What the Costco Membership Visa is and who issues it

The Costco Membership Visa is a credit card issued by Citi that combines warehouse membership benefits with card rewards. You do not need to choose between the two — the card itself serves as your Costco membership card, and you earn cash back on purchases made anywhere Visa is accepted.

Citi is the bank behind the card. Costco does not issue it directly, but Costco sets the membership tier structure and the cash back rates you receive. The card replaces a separate membership card; when you open the account, you get one physical card that works at Costco and everywhere else.

There are two versions: the Gold Star Membership Visa and the Executive Membership Visa. The main difference is the annual fee, the cash back rate at Costco, and the rewards you earn outside the warehouse.

Key Takeaways

  • The Costco Membership Visa combines a Costco membership card and a credit card in one, so you do not pay separately for membership.
  • The Gold Star version costs $65 per year and earns 1% cash back at Costco and 1% everywhere else; the Executive version costs $130 per year and earns 2% at Costco and higher rates elsewhere.
  • You must be a Costco member to open the card, and the card itself becomes your membership — you cannot hold one without the other.
  • Cash back is paid as an annual reward certificate that you can use at Costco or convert to a statement credit.
  • The card has no foreign transaction fees, which is useful if you travel and use it abroad.

Annual fees and which version makes sense for your spending

The Gold Star Membership Visa costs $65 per year. This covers both your membership fee and the credit card account. You earn 1% cash back on all Costco purchases and 1% on everything else.

The Executive Membership Visa costs $130 per year. You earn 2% cash back at Costco, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. Costco also offers an Executive membership reward certificate — if you spend enough, the cash back can offset the higher fee.

The math is straightforward: if you spend $6,500 or more per year at Costco, the Executive version usually pays for itself through the higher cash back rate alone. If you spend less, the Gold Star version is cheaper. Neither card has a foreign transaction fee, which is a real advantage if you travel.

How to open the account and what you need

You must already be a Costco member to open either card. If you are not, you will need to join Costco first — you can do this in person at any warehouse or online at Costco.com. Membership starts when ready, though you will receive your physical membership card in the mail.

Once you are a member, you can open the Costco Membership Visa through Citi's website or by explore in person at a Costco warehouse. You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and your current address. Citi will run a credit check as part of the process.

If you are approved, your new card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. This card serves as both your Costco membership card and your credit card — you do not receive a separate membership card. Your old membership card (if you had one) will no longer work once the new card arrives.

Cash back rewards and how they are paid

Cash back is not credited to your account monthly or automatically. Instead, Citi issues an annual reward certificate once per year, usually in December. The certificate shows your total cash back earned over the past 12 months.

You can use this certificate to pay for anything at Costco — groceries, gas, the food court, or merchandise. You can also convert it to a statement credit on your Citi account if you prefer. The certificate does not expire as long as your membership is active, but it becomes void if you close your account or let your membership lapse.

There are no other ongoing rewards, sign-up bonuses, or bonus categories beyond the base rates. The card is straightforward: you earn the stated percentage back, and you receive it once a year.

What happens when your membership or card expires

Your Costco membership and your credit card both renew on the same annual date. When renewal is due, Citi will charge your account for the membership fee ($65 or $130, depending on which version you hold). This charge appears as a regular transaction on your statement.

If you do not want to renew, you must contact Citi to close the account. Closing the card also closes your Costco membership — you cannot keep one without the other. If you close the account, any unused reward certificate becomes void.

If your card is lost or stolen, call Citi when ready. They will cancel it and issue a replacement, which will also serve as your membership card. Your membership itself does not need to be replaced.

How the card works at Costco and elsewhere

At Costco, the card works like any other Visa. You insert it, tap it, or hand it to the cashier. Your membership status is tied to the card itself, so you do not need to show anything else or enter a membership number — the card is your membership.

Outside Costco, it is a standard Citi Visa credit card. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The cash back rate depends on where you use it: 2% at gas stations and restaurants (Executive only), 1% everywhere else (Gold Star), or 2% everywhere else (Executive).

The card has no annual purchase minimum, no spending caps on rewards, and no foreign transaction fees. If you travel internationally, you can use it abroad without paying extra fees on the conversion.

Comparing the Costco Membership Visa to other warehouse cards

Sam's Club offers the Sam's Club Mastercard, which works similarly — it combines membership and a credit card. The Sam's Club card earns 5% cash back on gas (at Sam's Club), 3% at restaurants and travel, and 1% elsewhere. Sam's Club membership costs $50 to $110 per year depending on the tier.

If you shop at both warehouses, you would need two separate cards and two memberships. There is no combined option. The choice between Costco and Sam's Club usually comes down to which warehouse is closer to you and which product selection you prefer, rather than the credit card rewards alone.

Outside warehouse cards, the Costco Membership Visa is not designed to compete with premium travel or cash back cards from other banks. It is built for people who already shop at Costco and want their membership and everyday spending card to be the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Costco Membership Visa at other warehouses or stores?

Yes, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, restaurants, online retailers, and other businesses. The card only gives you warehouse access at Costco locations. You cannot use it to shop at Sam's Club or other warehouses.

What if I want to keep my Costco membership but not use the credit card?

You cannot separate them. The Costco Membership Visa combines both into one account. If you want a Costco membership without this card, you would need to close the card account and purchase a standard membership card separately at a warehouse or online.

Do I earn cash back on my membership fee?

No. The annual membership fee ($65 or $130) does not earn cash back. Only purchases of products and services earn rewards.

Can I transfer my reward certificate to another person?

No. The reward certificate is tied to your account and can only be used by the primary cardholder. You cannot give it to a family member or friend.

What credit score do I need to open this card?

Citi does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, you will need good to excellent credit (usually 670 or higher) to be approved, but the exact decision depends on your full credit history and income. You can explore and see if you are approved — a denial does not hurt your credit score.