card at all. Many members pay with cash or debit and have no issues. The warehouse accepts whatever payment method works for you, as long as it is one of the approved options.
How Costco.com payment rules differ from the warehouse
Costco.com has a narrower list of accepted cards because of Costco's agreement with Visa. The website takes Visa, American Express, Discover, and the Costco Anywhere Visa card. Mastercard is not an option, even if you have a Costco membership.
This difference frustrates some shoppers, but it reflects a business arrangement between Costco and Visa that has been in place for years. If you want to order online and only have a Mastercard, you will need to add a different card to your account or use a different payment method if one is available.
Costco gas station payment options
At Costco gas stations, the accepted cards are Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and the Costco Anywhere Visa card. You can also pay with cash or a debit card at the pump or inside the station. The payment rules at the gas station match the warehouse, not the website.
Some Costco members use their Mastercard exclusively at the gas pump and then switch to a different card for warehouse purchases. This is a common workaround if you have multiple cards available.
The Costco Anywhere Visa card and other Costco payment options
Costco issues its own credit card in partnership with Visa, called the Costco Anywhere Visa card. This card works everywhere Costco takes Visa — in the warehouse, at the gas station, and online. It also earns rewards on Costco purchases, which is why many members use it for all their Costco shopping.
If you do not have a Costco credit card and want to shop online with a Mastercard, you have two options: add a different card to your account, or visit the warehouse in person where Mastercard is accepted. There is no workaround to use Mastercard on Costco.com.
What to do if you only have a Mastercard
If Mastercard is your only card and you want to shop on Costco.com, you can add a different card to your account. Costco stores your payment information securely, and you can manage multiple cards in your online account settings. When you check out, you straightforward select the card you want to use.
Another option is to shop in person at the warehouse or gas station, where Mastercard is fully accepted. Many members find in-person shopping easier anyway, especially for bulk items that are heavy or awkward to ship. You can also call the warehouse directly to place an order over the phone, though this option is less common and may have different payment rules depending on your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Mastercard at Costco gas stations?
Yes. Mastercard is accepted at all Costco gas stations for both pump and inside purchases. You can also pay with Visa, American Express, Discover, cash, or a debit card.
Why does Costco.com not take Mastercard?
Costco has a payment agreement with Visa that covers online purchases. This agreement does not include Mastercard. The warehouse and gas station operate under different agreements, which is why Mastercard works there but not online.
Can I use a Mastercard debit card on Costco.com?
No. Costco.com does not accept any Mastercard product, whether it is a credit card or debit card. You will need to use Visa, American Express, Discover, or the Costco Anywhere Visa card.
Does the Costco Anywhere Visa card work everywhere?
The Costco Anywhere Visa card works in the warehouse, at Costco gas stations, and on Costco.com. It also works at other retailers that accept Visa. This card is accepted in all three Costco shopping channels.
What if I do not have a credit card at all?
You can shop in the warehouse with cash, a check, or a debit card. Online shopping requires a credit card or debit card from Visa, American Express, or Discover. If you do not have any of these, in-person shopping is your option.