Quick Answer: Costco gas stations accept Visa credit cards, PIN debit cards, Costco Shop Cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay linked to Visa). Cash, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and fleet cards like WEX are NOT accepted. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers the best value with 4% cashback on gas purchases (up to $7,000 annually). All purchases require valid Costco membership except when using Shop Cards. Costco places a $150-200 pre-authorization hold on cards before fueling.
Accepted Payment Methods at Costco Gas Stations
Understanding which payment methods work at Costco gas stations prevents frustrating pump rejections and helps you maximize savings. The payment options differ significantly from traditional gas stations, so knowing the rules ensures smooth transactions.
Complete List of Accepted Payments:
- All Visa credit cards – Including Costco Anywhere Visa Card (4% cashback)
- Visa debit cards – Both credit-style and PIN debit work
- Most PIN debit/ATM cards – Regardless of network (Mastercard, Maestro, etc.)
- Costco Shop Cards – Digital or physical gift cards
- Mobile payments – Apple Pay and Google Pay (must link to Visa)
These payment options provide flexibility while maintaining Costco’s exclusive partnership with Visa for credit transactions. The limited payment acceptance helps Costco reduce processing fees, contributing to their lower gas prices.
Visa Cards: Your Primary Payment Option
Visa holds an exclusive partnership with Costco, making it the only credit card network accepted at gas pumps. This restriction applies nationwide at all Costco fuel locations.
Why Only Visa?
Costco negotiated exclusive terms with Visa to reduce credit card processing fees. Lower fees translate directly to lower gas prices for members. This partnership has existed since 2016 when Costco switched from American Express to Visa.
Types of Visa Cards Accepted:
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi – Best choice with 4% cashback on gas
- Personal Visa credit cards – Any bank-issued Visa works
- Business Visa cards – Corporate and small business Visa accepted
- Visa debit cards – Function like credit at the pump
- Visa prepaid cards – Reloadable prepaid Visa cards work
Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Maximum Cashback
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card represents the optimal payment method for gas purchases, offering substantial rewards that amplify your fuel savings.
Gas Cashback Structure:
- 4% cashback on first $7,000 in annual gas purchases (all stations, not just Costco)
- 1% cashback on gas purchases exceeding $7,000 annually
- Annual reward certificate issued every February
- No annual fee for Costco members
Real Savings Calculation:
If you spend $100 weekly on Costco gas ($5,200 annually):
- Base Costco savings: 53 cents/gallon × 1,300 gallons = $689/year
- 4% cashback: $5,200 × 0.04 = $208/year
- Executive 2% reward: $5,200 × 0.02 = $104/year
- Total annual savings: $1,001
This combination of low base prices, credit card rewards, and Executive membership cashback creates unmatched fuel savings for frequent drivers.
Cards NOT Accepted at Costco Gas
Understanding which cards Costco rejects prevents embarrassing pump declines. Several major payment networks don’t work at Costco fuel stations.
Rejected Credit Cards:
- Mastercard credit cards – Not accepted despite wide acceptance elsewhere
- American Express – Former Costco partner, no longer accepted since 2016
- Discover cards – Not part of Costco’s payment network
- Diners Club cards – Not accepted at pumps
- International credit cards – Must be Visa-branded to work
Why Mastercard Doesn’t Work:
Many customers ask why Mastercard doesn’t work since it’s widely accepted elsewhere. Costco’s exclusive Visa partnership means Mastercard credit cards always get declined at pumps, even though Mastercard-branded PIN debit cards work fine.
Debit Cards: PIN-Based Payments
PIN debit cards offer an alternative to credit cards at Costco gas stations. Unlike credit cards, debit acceptance extends beyond just Visa.
Accepted Debit Networks:
- Visa debit cards – Work both as “credit” and with PIN
- Mastercard debit cards – Accepted when using PIN (credit won’t work)
- Maestro cards – International debit cards with PIN
- Most ATM cards – Bank-issued ATM cards with major network logos
- Prepaid debit cards – Reloadable cards with PIN capability
Important Debit Card Notes:
- Always select “Debit” when prompted, not “Credit”
- Enter your 4-digit PIN when requested
- Funds withdraw directly from your checking account
- Pre-authorization holds still apply ($150-200)
- Check your bank’s daily withdrawal limits before large fill-ups
Mobile Payment Options: Contactless Convenience
Mobile payments provide contactless convenience at Costco gas pumps. However, the same Visa restriction applies to digital wallets.
