When you’re ready to check out at Costco, knowing which payment methods are accepted can streamline your shopping experience. Costco warehouses across the United States welcome a variety of payment options. Members can use all Visa cards, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, to make purchases. The convenience doesn’t stop there; most PIN-based Debit/ATM cards are also accepted, along with Costco Shop Cards, cash, and personal checks from current members.
Business members also have the flexibility to pay with business checks. For added convenience, mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are available. Meanwhile, shoppers at Costco’s Optical and Hearing Aid departments can use FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard Debit cards. With these many options, Costco ensures that members have a hassle-free payment experience at their locations.
What You Can Use to Pay at Costco: Accepted Payment Methods
Costco offers a few options when it comes to payment for your purchases. Understanding your choices allows you to make informed decisions at the register.
Accepted Payment Methods at Costco Warehouses
- Visa Cards: All Visa credit and debit cards are accepted at Costco warehouses and gas stations.
- Costco Shop Card (formerly Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi): Costco’s co-branded credit card offers cashback rewards for Costco purchases and other spending.
- Most PIN-Based Debit/ATM Cards: Ensure your debit card operates on a major network like STAR, NYCE, or PULSE.
- Cash: Yes, you can always pay in cash at the checkout counter.
- Costco Shop Cards (gift cards): These pre-loaded cards are a great option for gifting or if you want to stay within budget when shopping.
- Business & Personal Checks Costco accepts business checks from current business members and personal checks from current members.
- EBT Cards: Accepted for the purchase of eligible items.
- Mobile Payment (NFC): Costco accepts contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Costco Online Payment Methods
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover (including JCB and Diners Club cards)
- Most PIN-Based Debit/ATM Cards
- Costco Shop Cards (gift cards)
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
Summary Table of Payment Methods at Costco
| Payment Method | In-Store | Gas Station | Online/App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Credit Card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mastercard | No | Yes | 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 |
| Mobile Payments | Yes | No | No |
| PayPal | No | No | Yes (via Visa Checkout) |
Important Notes
- Costco DOES NOT accept American Express, even online.
- Traveler’s Checks are also accepted at Costco warehouses.
Does Costco Accept WIC?
No, Costco does not accept WIC. They are not listed as an approved vendor on several state WIC websites. Part of the reason is that Costco does not sell the types of items that qualify for WIC purchases (as Costco mostly sells bulk/large packs).
Does Costco Accept Apple Pay?
Yes! Costco does accept Apple Pay at its warehouses as a method of payment. Along with Apple Pay you can use either Google Pay or Samsung Pay as well.
Does Costco Accept Mastercard?
No. Costco does not accept Mastercard credit cards in their warehouses at this time. They have an exclusive deal with VISA. However, you can use Mastercard as a checkout option for online purchases.
Does Costco Accept American Express?
No. Costco does not accept American Express at all. That it includes their warehouses or online.
Does Costco Accept EBT?
Yes, Costco warehouses accept EBT cards, but eligible items vary by state. Check your state’s website for details.
Does Costco Accept Tricare?
Yes, Costco participates in the TRICARE network and work with Express Scripts to manage benefits. Costco also offers discounts to veterans, including active duty, retirees, National Guard, Veteran Reserve, and dependents. New Executive Members receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card, and New Gold Star Members receive a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card. Discounts can be redeemed online but may vary by location.
Does Costco Have Scan-and-Go?
Costco does not have a Scan and Go feature. However, Costco has tested Scan and Go in the past, but member engagement was low and it was costly for the company.
Does Costco Accept Medicare?
Yes, Costco does accept Medicare. Costco is part of Humana’s preferred Medicare Part D network. In addition to that, Costco has collaborated with eHealth, an independent Medicare advisor, to help customers save money on their Medicare Part D pickups. With eHealth, customers can compare plans, shop for preferred pricing, and confirm coverage for doctors and specialists.
Does Costco Accept Eyemed?
Yes, Costco Optical accepts EyeMed Insurance at most of its locations. EyeMed members can use their benefits for glasses, contacts, and eye exams at Costco. However, Costco does not accept vision insurance for online purchases of glasses or contact lenses.
Does Costco Accept VSP Insurance?
Yes, Costco Optical accepts VSP insurance, but Costco is not contracted with VSP. Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans, including Avesis, VBA, and VSP. For routine vision exams, Costco bills VSP for the non-contract rate, and the member pays the difference between the non-contract rate and the amount Costco billed.
Does Costco Accept Paypal?
No, Costco does not accept PayPal as a payment method. Costco accepts the following payment methods at US warehouse locations:
Does Costco Accept Afterpay?
No, Costco does not accept Afterpay for in-store purchases. However, Costco does offer Zip, a similar service to Afterpay that allows online shoppers to split payments over time.
Does Costco Accept Coupons?
Costco does not accept general manufacturer coupons, except for those distributed by Costco, or other retail establishment discount coupons. Costco distributes its own offers and savings to its members by mail, and its business model is different from traditional retailers.
Key Takeaways
- Costco offers a variety of payment methods, including Visa cards and mobile payments.
- Debit/ATM cards, Costco Shop Cards, and personal checks are accepted payment forms.
- Specialized departments at Costco accept FSA/HSA Visa or MasterCard Debit cards.
Payment Options at Costco
Costco offers a variety of payment methods to make shopping convenient for its members. They can choose from several card options, digital payments, and other alternatives to cash.
Credit and Debit Card Acceptance
Visa is the primary credit card network accepted at all U.S. Costco locations. This includes:
- All Visa credit cards
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Debit cards are also welcome, specifically:
- Most PIN-based Debit/ATM Cards
- Visa and MasterCard Debit Cards
However, it’s important to note that American Express, Discover cards, and other credit networks are not accepted.
Digital and Mobile Payments
Costco accepts a variety of mobile payment options, providing a fast and secure way to pay. These include:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
Mobile payments can be used in-store, at Costco gas stations, and when shopping online at Costco.com.
Alternative Payment Methods
For those preferring not to use credit or debit cards, Costco offers alternative payment methods:
- Cash
- Personal and business checks from current Costco members
- Traveler’s checks
- EBT cards
Costco Shop Cards, also known as Costco Cash Cards, are another flexible payment method for members and non-members.
Costco Credit Card Benefits
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers added value, especially for Costco Executive Members. Cardholders can earn rewards on Costco purchases and get benefits such as special interest rates.
Payment Policies for Costco Services and Delivery
Certain Costco services, like optical and hearing aid departments accept FSA/HSA Visa Debit Cards. Costco’s online deliveries within the United States accept most of the previously mentioned payment methods, but international delivery options might vary.
Understanding Costco’s Payment System Nuance
Costco’s payment system is tailored for value and simplicity. For up-to-date information or specific payment questions, consider checking the Visa FAQs on Costco’s website, as requirements may change.
