The Costco Citibank Card gives you cash back on Costco purchases and gas, plus a $60 annual reward certificate

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citibank is a co-branded card designed specifically for Costco members. It returns 2% cash back on Costco purchases and gas (up to $110 per year, then 1%), 1% on all other purchases, and pays you a $60 annual Costco Shop Card once per year if you spend enough to earn it. There is no annual fee — the card is free to hold as long as you have an active Costco membership.

The card works only at Costco locations and gas stations, not at other retailers. If you shop at Costco regularly and buy gas there or elsewhere, the cash back structure can add up. If you rarely visit Costco or prefer to use rewards for travel or other categories, a different card may serve you better.

Key Takeaways

  • The card earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases and gas, then 1% on everything else, with no annual fee.
  • You receive a $60 Costco Shop Card each year automatically if you meet the spending threshold, which typically requires regular Costco shopping.
  • The card is a Visa and works at any Visa-accepting merchant, but the rewards structure incentivizes Costco spending.
  • You must have an active Costco membership to hold the card; if your membership lapses, your card account closes.
  • The card is issued by Citibank and carries standard Visa protections like fraud liability limits and purchase protection.

How the cash back and rewards work

Every dollar you spend at Costco earns 2% cash back. Gas purchases at Costco stations also earn 2%, but only up to $110 per year in rewards on gas — after that, gas earns 1%. All other purchases (restaurants, online retailers, utilities) earn 1% cash back with no cap.

The $60 annual Costco Shop Card is not automatic money. You earn it by reaching a spending threshold during the calendar year. Costco does not publicly state the exact threshold, but members report it typically requires $3,000 to $4,000 in annual card spending. The Shop Card arrives in your Costco account once per year and can be used like a gift card at any Costco location.

Cash back accumulates as you spend and appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed through your Citibank account. You do not have to wait until year-end to use it — rewards post regularly throughout the year.

Who this card makes sense for

The Costco Citibank Card is most useful if you shop at Costco at least monthly and buy gas there or elsewhere regularly. If you spend $200 or more per month at Costco, the 2% cash back alone covers a significant portion of a Costco membership fee over the course of a year. Add gas purchases and the annual Shop Card, and the total value can exceed $150 to $200 annually for heavy Costco shoppers.

The card is less valuable if you visit Costco infrequently, shop primarily for groceries (where rewards are the same as other categories), or prefer a card that earns rewards on travel, dining, or online shopping. If you already have a card that earns 2% or more on all purchases, the Costco card's 1% on non-Costco spending may not add much value.

How to open an account and what you need

You can explore for the card through Costco.com or in person at your local Costco warehouse. You will need a valid Costco membership number and a Social Security number or tax ID. Citibank will check your credit report and review your credit history, so approval is not may provide.

The process takes about 10 minutes online or at the membership desk. If you are approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it when ready at Costco once it arrives, and you can add it to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) for contactless payments.

If your Costco membership expires or you let it lapse, your card account will close automatically. You can renew your membership and reopen the card, but you will need to explore again.

Fees, interest rates, and other costs

There is no annual fee for the card itself. However, you must maintain an active Costco membership to keep the card open. A Gold Star membership (standard Costco membership) costs $65 per year; an Executive membership costs $130 per year and includes additional rewards on Costco purchases.

If you carry a balance, interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Citibank typically charges between 16% and 24% APR for purchases, depending on your credit score. Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest charges entirely.

There are no foreign transaction fees if you use the card abroad, though Costco locations outside the United States may not accept it. Cash advances carry a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) and begin accruing interest when ready.

How this card compares to other Costco payment options

Costco also accepts the Costco Anywhere American Express Card, which earns 4% cash back on gas (up to $110 per year, then 1%), 3% at Costco, and 1% elsewhere. The American Express version has a $65 annual fee but offers higher rewards for heavy spenders. If you spend more than $3,000 per year at Costco, the American Express card's higher rewards may offset its annual fee.

If you do not want a Costco-branded card, you can pay with any Visa, Mastercard, or American Express at Costco. You straightforward will not earn the bonus cash back. Some general-purpose cards (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X) offer 2% or higher cash back on all purchases, which may be better if you shop at multiple retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Costco Citibank Card outside of Costco?

Yes. The card is a standard Visa and works at any merchant that accepts Visa. However, you only earn the higher 2% cash back at Costco and gas stations. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. Most cardholders use it primarily at Costco and keep another card for everyday spending elsewhere.

What happens to my card if I cancel my Costco membership?

Your card account closes automatically when your membership expires or is cancelled. If you renew your membership later, you can explore for the card again, but you will go through the full process process and credit check.

How do I redeem my cash back?

Cash back appears as a statement credit on your Citibank account and can be applied to your balance automatically or redeemed manually through your online account. You can also request a check. The $60 annual Shop Card is separate and loads directly into your Costco account once you meet the spending threshold.

Is there a sign-up bonus for new cardholders?

Costco and Citibank occasionally offer limited-time sign-up bonuses (such as extra cash back in the first few months), but these vary and are not permanent. Check Costco.com or ask at your local warehouse for current offers when you explore.

Can I have more than one Costco Citibank Card?

You can add an authorized user to your account, and they receive their own card linked to your account. Both cards earn rewards that count toward your annual Shop Card threshold. You cannot open two separate primary accounts under the same membership.