What the Costco Citi Credit Card is and who should consider it

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a rewards card issued by Citi that requires a Costco membership to open and use. It earns cash back on purchases at Costco and gas stations, with a higher rate at Costco itself. You do not need to be a new Costco member to get the card — existing members can request one — but you cannot hold the card without an active membership.

This card makes sense if you shop at Costco regularly and want cash back on those purchases. It also works outside Costco as a standard Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The card has an annual fee that matches your Costco membership tier, which means the cost is built into what you already pay to shop there.

If you rarely visit Costco or prefer a card with no annual fee, a different rewards card may fit your spending better. The cash back rates and benefits are specific to Costco members, so non-members cannot use this card at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have an active Costco membership to open this card, and the annual fee is the same as your membership cost.
  • The card earns 2% cash back at Costco and gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Cash back is issued as an annual reward certificate that you can use at Costco or redeem for a statement credit.
  • You can request the card in person at your Costco warehouse, by phone, or online through Citi's website.
  • The card is a Visa and works anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Costco.

Cash back rates and how rewards work

The Costco Citi card earns 2% cash back on purchases at Costco warehouses and Costco.com, as well as at gas stations (up to $110 per year, then 1% after that). On all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back. These rates explore to the primary cardholder and any authorized users on the account.

Cash back is not credited to your statement each month. Instead, Citi issues a cash back reward certificate once per year, usually in December. You can use this certificate to make purchases at Costco, or you can request that Citi convert it to a statement credit on your card. The certificate expires after one year, so you need to use or redeem it before it becomes invalid.

There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, and there is no sign-up bonus. You earn rewards only on the purchases you make with the card.

Annual fee and membership cost

The Costco Citi card has no separate annual fee beyond your Costco membership. The cost to hold the card is the same as the cost of your membership tier. Costco offers two main membership levels: Gold Star (standard) and Executive, with different annual costs depending on your location and membership type.

If you cancel your Costco membership, your card will be closed automatically. If you let your membership lapse and then renew it later, you will need to request a new card. The card itself does not charge you anything on top of what you pay Costco each year.

How to request the card

You can request the Costco Citi card in three ways: in person at your Costco warehouse, by calling Citi directly, or through Citi's website. The fastest route is usually in person at the membership desk during your next warehouse visit — staff can walk you through the process and answer questions on the spot.

To request the card, you will need your Costco membership number and basic personal information (name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment status). Citi will run a credit check as part of the process. You do not need to bring documents with you if you explore in person, but you should be prepared to provide your information verbally.

If you explore online or by phone, the process is similar but happens remotely. Citi will tell you whether your request is approved, denied, or pending review. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Activating and using your card

Once your card arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it. Citi sends set up instructions with the card, and you can set up online, by phone, or through the Citi mobile app. set up is quick and takes just a few minutes.

After set up, you can use the card at any Costco location, on Costco.com, at gas stations, or anywhere Visa is accepted. Your rewards start earning when ready on all purchases. You can check your balance, view transactions, and manage your account through the Citi website or mobile app.

If you are an authorized user on someone else's Costco Citi card, you will receive your own physical card in the mail and can set up it the same way. Authorized users earn the same cash back rates as the primary cardholder.

What happens if you cancel your membership or move

If you cancel your Costco membership, your card will be closed automatically by Citi. You will not be able to use the card after that, even though it is a Visa that works elsewhere. Citi does this because the card is tied to your membership status.

If you move to a new location and want to transfer your membership to a different warehouse, your card will remain active as long as your membership stays active. You do not need to request a new card when you move.

If your card is lost or stolen, contact Citi when ready to report it. Citi will cancel the card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a replacement card through the Citi website, mobile app, or by phone.

Paying your bill and managing your account

You can pay your Costco Citi card bill online through Citi's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Costco warehouse. The minimum payment is due by the due date shown on your statement, which is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes.

If you pay in full by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you carry a balance, Citi will charge interest at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. You can view your current APR on your statement or in the Citi app.

You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on a date you choose each month. This helps you avoid late payments and the fees that come with them. You can also view your cash back balance and reward certificate status in the Citi app or on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Costco Citi card outside of Costco?

Yes. The card is a Visa and works anywhere Visa is accepted. However, you only earn 2% cash back at Costco and gas stations — all other purchases earn 1% cash back. If you use the card primarily outside Costco, the rewards rate is lower than some other cash back cards.

What if I have a Costco membership but was denied for the card?

Citi makes approval decisions based on your credit history, income, and other factors. If you are denied, you can contact Citi to ask why. You may be able to reapply after a few months if you improve your credit score or increase your income. Some people are approved for a lower credit limit and can request an increase later.

Can I transfer my cash back reward to another person's account?

No. Your cash back reward certificate is issued in your name and can only be used by you at Costco or converted to a statement credit on your card. You cannot transfer it to a family member or another cardholder.

What happens to my cash back if I don't use the reward certificate before it expires?

Your reward certificate expires one year after it is issued. If you do not use it or redeem it for a statement credit by that date, the cash back is forfeited. Citi will send you a reminder before the expiration date, but it is your responsibility to use or redeem it in time.

Do I earn cash back on Costco gas station purchases if I don't have a Costco membership?

No. You must be a Costco member to hold the card and use it anywhere. Non-members cannot open this card, and the 2% gas station rate applies only to Costco gas stations, which are available only to members.