The short answer
At Costco’s Australian fuel stations you pay with a Visa or Mastercard — credit or debit — and enter your PIN so the pump can pre-authorise the card. American Express, cash, the Costco Shop Card, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay are not accepted at the pump, though some of those work inside the warehouse.
What you can use at Costco fuel in Australia
- Visa (credit or debit, PIN required)
- Mastercard (credit or debit, PIN required)
What it won't accept
- American Express
- Cash
- The Costco Shop Card (excluded from fuel)
- Apple Pay / Google Pay at the pump (accepted in-warehouse, not at fuel)
- Motorcharge / Motorpass fuel cards and cheques
Good to know
The pump pre-authorises your card for available funds (a temporary hold) before fuel is dispensed; the final amount replaces that hold once you finish fuelling.
Inside the warehouse, Costco Australia also takes cash, EFTPOS, and Apple Pay — but the fuel station specifically needs a PIN-based Visa or Mastercard.
You must be a current Costco member to dispense fuel.
Frequently asked questions
Does Costco fuel take Apple Pay in Australia?
Not at the pump. Costco Australia’s fuel stations require a PIN-based Visa or Mastercard; Apple Pay is only accepted inside the warehouse.
Does Costco Australia fuel take American Express?
No. Costco Australia does not accept American Express anywhere, including the fuel station — only Visa and Mastercard.
Can you pay cash for fuel at Costco Australia?
No. The fuel stations are card-only (Visa or Mastercard with a PIN). Cash is accepted in the warehouse but not at the pump.
Can you use a Costco Shop Card for fuel in Australia?
No. The Costco Shop Card works for merchandise inside the warehouse but is excluded from fuel purchases.
Do you need a membership to buy Costco fuel in Australia?
Yes. You must be a current Costco member to dispense fuel at an Australian Costco fuel station.
Costco fuel payment in other countries
Costco's accepted payment methods differ by country. See the rules for United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.
Sources & references
- Costco Australia — “Paying for your fuel” (pre-authorising FAQ) www.costco.com.au/mediapermalink/costco-fuel-pre-authorising-faqs
- Costco Australia — “What types of payment does Costco accept” www.costco.com.au/member-care/shopping-at-costco/what-types-of-payment-does-costco-accept
Payment-acceptance rules change and can vary by location — figures were last reviewed in May 2026. This site is independent and not affiliated with Costco Wholesale Corporation.
