Costco, a membership-only warehouse club, offers a wide array of merchandise at great value. However, when it comes to payment methods, there might be some confusion about what cards are accepted at Costco. This comprehensive guide will help clarify what cards and payment methods you can use for your next Costco shopping trip.
Costco accepts all Visa credit cards, most PIN-based Debit/ATM cards, Costco Shop Cards, cash, checks, and EBT cards at their U.S. locations. They also accept mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. However, they do not accept American Express, Discover, or Mastercard credit cards for in-store purchases. For online purchases, they accept all Visa cards, Mastercard, most PIN-based Debit/ATM cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
Credit Cards Accepted at Costco
Costco’s partnership with Visa allows the warehouse club to accept all Visa credit cards at its U.S. locations. This includes the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, which offers cardholders various rewards and perks, such as cash back on eligible gas, restaurant, travel, and Costco purchases.
Please note, however, that Costco does not accept American Express, Discover, or Mastercard credit cards for in-store purchases.
Debit Cards Accepted at Costco
Besides credit cards, Costco also accepts most PIN-based debit/ATM cards, including those from the Visa network. While Costco has an exclusive partnership with Visa for credit card transactions in-store, they do accept debit cards affiliated with Mastercard or Discover. However, they do not accept debit cards from American Express.
Prepaid Cards and Gift Cards
Costco accepts all Visa credit cards, Visa debit cards, and Visa gift cards. However, Costco does not sell Visa gift cards. Instead, they sell other types of gift cards such as travel gift cards, restaurant gift cards, retail gift cards, and more.
They also accept Costco Shop Cards, which are essentially gift cards that can be used by members and non-members alike.
Mobile Payments
In the digital age, mobile payments have become increasingly popular. Costco is keeping up with this trend by accepting mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at their warehouse locations in the U.S.
Checks, Cash, and EBT Cards
In addition to cards, Costco also accepts cash, personal checks from current Costco Members, business checks from current Costco Business Members, traveler’s checks, and EBT cards.
Online Purchases
For online purchases at Costco.com, the accepted payment methods are all Visa cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Mastercard, most PIN-based Debit/ATM cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
Costco Gas Stations
At U.S. Costco Gas Stations, the accepted payment methods are all Visa Cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
Final Thoughts
Knowing Costco’s card acceptance policy can help you plan your shopping trip better and avoid any surprises at the checkout. Remember, while Costco accepts a variety of payment methods, they have an exclusive partnership with Visa for credit card transactions in-store. However, they do offer flexibility with other payment methods such as debit cards, gift cards, mobile payments, and more.
Always verify the payment methods accepted at your local Costco as they may vary. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Mastercard credit card for online purchases at Costco?
Yes, you can use your Mastercard credit card for online purchases at Costco.com.
Can I use American Express cards at Costco?
No, Costco does not accept American Express cards for in-store or online purchases.
Can I use Discover credit cards at Costco?
No, Costco does not accept Discover credit cards for in-store purchases. However, you can use Discover cards for online purchases at Costco.com.
What is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a credit card that offers various rewards and perks, such as cash back on eligible gas, restaurant, travel, and Costco purchases.
Can non-members use Costco Shop Cards?
Yes, Costco Shop Cards can be used by both members and non-members at Costco.
Can I use mobile payments at Costco Gas Stations?
No, mobile payments are not accepted at Costco Gas Stations. The accepted payment methods at U.S. Costco Gas Stations are all Visa Cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards, and Costco Shop Cards.
