When filling up at Costco gas stations, you need to know the accepted payment methods to ensure a seamless transaction. As a member-oriented retailer, Costco’s gas station payment options align closely with its in-store policies, focusing primarily on Visa credit cards. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is especially popular among members for fuel purchases, allowing you to earn generous cash-back rewards.
In addition to the Costco-branded Visa card, all Visa cards are welcomed at U.S. Costco gas stations. This acceptance covers a broad range of credit options, so your Visa-branded credit card should work when you’re at the pump. However, it’s important to be aware that other card networks, such as Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, are not accepted for fuel purchases.
Remember that along with Visa credit cards, Costco gas stations also accept various other forms of payment, including most PIN-based debit cards and Costco Shop Cards. Keeping these details in mind will help ensure you’re prepared at your next visit to a Costco gas station.
Understanding Costco’s Payment Policy
When you pull up to a Costco Gas Station, it’s essential to know that your options for payment are more limited compared to their in-warehouse payment policies. Here’s what you need to know about the method of payment and membership requirements.
Accepted Credit Cards at Costco Gas Stations
At Costco Gas Stations, your payment options are specific: only Visa credit cards are accepted. If you’re filling up at Costco, make sure you have a Visa card handy. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is widely used, but any Visa card will do. This can be slightly different from Costco warehouses, where a variety of payment methods may be accepted.
Costco Membership Requirements
To transact at any Costco location, including gas stations, you must be a Costco member. Your membership card serves as your entry ticket to exclusive access to their fuel prices, which are often very competitive. Remember to bring your Costco membership card every time, or have your membership number available if using the Costco mobile app, to ensure uninterrupted service when you stop for gas.
Exclusive Partnership with Visa
When you fill up at Costco gas stations, you benefit from an exclusive partnership that allows for easy payment with Visa. Understanding this relationship and the advantages tied to the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi will ensure that you maximize your rewards and have a seamless payment experience.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Benefits
- High Rewards Rate: With your Costco Anywhere Visa Card, you earn a generous 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, including at Costco gas stations, for the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.
- Additional Categories: Beyond gas, you receive 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel, 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No Annual Fee with Costco Membership: This credit card has no annual fee, as long as you maintain your Costco membership.
Visa Card Acceptance
- Widespread Acceptance: At Costco gas stations, any credit card backed by Visa is accepted, giving you flexibility in your payment options.
- Exclusive to Visa: It’s important to note that Costco gas stations do not accept other credit card networks like Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
By utilizing your Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi or any other Visa cards, you can make the most of your fuel purchases while enjoying the convenience of widespread acceptance within Costco gas stations.
Maximizing Rewards and Savings
When shopping at Costco, especially at their gas stations, you can save significantly by using the right credit cards that offer rewards. These cards come with benefits like cash back on your purchases, which can be quite substantial over time.
Earning Cash Back on Gasoline Purchases
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: With this card, you earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, including at Costco gas stations, for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter.
- Other Gas Credit Cards: Some gas credit cards may offer competitive cash back rates at Costco gas stations. Ensure you use a card that provides the best return for your gasoline purchases.
Additional Perks for Costco Members
- Costco Memberships: A Gold Star membership can be beneficial, granting you access to Costco gas stations where prices are typically lower than average.
- Costco Purchases: Beyond gas, you could earn additional cash back on other Costco purchases depending on the credit card you choose.
In maximizing your rewards and savings at Costco gas stations, make sure to use credit cards that align with your spending habits and offer the best rewards for your purchases, especially on gas.
Alternative Payment Methods at Costco
When you shop at Costco or fuel up at Costco gas stations, you have various payment options beyond credit cards to settle your transactions effortlessly.
Debit and Cash Options
You can pay with debit cards at both, the Costco warehouses and gas stations. When you use your debit card, a temporary hold may be placed on your account to ensure the transaction amount is secured before the fuel dispensation begins; this process is known as “pre-authorization.” Also, you have the option of using cash for purchases inside Costco warehouses. However, carry your Costco Membership Card as it’s required for transactions.
Mobile Payments and Gift Cards
For a touchless payment experience, Costco supports mobile payment options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. You need to ensure that the card you add to your digital wallet is accepted by Costco, particularly a Visa card at their gas stations. Additionally, Costco Shop Cards — which are essentially Costco gift cards — can be used to pay for goods, fuel included, provided you have sufficient balance on the card.