The short answer
At U.S. Costco gas stations you can pay with any Visa credit card, a PIN debit card, a Costco Shop Card, or Apple Pay / Google Pay loaded with a Visa card. You cannot use Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or cash — the result of Costco’s exclusive U.S. credit-card deal with Visa.
What you can use at Costco gas in the United States
- Any Visa credit card (any bank — the Costco Anywhere Visa earns the most back)
- PIN-based debit and ATM cards
- Costco Shop Card (the prepaid card — also lets non-members fuel up)
- Apple Pay or Google Pay, if the card in your wallet is Visa-branded
What it won't accept
- Mastercard credit cards
- American Express
- Discover
- Cash, cheques, and EBT
Good to know
Why Visa only? Costco’s U.S. warehouses and fuel stations run on an exclusive credit-card partnership with Visa (with a co-brand card issued by Citi) that runs through June 2029. Visa replaced American Express — Costco’s exclusive U.S. card network from 1999 until the switch in June 2016 — and Mastercard and Discover aren’t accepted either.
No Visa card? Buy a Costco Shop Card on Costco.com using another card, then use the Shop Card at the pump — which also works if you aren’t a member.
The pump reads your membership card (or a Shop Card) before it will dispense, so you generally need a Costco membership to fuel up.
Frequently asked questions
Does Costco gas take Apple Pay?
Yes, at U.S. pumps — but only if the card inside Apple Pay or Google Pay is Visa-branded. A Mastercard or Amex loaded in your wallet will be declined.
Does Costco gas take Mastercard?
No. U.S. Costco gas stations do not accept Mastercard credit cards, American Express, or Discover — only Visa.
Does Costco gas take cash?
No. The pumps are card-only. To pay with cash, load it onto a Costco Shop Card inside the warehouse first, then use that card at the pump.
Can you use a Costco Shop Card for gas?
Yes. The Costco Shop Card works at the pump, and because it does not require a membership scan, it is the one way a non-member can buy Costco gas.
What is the best card for Costco gas?
The Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi earns 5% back on gas at Costco gas stations (on up to $7,000 a year in combined gas and EV-charging spend, then 1%) — on top of Costco’s already-low pump price.
Costco gas payment in other countries
Costco's accepted payment methods differ by country. See the rules for Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Sources & references
- Costco — “What payment methods are accepted at Costco?” customerservice.costco.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/719/~/what-payment-methods-are-accepted-at-costco%3F
- Citi — Costco Anywhere Visa® Card gas benefits www.citi.com/credit-cards/understanding-credit-cards/costco-citi-card-gas-benefits
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.
