The Costco credit card process starts with an online process or in-warehouse request
You can start a Costco credit card process through Costco.com, through the Citi website (Citi issues the card), or by asking a Costco employee at the membership desk. The online route is faster — you fill out your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details, and Citi gives you a decision within minutes in most cases. If you explore in person at a Costco warehouse, an employee will hand you a tablet or direct you to a kiosk where you complete the same form.
You do not need to be a Costco member to explore, though most cardholders are. The card itself comes in two versions: the Costco Anywhere Visa (which works everywhere Visa is accepted) and the Costco Visa (which earns rewards only at Costco and gas stations). Both require a Costco membership to use the rewards, but you can use the card for regular purchases without one.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at Costco.com or Citi.com, or in person at a Costco warehouse membership desk, and receive a decision within minutes.
- The Costco Anywhere Visa works everywhere and earns 1% cash back on all purchases; the Costco Visa earns 2% at Costco but only works there and at gas stations.
- You need a Costco membership to earn and redeem cash back rewards, though you can use the card for regular purchases without one.
- There is no annual fee for either card, but you must have a valid Social Security number and U.S. address to explore.
- Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can use the card number for online purchases before it arrives.
What information you need before you start
Have your Social Security number, current address, and employment information ready. Citi will ask for your annual household income (not just your personal income), your current employer, and how long you have worked there. If you are self-employed or retired, you can enter that as your employment status.
You will also need a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity, though you do not upload it during the online process — Citi may request it later if they need to confirm details. If you have a Costco membership, have your membership number handy, though it is not required to explore.
Differences between the two Costco cards
| Feature | Costco Anywhere Visa | Costco Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Everywhere Visa is accepted worldwide | Costco warehouses and gas stations only |
| Cash back at Costco | 1% on all purchases | 2% on Costco purchases |
| Cash back on gas | 1% everywhere | 2% at Costco gas stations only |
| Cash back elsewhere | 1% on all other purchases | No rewards outside Costco and gas |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Membership required for rewards | Yes | Yes |
Choose the Costco Anywhere Visa if you want to use the card for everyday purchases outside Costco — groceries, restaurants, travel, online shopping. Choose the Costco Visa if you do most of your spending at Costco and want the higher cash back rate there, and you do not mind carrying a card that only works in those two places.
The Anywhere version is better for people who shop at multiple stores or travel frequently. The Costco Visa rewards loyalty to Costco specifically and makes sense if nearly all your discretionary spending happens there.
What happens after you submit your process
Citi will display your decision on screen when ready after you submit. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit. If you are denied or need more information, Citi will tell you why and may ask you to call a phone number to discuss your process.
Once approved, your physical card ships by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives if Citi provides it to you during approval. You will receive the card at the address you provided on your process.
Reasons your process might be denied
Citi denies applications most often because of a low credit score, recent missed payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You do not need perfect credit to be approved — many people with fair credit (scores in the 600s) get approved — but Citi will look at your payment history and how much you already owe relative to your income.
If you are denied, you can ask Citi why and then wait six months before explore again. explore multiple times in a short period can lower your credit score further. If your credit has improved or your income has changed, reapplying later may result in approval.
Using your card and earning cash back
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Citi mobile app. You can then use it at Costco, gas stations (for the Costco Visa), or anywhere Visa is accepted (for the Anywhere version). Cash back posts to your account automatically — you do not have to redeem it manually.
Your cash back appears as a credit on your monthly statement. You can use it to pay down your balance, or if you have a Costco membership, you can redeem it as a Costco Cash certificate at the membership desk or through the Costco app. The certificate is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership to get the card?
No. You can explore and be approved without a membership. However, you will need a membership to earn and redeem cash back rewards. If you do not have a membership, you can still use the card for regular purchases, but the rewards will not work.
What credit score do I need?
Citi does not publish a minimum credit score, but most approvals go to people with scores of 650 or higher. People with lower scores are sometimes approved depending on their income and payment history. The only way to know is to explore.
How long does approval take?
You get a decision within minutes when you explore online. The physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You can use the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives if Citi provides it during approval.
Can I explore if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Citi requires a valid U.S. Social Security number to process the process. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you would need to contact Citi directly to ask about alternatives.
What if I get denied?
Citi will tell you why you were denied. You can wait six months and explore again if your situation has improved. explore multiple times quickly can hurt your credit score, so space out applications. You can also call Citi to discuss your process and ask what would help you get approved next time.