Costco accepts only a small set of credit cards, and the rules differ by membership type and location

Costco does not take most credit cards. The warehouse accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — but only if you have a Costco membership card and you are shopping in a Costco warehouse or on Costco.com. Costco gas stations have stricter rules: they take only Visa and Mastercard at the pump, plus Costco's own Visa card. If you show up with a different card, you will not be able to pay, so knowing what you can bring matters before you shop.

The card rules also depend on where you live. Costco operates in different countries and regions, and some locations have different agreements with card networks. In the United States, the rules described here apply everywhere. If you are shopping at a Costco outside the US, check with that location first.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco warehouses take Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, but you must have a valid Costco membership card to use any of them.
  • Costco gas stations accept only Visa and Mastercard at the pump, plus the Costco Visa card — American Express and Discover do not work at the pump.
  • Costco.com accepts the same cards as warehouses, but you still need an active membership to check out.
  • Debit cards and prepaid cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo will work the same way as credit cards at Costco.
  • If your card is declined, the most common reason is that your membership has expired or you are trying to use a card Costco does not accept.

Which cards work inside Costco warehouses

Inside a Costco warehouse, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You must show your membership card at checkout — Costco will not process the transaction without it. The membership card itself does not have to be a credit card; it is a separate card that proves you have paid for access to the warehouse.

If you have a Costco Visa card (the warehouse's co-branded credit card), it works like any other Visa at checkout. The Costco Visa card earns rewards on purchases, but you do not need it to shop — a regular Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card works just as well for payment.

Cash and checks are also accepted at Costco warehouses, so if you do not have a credit card, you have other payment options. Some locations also accept EBT (food stamps) for may be able to access items.

What you can and cannot use at Costco gas stations

Costco gas pumps are more restrictive than warehouses. At the pump, you can use only Visa, Mastercard, or the Costco Visa card. American Express and Discover do not work at Costco gas stations, even though they work inside the warehouse. This is a common source of confusion for members who have an American Express card.

If you want to pay with American Express or Discover at a Costco gas station, you must go inside the warehouse building and pay at the cashier instead of using the pump. You will still need your membership card.

Costco gas pumps do not accept cash or checks. If you do not have a Visa, Mastercard, or Costco Visa card, you cannot buy gas at Costco.

Paying online at Costco.com

Costco.com accepts the same credit cards as the warehouse: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You must be logged into an active membership account to check out. If your membership has expired, you will not be able to complete an order, even if your credit card is valid.

Costco.com also accepts PayPal and the Costco Visa card. Debit cards and prepaid cards that carry a Visa or Mastercard logo work the same way as credit cards online.

Debit cards and prepaid cards at Costco

Any debit card or prepaid card that displays a Visa or Mastercard logo will work at Costco the same way a credit card does. The card network (Visa or Mastercard) is what matters, not whether the card is tied to a bank account or a prepaid balance.

If your debit card or prepaid card has an American Express or Discover logo, it will work inside the warehouse but not at the gas pump, just like a credit card with those logos.

Why your card might be declined at Costco

The most common reason a card is declined at Costco is that your membership has expired. Costco will not process any payment without a valid membership card, regardless of which credit card you are using. Check your membership card for the expiration date before you shop.

The second most common reason is that you are trying to use a card Costco does not accept. If you have an American Express or Discover card and you are trying to pay at a gas pump, it will be declined. If you have a card from a smaller bank or a regional card network, it may not work at Costco either.

Less often, a card is declined because the card itself has an issue — the account is frozen, the card is expired, or you have reached your credit limit. Contact your card issuer to learn about there is a problem with the card itself.

Costco's Visa card and rewards

The Costco Visa card is a co-branded credit card issued by Visa and Costco. It works everywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco. The card earns rewards on Costco purchases and gas, and a lower rate of rewards on other purchases. You do not need the Costco Visa card to shop at Costco — it is optional and meant for members who want to earn rewards.

To get a Costco Visa card, you must be a Costco member. You can apply online or in the warehouse. The card is issued by a bank, not by Costco itself, so the bank will run a credit check and make the approval decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use American Express at Costco gas pumps?

No. Costco gas pumps accept only Visa, Mastercard, and the Costco Visa card. If you have American Express, you can pay inside the warehouse at the cashier, but not at the pump.

What if my Costco membership has expired?

Costco will not process any payment without a valid membership card, even if your credit card is fine. Renew your membership before you shop, either online or at the warehouse.

Do I need the Costco Visa card to shop at Costco?

No. Any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card works at Costco warehouses. The Costco Visa card is optional and earns rewards, but it is not required to pay.

Will my prepaid card work at Costco?

Yes, if it has a Visa or Mastercard logo. Prepaid cards work the same way as credit cards at Costco. If your prepaid card has a different logo, it will not work.

Can I use a card from a small bank or credit union at Costco?

If the card is branded as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, it should work at Costco warehouses. Some smaller banks and credit unions issue cards on these networks. If your card is declined, contact your bank to ask whether they have an agreement with Costco.