Costco accepts Visa cards, but not American Express, Mastercard, or Discover
Costco has a single-brand credit card partnership: Visa. This means any Visa card — whether it is issued by your bank, a rewards program, or Costco itself — will work at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. American Express, Mastercard, and Discover cards are not accepted, even if you have a membership.
This partnership has been in place since 2016, when Costco ended its American Express exclusivity. The shift was significant because many long-time Costco members held Amex cards specifically for the warehouse. If you still carry an American Express card, you will need to use a different payment method at Costco.
The Visa requirement applies everywhere Costco operates: in-warehouse purchases, gas stations, and online orders. There is no exception for Costco members who have been shopping there for decades or for business accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Only Visa cards work at Costco; American Express, Mastercard, and Discover are not accepted anywhere in the warehouse or online.
- Costco offers its own Visa card (the Costco Anywhere Visa) that earns cash back on purchases and can be used at any merchant, not just Costco.
- If you do not have a Visa card, you can pay with debit cards, cash, checks, or EBT at Costco warehouses.
- The Visa-only policy has been in effect since 2016 and applies to all Costco locations worldwide.
- Costco gas stations accept only Costco membership cards and Visa cards — no other payment methods work there.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card and its rewards structure
Costco issues its own Visa card called the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. This card earns cash back on Costco purchases and can also be used at any other merchant that accepts Visa. The cash back rates vary by purchase category: warehouse purchases earn one rate, gas purchases earn another, and travel purchases earn a third.
The card has an annual fee. Costco members who want to maximize rewards often use this card for all Costco shopping because the cash back is returned as an annual statement credit or check. The card is issued by Citi, not by Costco directly, so you explore through Citi's website or in the warehouse.
You do not need the Costco Visa card to shop at Costco. Any Visa card will work. The Costco card is useful only if you shop frequently enough that the cash back exceeds the annual fee.
What payment methods work if you do not have a Visa card
Costco accepts several payment options besides credit cards. Inside the warehouse, you can pay with debit cards (Visa debit cards and others), cash, checks, and EBT cards for may be able to access purchases. Online, the options are more limited: Visa credit and debit cards, or a Costco Cash Card (a prepaid card issued by Costco).
At Costco gas stations, the rules are stricter. You can use a Costco membership card (which doubles as a payment card) or a Visa card. Cash and other credit cards do not work at the pump. This is one reason some members keep a Visa debit card on hand even if they do not use credit cards.
If you shop at Costco regularly without a Visa card, a Visa debit card is often the simplest solution. It works everywhere in the warehouse and at the pump, and you do not pay interest or carry a balance.
Why Costco switched from American Express to Visa
Until 2016, Costco had an exclusive partnership with American Express. Members could only use Amex cards or cash. When the contract ended, Costco chose Visa instead, citing the need for a payment network that was more widely available to members and more competitive on fees.
The switch was controversial among long-time Amex holders who had built up rewards balances and loyalty to the card. Costco gave members a transition period and allowed Amex cards to be used through September 2016. After that date, Amex cards stopped working entirely.
This decision reflects how payment networks negotiate with large retailers. Costco's size gives it leverage to demand favorable terms, and Visa was willing to offer better rates or terms than Amex was willing to match.
International Costco locations and payment rules
Costco operates in Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The Visa-only rule applies in all of these locations. However, the specific Visa cards accepted may vary by country, and local debit cards or payment methods may also work depending on the region.
If you are traveling internationally and plan to shop at a Costco, a Visa card is your safest bet. Calling the local warehouse ahead of time can confirm what payment methods they accept, since some countries have different payment infrastructure.
How to use a Visa card at Costco if you do not have one yet
If you have a Costco membership but no Visa card, you have several options. The fastest is to get a Visa debit card from your bank, which usually takes a few days. You can also explore for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card in the warehouse or online, though approval and delivery take longer.
If you need to shop before a new card arrives, use cash, a debit card (if it is Visa), or EBT. Costco will not let you use a Mastercard or American Express even if you have been a member for years, so do not count on an exception.
Many people keep a Visa debit card specifically for Costco, even if they prefer to use other credit cards elsewhere. This removes the friction of having to switch payment methods or use cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my American Express card at Costco if I have been a member for a long time?
No. Costco stopped accepting American Express in September 2016, and there are no exceptions for long-time members. If you want to use a credit card at Costco, you will need a Visa card.
Does the Costco Visa card work at other stores?
Yes. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a standard Visa card and works anywhere Visa is accepted. You can use it at grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers. The cash back rewards explore only to Costco purchases, but the card itself is not limited to Costco.
What if I use a Mastercard or Discover at the Costco gas pump?
The pump will reject it. Costco gas pumps accept only Costco membership cards and Visa cards. If you do not have a Visa card, you will need to pay inside the warehouse with cash or another accepted method.
Can I pay with a Visa gift card at Costco?
Yes. Any Visa card, including gift cards, works at Costco. Make sure the gift card has a balance and has not expired before you use it.
Does Costco accept Visa contactless or mobile payments like Apple Pay?
Yes, if your phone or contactless card is linked to a Visa card. Costco accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets as long as the underlying card is Visa. The payment method does not change the Visa requirement.