What the Anywhere Costco Visa card is and who issues it
The Anywhere Costco Visa is a credit card issued by Citi that you can use both inside Costco warehouses and anywhere else Visa is accepted. Unlike the older Costco Visa, which only worked at Costco locations, this card lets you make purchases at any merchant that takes Visa — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and everywhere else.
Citi is the bank behind the card. You explore directly through Citi or through Costco's website. The card is tied to your Costco membership, so you must be a member to hold it. If your membership lapses, the card remains active, but you lose the warehouse shopping benefit and some of the rewards structure changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Anywhere Costco Visa works at any Visa merchant worldwide, not just at Costco warehouses.
- You earn cash back on purchases, with higher rates at Costco and gas stations and lower rates everywhere else.
- The card has an annual fee, which Costco membership holders may find offset by the rewards on regular spending.
- You must be a Costco member to hold the card, and the card is issued by Citi, not by Costco itself.
- Rewards post to your Costco account and can be redeemed as a statement credit or taken as a check at the warehouse.
Cash back rates and where you earn the most
The card pays cash back at different rates depending on where you spend. At Costco warehouses and Costco.com, you earn the highest rate. At gas stations (including Costco gas), you earn a middle rate. Everywhere else — restaurants, retail stores, online merchants outside Costco, utilities, and other vendors — you earn a lower rate.
The exact percentages vary and Citi updates them periodically, so check your card agreement or Citi's website for the current rates. The key point is that your rewards are highest when you shop at Costco itself, which is why the card is designed for people who already use the warehouse regularly. If you rarely visit Costco, the card's value depends on whether the rewards on your other spending outweigh the annual fee.
Rewards accumulate as you spend and are posted to your account monthly. You can check your balance online through Citi's portal or by logging into your Costco account.
Annual fee and how to understand the cost
The Anywhere Costco Visa charges an annual fee. This is a fixed cost you pay once per year to hold the card, separate from any interest charges on a balance you carry. The fee is charged to your card automatically each year on your account anniversary.
Whether the card makes financial sense depends on your spending. If you spend enough at Costco and gas stations to earn cash back that exceeds the annual fee, the card pays for itself. Many regular Costco shoppers find this is the case. If you rarely visit Costco or don't buy gas regularly, the rewards may not cover the fee, and a different card might be better for you.
You can cancel the card at any time by calling Citi. If you cancel within a certain window after your annual fee posts, Citi may refund it — check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
How to redeem your cash back rewards
Cash back rewards do not appear as a discount at checkout. Instead, they accumulate in your Costco account as a balance. You redeem them by taking one of two actions: you can request a statement credit, which Citi applies to your card balance, or you can take the balance as a check at the warehouse.
To request a statement credit, log into your Citi account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Citi will explore the credit to your next statement. To take a check, visit the membership desk at any Costco warehouse with your card and membership card. They will print a check for your current rewards balance on the spot.
Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you have a limited time to redeem any remaining balance before it is forfeited — check your agreement for the important date.
Using the card outside the United States
The Anywhere Costco Visa is a Visa card, so it is accepted at merchants worldwide that take Visa. You can use it to make purchases in foreign currencies, and Citi will convert the amount to US dollars using their exchange rate, which typically includes a small markup.
Citi does not charge a separate foreign transaction fee on this card, which is a benefit if you travel or shop internationally. However, the exchange rate itself is not the same as the rate you would see on a currency exchange website — banks always add a margin. If you are making a large purchase abroad, it is worth comparing the card's rate to other payment methods available to you.
You can use the card at ATMs worldwide to withdraw cash, though Citi charges a fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals. Check your agreement for the current fee amount.
What happens if you carry a balance or miss a payment
If you do not pay your full statement balance by the due date, Citi charges interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. You can find your current APR in your account online or on your statement.
If you miss a payment entirely, Citi reports the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. A payment more than 30 days late will appear on your credit report. If you are unable to pay, contact Citi when ready — they may be able to work out a payment plan or discuss hardship options.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay in full, paying at least the minimum due keeps your account in good standing, though interest will accrue on the unpaid balance.
How to open an Anywhere Costco Visa account
You can open an account online through Costco's website or through Citi's website. You will need your Costco membership number and basic personal information: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Citi will check your credit to decide whether to issue the card.
The approval process usually takes a few minutes to a few days. If you are approved, Citi will mail the physical card to your address. You can use the card online when ready in some cases, even before the physical card arrives — check your account to see if this option is available to you.
If you are denied, Citi will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can contact Citi to ask for more details or to reapply after addressing the issue (for example, if you had a recent late payment that has since been resolved).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Anywhere Costco Visa at other warehouse clubs?
No. The card is accepted only at Visa merchants. Other warehouse clubs like Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale do not accept Visa cards from outside their own branded programs. You would need a separate card or payment method to shop at those locations.
What if I lose my card or think someone used it without permission?
Call the number on the back of your card when ready or contact Citi online through your account. Citi will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly — federal law limits your liability to $50, and most card issuers waive even that.
Do I earn rewards on my Costco membership fee?
No. The cash back rewards explore only to purchases you make with the card, not to the membership fee itself. The membership fee is paid separately and does not earn rewards.
What happens to my card if my Costco membership expires?
Your card remains active and you can still use it anywhere Visa is accepted. However, you will no longer earn the higher cash back rate at Costco warehouses or Costco.com. You lose the warehouse shopping benefit, so the card becomes less valuable unless you renew your membership.
Can I transfer my rewards to another credit card or loyalty program?
No. Rewards can only be redeemed as a statement credit or as a check at the warehouse. You cannot transfer them to airline miles, hotel points, or other loyalty programs.