You need a Costco membership first, then you can open a credit card through Citi
The Costco credit card is issued by Citibank, not Costco itself. To get one, you must already be a Costco member — the card is not a path to membership. Once you have an active membership, you can open the card online at Citi's website, by phone, or in-warehouse at a Costco kiosk. The whole process takes about 10 minutes online, and you'll know whether you're approved within seconds.
Costco offers two versions: the Costco Anywhere Visa Card for members who shop outside Costco, and the Costco Visa Card for members who shop only at Costco and Costco Gas. Both cards earn rewards on Costco purchases. The difference is where you can use them — the Anywhere card works at any merchant that takes Visa, while the regular card works only at Costco locations and gas stations.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an active Costco membership before you can open either Costco credit card.
- Citibank issues both cards and handles approval, credit checks, and account management.
- You can open a card online, by phone at the number on Citi's website, or at a Costco warehouse kiosk.
- Approval decisions are usually when ready online, and the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Both cards earn rewards on Costco purchases, but the Anywhere card also works at other stores.
What you need before you start
Have your Costco membership number ready. You'll find it on your membership card or in your Costco account online. You'll also need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and your current address. Citi will run a hard credit inquiry, which means they'll check your credit report and it will show up on your credit history.
If you don't have a Costco membership yet, you'll need to join first. Membership costs vary by tier — Gold Star (basic), Gold Star Executive, and Costco Business. You can join online, by phone, or in-warehouse. Once your membership is active, you can explore for the credit card when ready.
How to open the card online
Go to Citi's website and search for "Costco credit card." You'll see both card options with their terms and rewards rates. Click the button to open an account. You'll enter your Costco membership number, then your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment details. Citi will ask about your annual income and existing debts.
Review the card terms, including the annual percentage rate (APR), annual fee, and rewards structure. The Costco Visa Card has an annual fee that matches your membership tier — Gold Star members pay one amount, Executive members pay another. The Anywhere card has a different annual fee. Both fees are waived for the first year in some promotions, but check the current offer when you explore.
Submit your process. You'll get a decision within seconds. If approved, Citi will mail your card within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your card number online before the physical card arrives if you need to shop when ready.
Opening a card at Costco or by phone
Many Costco warehouses have a credit card kiosk near the membership desk. A Citi representative can walk you through the process in person. This takes about 10 minutes and you'll know your decision on the spot. You can also call Citi directly — the phone number appears on Citi's website and on Costco's membership materials.
The process process is the same whether you explore online, by phone, or in-warehouse. You'll provide the same information, and Citi will run the same credit check. The main difference is convenience: online is fastest if you're comfortable entering your information yourself, while phone or in-person works better if you have questions about the card terms or your options.
What happens after approval
Once approved, your card will arrive by mail. The envelope includes your card, a PIN for ATM withdrawals, and a guide to your account. You can set up the card online, by phone, or through the Citi mobile app. Most cards are ready to use as soon as you set up them.
Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay online through Citi's website or app, by phone, by mail, or automatically from a bank account. The minimum payment is due by the statement due date. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you won't pay interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at the APR listed in your card agreement.
Rewards post to your account automatically. The Costco Visa Card earns rewards as a percentage of what you spend at Costco and Costco Gas. The Anywhere card earns rewards at Costco and also at gas stations, restaurants, and travel purchases outside Costco. You can see your rewards balance in your Citi account online or in the app. Rewards typically post within a few days of your purchase.
If your process is denied
Citi will tell you why your process was denied — usually it's a credit score that's too low, too much existing debt, or a recent missed payment on another account. You have the right to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Reviewing your report can show you what Citi saw.
If you were denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down debt or waiting for a negative mark to age off your report. Some people reapply after 6 months or a year. You can also ask Citi whether you're may be able to access for a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit and may be easier to open if your credit is limited.
Costco Visa Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa Card
| Feature | Costco Visa Card | Costco Anywhere Visa Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Costco warehouses and Costco Gas only | Any store that takes Visa |
| Rewards at Costco | 2% back on most purchases | 2% back on most purchases |
| Rewards outside Costco | None | 1% on gas, restaurants, travel; varies by category |
| Annual fee | Varies by membership tier (Gold or Executive) | Varies by membership tier (Gold or Executive) |
| Best for | Members who shop only at Costco | Members who want rewards outside Costco |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Costco member to get the credit card?
Yes. Costco membership is required. You cannot open either card without an active membership. If you don't have one, join Costco first, then open the card.
What credit score do I need?
Citi doesn't publish a minimum credit score, but most cardholders have a score of 650 or higher. If your score is lower, you may be denied. You can check your own credit score through your bank, credit card issuer, or free services like Credit Karma.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. Once approved, Citi gives you a card number when ready online or by phone. You can use this number to shop online or call Costco to place an order. The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Is there an annual fee?
Yes. Both cards charge an annual fee that matches your Costco membership tier. Gold Star members pay one amount, Executive members pay another. Some promotions waive the fee for the first year — check the offer when you open your account.
What if I want to cancel the card?
Call Citi customer service to cancel. You can find the number on your card or Citi's website. Canceling the card does not cancel your Costco membership — they are separate. You can keep shopping at Costco with your membership card.