Costco accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets both in-warehouse and online

Costco takes most major payment methods, but not all of them. At the warehouse, you can pay with cash, debit cards, Visa credit cards, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at the register. Online, the options are similar: credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and digital wallets.

The one notable restriction is that Costco does not accept Diners Club or other smaller credit card networks. If you have a Costco credit card, that works at any Costco location and online. Costco also does not accept personal checks at the warehouse, though some locations may accept them for returns under specific circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, plus debit cards and cash at all warehouse locations.
  • Digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at Costco registers and self-checkout.
  • The Costco credit card is accepted everywhere at Costco and offers rewards on purchases.
  • Diners Club and other smaller credit card networks are not accepted at Costco.
  • Online purchases accept the same credit and debit cards as in-warehouse shopping, plus digital wallets on some devices.

Credit and Debit Cards at the Warehouse

At Costco warehouses, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards tied to any of these networks work the same way. If your debit card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, it will go through. The cashier or self-checkout machine will process the card the same as a credit card — you don't need to select a debit option or enter a PIN unless you choose to.

The Costco Anywhere Visa card is Costco's own credit card and earns rewards on your purchases. You can use it at any Costco location worldwide, at Costco.com, and at gas stations. If you don't have a Costco membership, you can still use the Costco credit card to shop, though you'll pay a higher price on most items. The card is issued by Citibank and requires a credit check to open.

Digital Wallets and Mobile Payment

Costco registers accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. You hold your phone or smartwatch near the card reader, and the payment goes through instantly. This works at regular checkout and self-checkout lanes. The payment method stored in your digital wallet — whether it's a credit card, debit card, or Costco card — is what actually gets charged.

Digital wallets are faster than swiping or inserting a card, and they're just as secure because the actual card number is not transmitted to Costco. If you use a digital wallet, make sure the payment method stored in it is one Costco accepts. For example, if your Apple Pay wallet only contains a Diners Club card, it won't work at Costco.

Cash Payments

Costco accepts U.S. currency at all warehouse locations. You can pay with bills and coins, and the cashier will give you change. There's no minimum or maximum cash purchase amount, though very large cash transactions may trigger reporting requirements under federal law.

Cash is useful if you don't want to use a card or if you're managing a strict budget. The downside is that you won't earn any rewards or cashback, and you won't have a receipt record tied to a payment method if you need to return something later.

Online Payment Options

On Costco.com, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards work the same way as in-warehouse. You can also use digital wallets on most devices — Apple Pay on iPhones and iPads, Google Pay on Android phones, and Samsung Pay on Samsung devices. The Costco credit card is accepted for online purchases and earns the same rewards as in-warehouse purchases.

When you check out online, you'll enter your billing address and shipping address. Costco will verify the card matches the billing address, which is a standard fraud check. If there's a mismatch, the order may be declined or you may be asked to confirm the purchase.

What Costco Does Not Accept

Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or other smaller credit card networks. Personal checks are not accepted at the warehouse register. Some Costco locations may accept checks for returns or refunds under specific conditions, but this varies by location and is not may provide.

Costco also does not accept PayPal, Venmo, or other third-party payment apps. If you want to pay with one of these methods, you would need to transfer money to your bank account first, then use your debit card or digital wallet. Gift cards are accepted as payment at the warehouse and online, but they must be Costco gift cards.

Using a Costco Membership Card vs. Payment Card

Your Costco membership card and your payment card are two separate things. The membership card proves you're a member and lets you shop at Costco. The payment card is what you use to actually pay for your purchases. You need both to shop — you scan or show your membership card at the entrance, then use your payment method at checkout.

If you have a Costco credit card, it serves as both your membership card and your payment card. You can use it to enter the warehouse and to pay for items. If you have a regular membership card, you'll need to bring it plus a separate payment method (cash, debit card, or credit card).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods for one purchase?

No. Costco requires a single payment method per transaction. You cannot split a purchase between a credit card and cash, or between two different cards. If you need to use multiple payment methods, you'll need to make separate purchases or ask a manager about exceptions.

Does Costco accept prepaid credit cards?

Yes, as long as the prepaid card has a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo. Prepaid cards work like regular debit cards at checkout. Make sure the card is activated and has a sufficient balance before you shop.

What happens if my card is declined at Costco?

The cashier will let you know the card was declined. You can try a different payment method, contact your bank to find out why the card was rejected, or come back later. Common reasons for decline include insufficient funds, a fraud alert from your bank, or an expired card.

Can I pay with a credit card from another country?

Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover regardless of which country issued the card. International cards may have higher fraud detection, so your bank might decline the transaction. Contact your bank before shopping to let them know you're making a purchase at Costco.

Do I earn rewards if I pay with cash?

No. Costco rewards are tied to payment methods that can be tracked — credit cards, debit cards, and the Costco credit card. Cash purchases do not earn rewards or cashback. If you want to earn rewards on your Costco purchases, you'll need to use a card.