Apple Pay at Costco Gas:
Apple Pay works at Costco pumps with one critical requirement—the card loaded in Apple Pay must be Visa-branded. If you have a Mastercard or Amex in Apple Pay, it won’t work.
Google Pay Compatibility:
Google Pay follows identical rules. Load a Visa card into Google Pay and tap to pay at the pump. Mastercard or other networks in Google Pay get declined.
How to Use Mobile Payments:
- Ensure a Visa card is loaded in your mobile wallet
- Scan your Costco membership card at the pump first
- Select payment method when prompted
- Hold your phone near the contactless reader
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or PIN
- Wait for approval before selecting fuel grade
The pre-authorization hold ($150-200) still applies to mobile payments. Ensure sufficient credit or account balance before attempting large fill-ups.
Costco Shop Cards: Gift Cards for Gas
Costco Shop Cards provide unique flexibility, allowing non-members to purchase gas and serving as budget management tools for members.
What Are Shop Cards?
Costco Shop Cards are prepaid gift cards that work like cash at Costco gas stations and warehouses. Members purchase and load these cards, which anyone can then use—no membership required for the card user.
Shop Card Features:
- Available denominations: $25 to $2,000
- No expiration date – Funds never expire
- No fees – No purchase, maintenance, or dormancy fees
- Reloadable – Members can add funds multiple times
- Works everywhere – All Costco locations and gas stations
- Physical and digital – Both formats accepted at pumps
How to Purchase Shop Cards:
Only Costco members can buy Shop Cards. Purchase at the membership desk, online at Costco.com, or through the Costco app. Pay with cash, check, or any accepted payment method inside warehouses.
Using Digital Shop Cards at Gas Pumps:
Digital Shop Cards work identically to physical cards at pumps. Open the Costco app, access your digital Shop Card, and scan the barcode at the payment terminal. The pump deducts your fuel cost from the card balance.
Cash Payment Policy
Cash creates unique challenges at Costco gas stations due to their automated, self-service model.
Can You Pay Cash for Gas?
No. Costco gas pumps do not accept cash payments. The automated pay-at-the-pump system requires electronic payment methods only. No attendants collect cash, and pumps lack cash acceptors.
Cash Workaround:
If you prefer using cash, follow this process:
- Go inside the Costco warehouse
- Visit the membership desk
- Purchase a Costco Shop Card with cash
- Load your desired amount ($25-$2,000)
- Return to the gas station and use the Shop Card like a payment card
This indirect method converts your cash into a usable payment form for Costco gas pumps.
Fleet Cards and Business Fuel Cards
Commercial drivers and fleet managers often ask about using business fuel cards at Costco. Understanding fleet card acceptance prevents trip planning issues.
WEX Cards at Costco:
Costco does not accept WEX fuel cards at gas stations. WEX (Wright Express) operates a network of partner stations including Esso, Circle K, Shell, and other major brands—but Costco is not a WEX partner location.
Why WEX Cards Don’t Work:
WEX fuel cards are fleet cards that work at specific partner stations. You can check WEX-accepted locations at wexinc.com/motorpass/motorpass-locations/, where you’ll notice Costco doesn’t appear. Costco’s exclusive Visa partnership and membership-only model don’t align with WEX’s open network structure.
Other Fleet Cards:
Most fleet fuel cards (Voyager, Comdata, TCH, FleetOne) don’t work at Costco gas stations for the same reasons. These networks partner with traditional gas stations, not warehouse clubs with membership requirements.
Business Alternatives:
Fleet operators wanting Costco’s lower prices should:
- Obtain a Business Membership ($65/year per location)
- Use business Visa cards for payment
- Issue Costco Shop Cards to drivers
- Track expenses through Visa card statements
Pre-Authorization Holds Explained
Costco places temporary holds on payment cards before dispensing fuel. Understanding pre-authorizations prevents declined transactions and account issues.
How Pre-Authorization Works:
When you insert your card, Costco requests approval for a predetermined amount (typically $150-200) from your card issuer. This hold ensures funds exist to cover your fuel purchase. After fueling, Costco charges the actual amount and releases the hold.
