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Does Costco Accept Capital One Credit Cards?
Costco is one of the largest membership-based warehouse clubs in the world. It offers bulk items, grocery items, electronics, and more at competitive prices. However, many shoppers have wondered about Costco’s credit card policy, especially when it comes to specific brands, such as Capital One.
If you are a Capital One cardholder and plan to shop at Costco, you may be asking, “Does Costco accept Capital One credit cards?”
The answer to that question is no—Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its physical locations and gas stations. This means that Capital One credit cards, which are typically issued as Mastercard, are not accepted at Costco’s physical stores. However, there are a few exceptions and other ways to make purchases at Costco.
In this blog post, we will explore Costco’s credit card policy in detail and explain why Capital One credit cards, such as the Capital One Venture, are not accepted at Costco’s physical locations.
Costco’s Credit Card Policy: A Visa-Only Approach
Costco has a specific policy when it comes to payment methods at its physical stores and gas stations. As part of an exclusive partnership with Visa, Costco only accepts Visa-branded credit cards for payment. This policy applies to all Costco warehouse stores and gas stations in the United States and Canada.
This means that Capital One credit cards, which are often issued as Mastercard, cannot be used at Costco’s physical locations. Even if you have a Capital One credit card with significant rewards, it will not work when swiped at the register or used to pay for gas at Costco.
What Credit Cards Does Costco Accept?
Since Costco has partnered with Visa, the company only accepts Visa-backed credit cards for purchases at its physical stores and gas stations. This includes:
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: This is Costco’s co-branded Visa card and is the only Visa card that offers special benefits for Costco members. Cardholders can earn cash back on purchases at Costco and elsewhere.
- Other Visa Credit Cards: Any other Visa credit card from other financial institutions is also accepted. For example, Visa cards issued by major banks such as Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo can be used at Costco’s physical stores.
Why Doesn’t Costco Accept Mastercard and Capital One Credit Cards?
Costco’s decision to accept only Visa credit cards at its physical locations is the result of a long-standing partnership between the company and Visa. This arrangement is exclusive, meaning Costco has committed to accepting only Visa-branded cards for in-store purchases.
As a result, Mastercard credit cards issued by financial institutions like Capital One, such as the Capital One Venture, are not accepted. While this policy may seem limiting to some shoppers, it’s important to understand that Costco’s exclusive partnership with Visa means that this decision is not likely to change anytime soon.
Can I Use Capital One Credit Cards at Costco Online?
While Costco does not accept Mastercard credit cards at its physical stores and gas stations, the rules are different when it comes to online shopping at Costco.com. Costco’s website allows you to use both Visa and Mastercard credit cards for purchases.
This means that if you hold a Capital One card, such as the Capital One Venture or Capital One Quicksilver, you can use it for online purchases at Costco.com.
It’s important to note, however, that this policy only applies to online shopping. You will still be unable to use your Capital One Mastercard at Costco’s physical locations or gas stations.
Other Payment Methods Accepted at Costco
While Costco has restrictions on the types of credit cards it accepts at its physical locations, there are several other payment methods that you can use to pay for your purchases. In addition to Visa credit cards, Costco accepts the following payment options:
- Debit Cards: Costco accepts debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard-branded debit cards. So, if you have a linked checking account, you can use a debit card to pay for your Costco purchases.
- Cash: You can also pay with cash at Costco’s physical stores and gas stations. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to use a credit or debit card.
- Checks: Costco accepts personal checks at its physical stores. If you prefer to use checks for payment, this option is available at checkout.
- EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer): Costco accepts EBT cards for eligible purchases. This is especially helpful for shoppers using government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
- Mobile Payments: You can use mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at Costco’s physical locations. If you have linked your Visa or Mastercard card to one of these services, you can use your phone to make payments.
- Traveler’s Checks: Costco also accepts traveler’s checks as a form of payment, which can be a useful option for international visitors.
While these alternatives are available, if you are a Capital One cardholder with a Mastercard, you won’t be able to use your card at Costco’s physical locations unless you switch to a Visa-backed payment option.
What About Costco Gas Stations?
Costco gas stations follow the same credit card policies as its physical stores. This means that only Visa credit cards are accepted at Costco gas stations. If you try to use a Capital One Mastercard at a Costco gas station, it will not be accepted.
If you need to refuel at a Costco gas station, be sure to bring a Visa credit card, a debit card, or use one of the other accepted payment methods.
What Are the Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card?
While Costco does not accept Mastercard at its physical locations, there is an option for members to use a Visa-branded card. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is the co-branded credit card offered by Costco. This card provides several benefits, especially for Costco members. Some of the key features include:
- Cash Back Rewards: Cardholders earn cash back on all purchases made with the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. This includes 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases, 3% on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No Annual Fee: The Costco Anywhere Visa Card comes with no annual fee for Costco members. This makes it an attractive option for people who already shop at Costco regularly.
- Worldwide Acceptance: Since it is a Visa card, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is accepted not only at Costco but also at millions of merchants worldwide that accept Visa.
If you are a frequent Costco shopper, getting a Costco Anywhere Visa Card can be a good way to maximize your rewards and save money. However, if you have a Capital One card, you will need to use a Visa-backed card for in-store and gas station purchases at Costco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Does Costco accept Capital One credit cards for online purchases?
Yes, Costco accepts Capital One credit cards for online purchases on Costco.com. However, Capital One cards (which are typically Mastercard) are not accepted at Costco’s physical stores or gas stations.
Can I use my Capital One Venture card at Costco?
No, Costco does not accept Capital One Venture cards because they are Mastercard-branded, and Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its physical locations and gas stations.
What payment methods does Costco accept in-store?
Costco accepts Visa credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, electronic benefit transfer (EBT), mobile payments (like Apple Pay), and traveler’s checks at its physical locations.
Does Costco accept debit cards?
Yes, Costco accepts debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard-branded debit cards, at its physical stores and gas stations.
Why doesn’t Costco accept Mastercard or Capital One cards?
Costco has an exclusive partnership with Visa, meaning only Visa-branded credit cards are accepted at its physical locations and gas stations. Mastercard, including Capital One cards, is not part of this agreement.
Can I use a Capital One credit card to pay at Costco gas stations?
No, Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its gas stations, so Capital One credit cards (which are typically Mastercard) cannot be used for payment.
What is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi?
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is Costco’s co-branded Visa credit card. It offers cash back on purchases made at Costco and other locations, along with other benefits for Costco members.
Can I use a Capital One card at Costco if I use a mobile payment method like Apple Pay?
Yes, if your Capital One card is linked to a mobile payment service like Apple Pay, you can use it to pay for purchases at Costco, as long as the payment method is connected to a Visa card.
Does Costco accept American Express or Discover credit cards?
No, Costco does not accept American Express, Discover, or any other non-Visa credit cards at its physical stores or gas stations. Only Visa credit cards are accepted for in-store and gas station purchases.
The Bottom Line
So, does Costco accept Capital One credit cards? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its physical stores and gas stations. This means that Capital One credit cards, which are typically issued as Mastercard, such as the Capital One Venture, cannot be used for in-store or gas station purchases at Costco.
However, if you are a Capital One cardholder, you can still shop at Costco online using your Mastercard. Additionally, Costco accepts several other payment methods, including debit cards, cash, checks, mobile payments, and EBT.
If you are a regular Costco shopper, you might want to consider applying for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi to enjoy special benefits at Costco. Otherwise, be sure to bring a Visa credit card when shopping in-store or at the gas station.