Costco accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets — but not all payment types work everywhere in the warehouse

Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at the register and gas station. You can also pay with debit cards, cash, and digital payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, Costco does not accept Diners Club or other store credit cards. If you're a member paying with a non-Visa credit card at the warehouse, you'll need to present your membership card along with your payment method.

The payment rules differ slightly between the warehouse, the gas station, and Costco.com. At the warehouse and gas pumps, you have the full range of options. Online, Costco accepts the same credit and debit cards, plus PayPal and digital wallets, but not cash or checks.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at both the warehouse and gas station, but Diners Club and store credit cards are not accepted.
  • Cash and debit cards work at the warehouse and gas pumps, but Costco.com does not accept cash or checks.
  • Digital payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco registers and gas pumps if your phone or watch is linked to an accepted card.
  • Costco members can link their membership number to their digital wallet for faster checkout, though this is optional.
  • Gas station pumps accept the same payment methods as the warehouse, and you do not need to go inside to pay.

Credit and debit cards at the warehouse

At the Costco warehouse register, you can use any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit card. Debit cards linked to these networks also work. Costco stopped accepting American Express as its primary warehouse card in 2016 and switched to Visa, though American Express is still accepted alongside other major networks.

If you're paying with a credit card that is not Visa, you must show your membership card at checkout. Visa cardholders do not need to present their membership card separately, though you'll still need an active membership to shop. Store-branded credit cards and Diners Club are not accepted anywhere at Costco.

Cash and checks

Costco accepts cash at warehouse registers and gas pumps. There is no minimum or maximum cash purchase amount, though large cash transactions may trigger standard banking reporting requirements that the cashier will handle.

Checks are accepted at the warehouse register only, not at the gas pump or online. Personal checks, business checks, and traveler's checks are all accepted if you have a valid ID. Costco does not accept post-dated checks.

Digital wallets and mobile payments

Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay all work at Costco registers and gas pumps. You simply hold your phone or smartwatch near the card reader, and the payment processes using the card linked to your digital wallet. The card underneath must be one Costco accepts — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

Some Costco locations allow you to add your membership number to your digital wallet, which speeds up checkout because the system recognizes you immediately. This feature is rolling out gradually and is not yet available everywhere. You can check whether your local warehouse supports this by asking at the membership desk or trying to add your membership to your phone's wallet app.

Costco.com payment options

Online shopping at Costco.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, as well as debit cards linked to these networks. You can also pay with PayPal, which lets you use a PayPal balance or a linked bank account. Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work on Costco.com if your browser supports them.

Costco.com does not accept cash, checks, or wire transfers. If you're ordering online and want to pick up at the warehouse, you still pay through the website — you cannot pay at the warehouse when you collect your order.

Gas station payment methods

Costco gas pumps accept the same credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets as the warehouse. You can pay at the pump by inserting your card or holding your phone near the reader. Cash is also accepted at the pump — you prepay inside the warehouse or at the pump's card reader, and the pump dispenses fuel up to that amount.

If you prepay with cash and do not use the full amount, you return inside to collect your change. Some Costco gas stations have attendants who can help, but many are self-service. The pump will not dispense fuel without payment confirmation, so you cannot pump first and pay later.

Membership card requirements at checkout

Your membership card must be scanned or shown at checkout to complete any purchase at the warehouse. If you forget your physical card, you can provide your membership number, and the cashier can look up your account. Some Costco locations allow you to show your membership on your phone using the Costco app or a digital membership card.

Your payment method and your membership are separate. You can pay with any accepted card or cash, but you must prove membership to buy anything. If your membership has expired, you cannot shop until you renew it, regardless of your payment method.

What happens if your payment is declined

If your card is declined at the register, the cashier will ask you to provide a different payment method. You can use another card, cash, or a check. If you do not have an alternative payment method available, you will need to leave your items and come back when you can pay.

Costco does not hold items or allow you to pay later. If your card is declined online, Costco.com will notify you and ask you to update your payment information before your order ships. You can add a different card or update your existing card details through your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Costco credit card at the warehouse?

Costco does not issue its own credit card. The Costco Visa card is issued by Citi and works like any other Visa card at Costco and everywhere else. You can use it at the warehouse without showing your membership card separately, since Visa is Costco's primary card network.

Do I need to show my membership card if I'm paying with Visa?

No. Visa cardholders do not need to present their membership card at checkout, though you must still have an active membership to shop. If you're paying with Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, you must show your membership card.

Can I pay with a gift card at the gas pump?

Costco gift cards work at the warehouse register and Costco.com, but not at the gas pump. You must pay for gas with a credit card, debit card, digital wallet, or cash. You can buy a gift card inside the warehouse and use it for other purchases.

What if I don't have my membership card with me?

Tell the cashier your membership number, and they can look up your account. You can also show your membership on the Costco app or a digital membership card if your location supports it. Without proof of membership, you cannot complete your purchase.

Does Costco accept PayPal at the warehouse?

PayPal is only accepted on Costco.com, not at the warehouse register or gas pump. At the warehouse, you must use a credit card, debit card, digital wallet, or cash.