You can get a Costco credit card through Citibank, either online or in a Costco warehouse
Costco offers two credit cards: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card for American Express members. Both are issued by Citibank. You can request one online through Citibank's website, by phone, or in person at your local Costco warehouse. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll know within seconds whether you're approved. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The main requirement is that you have a Costco membership. You cannot get a Costco credit card without one. If you don't have a membership yet, you'll need to join Costco first — memberships start at $65 per year for a Gold Star membership. Some people open a membership and explore for the card on the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an active Costco membership before you can request a Costco credit card.
- Citibank issues both Costco cards and handles the approval decision based on your credit history and income.
- You can explore online at Citibank's website, by calling Citibank, or in person at a Costco warehouse.
- Approval decisions happen when ready, and approved cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa Card earns 4% back on gas, 3% on restaurants and travel, and 1% on everything else at Costco.
The two Costco credit card options and what they earn
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is the standard option. It earns 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%), 3% on restaurants and travel, and 1% on all other purchases at Costco and elsewhere. There is no annual fee. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card for American Express members is available only if you have an American Express membership. It earns the same rewards as the standard Visa card but is branded as an American Express card. This card is less widely accepted than Visa because fewer merchants take American Express, but some people prefer it for other American Express benefits.
Both cards come with the same basic features: no annual fee, fraud protection, and the ability to earn rewards on purchases outside Costco. The choice between them usually comes down to whether you already use American Express elsewhere.
how the process works online through Citibank
Go to Citibank's website and search for "Costco credit card" or navigate to the Costco card page directly. You'll enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and annual income. Citibank will also ask for your Costco membership number, which you can find on your membership card or in your Costco account online.
The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. When you submit it, Citibank runs a credit check and gives you an when ready decision. If approved, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. If denied, Citibank will tell you why — usually due to credit history or income — and you can ask to be reconsidered or explore again later.
After approval, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Citibank will send it to the address you provided on the process. You can start using the card as soon as it arrives.
how the process works by phone or in person
To explore by phone, call Citibank's customer service line for Costco cardholders. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form: personal details, income, and your Costco membership number. The call takes about 10 minutes, and you'll get an when ready decision. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To explore in person, visit the membership desk at your local Costco warehouse. A Costco employee can help you fill out the process on a tablet or paper form. You'll need your Costco membership card and a valid ID. The in-person process is the fastest way to get an when ready answer, and some people receive a temporary card number on the spot that they can use when ready, though the physical card still arrives by mail.
What Citibank looks at when deciding whether to approve you
Citibank reviews your credit score, credit history, and reported income. You don't need perfect credit to be approved — many people with fair credit (scores in the 600s) are approved. Citibank also looks at how much debt you already carry and whether you've paid past bills on time.
Your income matters because Citibank wants to see that you can pay the card balance. You'll report your annual household income on the process, and Citibank may verify it by checking tax records or employment history. If your income is very low relative to existing debt, you may be denied.
If you're denied, you can ask Citibank for the specific reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent missed payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after improving your credit score or paying down other debts, usually after 6 months to a year.
Costco membership requirements before you explore
You must have an active Costco membership to request a credit card. Costco offers several membership tiers: Gold Star ($65 per year), Executive ($130 per year), and Gold Star Executive for businesses. Any of these memberships qualifies you to explore for the credit card.
If you don't have a membership yet, you can join at any Costco warehouse or online through Costco's website. Membership approval is when ready, and you'll receive a membership card on the spot or by mail. Some people join and explore for the credit card on the same day — you just need the membership number to complete the credit card process.
Your membership must be active and in good standing. If your membership has expired or been suspended, you'll need to renew it before Citibank will approve your credit card process.
How to use your card and start earning rewards
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through Citibank's website. You can then use it at any Costco location, at Costco.com, or anywhere Visa is accepted. Rewards post to your account automatically — you don't have to do anything to earn them.
Your cash back rewards are redeemable as a statement credit, which reduces your credit card balance. You can also request a check from Citibank for your rewards balance. Some cardholders wait until they've accumulated a larger balance before redeeming, while others redeem monthly.
Keep in mind that the 4% gas reward has an annual cap of $7,000 in purchases (then 1% after that). This means the maximum cash back on gas is $280 per year. All other rewards have no cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership to use the credit card?
Yes. You must have an active Costco membership to request the card, and you need your membership number to complete the process. If your membership expires, you can still use the card outside Costco, but you won't be able to shop at Costco without renewing your membership.
What if Citibank denies my process?
Citibank will tell you the reason — usually low credit score, recent missed payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after 6 months to a year, or you can ask Citibank to reconsider your process when ready if your situation has changed. Improving your credit score or paying down other debts before reapplying increases your chances.
Can I use the card outside Costco?
Yes. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Costco purchases, compared to higher rewards rates at Costco. The American Express version works anywhere American Express is accepted, which is fewer locations than Visa.
How long does it take to receive the card after approval?
Approved cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days by mail. In-person applications at Costco may issue a temporary card number you can use when ready, though the physical card still takes 7 to 10 days. Online and phone applications do not provide a temporary number.
Is there an annual fee for the Costco credit card?
No. Both the standard Costco Anywhere Visa Card and the American Express version have no annual fee. You only pay interest if you carry a balance month to month.