The Costco Credit Card (officially Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi) is the exclusive co-branded Visa credit card available only to Costco members, offering tiered cashback rewards of 4% on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000/year), 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% at Costco warehouses and costco.com, 1% everywhere else (Visa network), no annual credit card fee (requires paid Costco membership), no foreign transaction fees, and worldwide Visa acceptance, making it one of the top cashback credit cards for frequent Costco shoppers, gas buyers, and travelers who spend at least $5,000+ annually across Costco/gas categories to maximize 2%-4% returns.
Unlike general-purpose cashback cards, the Costco Credit Card requires active Costco membership ($60 Gold or $120 Executive annually) but delivers superior rewards on Costco purchases (2%), gas stations (4%), and dining/travel (3%), with rewards issued exclusively as annual Costco Cash Rewards certificates redeemable only for Costco purchases. Whether you’re searching for Costco credit card login instructions (via Citi portal), understanding benefits/rewards structure, verifying Costco’s credit card acceptance policy (Visa-only), comparing approval requirements (670+ FICO score typical), or evaluating whether it’s worth it in 2026, this comprehensive guide covers everything Costco shoppers need to know about applying, managing, and optimizing the Costco credit card for maximum rewards.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Costco Credit Card?
- Costco Credit Card Benefits (2026)
- Costco Credit Card Login
- Citi Costco Credit Card Management
- What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
- Approval Requirements
- Costco Credit Card vs Other Cashback Cards
- Pros & Cons
- FAQs
- Maximization Tips
- Conclusion
What Is the Costco Credit Card?
The Costco Credit Card is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, exclusively available to paid Costco members, functioning as a cashback rewards Visa card optimized for Costco shopping, gas purchases, dining, and travel with tiered rewards rates and annual certificate redemption.
Key Features
Eligibility: Active Costco membership required ($60 Gold Star or $120 Executive annually)
Issuer: Citi (Citibank, N.A.)
Network: Visa (accepted everywhere Visa is accepted)
Annual Fee: $0 (membership fee separate)
Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
Membership Requirement Explained
Unlike typical credit cards, Costco Credit Card applications require:
- Active Costco membership (Gold, Executive, or Business)
- Membership verified during application
- Card cannot be used without valid membership
- Membership must remain active to keep card
Membership Tiers:
| Tier | Annual Fee | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Star | $60 | Basic warehouse access |
| Executive | $120 | 2% additional rewards on Costco purchases (stacks with card) |
Costco Credit Card Benefits (2026)
Cashback Rewards Structure
Tiered Cashback Rates:
| Category | Rewards Rate | Annual Cap | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas & EV Charging | 4% | $7,000 ($280 max) | Costco Gas, Shell, Exxon, Tesla Superchargers |
| Restaurants & Travel | 3% | None | Dining, airlines, hotels, car rentals |
| Costco Purchases | 2% | None | Costco warehouses, costco.com |
| All Other Purchases | 1% | None | Everywhere else Visa accepted |
Real-World Rewards Example
Annual Spending: $25,000
| Category | Spend | Rewards Rate | Cashback Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | $3,000 | 4% | $120 |
| Dining | $2,000 | 3% | $60 |
| Costco | $10,000 | 2% | $200 |
| Everything Else | $10,000 | 1% | $100 |
| Total | $25,000 | Avg 1.96% | $480 |
With Executive Membership (+2%): $10,000 Costco spend = $400 total (4% effective)
Additional Benefits
✅ No Foreign Transaction Fees – 0% on international purchases
✅ Worldwide Visa Acceptance – Use anywhere Visa accepted
✅ Extended Warranty – Doubles manufacturer warranty (up to 1 year)
✅ Purchase Protection – Covers theft/damage 120 days ($1,000/item)
✅ Travel Accident Insurance – Up to $250,000 coverage
✅ Mobile Device Protection – Up to $800 (2 claims/12 months)
Costco Credit Card Login
Access your Costco credit card account through Citi’s portal: Visit citi.com or download Citi Mobile app, select “Costco Anywhere Visa,” enter username/password, complete 2FA, and access rewards balance, statements, and payments.
