Even though Costco only accepts Visa cards in their warehouse stores, there are some ways to use MasterCard at Costco or use American Express card for Costco purchases.
When I first wrote this article, Costco only accepted American Express in their warehouses. Costco payment methods in their warehouses are now limited to Visa credit cards. The following strategies are useful in you want to use American Express at Costco or MasterCard at Costco.
I love Costco for travel discounts as well as other merchandise and services. I have been a Costco member for over 20 years and previously mentioned Costco in several travel skills articles. The one thing that bothers me about Costco is that I have to pay with my American Express card or debit card (now with Visa).
From Costco’s website:
“Costco has negotiated a long-term partnership with American Express, which allows us to accept their credit cards with reasonable transaction fees. By not accepting Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, we are better positioned to continue offering the lowest prices on our merchandise.”
Note: this message was from when American Express was the only payment option in Costco warehouses. Visa cards are now the only Costco payment method accepted in the warehouses.
Does Costco Take MasterCard? Can You Use MasterCard at Costco?
Note that MasterCard (and Visa, Discover) are accepted for online purchases at Costco.com but not in the warehouse locations. Only Visa is accepted in Costco warehouses.
I learned how to use MasterCard at Costco, to pay for my in-store (warehouse) purchases. Then I quickly thought of another way to do so.
Interested? Read on …
2 3 Ways to Use MasterCard at Costco
First Way to Use MasterCard for Costco Purchases
You can use your MasterCard for online purchases at Costco.com. I recently bought some items from Costco.com, received a magic $20 coupon (not available in stores), and used my MasterCard to pay for the order.
Buy a Costco Cash Card from Costco.com, using your MasterCard credit card, and use the Costco Cash Card for in-store purchase.
Easy, peasy.
Also look for other outlets selling Costco gift cards and use your MasterCard to buy them.
Second Way to Use MasterCard at Costco
I once used a Target Reloadable Prepaid Card—mainly to optimize travel point earning potential.
Basically, the Target prepaid REDcard is an online bank account which can be loaded (put money in) various ways, including with any MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit card. Use this American Express branded card like a regular card.
I loaded my Target card with funds from my MasterCard credit card and then used the Target REDcard at Costco for my warehouse purchases. The in-store Costco purchase registered as an American Express transaction.
The funds for my Costco purchase came from my MasterCard card so essentially I used MasterCard at Costco.
Third Way to Use MasterCard for Costco Purchases
A third way to use your MasterCard at Costco is through their Costco Travel website. and we love the travel discounts from Costco Travel.
You can use MasterCard for booking hotels on Costco Travel (as well as Visa). You can use your MasterCard or American Express for car rentals booked through Costco Travel, because you pay after the car rental is complete (to the rental car company).
Fourth Way to Use MasterCard for Costco Purchases
A fourth way to use your MasterCard at Costco is through their Costco app. I have not personally done this but have been told that others have.
Happy shopping!
Costco Credit card FAQ
Which credit cards does Costco accept?
The only credit cards valid for use in Costco warehouses are Visa credit cards. Other forms of acceptable payment in Costco warehouses are cash, check, Costco gift card, and debit cards.
Does Costco take MasterCard?
No, Costco warehouses do not accept MasterCard for payment. However, MasterCard is accepted for online purchases at Costco.com and for purchases on CostcoTravel.com.
Can I use MasterCard at Costco gas stations?
No, Costco gas stations do not accept MasterCard. Just like in the Costco warehouse, Visa is the only credit card accepted for payment.
Can I use MasterCard for Costco Travel purchases?
Yes, you can pay for CostcoTravel.com purchases with a MasterCard credit card.
Can I buy a Costco gift card with a MasterCard?
Yes, you can buy a Costco gift card with a MasterCard—where MasterCard is accepted. It is one of our favorite ways to use MasterCard for Costco purchases. Buy Costco gift cards with MasterCard online at Costco.com and from stores (like office supply stores and grocery stores).
Can I use American Express at Costco?
No, Costco warehouses do not accept American Express for payment. However, American Express is accepted for online purchases at Costco.com and for purchases on CostcoTravel.com.
Can I use American Express at Costco gas stations?
No, Costco gas stations do not accept American Express. Just like in the Costco warehouse, Visa is the only credit card accepted for payment.
Can I use American Express for Costco Travel purchases?
Yes, you can pay for CostcoTravel.com purchases with an American Express credit card.
Summary
Even though I used MasterCard for these Costco purchases, Visa credit cards can also be used.
With a little extra effort, you can earn points in your preferred credit card program (if it is MasterCard or American Express), rather than using a Visa credit card for Costco in-store purchases.
What do you think? Have you found other ways to use MasterCard for Costco purchases?
You may also like the articles: Earn Frequent Flyer Points Without Flying and #1 Tip for Getting Lower Airfares.
I added my MasterCard to my ApplePay, and am heading up there later today…since they accept ApplePay as an option I’m hopeful it will work without the gift card work around…
Love it. That is a great option.
did it work?
If you needed to return the merch for some reason, will they refund the Mastercard or visa debit?
I thought I inadvertently used a prepaid mastercard at a costco store and it went through. Maybe since giftcardmall, the issuer, makes gift cards for both Visa and MC maybe it goes through regardless.
Excellent work.
Hi i recently tried to purchase a TV from the warehouse not knowing of the Visa card limitations. So i too thought of going online n purchasing a “shop card” using my MC. BUT what i found out the hard way was that they have to physically send u the shop card then u have to activate it. The managers there told me I’d be able to do it once i received the info via email and they backdoored me to their online customer service who then verified once the card is purchased the email verification does NOT give u the shop card # which u would need to use it in the store. The costco online CS person then called the “shop card” dept. Who then verified that i would have to wait to physically receive the shop card activate it then i could use it in the store. So i ended up cxling the online shop card purchase but it held the money on my credit card so i couldn’t use it to repurchase the visa debit card else where until the transaction falls off… just thought id let u know so maybe i can save someone else the headache of spending 4 hrs in the store trying to get it done.
Thank you, Marie. So I guess shoppers should allow time for those gift cards to arrive by mail.
You might be interested to know that in Canadian Costco stores, the only credit card that is accepted is Mastercard, not Visa nor American Express. The Canada stores have a different licensing agreement.
Love it, Ox. Thank you so much for the info. I guess the same would be true (or possibly true) for other countries then.
Hi! Another way would be to buy a visa gift card with the mastercard and then use the visa gift card at costco right?
By the way can you use the visa gift card at costco gasoline stations? what about using the two cards that you talked about at costco gas stations?
Greetings.
Thank you, Carlos. Yes to the first, using a Visa GC purchased with MC. Well done. I think the gas stations only accept the same card as the warehouse but I am not certain.
Anyone have other ways to optimize point accrual through Costco?