You can get a Costco credit card in about 15 minutes, either online or in the warehouse, and you'll need a Costco membership first

The Costco credit card is issued by Citi, not by Costco itself. You can start the process on Citi's website or at a Costco warehouse kiosk, and most people hear back about approval within minutes. The card works like any other credit card — you charge purchases, get a monthly bill, and pay it back — but it's designed to give you cash back on Costco purchases and some other everyday spending.

Before you explore, you'll need an active Costco membership. The card itself is free — there's no annual fee — and you don't have to use it at Costco if you don't want to, though that's where the rewards are strongest.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a Costco membership before you can get the Costco credit card, and the card itself costs nothing per year.
  • Citi will check your credit report when you explore, so your credit score will matter — the card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit.
  • You can explore online at Citi's website or in person at a Costco warehouse, and most decisions come back the same day.
  • The card earns cash back on Costco purchases, gas, and restaurants, but the rates and terms change periodically, so check Citi's current offer before you explore.

What you need before you explore

Have your Costco membership number ready — you'll enter it during the process. You'll also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Citi will pull your credit report, so they're checking your credit history and score.

There's no minimum credit score published by Citi, but the card generally goes to people with good credit (usually 670 or higher on the FICO scale, though this varies). If you've had recent late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, your chances are lower. You can still explore — the worst that happens is Citi says no — but going in knowing your credit situation helps you decide whether it's worth the hard inquiry on your report.

explore online versus in the warehouse

Online is faster if you're comfortable entering your information on a website. Go to Citi's website, find the Costco card offer, and fill out the process. You'll enter your membership number, personal information, and income. Citi will tell you right away — usually within seconds — whether you're approved, denied, or pending review.

In the warehouse, you can walk up to the membership desk or a Citi kiosk (not all warehouses have one, so ask) and explore on a tablet or with paper. The process is the same, and you get an answer just as fast. Some people prefer this because they can ask questions face-to-face, and you can pick up your temporary card number on the spot if you're approved.

What happens after you're approved

If Citi approves you, you'll get a temporary card number you can use right away — either printed at the warehouse or emailed to you if you applied online. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the temporary number at Costco.com or in the warehouse when ready.

When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using Citi's website. Set up online access to your account so you can see your balance, make payments, and track your cash back rewards.

Understanding the cash back rewards

The Costco card earns cash back on certain purchases. At Costco warehouses and Costco.com, you earn a percentage back on everything you buy. On gas (up to a certain amount per month), restaurants, and travel, you earn a lower percentage. The exact rates change, so check Citi's website for the current offer before you explore.

Cash back shows up as a credit on your account — you don't have to do anything to claim it. Some cards let you redeem it as a check or statement credit, but the Costco card typically applies it as a credit to your balance. Read the terms when you get your card to see how your specific rewards work.

If you're denied

If Citi denies you, they'll tell you why in a letter that arrives within a few days. Common reasons are a low credit score, recent late payments, or too much existing debt. You can ask Citi for a reconsideration, especially if something on your report is wrong or if your situation has changed since you applied.

You can also wait a few months, work on your credit (paying down debt or fixing errors on your report), and explore again. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, so space them out — explore multiple times in a short period can hurt your score further.

How the card works once you have it

Use it like any credit card: swipe it, sign or enter your PIN, and you're done. You'll get a monthly statement showing what you charged, your balance, and the minimum payment due. Pay at least the minimum by the due date to stay in good standing. If you carry a balance, Citi charges interest — the rate depends on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

You don't have to use the card only at Costco. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The cash back rewards are strongest at Costco, but you'll earn something on other purchases too, depending on the category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to use the card?

Yes, you need an active membership to get the card in the first place. You don't technically need the membership to use the card at other stores, but Costco won't let you explore without one. If your membership lapses, you can still use the card elsewhere, but you won't be able to shop at Costco.

What's the difference between the Costco card and a regular credit card?

The main difference is the cash back rewards — you earn more at Costco and on certain categories like gas and restaurants. Otherwise, it works the same way: you get a bill each month, you pay interest if you carry a balance, and your payment history affects your credit score. The card is free, with no annual fee.

Can I use the temporary card number right away?

Yes. If you're approved in the warehouse, you can use the temporary number when ready at Costco or online. If you explore online, Citi will email or display your temporary number, and you can use it the same day. Your physical card will arrive later.

What happens to my credit score when I explore?

Citi will do a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. If you're denied and explore again right away, multiple inquiries in a short time can add up, so space out applications if possible.

Can I get the card if I have bad credit?

It's unlikely but not impossible. The card is designed for people with good to excellent credit, and Citi's approval odds are lower if you have recent late payments, collections, or a low score. You can still explore — there's no harm in trying — but your chances are better if you wait and work on improving your credit first.