Costco's Credit Card Rules: Visa Only (With One Exception)

Costco accepts Visa credit cards from any bank. That is the main rule. American Express, Mastercard, and Discover are not accepted at Costco warehouse locations or on Costco.com, even if you have excellent credit and the card is brand new.

The one exception is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which is a Costco-branded Visa issued by Citi. If you have this card, you can use it at any Costco location worldwide. If you have a regular Visa from another bank — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other issuer — that works too.

This policy has been in place since 2016, when Costco ended its partnership with American Express. If you have an old Amex card from before that date, it will not work at Costco now, even though it once did.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts any Visa card, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card and Visa cards from other banks.
  • American Express, Mastercard, and Discover cards do not work at Costco warehouses or online, regardless of your credit standing.
  • Debit cards with a Visa logo work at Costco, as do prepaid Visa cards.
  • If you want to earn rewards on Costco purchases, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers higher cash back than most other Visa cards.

What About Debit Cards and Prepaid Cards

Costco accepts debit cards that carry a Visa logo. If your bank debit card is branded as Visa Debit, you can use it at Costco just like a credit card. The same goes for prepaid Visa cards — as long as the card displays the Visa logo and has funds loaded on it, Costco will take it.

Debit cards without a Visa logo (such as Mastercard debit cards or plain PIN-only debit cards) will not work. The Visa logo is what matters, not whether the card is credit or debit.

Payment Methods Beyond Cards

Costco also accepts cash, checks, and electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards at warehouse locations. Online at Costco.com, you can pay with a Visa card, debit card with a Visa logo, or a Costco Cash Card (a prepaid card Costco sells).

Costco does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallet services, even if your phone is linked to a Visa card. You must present a physical card or pay with cash or check.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Rewards and Timing

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is issued by Citi and offers 2% cash back on Costco purchases, 1% on gas, and 1% on everything else. There is an annual fee of $65 for the standard version and $130 for the Executive version (which includes other benefits). You earn cash back as you spend, and Costco mails you a check or deposits the reward to your bank account once a year.

You do not need to be a Costco member to get the card, but you do need to be a member to shop at Costco. If you cancel your membership, you can keep the card and use it at other retailers that accept Visa, but you lose the Costco-specific rewards.

What Happens If You Try to Use a Non-Visa Card

If you attempt to pay with an American Express, Mastercard, or Discover card at a Costco checkout, the card will be declined. The register will not process the transaction. You will need to provide a different payment method — a Visa card, cash, check, or EBT.

This happens at the register, not before. There is no way to pre-check whether your card will work online; you will find out when you try to complete your purchase on Costco.com. If your card is declined, you will need to add a Visa card to your account or choose a different payment method.

International Costco Locations and Visa

Costco warehouses in Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom all follow the same Visa-only rule. If you are traveling and want to shop at a Costco abroad, bring a Visa card. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card works at international locations.

Some international Costco locations may also accept local payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay in addition to Visa, but Visa is always accepted. Check with the specific warehouse if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Mastercard or Discover card if I have a Costco membership?

No. Costco membership status does not change the payment rules. Only Visa cards are accepted, regardless of how long you have been a member or what tier your membership is.

Does Costco accept American Express anywhere?

Not at Costco warehouses or Costco.com. Costco ended its American Express partnership in 2016. You cannot use Amex at any Costco location worldwide.

If I get the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, do I have to use it only at Costco?

No. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a regular Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn higher cash back at Costco (2%), but you can use it at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and online retailers. Outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back.

What if my bank offers a Visa card with better rewards than the Costco card?

You can use any Visa card at Costco. If your bank's Visa has rewards you prefer, use that instead. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is an option, not a requirement — it is only worth the annual fee if you shop at Costco regularly enough to earn back the cost in cash back.

Can I use a Visa gift card at Costco?

Yes. Any Visa gift card with a balance will work at Costco, just like any other Visa card. Make sure the card has enough funds to cover your purchase.