What Are The Forms of Payment at Costco?

A little less than a year ago Costco was putting the finishing touches on one of its biggest business moves in history. Costco ended its 19-year-long partnership with American Express and chose to work with Visa for its cobranded credit card accounts. The switchover, although it happened practically a year ago, still has some Costco shoppers confused. So, what are the forms of payment at Costco?

Forms of Payment at Costco

After the switchover from AmEx to Visa many Costco customers are still kind of confused about what different payment options are available at the wholesale retailer. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about forms of payment at Costco:

Get a $10 Costco Shop Card

Can you pay cash at Costco?

Yes. Like most retailers, Costco accepts cash payments. However, you can only pay cash at a physical Costco locations. You cannot pay cash at Costco.com, Costco gas stations or Costco car washes.

Does Costco take checks?

Yes. Costco takes checks. Not many people write checks anymore (most simply swipe their debit cards) but if you need to write a check you can do so at Costco. Like cash payments, you will not be able to pay with a check at Costco.com, Costco gas stations or Costco car washes.

Does Costco Accept EBT?

Because Costco sells food, many people may wonder if the wholesale retailer accepts EBT payments (food stamps). The answer is yes! Costco accepts EBT for in-store purchases only (not available on Costco.com, Costco gas stations or Costco car washes).

Does Costco Accept American Express?

No. Costco no longer accepts American Express. Last year Costco made a huge change by parting ways with AmEx and switching to Visa. Because of this, American Express will not be accepted at Costco.

What Credit Cards Aren’t Accepted at Costco?

In addition to American Express cards, Costco also doesn’t accept most other forms of swipe-able payments. Costco does not accept American Express, MasterCard or Discover. Its 2016 switch to Visa made it so that the company only accepts credit and debit payments from Visa customers.

What credit cards does Costco accept?

As mentioned above, Costco only accepts Visa credit and debit cards. If your bank or credit card company issues MasterCard, AmEx or Discover cards you will not be able to use said card at Costco. That isn’t a problem for most Costco shoppers though. Many of the company’s loyal customers have a Costco-branded Visa card and, if they don’t, most people have a Visa card in their wallets anyway. In fact, in 2012 261 million Americans had a Visa credit or debit card in their name.

Before you head out to go shopping you should always make sure you are prepared. Many people get lists together with a budget, gather grocery bags and head out the door without giving their particular form of payment any thought. Then, once you get to checkout, you may find out that your card or other payment method isn’t accepted. So, next time you head out to one of the largest wholesale retailers in the country, be sure to review the forms of payment at Costco.

Give the gift of savings! Learn more

If you liked this article you may also enjoy reading about Costco Tires and Costco’s Return Policy.

Photo: W Live News