What the Costco Charge Card is and who issues it

The Costco Charge Card is a credit card issued by Citibank that you can use only at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. You cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes with cash back rewards on Costco purchases and a few other categories, and it requires a Costco membership to hold.

Citibank handles the credit decisions, billing, and customer service for the card. Costco sets the rewards structure and membership requirements. If you already have a Costco membership, you can request the card in-warehouse or online. If you do not have a membership, you will need to join first.

Key Takeaways

  • The Costco Charge Card works only at Costco locations and Costco.com, not at other stores.
  • You earn cash back on Costco purchases, gas, and travel, with the exact rates depending on which tier of membership you hold.
  • You must have an active Costco membership to hold the card, and the card is issued by Citibank.
  • You can request the card at a membership desk, through the Costco website, or by calling Citibank directly.
  • The card has an annual fee that matches your Costco membership tier, and you pay it once per year.

Cash back rates and what they cover

The card earns cash back at different rates depending on where you spend. At Costco warehouses and Costco.com, you earn 2% cash back on most purchases. On Costco gas stations, you earn 2% cash back. On travel booked through Costco Travel, you earn 3% cash back. On other gas stations and restaurants outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash back is paid as an annual reward certificate that arrives in your mailbox or can be viewed in your Costco account. You can use the certificate to make purchases at Costco, or you can convert it to a statement credit. The certificate does not expire as long as your membership remains active, but it is tied to your membership account.

The cash back rates are the same whether you hold a Gold Star membership or an Executive membership. The difference is in the annual fee: Gold Star members pay a lower card fee, and Executive members pay a higher fee but also earn higher cash back on Executive membership benefits.

Annual fees and membership tiers

The Costco Charge Card has an annual fee that is the same as your Costco membership fee. If you hold a Gold Star membership, the card fee is the Gold Star amount. If you hold an Executive membership, the card fee is the Executive amount. The fee is charged once per year on your card statement.

You do not pay a separate card fee on top of your membership fee. The card fee is built into your membership cost. If you cancel your membership, your card is automatically closed, and you will not be charged again.

How to request the card

You can request the Costco Charge Card in three ways: at a Costco membership desk, through Costco.com, or by phone with Citibank. At the warehouse, visit the membership desk and ask for a card process. They will give you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill out the form on screen. You will get an answer on the spot or within a few days.

Online, log into your Costco account, go to the credit card section, and follow the link to explore through Citibank. You will answer questions about your income, employment, and credit history. Citibank will tell you within minutes whether you are approved.

By phone, call the number on the back of any Costco membership card or contact Citibank directly. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

What happens after you are approved

Once Citibank approves your process, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online through your Citibank account or by calling the number on the back of the card. You will need to set up a PIN for in-warehouse purchases if you want to use it at the gas pump or warehouse checkout.

Your first cash back reward certificate will arrive about 60 days after you open the account. After that, you will receive a new certificate every year on your membership renewal date. You can check your current cash back balance anytime by logging into your Costco account or asking at the membership desk.

If you need to replace your card because it is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact Citibank or visit a Costco membership desk. A replacement card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary card number to use online while you wait.

How to use the card at Costco and online

At a Costco warehouse, swipe or insert your card at checkout like any other credit card. You can also tap it if your card has contactless payment. Your membership number is linked to your card, so you do not need to show a separate membership card. The card works at all Costco locations in the United States and Canada.

On Costco.com, log into your account and add the card as a payment method. You can save it so you do not have to enter the number each time. The card will earn the same 2% cash back as in-warehouse purchases. If you order for delivery or pickup, the cash back still applies.

You cannot use the Costco Charge Card at other retailers, gas stations outside Costco, or restaurants outside Costco and earn the higher cash back rate. The 1% cash back on other gas and restaurants is a benefit for occasional use, but the card is designed primarily for Costco spending.

What to do if you have questions or problems

For questions about your card balance, payment, or rewards, contact Citibank at the number on your statement or card. Citibank handles all billing and account issues. For questions about your membership or how the card works at Costco, visit a membership desk or call your local warehouse.

If your card is lost or stolen, call Citibank when ready to report it. Your card will be frozen right away, and a replacement will be mailed to you. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the card missing promptly.

If you want to close your card, you can do so by calling Citibank or visiting a membership desk. Closing the card does not close your membership. If you close your membership, your card closes automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Costco Charge Card outside of Costco?

You can use it at any merchant, but you will only earn the higher cash back rate (2% or 3%) at Costco, Costco.com, Costco gas, and Costco Travel. Outside those places, you earn 1% cash back on gas and restaurants, and 0% on everything else. Most cardholders use it only at Costco.

What if I do not have a Costco membership yet?

You must join Costco before you can hold the card. Visit a warehouse or go to Costco.com to buy a membership. Once your membership is active, you can request the card at the membership desk or online. Your membership and card fees are separate charges.

Do I have to pay the annual fee if I do not use the card?

Yes. The card fee is the same as your membership fee, and you pay it once per year whether you use the card or not. If you want to keep your membership but not the card, you can close the card and keep your membership active.

How do I use my cash back reward certificate?

You can use it like cash at any Costco checkout to pay for purchases. You can also convert it to a statement credit on your card through your Citibank account online. The certificate does not expire as long as your membership is active.

What if I move to a different country?

The Costco Charge Card works at Costco locations in the United States and Canada. If you move outside North America, you will not be able to use it at Costco warehouses there. Contact Citibank to discuss your options if your situation changes.