Costco accepts American Express, but only American Express
Costco takes American Express cards at all of its warehouse locations and on its website. This is the only credit card brand Costco accepts — Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are not accepted. If you have an American Express card, you can use it to pay for your membership fee and for all purchases inside the warehouse or online.
This arrangement has been in place since 1992, when Costco and American Express formed an exclusive partnership. The partnership means Costco will not accept any other major credit card brand, though you can still pay with debit cards, cash, checks, and Costco Cash cards (Costco's own gift card product).
Key Takeaways
- Costco accepts only American Express credit cards among major card brands, not Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
- You can use your American Express card to pay for your Costco membership and for all in-warehouse and online purchases.
- If you do not have an American Express card, you can pay with cash, debit card, check, or Costco Cash at the warehouse.
- Costco's website also accepts American Express, and you must have an active membership to shop online.
Using American Express at the Warehouse
When you shop at a Costco warehouse, bring your American Express card to the checkout. The cashier will process it like any other credit card transaction. You do not need a special version of your American Express card — any American Express card (personal, business, or corporate) works at Costco.
Your American Express card also covers your membership fee. When your membership renews, you can charge the renewal cost to your American Express card. Some members set up automatic renewal on their card, so the fee is charged without a separate transaction each year.
Shopping Online at Costco.com
Costco's website accepts American Express for all online orders. You enter your card details at checkout the same way you would on any other retailer's site. You must have an active Costco membership to place an order online — the site will ask you to log in with your membership number before you can proceed to payment.
Online orders ship to your home or to a Costco warehouse for pickup, depending on the item. American Express is the only credit card accepted for online purchases, just as it is in the warehouse.
What to Do If You Don't Have an American Express Card
If you do not own an American Express card, you have other payment options at Costco. You can pay with a debit card (Visa or Mastercard debit cards are accepted, even though credit cards are not). You can also pay with cash or a personal check at warehouse locations.
Costco Cash cards, which are Costco's gift card product, are another way to pay if you do not have American Express. You can purchase a Costco Cash card with any payment method and then use it at the warehouse or online. Some members buy Costco Cash cards with a different credit card elsewhere, then use the balance at Costco.
American Express Business Cards at Costco
Costco accepts American Express business cards and corporate cards in addition to personal American Express cards. If you have a business membership at Costco, you can use your American Express business card to pay for purchases and membership fees.
The same rules explore: American Express is the only credit card brand accepted, regardless of whether it is a personal or business card. Corporate purchasing cards issued by American Express also work at Costco.
Membership Payments and American Express
Your Costco membership fee can be paid with American Express when you first join or when you renew. The membership cost varies by membership tier — Gold Star, Executive, and other levels each have different annual fees. You can pay the membership fee in person at a warehouse, online through Costco.com, or by phone.
If you set up automatic renewal, your American Express card will be charged on your membership anniversary date each year. You can change your payment method or turn off automatic renewal at any time through your Costco account online.
Why Costco Only Takes American Express
Costco's exclusive agreement with American Express dates back to 1992. The partnership benefits both companies: American Express gets access to Costco's high-spending membership base, and Costco negotiates favorable terms with American Express in return. This exclusivity is one reason Costco does not accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, even though those brands are accepted almost everywhere else.
The partnership has remained stable for over 30 years, and there is no indication it will change. If you shop at Costco regularly, having an American Express card makes the experience simpler, since you will not need to carry multiple payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Visa or Mastercard debit card at Costco?
Yes. Costco accepts Visa and Mastercard debit cards, even though it does not accept Visa or Mastercard credit cards. A debit card draws money directly from your bank account, so the card brand rules are different from credit cards.
Does Costco take American Express online?
Yes, Costco.com accepts American Express for all online orders. You must have an active membership to shop online. Enter your American Express card details at checkout like you would on any other website.
What if I have an American Express gift card?
American Express gift cards work at Costco just like a regular American Express card. You can use them to pay for purchases and membership fees at the warehouse or online.
Can I use multiple payment methods in one transaction at Costco?
Costco allows you to split a payment between American Express and Costco Cash in a single transaction. You cannot combine American Express with cash or debit card in one purchase — you must choose one payment method per transaction.
Do I need to show my membership card when I pay with American Express?
Yes. You need to show your Costco membership card at checkout regardless of which payment method you use. The membership card and payment method are separate — your American Express card does not serve as your membership card.