Which credit cards are accepted at Costco?

Posted May 3, 2016 - updated November 4, 2020 by cccadmin in

Costco Storefront

The partnership between Costco and American Express came to an end in late 2014. Starting January 1, 2015 Capital One took over as the sole issuer of Costco branded credit cards which bare the MasterCard logo. There’s still some confusion about which credit cards are accepted at Costco’s 100 Canadian warehouse locations.

Cards Accepted at Costco Warehouses

As of November 2020, the following credit cards are accepted at all 100 Canadian Costco locations:

  • MasterCard Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards (includes Visa debit cards)
  • Costco Shop Cards

Note: Visa credit cards are not accepted at Costco warehouse locations

Cards Accepted Online at Costco.ca

  • MasterCard Credit and Debit Cards
  • Visa Credit Cards (Visa debit cards not accepted)
  • Costco Shop Cards

Payment Options for Costco Gas Stations

  • MasterCard Credit Cards
  • All Debit Cards (includes Visa debit cards)
  • Costco Shop Cards

Note: Cash is not accepted at Costco gas stations

How to Use Visa Credit Cards at Costco Warehouse Locations

Visa credit cards are not accepted at the warehouse. However, there is a loophole. You can use your Visa credit card to buy Costco Shop Cards at Costco.ca. The Costco Shop Cards can be used at the warehouse, gas stations, or even online.

This is a great way to take advantage of earning reward points with your Visa credit cards on Costco warehouse purchases.

Photo credit: Mike Mozart via Flickr

MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®
Apply Now
  • Earn 4 points†† for every $1 spent on eligible restaurant, grocery, digital media, membership and household utility purchases during the first 90 days, and 2 points‡ for every $1 spent on eligible purchases in those categories thereafter – in both cases, these earn rates apply until $10,000 is spent annually in the applicable category. 1 point‡ for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
  • 5,000 bonus points†† ($25 in cash back value) after you make $500 or more in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening
  • 5,000 bonus points††($25 in cash back value) once enrolled for paperless e-statements within the first 90 days of account opening
  • Full credit card details
Annual Fee:
$0
Purchase APR:
19.99%
Balance Transfer:
22.99%
Cash Advance:
24.99%

Edits: Costco changed the name of their “Cash Cards” to “Shop Cards” around October of 2019. Post updated to reflect the name change.