When you shop at a Costco Warehouse, you can pay with Visa credit cards, cash, PIN-based debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, personal checks, and EBT cards. You can also use mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
If you’re shopping on Costco.com, you can use all major credit cards, not just Visa. This means you can use cards like MasterCard, Discover, or American Express for online purchases. You can also use debit cards and Costco Cash Cards for online shopping.
In-store payment options are more limited compared to the flexibility offered for online purchases. This guide aims to clarify all accepted payment methods at Costco, both in-store and online, so you can shop with confidence and convenience.
What payment methods are accepted at Costco?
U.S. Costco warehouse locations accept:
- All Visa Cards
- The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
- Costco Shop Cards*
- Cash
- Personal checks from current Costco Members
- Business checks from current Costco Business Members
- Traveler’s checks
- EBT cards
- Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard Debit cards are accepted at Pharmacies, Optical and Hearing Aid Departments
U.S. Costco Gas Stations:
- All Visa Cards
- The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
- Apple Pay
- Costco Shop Cards*
Costco.com:
- All Visa Cards
- The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- MasterCard
- Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
- Costco Shop Cards*
- Visa
Costco Payment Breakdown
Does Costco Accept Apple Pay
Yes! Costco does accept Apple Pay along with other mobile payment options at all of their US warehouses including Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Credit Cards
Costco has a close partnership with Visa and accepts all Visa credit cards at its warehouses and gas stations. This includes the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, a co-branded card that offers rewards for Costco purchases. For online and mobile app purchases, Costco also accepts Mastercard and Discover Card (including JCB and Diners Club). However, American Express is not accepted.
Debit and ATM Cards
Most PIN-based debit and ATM cards are accepted at Costco. However, it’s important to note that Costco does not accept debit cards as a form of payment at their gas stations.
Cash and Other Payment Methods
Costco gladly accepts cash at all locations. Additionally, they accept Costco Shop Cards (gift cards), traveler’s checks, and EBT cards. Costco Business Members can also use business checks, while regular members can pay with personal checks.
Payments Not Accepted at Costco
As of July 2024, Costco does not accept WIC checks, Tricare, or coupons. Additionally, PayPal is not accepted in-store or at gas stations, although it can be used for online and mobile app purchases via Visa Checkout.
Costco Business Center Payment Methods
The Costco Business Center generally accepts the same forms of payment as regular Costco warehouses, including Visa credit cards, most PIN-based debit and ATM cards, cash, Costco Shop Cards, and business checks. However, EBT is not accepted at Costco Business Centers.
Summary Table of Payment Methods at Costco
| Payment Method | In-Store | Gas Station | Online/App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Credit Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mastercard | No | No | Yes |
| Discover Card | No | No | Yes |
| American Express | No | No | No |
| Debit Card (PIN-based) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Costco Shop Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cash | Yes | Yes | No |
| Personal Check | Yes | No | No |
| Business Check | Yes (Business Members Only) | No | No |
| EBT | Yes | No | No |
| Traveler’s Check | Yes | No | No |
| WIC Check | No | No | No |
| Tricare | No | No | No |
| Coupons | No | No | No |
| PayPal | No | No | Yes (via Visa Checkout) |
Key Takeaways
- Costco warehouses mainly accept Visa credit cards and other selected payment methods.
- Costco.com allows the use of all major credit cards and debit cards.
- Payment options include Costco Shop Cards and mobile payments for member convenience.
Available Payment Options at Costco Warehouses
Costco warehouses offer multiple payment methods to accommodate various preferences and needs.
Credit and Debit Cards
Costco warehouses accept all Visa cards including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. They also accept most PIN-based debit or ATM cards. However, Costco does not accept cards from networks like Discover, Diners Club, or American Express for in-store purchases.
Cash, Checks, and EBT
Shoppers can use cash or EBT cards at all Costco locations. Personal checks are accepted from existing Costco members. Business checks from current business members are also allowed. Costco even accepts traveler’s checks.
Digital and Mobile Payments
Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted. These options offer a quick and secure way to purchase merchandise.
Costco Shop and Cash Cards
Costco Shop Cards and Costco Cash Cards can be used by members as well as non-members. These cards work at all Costco warehouses, including gas stations.
Alternative Payment Methods
At Costco’s optical and hearing aid departments, members can use FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard debit cards. These departments are designed to accommodate health-related spending accounts.
Online Payment Options at Costco.com
When shopping online at Costco.com, customers have specific payment options. Understanding these can help ensure a smooth checkout process.
Accepted Online Payment Methods
Costco.com allows customers to use various payment methods. These include:
- Visa Credit Cards: All Visa cards are accepted.
- MasterCard: This is also a valid payment method.
- Debit Cards: Customers can use most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards.
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi: Users can earn rewards and cash back on purchases.
Online Purchases with Costco Cash Cards
- Costco Cash Cards: Members and non-members may use these for payments.
- Value: Cards come in different amounts and can be used for partial payment with another method covering the balance.
Online Payment Security
Costco.com commits to keeping customer information secure. It uses advanced technology to protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions. Always review Visa FAQs for best security practices.
Delivery and Billing Addresses
- Deliveries Within the United States: An address in the US is required.
- Delivery Options Outside the U.S.: Currently, Costco.com does not offer international shipping.
- U.S. or Canadian Billing Address: A valid billing address from the US or Canada is necessary for online purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
When shopping at Costco, knowing the accepted payment methods simplifies the checkout process.
What forms of payment are accepted in-store at Costco?
Costco warehouses accept several payment options. Shoppers can use PIN-based debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, cash, personal checks for existing members, traveler’s checks, EBT cards, and certain mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The pharmacy, optical, and hearing aid departments also accept FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard debit cards.
Can you use Mastercard credit or debit cards at Costco?
In-store Costco locations do not accept Mastercard credit or debit cards. Visa is the exclusive credit card used at Costco warehouses.
Is Apple Pay a valid payment method at Costco locations?
Apple Pay is accepted at Costco. Customers can use this mobile payment option for in-store purchases.
Does Costco accept American Express cards for payment?
Costco does not accept American Express cards for payment in-store or online. This is due to an exclusive agreement with Visa.
Are online payments for Costco purchases supported with PayPal?
Costco.com does not support PayPal as a payment method. Shoppers can use Visa, MasterCard, and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi instead.
What credit cards can you use when shopping at Costco online?
Shopping at Costco.com, you can use all Visa cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, and MasterCard. These offer convenience for online purchases.
