What Forms of Payment are Accepted at Costco?

Costco completed one of its most significant corporate moves less than a decade ago. The company ended its 19-year merchant services relationship with American Express (Amex) and partnered with Visa for co-branded credit card accounts. Although the switch was finalized in 2016, some customers are still unsure about the payments accepted at Costco in 2025.

Costco offers various payment options, depending on whether you shop in-store, online, or at the gas station. Knowing which forms of payment are accepted can help you check out smoothly and avoid any issues. This guide covers the payment methods Costco accepts, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and other options.

To summarize, Costco U.S. Warehouse locations accept the following payment types:

• All Visa Cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Many PIN-based Debit and ATM Cards
• Cash
• Costco Shop Cards (Costco Gift Card)
• Business checks from valid Costco Business Members
• Personal checks from valid Costco Members
• EBT cards
• Traveler’s checks
• NFC Mobile Payment (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)
• Filtered Spend using prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards
• Costco does NOT accept MasterCard, Discover, or American Express cards at warehouse locations.

U.S. Costco Gas Station Payment Types:

• All Visa branded Cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Many PIN-based Debit and ATM Cards
• Costco Shop Cards (Costco Gift Card)
• Apple Pay
• Filtered Spend using prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards

Costco.com Accepted Payment Types:

• All Visa Cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• MasterCard
• Discover Cards (Including JCB and Diners Club)
• Many PIN-based Debit and ATM Cards
• Costco Shop Cards (Costco Gift Cards)
• Visa Checkout (For more information, please visit the Visa Checkout FAQs)

What Are the Payment Methods at Costco?

Costco primarily accepts Visa credit cards for in-store purchases. However, suppose you do not have a Visa card. Other payment options are available, including cash, checks, ATM/debit cards, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), Costco Shop Cards, and mobile payment applications.

Customers can also use Mastercard or Discover cards for online purchases from Costco.com. However, American Express cards are not accepted on Costco’s website.

The switch to Visa as Costco’s exclusive credit card partner marked a significant change, ending a longstanding exclusive arrangement with American Express that began in 1999. Initially, the retailer only accepted Discover cards. The partnership with American Express significantly benefited both entities, propelling Costco into the ranks of the world’s top three retailers and generating substantial sales volume for American Express. Subsequently, Costco transitioned to Visa, which offers an even broader network.

Does Costco Allow Cash Payments Everywhere?

Out of all the inquiries about the forms of payments accepted at Costco, the most prominent is about cash payment. Yes, Costco does accept cash payments, just like most retailers. However, cash can only be used at Costco’s physical warehouse locations. Cash is not accepted at Costco.com, Costco car wash stations, and Costco gas stations.

Can You Pay at Costco with Checks?

Yes. Costco does accept checks. Many people no longer write checks. However, you can still write a check to pay at Costco. You can’t use a check to pay at Costco.com, Costco car wash stations, and Costco gas stations. In addition to personal checks, Costco will accept business checks from business members.

Does Costco Accept EBT?

Many search for ‘does Costco accept EBT? ‘ The answer is yes. Costco is also a food seller, so many people wonder if they accept EBT payments (food stamp payments) because of this.

All Costco warehouse locations accept EBT cards for in-store purchases, and they follow the regulations set by each state regarding what items are eligible. Customers can use EBT cards at Costco to buy a range of SNAP-approved food items. These include fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs, bread, cereals, pasta, and other grains. Snack foods like chips and cookies and non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water, fruit juice, and soda are also eligible.

Additionally, seeds and plants that can produce food for the household may be purchased with EBT cards. However, there are restrictions on what can be bought with EBT funds. Hot prepared foods, such as rotisserie chicken, and ready-to-eat foods from the deli or food court, like premade salads and sandwiches, are not eligible. Also ineligible are vitamins and medicines, household supplies, pet food, alcohol and tobacco products, and non-food items such as clothing, furniture, or electronics.