Desktop Login Steps
- Visit Citi Login: Go to citi.com
- Select Card: Click “Credit Cards” → “Costco Anywhere Visa”
- Enter Credentials: Username (email) + Password
- Complete 2FA: SMS code or security questions
- Dashboard Access: View rewards, statements, payments
Mobile App Login
Citi Mobile App Features:
✅ Real-time rewards balance
✅ Instant payments
✅ Paperless statements
✅ Spending alerts
✅ Virtual card numbers
✅ FICO score tracking
App Login Steps:
- Download “Citi Mobile” (iOS/Android)
- Tap “Login”
- Select Costco Anywhere Visa account
- Enter credentials + 2FA
- Enable biometric login
Troubleshooting Login Issues
Forgot Password:
- Click “Forgot Password” on Citi login
- Verify identity via email/SMS
- Reset password instantly
Account Locked:
- Call Citi: 1-855-378-6467
- Verify identity
- Unlock immediately
Citi Costco Credit Card Management
Citi issues and manages the Costco Credit Card, providing payment options, statements, alerts, and customer support through standard Citi infrastructure.
Payment Methods
| Method | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Online (Citi.com/App) | Same day | Free |
| AutoPay | Due date | Free |
| Phone | 1-2 days | Free |
| 5-7 days | Free |
AutoPay Recommendation: Set to “Full Balance” to avoid interest (20.24%-29.99% variable APR).
Statement & Rewards Timing
Monthly Statements: Issued 21+ days before due date
Rewards Certificate: Issued annually at membership renewal (January)
Redemption: Only at Costco warehouses/costco.com (cash register or online)
What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
Direct Answer: Costco Accepts Visa Credit Cards Only
Costco U.S. warehouses accept ONLY Visa credit cards and Visa debit cards. No Mastercard, American Express, or Discover accepted in-store.
Online (costco.com): All major cards accepted
Complete Costco Payment Policy (2026)
| Payment Type | In-Store | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Credit | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Visa Debit | ✓ Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Mastercard | ✗ Not Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| American Express | ✗ Not Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Discover | ✗ Not Accepted | ✓ Accepted |
| Cash | ✓ Accepted | N/A |
| Checks | ✓ Accepted | N/A |
| EBT | ✓ Accepted | N/A |
Why Visa-Only In-Store:
- Exclusive Visa agreement since 2016
- Lower merchant fees passed to members (lower prices)
- Costco Executive Members get 2% additional rewards
Costco Credit Card Requirements & Approval
Credit Score Requirements
Typical Approval Ranges:
| FICO Score | Approval Odds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 670-739 (Good) | 80%+ | Ideal range |
| 740-799 (Very Good) | 95%+ | Best approval odds |
| 800+ (Excellent) | 99% | Guaranteed |
| 640-669 (Fair) | 40-60% | Possible with strong income |
| Below 640 | <20% | Unlikely |
Other Approval Factors
Income Requirements:
- Minimum: $25,000+ annual income typical
- Higher income improves approval odds
- Self-employment accepted
Costco Membership: Must be active paid member at application
Citi Underwriting: Conservative; prefers established credit history
Costco Credit Card vs Other Cashback Cards
Comprehensive Comparison (2026)
| Feature | Costco Visa (Citi) | Chase Freedom Unlimited | Wells Fargo Active Cash | Capital One Quicksilver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 (+$60 membership) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Gas Rewards | 4% ($7k cap) | 1.5% | 2% unlimited | 1.5% |
| Dining | 3% | 3% | ||
| Costco | 2% | 1.5% | 2% | 1.5% |
| Everywhere Else | 1% | 1.5% | 2% | 1.5% |
| Welcome Bonus | None | $200 (after $500 spend) | $200 (after $1,000) | $200 (after $500) |
| Foreign Fees | 0% | 3% | 3% | 0% |
| Rewards Paid | Annual certificate | Quarterly/anytime | Anytime | Anytime |
Winner: Costco for gas/Costco shoppers; Active Cash for non-members
Costco Credit Card Pros & Cons
Advantages
✅ Best-in-Class Gas Rewards – 4% up to $7,000 ($280/year max)
✅ Strong Costco Rewards – 2% + 2% Executive = 4% effective
✅ No Credit Card Annual Fee – Only membership required
✅ No Foreign Transaction Fees – Great for international Costco trips
✅ Worldwide Visa Acceptance – Use anywhere
✅ Generous Dining/Travel – 3% on restaurants, airlines, hotels
Disadvantages
❌ Membership Required – $60-$120 annual Costco fee
❌ Annual Rewards Only – Certificate issued once/year at renewal
❌ Costco Redemption Only – Can’t use rewards as cash/statement credit
❌ Visa Network Only – No Amex perks
❌ No Welcome Bonus – Unlike competitors
❌ High APR – 20.24%-29.99% if carrying balance
Costco Credit Card FAQs
What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
Costco accepts Visa credit and debit cards only in U.S. warehouses. No Mastercard, American Express, or Discover accepted in-store. Online at costco.com, all major cards accepted.
