Costco accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets — but not all payment types work everywhere in the warehouse

Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at the register and online. For debit cards, any card with a Visa or Mastercard logo will work. You can also pay with cash, checks (in-warehouse only), and digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay on your phone or smartwatch. Costco does not accept Diners Club, American Express gift cards, or store-issued Costco gift cards as payment — though Costco Cash cards (the membership reward card) work at checkout.

The warehouse location matters. Some Costco warehouses have self-checkout stations that accept all the methods above. Others have cashier-only lanes. Online orders at Costco.com accept the same card types plus PayPal. Gas stations at Costco locations have their own rules: they accept only Costco credit cards, Visa cards, and cash — no Mastercard or Discover at the pump.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco warehouses accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards, plus debit cards with those logos, cash, and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
  • Costco does not accept American Express gift cards or Diners Club at any location, though Costco Cash reward cards do work.
  • Gas pumps at Costco accept only Costco credit cards, Visa, and cash — not Mastercard or Discover.
  • Online orders through Costco.com accept the same card types as warehouses, plus PayPal as an additional option.

Credit and Debit Cards at the Warehouse

Costco's primary credit card partner is Visa. The warehouse accepts all Visa cards — personal, business, or corporate. Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are also accepted at the register and self-checkout. If you have a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, it works the same way as a credit card at checkout.

The Costco Visa card (issued by Citi) earns rewards on Costco purchases and gives you 2% cash back on gas and travel. If you do not have a Costco credit card, you can still shop with any Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. The difference is that non-Costco cardholders do not earn the rewards.

One exception: Costco does not accept American Express gift cards, even though it accepts American Express credit cards. If you have an Amex gift card, you will need to use a different payment method.

Cash and Check Payments

Costco accepts U.S. cash at all warehouse locations. You can pay with bills and coins at the register or self-checkout. There is no minimum or maximum cash amount — you can pay for a small item or a full cart with cash.

Personal checks are accepted at the warehouse register only, not at self-checkout or online. Costco requires a valid government-issued photo ID when you pay by check. Checks must be written in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Costco does not accept traveler's checks or third-party checks.

Digital Wallets and Mobile Payments

You can pay with your phone or smartwatch at Costco using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These digital wallets work at the register and at self-checkout in warehouses that have the technology. To use a digital wallet, hold your phone or watch near the card reader at checkout — the same way you would tap a contactless credit card.

Digital wallets are linked to your credit or debit card, so the payment method behind the wallet matters. If your Apple Pay is linked to a Visa card, it works at Costco. If it is linked to a Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, it also works. The warehouse does not see which card is behind the wallet — it only sees that a digital payment went through.

Online Orders and Costco.com

Costco.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit and debit cards. It also accepts PayPal, which is not available at warehouse registers. You enter your card information or PayPal login at checkout, and the payment is processed when ready.

If you use a digital wallet on your phone to shop at Costco.com, the website may recognize it and let you check out faster. Some browsers and phones store payment information for repeat purchases, though you can always enter a different card if you want to.

Costco Gas Station Payment Rules

Costco gas pumps have stricter payment rules than the warehouse. You can pay with a Costco credit card, any Visa card, or cash. You cannot use Mastercard, Discover, or American Express at the pump, even though these cards work inside the warehouse.

If you want to pay with Mastercard or Discover for gas, you must go inside to the register instead of using the pump. Digital wallets work at the pump only if they are linked to a Visa card or a Costco credit card. The restriction exists because Costco negotiated lower processing fees with Visa for fuel purchases.

Costco Cash and Membership Cards

Costco Cash is a reward card that you earn when you shop with a Costco credit card or when you make certain purchases. It looks like a gift card and has a dollar amount printed on it. You can use Costco Cash to pay for anything in the warehouse — groceries, gas, or merchandise — just like cash or a credit card.

Your membership card itself is not a payment method. It proves you are a member and lets you enter the warehouse, but you cannot use it to pay at checkout. You still need to provide a separate payment method (card, cash, or Costco Cash) when you buy something.

What Costco Does Not Accept

Costco does not accept Diners Club cards at any location. It does not accept store gift cards issued by other retailers. American Express gift cards do not work, though American Express credit cards do. Costco does not accept payment through third-party apps like Venmo, Square Cash, or other peer-to-peer payment services.

Costco also does not accept cryptocurrency, money orders, or wire transfers at the warehouse. If you have questions about whether a specific payment method will work, ask a cashier before you get to the register — they can tell you right away whether your card or payment type is accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Mastercard at Costco gas pumps?

No. Costco gas pumps accept only Costco credit cards, Visa cards, and cash. If you want to pay with Mastercard for gas, you must go inside to the register. Mastercard works fine inside the warehouse for regular purchases.

Do I need a Costco credit card to shop there?

No. You can pay with any Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card, or with cash. The Costco credit card earns rewards, but it is not required. You do need a Costco membership to enter the warehouse.

What if I want to pay with two different cards for one purchase?

Costco allows split payments at the register. Tell the cashier you want to use two cards, and they will ring up part of your purchase on one card and the rest on another. This does not work at self-checkout in most locations.

Can I use PayPal at the warehouse register?

No. PayPal is only available when you order online at Costco.com. At the warehouse, you must use a credit card, debit card, digital wallet, cash, or check.

Are there fees for paying with a credit card at Costco?

No. Costco does not charge you a fee to use a credit card. The store absorbs the processing cost. You pay the same price whether you use cash, card, or digital wallet.