Important to note is that shopping at Costco warehouses requires a valid membership, even when using an EBT card. EBT funds cannot be used for online orders, delivery services, or purchases at Costco gas stations. While cold prepared foods intended for home consumption may be eligible, this depends on specific state regulations. For detailed information about what can and cannot be purchased with an EBT card at Costco and guidance on state-specific rules, members should consult their state’s SNAP agency or visit Costco’s official customer service page.

Which Credit Cards Is Costco Accepting?

As mentioned previously, Costco accepts Visa debit and credit cards only. It will not accept MasterCard, American Express, or Discover cards issued by a credit union or bank. This is usually not problematic for Costco consumers. Many loyal customers of Costco have a Visa Card that is Costco-branded. Even if they don’t have one, many people still have a Visa credit or debit card in their wallet. In 2012, 261 million Americans owned a Visa debit or credit card.

Costco and Visa have an exclusive contract that excludes other major credit card networks such as Discover, MasterCard, and American Express. You will need a Visa card to shop at Costco. Costco formerly had an exclusive contract with American Express, which limited card usage to that network until the recent Visa switch.

This exclusivity is restricted to credit card networks only; there are no restrictions on the debit card network for PIN-based debit. MasterCard debit can be used to make a Costco purchase if that card supports an alternate PIN-based debit network.

This means that although Costco’s Visa network partnership may restrict your choices, it doesn’t limit them as severely as you may expect due to PIN-based debit options. Visa has many bank partners who issue Visa cards, including Costco’s partnered credit card through Citi.

Does Costco Accept MasterCard?

Costco won’t accept MasterCard for in-store payments. You can, however, use a MasterCard for online and mobile purchases at Costco.com.

Is American Express Accepted at Costco?

American Express is not accepted in Costco stores or on the Costco.com website. It is the only major card that Costco doesn’t take at any point of purchase.

Some consumers may be surprised because Costco previously had a special relationship with American Express in-store. American Express was the only credit card that Costco accepted before 2016.

However, that agreement was terminated in 2016, and Visa now has an exclusive in-store partnership with Costco.

Why Costco Switched from AmEx to Visa?

Costco’s decision to switch its exclusive credit card partnership from American Express to Visa in 2016 was driven by several strategic considerations:

Visa’s significantly more extensive network dramatically increased potential customer reach. In 2016, Visa had approximately 276 million credit accounts in the U.S., compared to American Express’s 23.3 million. This vast network meant that Costco could cater to more credit card users, expanding its customer base.

Citi’s introduction of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card also provided more lucrative rewards than the previous American Express offering. For instance, the new Visa card offered 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, an improvement over the 2% previously provided by American Express. This change aimed to deliver more excellent value and savings to Costco members.

The partnership with Visa and Citigroup also resulted in lower transaction fees for Costco. These reduced costs were critical in helping Costco maintain its commitment to competitive pricing and maximizing value for its members, aligning with its overall business strategy of low-cost leadership.

These factors collectively contributed to Costco’s transition to Visa, facilitating broader service capabilities and enhanced benefits for its vast membership base.

Is Discover Accepted at Costco?

Discover is not accepted at Costco as an in-store payment. You can still use a Discover card for online purchases at Costco.com and through the Costco mobile app.

What Visa Cards are Accepted at Costco?

When choosing a Visa-branded card to use at Costco, it is important to consider benefits and rewards. The Citi Costco-branded card provides the best rewards when used at Costco. It gives 4% rewards on gas, 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on all Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Some other popular Visa rewards cards that can be used at Costco and Costco.com are as follows:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
• Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
• Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card
• Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi

What Are the Terms of the Costco Visa Card?

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The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers substantial benefits and competitive cash back rewards tailored for Costco members, and it comes without an annual fee, provided the cardholder maintains a paid Costco membership. Recently updated on January 19, 2025, the card now provides enhanced cash-back rewards on gas purchases at Costco locations worldwide. Members earn 5% cash back on purchases up to $7,000 annually, after which the cash back rate reverts to 1%. Additionally, the card offers 4% cash back on other gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging outside of Costco for the first $7,000 combined annual spending, then 1% thereafter.

