The short answer
Costco’s UK fuel stations are self-serve, members-only forecourts. They accept all the major cards by Chip & PIN — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards, plus Visa Debit and UK Maestro debit. What they do not take is cash, contactless, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
What you can use at Costco fuel in the UK
- Visa credit cards (Chip & PIN)
- Mastercard credit cards (Chip & PIN)
- American Express (Chip & PIN)
- Visa Debit and UK Maestro debit cards
What it won't accept
- Cash
- Contactless (“tap”) payments
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets
Good to know
Unlike the U.S. (Visa-only) and Canada (Mastercard-only), Costco UK accepts every major credit network — including American Express — at the pump. The trade-off is the opposite: no contactless and no phone payments, so bring the physical card and your PIN.
The forecourts are entirely self-serve. You scan an active Costco membership card at the pump before it will dispense, so a membership is required.
Frequently asked questions
Does Costco UK fuel take American Express?
Yes. Costco UK accepts Amex at the pump by Chip & PIN, alongside Visa and Mastercard — a key difference from Costco in the US, which is Visa-only.
Does Costco UK fuel take contactless or Apple Pay?
No. UK forecourts are Chip & PIN only — contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are not accepted at the pump.
Can you pay cash for fuel at Costco UK?
No. The pumps are pay-at-pump, card only; cash is not accepted at the fuel station.
Can you buy Costco petrol without a membership in the UK?
No. You scan an active Costco membership card at the pump before it will dispense, so a Costco membership is required.
Does Costco UK take Visa Debit?
Yes — Visa Debit and UK Maestro debit cards both work at the pump by Chip & PIN.
Costco fuel payment in other countries
Costco's accepted payment methods differ by country. See the rules for United States, Canada, and Australia.
Sources & references
- Costco UK — “Your questions answered by our fuel experts” (official fuel Q&A) www.costco.co.uk/fuel-q-and-a
- Costco UK Customer Care — “Payment Types” customercare.costco.co.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/115/~/payment-types
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.
