What the Anywhere Costco Visa is and who can get one
The Anywhere Costco Visa is a credit card issued by Citi that works at Costco warehouses and anywhere Visa is accepted. Unlike the Costco Anywhere Visa for members who shop only at Costco, this card has no warehouse membership requirement — you can use it at any retailer that takes Visa, online or in stores.
You can request one through Citi's website or during a Costco warehouse visit. The card carries an annual fee, which Costco members can sometimes reduce or waive depending on their membership tier. Non-members pay the full annual fee.
Approval depends on your credit history and current debt. Citi will pull your credit report and review your income and payment history. There is no minimum credit score published, but the card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit.
Key Takeaways
- The Anywhere Costco Visa works at Costco and everywhere else Visa is accepted, unlike the warehouse-only version.
- You do not need a Costco membership to get the card, but members may pay a lower annual fee.
- Rewards rates vary by category: Costco purchases earn a higher percentage back than gas or restaurants.
- The card charges an annual fee that differs based on whether you hold a Costco membership and which membership level you have.
- You can pay your bill online, by phone, or through the Citi mobile app, and payments post within one to two business days.
Rewards rates and where you earn the most
The card earns cash back at different rates depending on where you spend. At Costco warehouses and Costco.com, you earn a higher percentage. On gas purchases (up to a cap per quarter), you earn a middle rate. On restaurants and travel, you earn a lower rate. All other purchases earn the lowest rate.
The exact percentages depend on your membership status. Costco members earn more than non-members at every category. The quarterly gas cap means that once you hit the spending limit in a three-month period, additional gas purchases earn the base rate instead.
Cash back posts to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a bank account, or used as a Costco coupon. You do not have to wait until the year ends to redeem — you can cash out anytime.
Annual fees and how membership affects the cost
The card charges an annual fee that renews each year on your account anniversary. The amount depends on whether you are a Costco member and which membership level you hold. Non-members pay one rate. Gold Star members pay a different rate. Executive members pay another rate.
Some cardholders see the annual fee waived or reduced in the first year as a promotional offer. Check your offer details before you request the card to see what applies to you. After the first year, the full annual fee applies unless you downgrade to a membership tier with a lower fee or close the account.
The annual fee is separate from any Costco membership fee you may pay. If you are not a member, you pay only the card fee. If you are a member, you pay both the membership fee and the card fee.
How to request the card and what happens next
You can request the Anywhere Costco Visa online through Citi's website or in person at a Costco warehouse. Online, you will enter your personal information, income, and employment details. Citi will pull your credit report when ready and tell you whether you are approved, pending, or denied within minutes.
If you are approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online, through the Citi app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up is when ready — you can use the card as soon as you set up it, even if it has not arrived yet by using the digital wallet feature in the Citi app.
If you are pending, Citi will contact you by phone or email to verify information. This usually takes a few business days. If you are denied, you can call Citi to ask why and whether you can reapply later.
Setting up online access and paying your bill
After set up, create an account on Citi's website or read the Citi mobile app. You will use your card number and a password to log in. Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent charges, and due date.
To pay your bill, log into your account and select "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between. Payments from a bank account post within one to two business days. Payments by phone take the same time. You can also set up automatic payments so the bill pays itself on a date you choose each month.
Your due date appears on your statement. If you pay after the due date, you will be charged a late fee and interest will accrue on the unpaid balance. If you pay at least the minimum by the due date, you avoid the late fee, but interest still accrues on any balance you carry.
Rewards redemption and how to use your cash back
Cash back accumulates in your account each month and appears as a credit you can redeem. You do not have to wait for a statement or a calendar year — you can redeem as soon as you have cash back available.
To redeem, log into your account and choose how you want the cash back. You can take it as a statement credit, which reduces your next bill. You can have it deposited directly to a bank account. Or you can convert it to a Costco coupon, which you print or show on your phone at the warehouse.
There is no minimum redemption amount and no expiration date on cash back that you have earned. If you close the account, you can still redeem any cash back you have accumulated — Citi will not take it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership to use the card?
No. You can request and use the Anywhere Costco Visa without a membership. However, non-members pay a higher annual fee and earn lower cash back rates than members do. If you shop at Costco regularly, a membership may pay for itself through the higher rewards rate.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes, the card works anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Citi charges a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S., typically around 3 percent. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact rate before traveling.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss your due date, Citi charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. This can lower your credit score. If you realize you will miss a payment, call Citi before the due date to discuss options — some cardholders can request a one-time waiver or a payment plan.
Can I transfer my cash back to another card or account?
No. Cash back can only be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a bank account, or converted to a Costco coupon. You cannot transfer it to another credit card or use it outside these three options.
What is the difference between this card and the regular Costco Visa?
The regular Costco Visa only works at Costco warehouses and Costco.com. The Anywhere Costco Visa works everywhere Visa is accepted. The Anywhere version has a higher annual fee but gives you more places to earn rewards. Choose based on whether you want to use the card outside Costco.