Costco accepts only Visa credit cards, plus their own Costco Anywhere Visa card
Costco stopped taking American Express in 2015 and now accepts only Visa-branded credit cards at all warehouse locations and online. This means Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are not accepted, even though you may have used them at other retailers. If you want to use a credit card at Costco, it must carry the Visa logo.
The one exception is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, which is Costco's own branded card. This card works everywhere Visa is accepted, but it also earns rewards specifically designed for Costco members — 4% back on gas, 3% on restaurants and travel, and 2% at Costco itself.
Costco also accepts debit cards, cash, checks, and EBT cards at the register. Online orders can be paid with any major credit card, including Mastercard and American Express, even though the warehouse does not accept them in person.
Key Takeaways
- Costco warehouses accept only Visa credit cards — Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are not accepted in-store.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is Costco's branded card and earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases plus higher rewards on gas and restaurants.
- Debit cards, cash, checks, and EBT are accepted at all Costco locations as payment alternatives to credit cards.
- Costco.com accepts Mastercard and American Express online even though the physical warehouse does not take them.
What happens if you bring a Mastercard or American Express to Costco
If you arrive at the register with a Mastercard or American Express, the card will be declined. Costco's payment system is set up to reject these cards entirely — the register will not process the transaction. You will need to use a different payment method before you can complete your purchase.
This policy applies to all Costco warehouse locations in the United States and Canada. There are no exceptions for premium versions of these cards or for specific card issuers. The restriction is the same whether you are a Gold Star member or an Executive member.
How the Costco Anywhere Visa Card works and what it earns
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a rewards card issued by Citibank specifically for Costco members. You must have an active Costco membership to open the card, and you can explore online at Costco.com or in the warehouse.
The card earns cash back on purchases in these categories: 4% on gas (including Costco gas stations), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% at Costco warehouses and Costco.com, and 1% on all other purchases. The cash back is paid as an annual reward certificate that you can use at Costco or redeem for a statement credit.
There is an annual fee of $65 for the standard card and $130 for the Executive version. The Executive version earns an extra 0.5% cash back at Costco and on gas, so it may make sense if you spend more than $3,000 per year at Costco. You can compare the two versions on Citi's website to see which fits your spending.
Other payment methods Costco accepts in the warehouse
If you do not have a Visa card or the Costco Anywhere card, you have several other options. Costco accepts all debit cards, cash, personal checks, and EBT cards at checkout. You can also use a Costco Cash Card, which is a prepaid card you load with money at the warehouse.
For members who prefer not to carry a credit card, debit is often the simplest choice — it works like a credit card at the register but draws directly from your bank account. EBT is accepted for may be able to access food items in most states, though the rules vary by location.
Paying for Costco.com orders online
Costco's website has different payment rules than the warehouse. When you shop on Costco.com, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay with PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay if your account is linked to one of these services.
This means you can use a Mastercard or American Express online even if you cannot use it in the warehouse. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card still works online and earns the same 2% cash back on Costco.com purchases.
Why Costco switched to Visa only
Costco ended its partnership with American Express in 2015 after more than 35 years. The company cited disagreement over fees and terms — American Express charges higher processing fees than Visa, and Costco wanted to reduce costs for members. Costco negotiated a deal with Citi to create the Costco Anywhere Visa Card as a replacement rewards card.
The shift to Visa-only was controversial at the time, but it has remained in place for nearly a decade. Costco has stated that the arrangement allows them to keep membership fees lower and offer better rewards through the Citi card.
What to do if you only have a Mastercard or American Express
If you regularly shop at Costco and only have Mastercard or American Express, you have a few options. You can explore for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which takes about one to two weeks to arrive. You can also use a debit card or cash at the warehouse, or shop on Costco.com where your Mastercard or American Express will be accepted.
Some people keep a basic Visa card on hand specifically for Costco, even if they earn rewards on other cards. You do not need the Costco-branded card — any Visa will work. If you have a Visa from your bank, you can use that instead of opening a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Mastercard at Costco if I have a Costco membership?
No. Costco accepts only Visa credit cards, regardless of membership level or card type. Mastercard is not accepted in Costco warehouses. You can use Mastercard on Costco.com, but not at the physical store.
Does the Costco Anywhere Visa Card have an annual fee?
Yes. The standard Costco Anywhere Visa Card costs $65 per year, and the Executive version costs $130 per year. The Executive version earns an extra 0.5% cash back at Costco and on gas, so the higher fee may be worth it if you spend heavily at Costco.
What if I forgot my credit card and only have American Express?
You can pay with cash, a debit card, a personal check, or an EBT card if you have one. You can also leave and return with a Visa card or the Costco Anywhere card. Costco does not accept American Express under any circumstances in the warehouse.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at Costco?
Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted at Costco warehouse registers. You must use a physical Visa card, debit card, cash, or check. These digital payment methods do work on Costco.com if your account is linked to a supported card.
Is there a Costco credit card that is not a Visa?
No. The only Costco-branded credit card is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Costco does not offer a Mastercard or American Express version of their rewards card.