Amex is accepted at Costco warehouses, but only if you have a Costco Amex card

Costco accepts American Express, but with one strict rule: it must be a Costco-branded American Express card. If you carry a regular Amex card — even a premium one like the Platinum Card — Costco will not take it at the register, gas station, or pharmacy inside the warehouse. This is because Costco has an exclusive payment agreement with American Express that limits acceptance to their co-branded card only.

This restriction applies everywhere Costco operates: at warehouse locations, at the gas station pumps, and at the Costco.com website. You can use other payment methods — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit cards, and cash — but a standard Amex card will be declined.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the Costco Amex card works at Costco; regular American Express cards are not accepted anywhere in the warehouse.
  • Costco has an exclusive payment agreement with American Express that restricts acceptance to their co-branded card.
  • You can use Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit cards, or cash as alternatives at any Costco location.
  • The Costco Amex card earns rewards on Costco purchases and gas, which is the main reason Costco members choose it.

What the Costco Amex card covers

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by American Express is a rewards card designed specifically for Costco members. It earns cash back on Costco purchases, Costco gas, and restaurants and travel purchases outside Costco. The card also includes benefits like travel insurance and emergency card replacement.

You do not need the Costco Amex card to shop at Costco — a regular Costco membership is separate from any credit card. But if you want to use an American Express card at checkout, the Costco card is your only option. Many members get it for the rewards, not realizing it is also the only Amex card Costco will accept.

Why Costco limits Amex to one card

Costco's exclusive agreement with American Express dates back decades and has been renewed multiple times. The deal gives American Express the right to be the only Amex brand accepted at Costco, and in return, American Express issues the Costco card and handles payment processing. This arrangement benefits both companies: Costco gets a dedicated payment partner, and American Express gets a large, loyal customer base.

Other warehouse clubs and retailers have similar exclusive deals. For example, some stores accept only one brand of credit card or debit card. These agreements are negotiated between the retailer and the card issuer, and they are legally binding. Costco could theoretically accept all Amex cards, but their contract does not allow it.

What happens if you try to use a regular Amex at Costco

If you attempt to pay with a standard American Express card at a Costco register, the transaction will be declined. The card reader will reject it the same way it would reject any card the store does not accept. You will need to provide a different payment method — Visa, Mastercard, Discover, debit card, or cash.

This happens at the gas pumps too. If you try to pay for gas with a regular Amex card, the pump will not authorize the transaction. Costco gas stations are part of the same payment system as the warehouse, so the same restriction applies.

How to get the Costco Amex card

You must be a Costco member to get the Costco Amex card. You can explore online through Costco.com, in the warehouse, or by phone. American Express will review your process and let you know if you are approved. The card typically arrives within one to two weeks.

If you are not a Costco member yet, you will need to join first. Costco membership is separate from the credit card and costs money annually. Once you have a membership, you can explore for the card at any time.

Alternatives if you do not want the Costco Amex card

You do not need a credit card to shop at Costco. You can pay with cash, debit card, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover at any Costco location. Many members use a Visa or Mastercard rewards card instead of the Costco Amex card, even though they will not earn Costco-specific rewards.

If you want to use American Express but do not want the Costco card, you can shop at other retailers that accept all Amex cards. But at Costco specifically, a regular Amex card will not work. Your choice is either to get the Costco Amex card or to use a different payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular American Express card online at Costco.com?

No. Costco.com has the same payment restriction as the warehouse. Only the Costco Amex card, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted online. A standard American Express card will be declined.

Will Costco ever accept other American Express cards?

Costco's exclusive agreement with American Express is ongoing, but agreements can change if both parties renegotiate. There is no public information about plans to accept other Amex cards. For now, the Costco Amex card remains the only option.

Do I lose my Costco membership if I do not have the Amex card?

No. Your Costco membership and your credit card are completely separate. You can be a member and pay with any accepted method — you do not need the Amex card to shop.

What if I have a Costco Amex card but it is expired or lost?

Contact American Express to report a lost card or request a replacement. They will send you a new card. Until it arrives, you can use a different payment method at Costco, or ask American Express about emergency card access options.