Costco accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and digital wallets both in warehouses and online, but not all payment types work everywhere

Costco takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at all locations. For debit cards, Costco accepts Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit. You can also pay with cash or checks at warehouse locations. Digital payment options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at the register, and PayPal online. Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or other store credit cards like Target or Walmart cards.

The payment methods available depend on where you shop. In-warehouse checkout accepts all the methods listed above. Online orders through Costco.com work with credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets on mobile devices. Costco Gas stations have their own restrictions: they accept Costco credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, but not cash or checks.

Costco membership cards are required to shop, but they are not a payment method — you still need to pay with one of the accepted options at checkout. If you do not have a membership, you can purchase a gift card from someone who does, or buy items through Costco.com without a membership, though you will pay a surcharge on most items.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards work at all Costco locations, both in warehouses and online.
  • Cash and checks are accepted only at warehouse checkouts, not at gas stations or online.
  • Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at warehouse registers and on Costco.com through mobile devices.
  • PayPal is accepted for online purchases but not at warehouse or gas station registers.
  • Costco does not accept Diners Club, JCB, or other retail store credit cards.

Credit and Debit Cards at Warehouse Locations

All four major credit card networks work at Costco warehouse checkouts: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can use either personal or business credit cards from these networks. Costco also accepts Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit cards, which draw directly from your bank account at the time of purchase.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is Costco's own credit card and earns rewards on purchases. It works at all Costco locations and online, and members often use it to earn cash back on their spending. You do not have to use the Costco card to shop — it is optional — but it is the only store-branded card Costco accepts.

American Express has a special relationship with Costco: it is the only credit card accepted at Costco warehouses. This means Visa and Mastercard credit cards work at Costco, but Costco also has an exclusive partnership with American Express that has been in place for years. If you have an American Express card, it will work at any Costco warehouse.

Cash and Check Payments

Costco accepts cash at all warehouse locations during checkout. There is no minimum or maximum cash purchase amount, though very large purchases may require the cashier to verify the bills. You can also pay by personal check at the warehouse, but Costco requires a valid driver's license or state ID and a Costco membership card to process a check.

Cash and checks do not work at Costco Gas stations or for online orders. If you want to pay with cash or check, you must shop in person at a warehouse location. Online orders require a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Digital Wallets and Mobile Payments

Costco warehouse registers accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at checkout. These digital wallets link to your credit or debit card and process the payment through your phone or smartwatch. To use a digital wallet at Costco, hold your device near the card reader at checkout — no physical card needed.

Digital wallets work the same way as the card they are linked to. If your Apple Pay wallet contains a Visa card, that Visa card's rules and rewards explore. If it contains an American Express card, American Express benefits explore. Costco does not charge extra for digital wallet payments.

Digital wallets do not work at Costco Gas stations. At the pump, you must use a physical credit or debit card, or pay inside the station with cash, check, or card.

Online Payment Options

Costco.com accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. Debit cards linked to these networks also work. You can also pay with PayPal, which links to your bank account or your own PayPal balance. On mobile devices, you can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay to complete your order.

Online orders do not accept cash, checks, or wire transfers. If you want to use a gift card to pay for an online order, you must enter the gift card number as a credit card during checkout — Costco will process it as a prepaid card.

Costco.com does not store your payment information by default. You can choose to save a card for future purchases, but you must actively opt in. Each time you check out, you can enter a different payment method or use a saved one.

Costco Gas Station Payment Methods

Costco Gas stations accept credit cards and debit cards only — no cash or checks. The accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card at the pump. Digital wallets do not work at gas pumps.

To pay at the pump, insert your card into the reader or tap it if the pump accepts contactless payment. Inside the station, you can pay at the counter with any of the same card types. Costco Gas does not accept PayPal or other digital payment services.

Gift Cards and Prepaid Options

Costco gift cards can be used like cash at any warehouse location or online. You can buy a physical gift card at the warehouse or an e-gift card online. Gift cards do not expire and have no fees. If you lose a gift card, Costco can replace it if you have the receipt or if the card was registered to your account.

Gift cards work at warehouse checkouts, gas stations, and online. At checkout, you can combine a gift card with another payment method if the gift card does not cover the full amount. Online, enter the gift card number in the payment field just as you would a credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Costco gift card to pay for a gas purchase?

Yes, Costco gift cards work at gas pumps and inside the gas station. You can also combine a gift card with a credit or debit card if needed. Gift cards do not expire, so you can use them whenever you want.

Does Costco accept PayPal at the warehouse register?

No, PayPal only works for online purchases through Costco.com. At warehouse checkouts, you must use cash, check, credit card, debit card, or a digital wallet like Apple Pay. PayPal is not available at gas stations either.

What if I only have a Mastercard and want to shop at Costco?

Mastercard credit cards and Mastercard Debit cards work at all Costco warehouses, online, and at gas stations. Costco accepts all four major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can shop with your Mastercard without any issues.

Can I use a digital wallet to pay at the gas pump?

No, digital wallets do not work at Costco Gas pumps. You must use a physical credit or debit card at the pump or pay inside the station with a card or cash. Digital wallets work at warehouse registers but not at fuel stations.

Does Costco accept international credit cards?

Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards regardless of where they were issued, as long as they are valid and in good standing. International cards from these networks work the same way as U.S. cards. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee depending on your card's terms.