7 Best Credit Cards for Costco Shopping In-Store and Online

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Costco shoppers know that finding the right credit card can make every trip more rewarding. Since Costco only accepts Visa for in-store purchases, it’s important to choose a card that offers the best cash back or points for both in-store and online shopping. This guide highlights seven of the best options that fit different spending habits, so anyone can shop smarter and earn more value.

  • Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

    The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi helps Costco members earn cash back on everyday purchases. It works at Costco locations in-store and online, as well as anywhere Visa is accepted.

    This card provides rewards in multiple categories, making it useful beyond just warehouse shopping. It fits well for people who value a single card for gas, dining, travel, and Costco purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%)
    • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel
    • 2% cash back on Costco purchases (in-store and online)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card currently does not offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 with a paid Costco membership
    • APR: 19.49%–27.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, Citi Entertainment access
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Broad earning categories beyond Costco
    • Rewards apply to both in-store and online Costco purchases
    • No annual fee beyond membership cost

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is issued as an annual reward certificate, redeemable for purchases or cash at Costco.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score between 740 and 850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rewards are capped on gas and EV charging, and redemption is limited to once per year through Costco.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple cash back categories and automatic rewards for Costco members without added complexity.

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a versatile cash back card that works well for everyday spending. Costco members can earn rewards on in-store and online purchases wherever Visa is accepted.

    Many cardholders like pairing it with a premium Chase card to unlock more value through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This makes it appealing for both casual shoppers and those interested in travel rewards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • 3x points on dining, including takeout and delivery
    • 3x points on drugstore purchases
    • 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $500 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, travel protections
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Cash back / rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to Chase Ultimate Rewards portal

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Strong rewards on dining and drugstores
    • Simple flat rate on all other purchases
    • Ability to pair with premium Chase cards for more value
    • Purchase and travel protections included

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel, or transferred to partner programs when paired with another Chase card.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, so it is less useful for international purchases.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides easy earnings with no annual fee, making it beginner-friendly while allowing growth through Chase’s rewards system.

  • Chase Freedom

    The Chase Freedom card is a popular choice for shoppers who want flexibility with everyday spending. Although it’s no longer open to new applicants, existing cardholders can still use it to earn solid rewards on Costco purchases made in-store or online where Visa is accepted.

    Many cardholders like it because it pairs well with other Chase cards. This makes it easy to combine rewards and maximize value.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly rotating categories (activation required each quarter)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a cash back bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 19.49%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection and extended warranty
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Other details: Pairs with Chase Ultimate Rewards for added value

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Rotating 5% categories for higher rewards
    • Strong everyday earning rates
    • Ability to combine rewards with other Chase cards
    • Purchase protection included

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or applied as a statement credit through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rotating categories need activation and may not align with an individual’s spending habits.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is simple to use and offers straightforward rewards, making it a good entry-level card for those new to credit.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular travel rewards credit card that also works well for Costco purchases. It provides solid earning potential on everyday spending categories.

    Many cardholders value its points system, which allows flexibility in how rewards are used. It is often recommended as a strong starter card for those new to rewards programs.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
    • 3x on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
    • 2x on all other travel purchases
    • 1x on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel protections, purchase coverage, and access to Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong earning rates on travel and dining
    • Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • Valuable travel protections
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Well-suited for beginners in rewards programs

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score between 670 and 850, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has an annual fee and does not earn bonus rewards on wholesale club purchases, including Costco.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories, flexible redemption choices, and straightforward benefits that make it easy to learn how to use rewards effectively.

  • Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card

    The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for travelers who want a flexible rewards program. It works well for those who shop at Costco, since the warehouse only accepts Visa credit cards.

    This card offers a mix of travel perks and everyday value. It also provides access to a rewards program that can be used across different airlines and partners.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 points per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
    • 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit (including ride share) purchases
    • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare after spending $4,000 in the first four months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Companion pass, travel rewards program
    • Network: Visa Signature
    • Type: Rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Access to Oneworld airline partners

    Key Benefits:

    • Works at Costco due to Visa-only acceptance
    • Companion pass available each year
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Flexible airline redemption options
    • Rewards program with multiple partners

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights with Oneworld partners such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qantas.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit for approval, with a FICO score of 690–850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card may not provide the highest rewards rate for non-travel purchases.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple airline redemption options and works at Costco without extra restrictions.

  • Citi Double Cash Card

    The Citi Double Cash Card offers a simple way to earn rewards on every purchase. It does not focus on rotating categories, making it easy to use without extra planning.

    Cardholders earn rewards consistently, whether they shop at Costco or anywhere else. Its straightforward design makes it appealing to people who want predictable cash back.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
    • 1% cash back when you make a purchase
    • 1% cash back when you pay your bill

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first six months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Ability to convert rewards to Citi ThankYou Points with eligible cards
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Other details: Straightforward earning with no rotating categories

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat 2% cash back on all purchases
    • Rewards can be converted to Citi ThankYou Points
    • Simple earning structure with no categories to track
    • Works well for everyday spending beyond Costco

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check, and may also be converted to points with other Citi cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit with a FICO score of at least 670 to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, so it is not ideal for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its flat cash back structure and lack of categories make it easy for new credit card users to manage.

  • Capital One Spark Miles for Business

    The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card is designed for small business owners who want simple rewards on every purchase. It also works for Costco runs, offering consistent value on in-store and online purchases where Mastercard is accepted.

    This card works well for those who want to earn travel miles while keeping business and personal expenses separate. It also allows employee cards at no extra cost, making it easier to maximize rewards, especially when stocking up at Costco.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on all purchases
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)
    • APR: 25.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Free employee cards, itemized spending reports
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Flat 2x miles on every purchase
    • Bonus earnings on travel booked through Capital One
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Free employee cards
    • Simple redemption options

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel, transferred to airline partners, or used as statement credits.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee after the first year and does not offer higher bonus categories beyond travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its simple earning structure makes it easy for new business owners to start earning rewards without tracking complex categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top credit cards offering the best rewards for Costco purchases?

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi stands out since it earns 2% on Costco purchases plus higher rewards on gas, dining, and travel. Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred can also provide strong value when used at Costco, where Visa is accepted. The best option depends on whether shoppers want broader category rewards or Costco-specific value.

Which credit card provides the highest cash back on Costco gas purchases?

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, up to $7,000 per year. This makes it one of the best options for Costco members who regularly fill up at Costco gas stations. After the limit, the card earns 1% back on additional gas purchases.

How does the official Costco credit card compare to other cards for in-store shopping?

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card gives 2% cash back on Costco purchases, which is helpful for frequent shoppers. Other cards may provide higher rewards in different categories but often do not apply directly to in-store Costco spending. This makes the Costco card a practical option for those who shop there often.

Can you use any credit card at Costco, or are there restrictions?

In the U.S., Costco only accepts Visa credit cards for in-store purchases. Shoppers cannot use Mastercard, American Express, or Discover at checkout, though debit cards and Costco Shop Cards are accepted. Online, however, Costco.com accepts Mastercard, Discover, and Visa.

What are the benefits of using a wholesale club credit card over a regular credit card for Costco shopping?

Wholesale club cards, such as the Costco Anywhere Visa, typically provide greater rewards on gas, travel, and dining, along with purchases made at Costco. They are designed to maximize value for members who already shop at Costco. A regular credit card may not provide the same level of targeted rewards.