Does Costco Take Credit Cards?
YES, but Visa credit cards only in warehouses. Mastercard, Amex, and Discover NOT accepted in-store.
What Credit Cards Does Costco Take?
Visa only in U.S. warehouses. All major cards accepted online.
Does Costco Accept Credit Cards?
YES, Visa credit cards only in warehouses.
What Credit Card Does Costco Take?
Visa credit cards exclusively in U.S. warehouses.
Is Costco Credit Card Worth It in 2026?
YES if you spend $5,000+ annually at Costco/gas and have Executive membership (4% effective). NO if you shop elsewhere or don’t want membership requirement.
What Credit Score Is Needed for Costco Credit Card?
670+ FICO recommended (good credit). 640-669 possible with strong income. Below 640 unlikely.
Does Costco Accept Mastercard or Amex?
NO. Costco accepts Visa only in U.S. warehouses.
Can Non-Members Use Costco Credit Card?
NO. Requires active Costco membership. Card suspended if membership lapses.
Expert Tips to Maximize Rewards
Strategy 1: Get Executive Membership
Gold Star ($60): 0% back on Costco purchases
Executive ($120): +2% back on Costco purchases
With Costco Card: 2% (card) + 2% (Executive) = 4% effective
Break-even: Executive pays for itself after $6,000 Costco spending
Strategy 2: Maximize Gas Rewards
- Use at all gas stations (not just Costco)
- 4% up to $7,000 = $280 free gas annually
- Includes EV charging stations
- Track annual cap via Citi app
Strategy 3: Route Dining/Travel Through Card
3% Categories:
- Restaurants (fast food to fine dining)
- Airlines (United, Delta, American)
- Hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt)
- Car rentals (Hertz, Enterprise)
Strategy 4: Timing Big Purchases
Annual Certificate Timing:
- Rewards issued January at membership renewal
- Plan large Costco purchases December
- Maximize year-end rewards certificate
Strategy 5: Never Carry a Balance
APR: 20.24%-29.99% variable
Strategy: Pay full balance monthly via AutoPay
Savings: Avoid $500+ annual interest on $5,000 average balance
Conclusion
The Costco Credit Card remains one of the best cashback options in 2026 for frequent Costco shoppers and gas buyers, delivering 4% gas rewards (up to $7,000), 3% dining/travel, 2% Costco spending, no annual card fee, and 0% foreign transaction fees—provided you maintain active membership ($60-$120 annually) and spend strategically across reward categories to generate $400-$800+ annual Costco Cash certificates.
Who Should Get the Costco Credit Card?
✅ PERFECT FOR:
- Costco Executive Members spending $6,000+ annually
- Heavy gas buyers ($500+/month)
- Frequent diners/travelers
- Families buying bulk at Costco
- International Costco shoppers (no foreign fees)
❌ NOT IDEAL FOR:
- Non-Costco shoppers
- Those disliking annual membership fees
- Needing immediate cashback rewards
- Poor credit profiles (<670 FICO)
2026 Optimization Strategy
- Get Executive Membership → 4% effective at Costco
- Max Gas Rewards → $280 free gas annually
- Route Dining/Travel → 3% everywhere you eat/stay
- AutoPay Full Balance → Zero interest
- December Big Shop → Maximize annual certificate
Bottom Line: If you’re already a Costco member spending $5,000+ annually there plus gas/dining, the Costco credit card generates $400-$800+ free merchandise yearly. Non-members should consider Chase Freedom Unlimited or Wells Fargo Active Cash instead.
Before Applying for Any Cashback Credit Card…
Strong emergency savings prevent credit card debt during emergencies.
👉 Use the Emergency Fund Calculator at emergencyfundcalculator.com to calculate exactly how much you should save for financial security in 2026.