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A trip to Costco is a shopping adventure: You'll save money, savor food samples, discover new products and probably walk a few miles. But before you head to Costco, be sure you have the right payment methods in hand. Here are the credit cards you can (and can't) use at Costco.
Credit Cards Accepted at Costco Warehouses
All Costco stores accept any credit card backed by the Visa network, including the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, an Experian partner. Costco members can apply for a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi online or in-store. Other Visa-backed cards Costco accepts Costco include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card's rewards include 2 points per $1 spent on takeout and dining out, eligible delivery services and travel, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. These rewards could help to offset the card's $95 annual fee. Spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and earn 100,000 bonus points.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®®: This card has no annual fee and an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases for 15 months, at which point the APR climbs to 14.99% to 23.74% (variable). Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (although that doesn't include warehouse stores such as Costco, Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 in the first year, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Spend $500 within 3 months from account opening and get a $200 bonus.
Credit Cards Not Accepted at Costco Warehouses
Cards from American Express, Discover or MasterCard aren't accepted in Costco stores. However, you can shop online at Costco.com or using the Costco app with cards backed by the Discover and MasterCard network such as:
- Citi Rewards+® Card: Earn 2 points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1 point per dollar thereafter, plus 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Rewards round up to the nearest 10 points on all purchases. Spend $1,000 within 3 months of account opening and get 15,000 bonus points. Enjoy 0% APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers; after the introductory period ends, the variable APR becomes 13.49% to 23.49%.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card has a 0% intro apr on purchases for 15 months; then the variable APR is 14.99% to 23.74%. Earn 5% cash back on grocery purchases (not including warehouse stores such as Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year; 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories that change each quarter; 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®; 3% on dining and drugstores; and 1% on all other purchases. Spend $500 within 3 months of account opening and get a $200 bonus.
- Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer: This card earns 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when the purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off) and boasts a 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers; then the variable APR becomes 13.99% to 23.99%.
Why Do Costco Warehouses Only Accept Visa Credit Cards?
It's unusual for large retailers to restrict payment methods. However, Costco has a partnership with Visa, so Visa is the only card accepted in-store. (Costco previously had a similar partnership with American Express that ended in 2016.)
Be Prepared With the Right Credit Card at Costco
The credit cards above require good to excellent credit. See if you may qualify by checking your credit report and credit score. If necessary, improve your credit score by paying down debt, paying bills on time and avoiding applications for new credit. Visit Experian CreditMatch™ to be paired with cards that fit your credit profile. With the right credit card in hand, you can make the most of your Costco visit.