Pre-Authorization Details:
- Hold amount: Usually $150-200 depending on location
- Duration: 2-5 business days for release (varies by bank)
- Applies to: All payment types except Shop Cards with sufficient balance
- Credit cards: Reduces available credit temporarily
- Debit cards: Freezes actual funds in your account
Common Issues:
- Insufficient credit: Card declined if available credit below $150-200
- Low bank balance: Debit cards declined if account balance too low
- Multiple holds: Fueling multiple vehicles quickly can stack holds
- Delayed release: Some banks take 5+ days to release holds
Avoiding Pre-Auth Problems:
Ensure at least $200 available credit or bank balance before fueling. For large households fueling multiple vehicles same-day, space out fill-ups or use multiple payment methods to avoid stacked holds.
Cashback Apps and Costco Gas
Many drivers use cashback apps to earn additional rewards at gas stations. However, Costco’s unique model affects app compatibility.
Does Upside Work at Costco?
No. The Upside cashback app does not work with Costco gas stations in 2025. Upside partners with traditional gas stations that pay commissions for customer referrals. Costco’s membership model and already-low prices don’t align with Upside’s business structure.
Why Cashback Apps Don’t Work:
Cashback apps like Upside, GetUpside, and GasBuddy rewards rely on station partners willing to offer discounts. Costco’s prices are already 50+ cents below competitors—they don’t need third-party apps to attract customers. The membership-only policy further restricts outside partnerships.
Best Cashback Strategy:
Instead of third-party apps, maximize Costco-specific rewards:
- 4% Costco Visa cashback – Best available rewards
- 2% Executive membership reward – Annual certificate in February
- Combined 6% effective return – Unmatched by any app
Payment Methods by Membership Type
Different membership tiers enjoy the same payment options, but rewards vary significantly.
Gold Star Membership ($65/year):
- All standard payment methods accepted
- 4% cashback with Costco Visa (if approved)
- No additional Executive rewards
- Full gas station access during extended hours
Executive Membership ($130/year):
- All standard payment methods accepted
- 4% cashback with Costco Visa (if approved)
- Additional 2% annual reward on gas purchases
- Early warehouse access (9am vs 10am)
- Combined 6% effective cashback on fuel
Business Membership ($65/year):
- All standard payment methods accepted
- Business Visa cards work for company expense tracking
- Purchase Shop Cards for employee use
- Same pricing as personal memberships
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit cards can be used at Costco gas stations?
Only Visa credit cards work at Costco gas stations. Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards get declined. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers 4% cashback on gas purchases.
Does Costco gas accept Visa debit cards?
Yes. Visa debit cards work at Costco gas pumps, functioning either as credit (no PIN) or debit (with PIN). Both methods are accepted.
Does Mastercard work at Costco gas?
No. Mastercard credit cards don’t work at Costco gas stations due to the exclusive Visa partnership. However, Mastercard-branded PIN debit cards work when you enter your PIN.
Does Costco accept American Express for gas?
No. American Express hasn’t worked at Costco since 2016 when Costco switched to Visa. Former Amex cardholders must use Visa cards instead.
Can I use Apple Pay at Costco gas stations?
Yes, but only if the card in Apple Pay is Visa-branded. Apple Pay with Mastercard, Amex, or Discover gets declined. The same rule applies to Google Pay.
Does Costco accept WEX fuel cards?
No. WEX cards don’t work at Costco gas stations. Costco isn’t a WEX partner location. Fleet operators should use business Visa cards or Shop Cards instead.
Does Costco gas accept fleet cards?
No. Most fleet fuel cards (WEX, Voyager, Comdata, FleetOne) don’t work at Costco. Use business Visa cards or Costco Shop Cards for fleet fueling.
Can you buy Costco gas with cash?
No directly. Cash isn’t accepted at pumps. However, you can purchase a Costco Shop Card with cash inside the warehouse, then use that card at gas pumps.
Can you buy Costco gas with a gift card?
Yes. Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) work at all gas stations. Anyone can use them—no membership required for the card user.
Can you buy a Costco gas gift card?
Yes. Members can purchase Costco Shop Cards ($25-$2,000) at membership desks or online. These work like gift cards at gas stations and warehouses.
Can digital Shop Cards be used for gas?
Yes. Digital Shop Cards work identically to physical cards. Scan the digital card barcode from the Costco app at the payment terminal.
Does Upside work with Costco gas?
No. Upside doesn’t partner with Costco gas stations. Costco’s already-low prices and membership model don’t align with cashback app partnerships.
Ready to save on fuel? Check current Costco gas prices at 600+ locations nationwide. Find diesel stations if you drive diesel. Browse our complete Costco guides for more fuel-saving tips and membership strategies.
