Costco accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets — but not all credit cards

Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at the register and online. Debit cards work the same way. You can also pay with cash, checks (in-warehouse only), and digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The one restriction that catches people: Costco does not take Diners Club or other store cards, and it stopped accepting American Express for warehouse purchases in 2016 — though Amex still works online and at Costco.com.

If you have a Costco credit card (the Costco Anywhere Visa), that works everywhere Costco operates. If you have an older American Express Costco card, it expired and cannot be renewed; Costco switched to Visa as its co-branded card partner.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express online, but only Visa, Mastercard, and Discover in the warehouse.
  • The Costco Anywhere Visa card works at any Costco location and earns cash back on purchases.
  • Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Costco warehouses and online.
  • Cash and checks are still accepted in-warehouse, though checks require a Costco membership card and valid ID.

Credit cards and debit cards at the warehouse

At Costco warehouse locations, you can use Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. American Express is not accepted for warehouse purchases, even though Amex is accepted online. This policy has been in place since 2016 and applies to all U.S. warehouse locations.

Debit cards work like credit cards at checkout — you can use any debit card from any bank. PIN-based debit transactions and signature-based debit transactions both work. There is no surcharge or fee for using debit instead of credit.

The Costco Anywhere Visa card and rewards

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is Costco's co-branded credit card and works at any Costco warehouse, gas station, or online. You do not need a separate Costco membership to use the card at the register, though you still need a membership to shop. The card earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases, 2% on gas (up to $110 per year, then 1%), and 1% on all other purchases.

If you have an older Costco American Express card, it is no longer valid. Costco ended its partnership with American Express in 2016 and moved its co-branded card to Visa. You can still use personal American Express cards online at Costco.com, but not in the warehouse.

Digital wallets and mobile payment

Costco warehouses accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at checkout. You set these up on your phone or smartwatch and tap or scan at the terminal. Digital wallets work with any card you have linked to them — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express (though Amex still does not work in-warehouse, even through a digital wallet).

Online at Costco.com, you can also save payment methods to your account and check out faster on repeat purchases. The site accepts the same cards as the warehouse, plus American Express.

Cash and checks

Costco still takes cash at every warehouse location. There is no minimum or maximum cash purchase limit, though large cash transactions may trigger standard banking reporting requirements.

Checks are accepted in-warehouse only, not online. You must present a valid Costco membership card and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Personal checks, cashier's checks, and traveler's checks all work. Costco does not accept checks at self-checkout.

Online payment at Costco.com

Online, Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express — so you have one more card option than in the warehouse. You can also pay with PayPal if you link it to your account. Digital wallets work online as well.

Costco.com does not accept cash, checks, or wire transfers. If you have a Costco membership card on file, you can save your payment method for faster checkout on future orders.

Gas station and pharmacy payments

Costco gas stations accept the same cards as the warehouse: Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. American Express does not work at the pump. You can pay with cash inside the gas station building, and digital wallets work at the pump.

The pharmacy and tire center operate under the same payment rules as the main warehouse. If you are a member, you can use any accepted payment method at these departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use American Express at Costco?

American Express works online at Costco.com but not at warehouse locations. If you need to pay with Amex in the warehouse, you can use a digital wallet like Apple Pay if you have Amex linked to it, though the transaction may still be declined since Amex is not accepted in-warehouse.

Does Costco take PayPal?

PayPal works online at Costco.com if you link it to your account, but not in the warehouse. At the warehouse, you must use a card, digital wallet, cash, or check.

What if I don't have a card or cash?

If you have a smartphone, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at checkout. If you do not have those set up, you will need to bring a card or cash to complete your purchase.

Can I use a gift card to pay at Costco?

Costco gift cards work at the register like cash. You hand the card to the cashier, and they scan it. You can combine a gift card with another payment method if the purchase is larger than the card balance.

Do I need a Costco credit card to shop there?

No. The Costco Anywhere Visa is optional. You can shop with any accepted payment method. The credit card is useful only if you want the cash back rewards.