The card offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining and eligible travel purchases, including those made through Costco Travel. Purchases from Costco and Costco.com earn an unlimited 2% cash back, while all other purchases receive 1%. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, adding extra value for international purchases.

Further enhancing its appeal, the card includes various protection services, such as worldwide car rental insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside assistance, and damage and theft purchase protection. Cardholders also gain exclusive access to Citi Entertainment®, which offers special ticket access to thousands of events.

Cash back rewards are issued annually as a credit card reward certificate after the February billing statement closes. They can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico. Eligibility for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card requires active Costco membership. Prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the official documentation for detailed terms, including current interest rates and fees.

How Can the Right Card Save You on Bulk Purchases?

Although few people need a cubic foot of peanut butter, anyone can find a great deal at a warehouse store.

However, if you already pay a membership fee to browse the aisles, the savings might not be justified unless you have a good reason to buy in bulk.

The right rewards credit card can help you pay for Costco products. It can be a great way to save money on your Costco purchases and cover the cost of your membership fee.

What to Do If Costco Doesn’t Accept Your Credit Card?

If your Visa credit card is declined at a Costco warehouse or gas station, the first step is to contact your card issuer using the phone number on the back of your card to find out why it was declined. Common reasons for a declined card include suspected fraud, exceeding your credit limit, or the card being expired or not yet activated. Additionally, entering incorrect card details, such as the CVV or expiration date, can also lead to a declin.e​

For those trying to use a non-Visa credit card at Costco, the options are limited because of Costco’s exclusive agreement with Visa, which does not allow credit cards from other networks like American Express, Mastercard, or Discover in their warehouses or gas stations. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to use an alternative payment method such as cash, a debit card from any network, or a Costco Shop Card, which a Costco member can preload​

In cases where your card is declined, it might help to:

• Check that all card details entered are correct, mainly if the decline occurred during an online transaction.
• Ensure your card is active and not expired.
• Contact your bank if you suspect the card was flagged for unusual activity or to notify them of transactions that they may be marking as suspicious, particularly if you are traveling.​

Shopping at Costco Without a Membership

Yes, non-members can shop at Costco using a Costco Shop Card, a reloadable gift card. These cards allow non-members to make purchases both in-store and online. However, a Costco member must purchase or reload these cards, so non-members will need a member to obtain one on their behalf.

Costco Shop Cards are available in various denominations, ranging from $25 to $2,000. Non-members using these cards may encounter certain restrictions; for example, some Costco warehouses might require that any balance exceeding the card’s value be settled using cash or a debit card, as credit payments may not be accepted. Additionally, enforcement of these policies can vary by location, with some non-members reporting that they were questioned or asked to obtain a temporary membership before shopping. In contrast, others have used the cards without any issues.

Non-members have several other options for shopping at Costco:

• Online Shopping: Those who shop on Costco.com without a membership will face a 5% surcharge on their purchases.
• Guest Visits: Members can bring up to two guests to Costco warehouses, but only members can make purchases. Non-members must have transactions completed by accompanying members.
• Prescription Services: Costco’s pharmacy services are also available to non-members, providing an exception to the general membership requirement.

While the Costco Shop Card allows non-members to access the store’s inventory, potential shoppers should be aware of the card’s limitations and the variability in policy enforcement at different locations. Obtaining a membership could provide a more consistent and unrestricted shopping experience for those who frequent Costco or wish to avoid these limitations.

The Bottom Line

In an age when most major credit card brands are accepted by almost all retailers in the United States, Costco’s spending rules are complex.

Hopefully, you now better understand which cards and payment methods will work well at the wholesale giant.

Always be prepared before you go shopping. Many people make lists and have grocery bags, but they just head out without thinking about the payment methods accepted at their store of choice. Upon reaching the checkout counter at Costco, your card or another payment method might not be accepted. Be sure to check the payment options at Costco before you go to the biggest wholesale retailer in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions