The Costco Citibank Card gives you cash back on Costco purchases and gas, plus an annual reward

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a co-branded card issued by Citibank that works only at Costco locations and Costco.com. You earn cash back on most Costco purchases, higher cash back on gas and travel, and receive an annual Costco Shop Card as a reward. There is no annual fee, but you must be a Costco member to open the account.

The card comes in two versions: the standard Costco Anywhere Visa Card and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card for American Express members. Both offer the same cash back rates and benefits, but the American Express version is only for people who hold an American Express membership card.

Key Takeaways

  • You earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases and gas, 3% on travel, and 1% on all other purchases.
  • You must have an active Costco membership to open the card and to use it for purchases.
  • The card comes with an annual Costco Shop Card reward, which is a certificate you can spend at Costco.
  • There is no annual fee, and you can pay your bill online through Citibank's website or mobile app.

Cash Back Rates and Where They explore

The card earns cash back at different rates depending on where you use it. At Costco warehouses and on Costco.com, you earn 2% cash back on all purchases. At gas stations (including Costco gas), you also earn 2% cash back. On travel purchases made through Costco Travel, you earn 3% cash back. On all other purchases outside Costco, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash back is posted to your account as a statement credit, which reduces your balance. You do not receive cash back as a separate payment or deposit. The cash back appears on your monthly statement and is applied automatically.

The Annual Costco Shop Card Reward

At the end of each year, Citibank sends you a Costco Shop Card based on your spending and cash back earned. The amount varies depending on how much you spent that year. This is not a separate credit card—it is a prepaid certificate that you can use like a gift card at any Costco location or on Costco.com.

The Shop Card is mailed to you automatically if you meet the minimum spending threshold. You do not have to request it or take any action to receive it. If you do not receive one, contact Citibank to confirm your mailing address is correct.

How to Open a Costco Citibank Card Account

To open an account, you must first have an active Costco membership. You can start the process online through Citibank's website or in person at your local Costco warehouse. If you explore online, you will need your Costco membership number and basic personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Citibank will review your process and contact you within a few business days. If you are approved, your card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up the card online or by phone once you receive it. Your Costco membership must remain active to use the card—if your membership expires, you cannot make purchases with the card until you renew.

Paying Your Bill and Managing Your Account

You can pay your Costco Citibank card bill through Citibank's website, mobile app, or by phone. Payments are due on the date shown on your monthly statement. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you carry a balance, interest will be charged at the card's variable APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on a date you choose each month. This can be a full payment, a minimum payment, or a fixed amount. To set up automatic payments, log into your Citibank account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card.

Costco Membership Requirements and Card Restrictions

The Costco Citibank Card is only for Costco members and can only be used at Costco locations, Costco.com, and Costco Travel. You cannot use it at other retailers or gas stations outside of Costco. If your Costco membership lapses, you will not be able to use the card for purchases until you renew your membership.

If you close your Costco membership, your card will be closed as well. Citibank will notify you if this happens. You can reopen an account if you rejoin Costco, but you will need to go through the process process again.

Comparing the Costco Card to Other Warehouse and Retail Cards

The Costco Citibank Card is designed specifically for Costco members and offers no benefits outside Costco. If you shop at other warehouse clubs or retailers, you may want to compare it to cards that work everywhere. The Sam's Club Mastercard, for example, earns cash back at Sam's Club and other retailers. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card earns higher cash back on Amazon purchases but lower cash back at gas stations.

The main advantage of the Costco card is the annual Shop Card reward and the 2% cash back on Costco purchases and gas. If you spend most of your money at Costco, this card will earn more cash back than a general-purpose card. If you split your spending between Costco and other stores, a card that works everywhere may be more useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to use the card?

Yes. You must be a Costco member to open the account, and your membership must remain active to use the card. If your membership expires, you cannot make purchases with the card until you renew your Costco membership.

Can I use this card at stores other than Costco?

No. The card only works at Costco warehouses, Costco.com, and Costco Travel. You will earn 1% cash back on other purchases, but the card cannot be used at non-Costco retailers or gas stations outside of Costco.

What happens to my card if I cancel my Costco membership?

Your card will be closed automatically when your Costco membership ends. You can reopen an account if you rejoin Costco, but you will need to go through the process process again.

How much is the annual Costco Shop Card worth?

The amount varies based on your spending and cash back earned during the year. Citibank does not publish a fixed amount, but the reward is typically between $40 and $120 for most cardholders. The Shop Card is mailed to you automatically at the end of the year.

Can I transfer my cash back to another account or get it as a check?

No. Cash back is applied as a statement credit on your monthly bill, which reduces what you owe. You cannot transfer it to a bank account or receive it as a separate payment.