Free, helpful information about Store Cards and related Apply For Costco Credit Card topics.
Get clear and easy-to-understand details about Apply For Costco Credit Card topics and resources.
Answer a few optional questions to receive offers or information related to Store Cards. The survey is optional and not required to access your free guide.
If you're a Costco member considering a store credit card, the application process is straightforward—but whether it makes sense depends entirely on how you shop and what you value in a card. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
Costco offers a co-branded credit card issued in partnership with a major bank. Unlike a general rewards card, it's designed specifically to reward purchases made at Costco and gas stations, with different benefit structures for members versus non-members.
The card requires an active Costco membership to use, though you don't technically need to be a member to apply. However, non-members won't unlock the card's primary value proposition.
The application is simple and typically takes a few minutes:
The card issuer will pull your credit report, which means a hard inquiry appears on your credit profile. This may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
Your approval and credit limit depend on several variables:
| Factor | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Credit score | Higher scores typically lead to approval; lenders vary on minimum thresholds |
| Credit history | Payment history, existing debt, and length of credit use matter |
| Income | Affects credit limit sizing; what you report during application is considered |
| Existing debt | High balances or multiple recent applications may lower approval odds |
| Costco membership | Active membership strengthens your application but isn't always required |
None of these factors guarantees approval or a specific limit—lenders evaluate them differently.
Costco credit cards typically reward:
The exact percentages and category structure change periodically, so check Costco's current offer before applying. The real value depends on whether those categories match your actual spending.
Consider applying if:
You might skip it if:
Once approved, your card arrives by mail in 7–10 business days (timeframes vary by issuer). You can use it immediately if you receive a digital card number. Your Costco membership and credit card account are linked, so your rewards post automatically when you scan the card at checkout.
Keep in mind: the card is only useful at Costco and Costco gas stations—it won't work elsewhere unless the issuer offers a broader cash-back structure for non-Costco purchases.
Before applying, compare the specific rewards structure against other cards in your wallet or cards you're already considering. The best card for you depends on your actual spending habits, not on the Costco brand alone. If Costco genuinely is where you spend the most, the card likely pays for itself. If Costco shopping is just one piece of your budget, a general rewards card might serve you better overall.
