What payment does Costco accept?
In U.S. warehouses, Costco takes Visa, debit cards, cash, checks, EBT and phone payments like Apple Pay. It doesn't take Mastercard in the warehouse, though Costco.com does. Here's the full list.
In Canada it's the other way around: Mastercard, not Visa. See Costco Canada payment methods.
From Costco's customer service page, checked October 16, 2026.
Payment methods at a glance
| Payment | Warehouse | Gas | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa credit cards (any bank) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mastercard credit cards | No* | No* | Yes |
| Debit / ATM cards with PIN | Most | Most | Most |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Not listed |
| Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Costco Shop Cards | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cash | Yes | Not listed | No |
| Checks | Yes, from members | Not listed | No |
| EBT / SNAP | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
| Affirm (pay over time) | Not listed | Not listed | Yes |
| American Express, Discover | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
*Exceptions: FSA/HSA Visa or Mastercard debit cards work at warehouse pharmacies, optical and hearing aid departments, and "Filtered Spend" Visa/Mastercard cards are accepted for eligible items. "Not listed" means it isn't on Costco's list of accepted payments for that place.
Common questions
Does Costco take Mastercard?
Not in the warehouse or at the gas station, apart from FSA/HSA and "Filtered Spend" cards. Costco.com does take Mastercard. Any Visa credit card works in all three places.
What credit cards does Costco accept?
In U.S. warehouses and gas stations: Visa credit cards from any bank, including the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi. Costco.com also takes Mastercard. Mastercard credit cards aren't accepted in the warehouse, and American Express and Discover aren't on Costco's list anywhere.
Can I use a debit card at Costco?
Yes. Costco accepts most debit and ATM cards with a PIN in the warehouse, at the gas station and on Costco.com. That includes Visa debit cards, and FSA/HSA Visa or Mastercard debit cards work at the pharmacy, optical and hearing aid departments.
Does Costco take Capital One credit cards?
It depends on the card network, not the bank. Capital One Visa credit cards work in the warehouse, at the gas station and on Costco.com. Capital One Mastercard credit cards work only on Costco.com, because Costco's warehouses don't take Mastercard credit cards.
Does Costco take Discover?
No. Discover isn't on Costco's list of accepted payments for U.S. warehouses, gas stations or Costco.com.
Does Costco take American Express?
No. American Express isn't on Costco's list either. If you'd like a card that earns rewards at Costco, see what the Costco credit card pays you.
Does Costco take EBT?
Yes, in U.S. warehouses. EBT isn't on the list for Costco.com or the gas station.
Does Costco take Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay? Can I tap to pay?
All three work in U.S. warehouses, so you can tap your phone or watch at the register. At the gas station, only Apple Pay is on Costco's list. Costco's payment list doesn't say whether you can tap a physical card, so be ready to insert it or use your PIN.
Does Costco take cash and checks?
Yes, in warehouses. Costco accepts personal checks from members, business checks from Business members, and traveler's checks. Cash isn't on the list for the gas station.
Can I pay for gas without a membership?
Only with a prepaid Costco Shop Card (see how Shop Cards work). Otherwise Costco's gas stations are for members. See Costco gas stations near you for more.
Can I use FSA or HSA cards at Costco?
Yes, FSA/HSA Visa or Mastercard debit cards are accepted at warehouse pharmacies and the optical and hearing aid departments.
Does Costco offer pay-over-time?
On Costco.com, through Affirm. It isn't listed for warehouse purchases.
Source: Costco: What payment methods are accepted at Costco? (U.S.), checked October 16, 2026. Costco can change what it accepts, and some items can't be bought with some payment types, so check at the register if you're unsure.