Finding out your credit card doesn't work at the checkout line is never fun—especially when your cart is full of groceries.
Costco has specific rules about which cards it accepts, and it can get confusing. Here's what you need to know.
Can You Use Mastercard at Costco?
The short answer: it depends on where you're shopping.
- In Costco stores and gas stations: No, you cannot use a regular Mastercard credit card. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards for in-person purchases.
- On Costco.com: Yes, you can use Mastercard credit cards for online orders.
This difference confuses many shoppers. A card that works fine for online orders may be declined when you try to use it at the store.
What About Mastercard Debit Cards?
Here's an important distinction: the restriction applies to credit cards, not all cards with a Mastercard logo.
Most Mastercard debit cards work at Costco warehouses and gas pumps—as long as you enter your PIN and the transaction is processed as a debit purchase.
What Payment Methods Does Costco Accept In-Store?
At U.S. Costco warehouses, you can pay with:
- Visa credit cards (including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi)
- Most debit cards with a PIN
- Cash
- Costco Shop Cards
- EBT cards
- Traveler's checks
- Personal or business checks (with approval)
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay — but the card linked to your digital wallet must still follow Costco's rules. Adding a Mastercard credit card to Apple Pay won't get around the restriction.
Special Cases for Mastercard
Some Mastercard products work in specific Costco departments:
- FSA and HSA Mastercard debit cards can be used for qualifying purchases at Costco pharmacies, optical centers, and hearing aid departments.
- Certain medical spending cards (like MedFlex) may also be accepted, though Costco cannot confirm if your specific items qualify before you pay.
What Payment Methods Does Costco Accept Online?
On Costco.com, you have more flexibility. Accepted payment methods include:
- Mastercard credit cards
- Visa credit cards
- Most debit cards with a PIN
- Costco Shop Cards
- Affirm (buy now, pay later)
Orders shipped within the U.S. typically need a U.S. or Canadian billing address.
What About Costco Gas Stations?
Costco gas stations follow the same rules as the warehouses. They accept:
- Visa credit cards
- Most PIN-based debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Costco Shop Cards
Standard Mastercard credit cards are not accepted at the pump.
A Workaround for Mastercard Users
If you only have a Mastercard credit card, here's a helpful tip: You can buy a Costco Shop Card online using your Mastercard. Then, use that Shop Card to pay for purchases at the warehouse or gas station.
The Costco Citi Credit Card
For frequent Costco shoppers, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is designed to work everywhere Costco accepts payment. It also offers solid rewards:
- 5% back on Costco gas
- 4% back on other gas and electric vehicle charging (up to $7,000 per year combined)
- 3% back on restaurants and travel
- 2% back on Costco purchases
The Bottom Line
Here's the simple rule to remember:
- Shopping online? Mastercard credit cards work.
- Shopping in-store or at the pump? Stick with Visa credit cards or a debit card with a PIN.
Knowing this before you shop can save you from an awkward moment at checkout.
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