What the Citi Costco Credit Card Is
The Citi Costco Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Citi and Costco Wholesale. It's designed for Costco members and offers cash back rewards on purchases made at Costco, gas stations, restaurants, and other merchants. The card is Visa-based, which means you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco.
Citi issues the card through its consumer credit division. Costco members can request one during their membership renewal or visit a Costco warehouse to pick up an process. There is no annual fee, though you must maintain an active Costco membership to keep the card open.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Costco Visa and the Costco Anywhere Visa for non-members. The non-member version carries an annual fee and offers lower cash back rates. Most people who carry this card are Costco members using the no-fee version.
Key Takeaways
- The Citi Costco card has no annual fee if you are a Costco member, but Costco membership itself costs money and must be active for the card to remain open.
- Cash back rates vary by category: 4% at Costco gas stations, 3% at Costco warehouses and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases.
- You can request the card at a Costco warehouse, during membership renewal, or by calling Citi directly at the number on the back of your membership card.
- The card uses Visa's network, so it works at any merchant that accepts Visa, not only at Costco locations.
- Cash back rewards are issued as an annual statement credit or check, not as points you can redeem on demand.
How to Request the Card
You can request a Citi Costco card in three ways. The easiest is to ask for an process at the membership desk when you renew your Costco membership. The warehouse staff will hand you a paper process on the spot, and you can complete it right there or take it home.
You can also walk into any Costco warehouse and ask the membership desk for an process without renewing. They will give you the same form. If you prefer not to visit a warehouse, call the number printed on the back of your Costco membership card—Citi's customer service team can walk you through the request over the phone and may be able to start the process when ready.
Online requests are not available directly through Citi or Costco's websites. You must explore in person or by phone. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citi will pull your credit report as part of the review.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
After you submit your process, Citi reviews it within a few business days. You will receive a decision by mail or phone, depending on how you applied. If you applied in person at a warehouse, Citi may call you within 24 to 48 hours. If you applied by phone, you may get a decision on the same call.
If Citi approves you, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will include your card, a PIN (if you requested one), and instructions on how to set up it. You must set up the card before you can use it—Citi will provide a phone number or online set up link in the materials.
If Citi denies your request, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or a credit score below Citi's threshold for this card. You can call Citi to ask for more detail, but the decision is usually final.
How to set up Your Card
set up is required before you can use the card. When your card arrives, you will see a sticker on the front with instructions. Most cards can be activated by calling the phone number on the sticker or by visiting Citi's website and entering your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Some cards set up automatically after a small test charge posts to your account, but you should not rely on this. Call or go online to confirm set up as soon as the card arrives. Once activated, you can use it when ready at any Visa-accepting merchant.
If you set up a PIN during the process process, you will receive it separately in the mail. Write it down and keep it in a safe place. You will need it to withdraw cash from ATMs or to complete some in-person transactions that require a PIN.
Understanding the Cash Back Rewards Structure
The Citi Costco card rewards you with cash back at different rates depending on where you spend. At Costco warehouses and Costco.com, you earn 3% cash back. At Costco gas stations, you earn 4% cash back. At restaurants and on travel (including gas stations outside Costco), you earn 3% cash back. On all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back.
Cash back is not subtracted from your bill at the register. Instead, Citi tracks your rewards throughout the year and issues them as a single annual statement credit or check. The statement credit appears on your bill once per year, usually in December or January. If you prefer a check, you can request one by calling Citi.
There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open. However, if you close the card or let your Costco membership lapse, Citi may forfeit any pending rewards. Check your account online or by phone to see your current rewards balance at any time.
What Happens If Your Costco Membership Ends
Your Citi Costco card is tied to your membership. If your membership expires and you do not renew it, Citi will close your card automatically. You will not be able to use it, even though it is a Visa card that works everywhere.
If you want to keep the card open, you must renew your Costco membership before it expires. Costco will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your membership ends. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at any warehouse. Once you renew, your card will remain active.
If your membership lapses and you later renew it, Citi may reactivate your old card or issue you a new one. Call Citi to confirm the status of your card after you renew your membership. Do not assume your old card will work again without checking.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Bill
You can manage your Citi Costco card account online through Citi's website or by phone. To set up online access, visit Citi's login page and select "New user" to create an account. You will need your card number and Social Security number to register. Once logged in, you can view your balance, transaction history, and rewards balance.
Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Online payments usually post within one business day. Phone payments are processed when ready but may carry a fee if you call a number other than the one on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them early to avoid late fees.
Your statement will arrive by mail or email, depending on your preference. Set up email statements through your online account to receive them faster. Your payment is due by the date printed on your statement. If you pay only the minimum, Citi will charge interest on the remaining balance at the card's current APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Citi Costco card outside of Costco?
Yes. The card is a Visa, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted. However, you only earn the higher cash back rates (3% or 4%) at Costco locations and gas stations. Outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back on most purchases, or 3% at restaurants and on travel.
What if I do not have a Costco membership?
Citi offers a Costco Anywhere Visa for non-members, but it carries a $110 annual fee and offers lower cash back rates. Most people find it cheaper to get a Costco membership and use the no-fee card instead. The membership fee is usually $60 or $120 per year, depending on the membership tier.
How long does it take to receive my card after approval?
Once approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you applied in person at a warehouse, Citi may expedite the card. Call the number on your approval letter if your card does not arrive within two weeks.
Can I transfer my cash back rewards to another account or use them for something other than a statement credit?
No. Cash back is issued only as a statement credit or check. You cannot transfer rewards to another card, convert them to points, or redeem them for merchandise. The statement credit is applied to your account automatically once per year.
What happens to my rewards if I close the card?
If you close your card before your annual rewards are issued, Citi may forfeit the pending rewards. To avoid losing cash back, wait until your annual statement credit has been applied before closing the account. If you have already closed the card, contact Citi to ask whether any pending rewards can still be issued.