The short answer
Costco Canada is the mirror image of the U.S.: at the gas bar you pay with Mastercard, a debit card (including Visa Debit), a physical Costco Shop Card, or Apple Pay / Google Pay linked to a Mastercard or debit card. Visa and American Express credit cards are not accepted, and there is no cash at the pump.
What you can use at Costco gas in Canada
- Mastercard (credit and debit)
- Debit cards, including Visa Debit
- A physical Costco Shop Card (digital Shop Cards are not accepted at the pump)
- Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to a Mastercard or debit card
What it won't accept
- Visa credit cards
- American Express
- Cash
- Digital Shop Cards (at the pump)
Good to know
Why Mastercard, not Visa? Costco Canada’s credit-card network is Mastercard — the opposite of the U.S. Visa deal. Costco Canada switched from American Express to Mastercard in 2015.
Visa Debit does work, because it runs as a debit transaction — it is only Visa credit cards that are turned away.
The gas bar reads your membership card (or a physical Shop Card) before dispensing, so you generally need a Costco membership to fuel up.
Frequently asked questions
Does Costco Canada gas take Visa?
Visa credit cards, no. But Visa Debit does work, because it runs as a debit transaction. For credit, Costco Canada is Mastercard-only.
Does Costco gas take Mastercard in Canada?
Yes — Mastercard is Costco Canada’s credit-card network, accepted at the gas bar and inside the warehouse.
Can you pay cash for gas at Costco Canada?
No. The gas bars are card-only. Load cash onto a physical Costco Shop Card inside the warehouse instead, then use that at the pump.
Does Costco Canada gas take Apple Pay?
Yes, if the card in your wallet is a Mastercard or a debit card. A Visa credit card in Apple Pay will not work at the pump.
Do you need a membership to buy Costco gas in Canada?
Generally yes — the pump verifies your card. A physical Costco Shop Card is the exception that lets non-members fuel up.
Costco gas payment in other countries
Costco's accepted payment methods differ by country. See the rules for United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Sources & references
- Costco Canada — “What methods of payment does Costco Canada accept?” customerservice.costco.ca/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1017193/~/what-methods-of-payment-does-costco-canada-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.
