Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — but not all Costco locations take every card type
Costco's payment rules depend on which Costco warehouse you shop at and whether you have a membership card. Most US Costco warehouses take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. However, some older warehouse locations or international Costcos may have different restrictions. The safest approach is to bring a Visa or Mastercard, since those two are accepted everywhere Costco operates.
If you are a Costco member, you can also use the Costco Anywhere Visa card, which gives you cash back on purchases. Non-members can still use any of the four major card networks listed above, though they will pay a surcharge at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted at every Costco warehouse in the United States.
- American Express and Discover are accepted at most US locations, but a small number of older warehouses may not take them.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa card is the only co-branded credit card Costco offers and is available only to members.
- If you do not have a membership, you can still shop at Costco with a valid credit card, but you will pay a 5 percent surcharge on your purchase.
- Costco does not take personal checks, and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted at the register.
Which Cards Work at Every Costco Warehouse
Visa and Mastercard are the two cards you can use at any Costco location in the United States without worrying about rejection. These are the safest choice if you are unsure whether your card will be accepted. Both networks have been accepted at Costco for many years and remain the standard payment method across all warehouses.
American Express and Discover are accepted at the vast majority of Costco locations, but not at every single warehouse. If you primarily shop at one location, you can call that warehouse directly to confirm whether they take your card. The warehouse phone number is listed on Costco's website under the store locator.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card and Member Benefits
The Costco Anywhere Visa card is a co-branded credit card issued by Citi that is available only to Costco members. This card earns cash back on all Costco purchases: 4 percent on gas, 3 percent on travel, 2 percent on Costco purchases, and 1 percent on all other purchases. The card has an annual fee, which varies depending on the membership tier you hold.
You do not need the Costco Anywhere card to shop at Costco. Any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card will work. The Costco card is straightforward an option if you want to earn rewards on your spending. You can explore for the card in person at any Costco warehouse or online through Citi's website.
What Happens If You Do Not Have a Membership
Non-members can shop at Costco and pay with any major credit card, but they will be charged a 5 percent surcharge on top of the purchase price. This surcharge is added at checkout and appears as a separate line item on your receipt. The surcharge applies whether you pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
If you shop at Costco regularly without a membership, the surcharge will add up quickly. A Costco membership costs between $60 and $130 per year depending on the membership level, so the math may favor getting a membership if you spend more than $1,200 to $2,600 per year at Costco.
Payment Methods Costco Does Not Accept
Costco does not accept personal checks, even from members. The warehouse stopped accepting checks years ago, so bringing a checkbook will not help. Costco also does not take cash, though this is less common — most Costco locations do accept cash at the register.
Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are not accepted at Costco's checkout registers. You must present a physical credit card, debit card, or cash. This is a deliberate choice by Costco and has remained consistent across all warehouses.
Debit Cards and Other Payment Options
Costco accepts debit cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. If your debit card has one of those logos, it will work the same way as a credit card at checkout. Debit cards without a Visa or Mastercard logo (sometimes called PIN-only debit cards) are not accepted.
Cash is accepted at all Costco warehouses. If you prefer to pay with cash, you can withdraw money from the ATM inside the warehouse before you shop, or bring cash with you. Costco does not charge a fee to use its ATMs.
International Costco Locations and Card Acceptance
Costco operates warehouses in Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Iceland. Card acceptance rules vary by country. In Canada, Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. In Mexico, the accepted cards may differ. If you are shopping at an international Costco, contact that warehouse directly to confirm which cards they take.
If you are traveling and plan to use your US credit card at an international Costco, notify your card issuer before you travel. This prevents your card from being blocked due to unusual activity in another country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at Costco?
No. Costco does not accept mobile payment apps at the register. You must use a physical credit card, debit card, or cash. This policy applies to all Costco warehouses in the United States.
Will my American Express card work at my local Costco?
Almost certainly yes. American Express is accepted at the vast majority of Costco locations. A very small number of older warehouses may not take it. Call your local warehouse to confirm, or bring a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
Do I need a membership to use a credit card at Costco?
No. Non-members can pay with any major credit card, but they will pay a 5 percent surcharge on their purchase. Members do not pay this surcharge regardless of which card they use.
Can I pay with a personal check at Costco?
No. Costco stopped accepting personal checks. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash instead.
What if my credit card is declined at Costco?
If your card is declined, contact your card issuer to find out why. Common reasons include insufficient funds, a fraud alert, or a card that is not accepted at that particular warehouse. Have a backup payment method ready, such as a different card or cash.