Free, helpful information about Store Cards and related How To Get a Costco Credit Card topics.
Get clear and easy-to-understand details about How To Get a 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.
Getting a Costco credit card involves a straightforward application process, but the right option depends on your membership status and shopping habits. Costco offers its own branded card through a specific issuer, and understanding the requirements and trade-offs will help you decide if it fits your situation.
Costco offers a co-branded credit card designed specifically for its members. Unlike some warehouse programs, you don't need the card to shop at Costco—but membership in the warehouse itself is mandatory to use the card.
The card comes with built-in rewards tied to your Costco purchases, typically offering cash back on qualifying spending. Non-members can't apply, even if they wanted to. This membership requirement is a key constraint that shapes who can qualify and benefit from the card.
To apply for a Costco credit card, you'll need:
The credit card issuer will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, meaning your credit score factors into approval odds. People with thin credit files, recent delinquencies, or limited credit history face different approval chances than those with established, positive credit histories.
The application process is simple:
There's no application fee, and you're not required to pay any annual membership fee specific to the card itself (your Costco membership fee is separate).
Credit score and history matter significantly. The issuing bank sets its own lending standards, and people with higher credit scores and longer positive credit histories generally have easier approval paths. Those rebuilding credit or with limited history may face denial or approval with different terms.
Income and existing debt levels influence approval odds. The issuer assesses your ability to pay, weighing your stated income against your current debt obligations.
Membership status is non-negotiable. You must be a current, paid member of Costco. If your membership has lapsed, you'll need to renew before applying.
Costco offers its card alongside a cash back option for members without a credit card. Some shoppers earn rewards through cash back on their membership without holding the branded card. The card concentrates rewards on one payment method, which appeals to people who want to maximize a single account and simplify redemption.
Others prefer not to add another credit card, especially if they're managing existing debt or trying to limit their number of open accounts. The card works well for frequent Costco shoppers who can absorb rewards into existing spending—less so for casual visitors or those with credit concerns.
Once approved, your card typically arrives within 7–10 business days. You can use it immediately at Costco warehouses and on Costco.com. Rewards post to your account based on your purchase category, and you redeem them according to the card's terms (usually as cash back or statement credits).
Your cardholder account is separate from your membership account, though both tie to your Costco profile.
The application itself is free and quick—the real evaluation happens internally at the issuing bank based on your creditworthiness and financial profile.
