What the Citibank Costco Visa Card is and who issues it

The Citibank Costco Visa Card is a credit card issued by Citibank that you can use at Costco warehouses and anywhere Visa is accepted. Costco members can request one through their membership account or at the warehouse membership desk. The card is designed to earn cash back on Costco purchases and everyday spending, with higher cash back rates at Costco than elsewhere.

Citibank is the card issuer — they handle your account, billing, and customer service. Costco does not issue the card itself, though your membership status determines whether you can get one. You do not need to be a member to explore, but you must become one before the card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citibank Costco Visa Card earns 4% cash back on Costco gas and warehouse purchases, 2% on Costco travel bookings, and 1% everywhere else.
  • There is no annual fee, but you must maintain an active Costco membership to keep the card open.
  • Cash back is paid as an annual Costco Shop Card (a store credit certificate) that arrives once per year, not as a monthly or statement credit.
  • You can explore online through Citibank's website, by phone, or in person at a Costco warehouse.
  • The card requires a credit check and approval from Citibank, which typically takes a few business days.

Cash back rates and how the rewards work

The card earns 4% cash back on gas purchased at Costco stations and on all warehouse purchases — groceries, household goods, electronics, and anything else you buy inside the warehouse. It earns 2% cash back on travel booked through Costco Travel. Everywhere else — restaurants, retail stores, online shopping outside Costco — it earns 1% cash back.

Cash back is not credited to your statement each month. Instead, Citibank calculates your total cash back once per year and sends it to you as a Costco Shop Card, which is a certificate you can spend on anything at Costco. The Shop Card arrives by mail, usually in the first quarter of the year. You can check your current cash back balance in your Citibank online account.

There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, and cash back does not expire as long as your Costco membership stays active. If your membership lapses, your unspent Shop Card remains valid, but you cannot earn new cash back.

Annual fees and membership requirements

The Citibank Costco Visa Card has no annual fee. You pay nothing to hold the card itself. However, you must maintain an active Costco membership to keep the card open. Costco membership costs money — Gold Star membership is the standard tier, and the cost varies by region but is typically in the range of $60 to $65 per year.

If your Costco membership expires and you do not renew it, Citibank may close your card account. You should renew your membership before it lapses if you want to keep the card active and continue earning cash back.

how the process works for the card

You can explore in three ways: online through Citibank's website, by phone, or in person at a Costco warehouse. Online is the fastest route — go to Citibank's credit cards page, find the Costco Visa option, and follow the process form. You will need your Social Security number, income information, and current address. Citibank will run a credit check.

If you explore by phone, call the number on Citibank's website for Costco card applications. A representative will walk you through the same questions. In-warehouse applications are available at the membership desk, though availability varies by location.

Approval typically takes a few business days. Once approved, Citibank will mail the physical card to your address. You can use it at Costco once it arrives, though some warehouses may let you use a temporary digital card number while you wait for the plastic card.

What you need to know about credit requirements

Citibank does not publish a minimum credit score for this card, but approval generally requires good to excellent credit. If you have fair credit or a limited credit history, you may be denied. Citibank will pull your credit report, so a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report whether you are approved or not.

If you are denied, you can ask Citibank why and wait a few months before explore again. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, so multiple applications in a short time can lower your credit score. If you are approved, your credit limit will be set based on your credit history and income.

Using the card at Costco and elsewhere

At Costco, you must present your Costco membership card and your Citibank Costco Visa Card at checkout. The card works like any other Visa — swipe, insert, or tap depending on the payment terminal. You earn 4% cash back on everything you buy inside the warehouse, including groceries, gas, and merchandise.

Outside Costco, the card works at any merchant that accepts Visa. You earn 1% cash back on these purchases. Some cardholders use it for everyday spending to accumulate cash back, though the 1% rate is lower than many other cash back cards on the market.

The card does not offer travel protections, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage. It is a straightforward cash back card with no additional benefits beyond the rewards.

What happens if your membership ends

If you let your Costco membership expire, your card account may be closed by Citibank within a few months. You will receive a notice before closure. Any unspent Costco Shop Card rewards remain valid and can be used if you renew your membership and regain warehouse access, but you will not earn new cash back once your membership lapses.

If you want to keep the card, renew your membership before the expiration date. You can renew online through your Costco account, by phone, or in person at the warehouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, the card works anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Citibank typically charges a foreign transaction fee of around 3% on purchases made outside the US. Check your cardholder agreement or call Citibank to confirm the exact fee before traveling.

What if I lose my card or it gets stolen?

Call Citibank when ready at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Citibank will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss promptly. A replacement card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I transfer my cash back rewards to another account?

No. Cash back is issued only as a Costco Shop Card, which can be spent only at Costco. You cannot convert it to cash, transfer it to another card, or use it outside Costco.

What if I close my Costco membership but want to keep the card?

Citibank will likely close the card if your membership ends. The card is tied to your membership status, so letting membership lapse puts the card at risk of closure. If you want to keep the card, you must maintain an active membership.

How do I check my cash back balance?

Log into your Citibank online account and view your card details. Your current year's cash back total is displayed there. You can also call Citibank customer service or check your monthly statement.