Does Costco Accept American Express? The Ultimate Guide You Need

Hailee Welch 12 May 2025

Let’s cut to the chase, folks. If you’re wondering whether Costco accepts American Express, you’re not alone. Thousands of shoppers out there are asking the same question. This little query might seem simple, but it carries a lot of weight when it comes to planning your next big purchase or even just a routine trip to Costco. So, let’s break it down for you, shall we?

Costco is more than just a warehouse store; it’s a shopper’s paradise where you can stock up on everything from groceries to electronics at unbeatable prices. But here’s the thing—payment methods matter, especially if you’re someone who loves racking up those credit card rewards. That’s why knowing if Costco takes American Express could make or break your shopping experience.

We’ve got all the answers you’re looking for, plus a few extra tidbits to help you navigate this whole payment method situation like a pro. So, grab a snack, and let’s dive into the world of Costco and AmEx together.

Why Payment Methods Matter at Costco

Let’s face it—payment methods are kind of a big deal these days. Whether you’re trying to earn points, cash back, or just avoid pesky fees, knowing what’s accepted where is crucial. At Costco, they’ve got a pretty specific payment policy, and it’s important to understand it before you hit the checkout line.

Costco's Payment Policy Overview

Costco has always been about keeping things simple for its members. When it comes to payment, they’ve streamlined their options to focus on credit cards that align with their business model. In the past, Costco had an exclusive partnership with American Express, but things have changed over the years.

Costco once exclusively accepted American Express cards.
In 2016, they switched to a partnership with Citi and now primarily accept Visa cards.
This shift was part of a broader strategy to offer more rewards to Costco members.

But don’t worry—we’ll get to the specifics of whether AmEx still has a place at Costco. Stick with us!

Does Costco Accept American Express in 2023?

Alright, here’s the million-dollar question (or maybe the thousand-dollar Costco haul): does Costco still accept American Express in 2023? The short answer is yes—but with some caveats. Let’s unpack that for you.

Where You Can Use American Express at Costco

While Costco’s primary partnership is with Visa, there are still a few places where you can swipe your AmEx card without issue:

Costco Gas Stations: Yep, you can still use American Express to fuel up your car at Costco gas stations.
Costco Travel: Booking vacations or flights through Costco Travel? AmEx is totally fine here.
Costco.com: Online purchases made on Costco’s website often accept multiple payment methods, including American Express.

However, at physical warehouse locations, things are a little trickier. Stick around to learn why.

The History of Costco and American Express

Let’s take a little trip down memory lane to understand how Costco and American Express became such a hot topic in the first place. Back in the day, American Express was the go-to card for Costco shoppers. It was a match made in retail heaven—until it wasn’t.

The Breakup: Why Costco Left American Express

In 2015, Costco and American Express parted ways after a long-standing partnership. Why? Well, it all boiled down to fees. Costco wanted to reduce the interchange fees they were paying to credit card companies, and they decided that teaming up with Citi and Visa would be more cost-effective for their business model.

This decision wasn’t just about saving money—it was also about offering better rewards to Costco members. By partnering with Citi, Costco introduced the Anywhere Card by Citi, which offers cash back and other perks tailored to Costco shoppers.

What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?

Now that we’ve covered the history, let’s talk about what credit cards Costco actually accepts in 2023. Here’s the lowdown:

Primary Payment Methods

At physical warehouse locations, Costco primarily accepts:

Visa: The most widely accepted card at Costco.
Citi Costco Anywhere Card: This is the official Costco credit card, offering cash back on purchases made at Costco and other retailers.

For online purchases, Costco.com typically accepts a wider range of cards, including Mastercard and Discover, in addition to Visa and American Express.

Benefits of Using American Express at Costco

Even though American Express isn’t the star player in Costco’s payment lineup, it still has its perks. Let’s explore why some shoppers still choose to use AmEx at Costco:

Reward Points and Travel Benefits

One of the biggest draws of American Express is the rewards program. If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who loves earning points, AmEx might be worth it for certain Costco purchases, especially when buying through Costco Travel or online.

Plus, AmEx offers additional benefits like purchase protection, extended warranties, and travel insurance, which can come in handy for big-ticket items.

Costco Memberships and Payment Options

Before we dive deeper into payment methods, let’s talk about Costco memberships. Whether you’re a Gold Star member or a Business member, your payment options might vary slightly. Here’s what you need to know:

Membership Perks and Restrictions

Gold Star members typically enjoy the most flexibility when it comes to payment methods, while Business members might have additional restrictions based on their account type. Always check with your local Costco to confirm which cards are accepted for your specific membership.

Tips for Maximizing Your Costco Shopping Experience

Now that you know the ins and outs of payment methods at Costco, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your shopping trips:

1. Choose the Right Card

Whether you go with Visa, Citi, or American Express, make sure the card you use aligns with your shopping goals. If you’re all about cash back, the Citi Costco Anywhere Card might be your best bet. But if you’re a traveler, AmEx could offer more value.

2. Take Advantage of Costco’s Rewards Program

Costco’s rewards program is a game-changer. By using the official Costco credit card, you can earn cash back on everything from groceries to electronics. Don’t leave those rewards on the table!

3. Plan Your Purchases Strategically

Not every purchase needs to be made with the same card. For example, if you’re buying a TV, you might want to use a card that offers extended warranties. If you’re stocking up on snacks, cash back might be the way to go.

Common Questions About Costco Payment Methods

Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about payment methods at Costco:

Q1: Can I use Apple Pay at Costco?

Absolutely! Apple Pay is accepted at most Costco locations, and it’s a great way to streamline your checkout process.

Q2: Are there any fees for using American Express at Costco?

Not directly from Costco, but keep in mind that American Express typically charges higher interchange fees, which might impact merchants. That’s part of why Costco shifted to Visa.

Q3: Can I use prepaid cards at Costco?

Yes, but only if the prepaid card is linked to a Visa network. Prepaid Mastercard or Discover cards won’t work at most locations.

Conclusion: Does Costco Accept American Express?

So, there you have it—the definitive answer to whether Costco accepts American Express. While AmEx isn’t the primary payment method at Costco, it still has its place, especially for certain purchases like gas and travel bookings.

Here’s the takeaway: If you’re a die-hard AmEx user, don’t despair. You can still use your card at select Costco locations and online. But if you’re looking to maximize rewards and cash back, consider switching to the official Costco credit card issued by Citi.

Now it’s your turn—did this guide answer all your questions? Do you have any tips for fellow Costco shoppers? Leave a comment below or share this article with your friends who are also trying to figure out the Costco payment puzzle. Happy shopping, folks!

Why Payment Methods Matter at Costco
Does Costco Accept American Express in 2023?
The History of Costco and American Express
What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
Benefits of Using American Express at Costco
Costco Memberships and Payment Options
Tips for Maximizing Your Costco Shopping Experience
Common Questions About Costco Payment Methods
Conclusion: Does Costco Accept American Express?

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