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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Costco Anywhere Visa Card review: A great option for Costco lovers
Madison Blancaflor is the managing editor for TPG's content operations team. She focuses on helping TPG's broader editorial team bring news, features and advice to readers. She has nearly six years of experience covering the credit cards and travel industries.
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
also contributed to this story
September 25, 2024 • 8 min read
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Quick summary
A store credit card tied to a wholesale club offers competitive rewards not only at the club but also at eligible gas stations, restaurants and for travel.
The card requires an active membership with the wholesale club to apply and maintain benefits.
Cash back is issued annually as a reward certificate, redeemable for merchandise or cash at club locations.
Executive-level members can stack additional rewards, increasing the card's value for frequent shoppers.
What to consider
You must maintain a membership with the wholesale club to keep and use the card.
Cash-back rewards are only distributed once per year and must be redeemed in person at a club location.
There are caps on gas and electric vehicle charging rewards, and limited redemption flexibility compared to other cash-back cards.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of alternative cards that may offer more flexible rewards or simpler redemption options.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
at Citi's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
4% and 5%
Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
3%
3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
2%
2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
1%
1% cash back on all other purchases
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Costco Anywhere Visa Card overview
The (see rates and fees) is one of the best store credit cards on the market. If you already have a Costco membership, this card is a solid way to earn rewards across a wide range of purchases, including eligible gas, restaurants, eligible travel and at Costco — both in-store and online. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
While plenty of cards earn transferable currencies offering rewards on groceries, wholesale clubs such as Costco are almost always left out of the rewards category.
While you typically won’t find the best value from most store credit cards — as they rarely have a great rewards structure or benefits — the Costco Anywhere Visa is an exception. With a solid rewards structure that covers more than just Costco purchases, it’s a viable option if you regularly shop at the wholesaler and beyond.
TPG recommends applicants typically have a credit score of 740 or higher.*
*The Points Guy credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Unlike some store credit cards, you’re earning rewards across more than just Costco purchases — the highest bonus categories on the card are actually eligible gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging. Factor in the long-term savings potential of Costco Travel, and this card is quite valuable for families and beginner travelers who aren’t looking to add multiple points and miles cards to their wallets.
Do keep in mind that you need a Costco membership to apply for the card. If you already have one or plan on getting one, this card is essentially a no-annual-fee card. If you don’t shop at Costco enough to make a yearly membership worth it, you may want to consider other card options.
Costco Anywhere Visa pros and cons
Pros
Cons
No annual fee
Generous earning rates
No foreign transaction fees
Must be a Costco member
No purchase protection
No travel protections
Cap on gas and EV charging purchases
Limited redemption options
Costco Anywhere Visa welcome offer
Sadly, the doesn’t currently have a welcome offer. But it offers long-term benefits that still make the card worth it for many, especially since it charges no annual fee for those with a Costco membership.
Aside from the perks you get from being a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa does not offer cardholders with other benefits other than no foreign transaction fees.
Earning cash back on the Costco Anywhere Visa
This card really stands out because of its earning structure. You’ll earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 in combined spend per year; then 1%), 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, 2% back on in-store and online Costco purchases, and 1% on everything else.
It’s worth pointing out that you’ll earn just 1% back (not 5% or 4%, respectively) on gas and EV charging purchases from superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco or on fuel purchases that aren’t for automobiles (such as jet or boat fuel).
SHUTTERSTOCK
Costco offers two levels of consumer membership — Gold Star ($65) and Executive ($130). If you shop at Costco frequently throughout the year, combining this card with an Executive membership will earn even more rewards.
Executive members earn 2% back on the first $50,000 spent each year at Costco (up to $1,000 in additional rewards), Costco.com and Costco Travel. Those rewards are stackable with the . That means you can earn up to 5% on Costco Travel and 4% on other Costco in-store and online purchases (though the 2% Executive earning does not apply to Costco gas purchases).
STEVE PROEHL/GETTY IMAGES
If you aren’t shopping at Costco enough throughout the year to justify an Executive membership, the additional 2% back likely won’t make it worth purchasing the higher level. But if you already shop at Costco enough to have the Executive membership, this no-annual-fee card is an excellent addition to your wallet.
Costco cash back is redeemed once per year in the form of a reward certificate. You’ll receive your reward after your February billing statement closes. Once you have the reward certificate, you can redeem it for merchandise or cash at a Costco location.
Depending on the cash back amount and which Costco you redeem at, you might receive your redeemed cash back in the form of a check or electronic transfer instead.
MANDEL NGAN/CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES
This redemption method is much more restrictive than your typical cash-back card, but it’s rare for a store card to offer rewards that can be used on anything besides merchandise. While waiting for an entire year to get your cash-back rewards can be inconvenient, you can redeem them for cash that can be used on anything you want.
Which cards compete with the Costco Anywhere Visa?
Even though you’re earning a solid return across multiple categories with the , that doesn’t make it the right card for everyone. If you don’t shop at Costco regularly, or if you are looking for a card that earns rewards you can use throughout the year, you may want to look at other options:
If you want more cash back on gas and groceries: The is an excellent option. You’ll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent per calendar year; then 1% cash back) and on select U.S. streaming services (including Disney+), and 3% cash back on transit and on gas at U.S. gas stations, with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees). Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. For more information, read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred.
If you want a simpler earning structure: Consider the (see rates and fees). With up to 2% earnings on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off — it’s difficult to beat this no-annual-fee card. Plus, you can convert your cash-back rewards into fully-transferable ThankYou points with another card. For more information, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash card.
If you want to earn travel rewards: The (see rates and fees) earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining and 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases. It has a $95 annual fee, making it a great option for anyone looking to keep their annual fees low while earning travel rewards. For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
If you have a Costco membership and shop at Costco regularly, the is a worthwhile card to consider. With a solid rewards structure covering many purchases, including gas, restaurants, travel, and Costco, this card offers good value, especially for families and beginner travelers.
The card offers no annual fee and additional rewards for Executive members, making it useful for those who shop at Costco regularly. However, keep in mind the restrictions on how you can redeem your cash back.
Bottom line
While the Costco Anywhere Visa’s redemption restrictions can be frustrating, it does have a solid earning structure and rewards for Costco loyalists — and you can always use the yearly cash-back check as an unofficial travel fund for the expenses that points and miles can’t cover.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
