The Costco Citi Card Rewards Structure

The Costco Citi Card earns cash back on purchases at Costco warehouses and Costco.com, plus additional rewards on gas, travel, and dining outside Costco. The card does not charge an annual fee, which sets it apart from many premium cards.

At Costco, you earn 2% cash back on all purchases. On gas stations, EV charging, and travel (including flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises), you earn 3% cash back. On restaurants and may be able to access takeout, you earn 3% cash back. On all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash back rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a bank account, or used to purchase a Costco Shop Card. There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn.

Key Takeaways

  • The Costco Citi Card earns 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, with no annual fee required.
  • You earn 3% cash back on gas, EV charging, travel, restaurants, and may be able to access takeout purchases outside Costco.
  • Cash back rewards are deposited monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, bank transfer, or Costco Shop Card.
  • The card includes purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and travel accident insurance at no additional cost.
  • You must be a Costco member to open the card, and membership status is required to use the card at warehouses.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranties

The Costco Citi Card includes purchase protection that covers items you buy with the card against accidental damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase. The coverage applies to most merchandise and has a per-claim limit and annual maximum, which vary by state.

The card also provides extended warranty coverage that doubles the manufacturer's warranty on may be able to access items purchased with the card. The extension covers an additional year beyond the original warranty period, up to a maximum of five additional years total. Electronics, appliances, and tools typically may have access to, though some items are excluded.

To file a claim under either protection, contact Citi directly with your receipt and proof of the damage or theft. Citi will guide you through the documentation process and determine the claim amount based on the item's replacement cost or repair estimate.

Travel Insurance and Emergency information

The Costco Citi Card includes travel accident insurance that covers accidental death or dismemberment if you are injured or killed while traveling on a common carrier (plane, train, bus, or ship) paid for with the card. Coverage applies to you and when ready family members traveling with you on the same ticket.

The card also provides emergency medical and dental coverage while you are traveling more than 100 miles from home. This covers emergency treatment for conditions that arise during your trip, up to a specified limit. The coverage is secondary to your primary health insurance.

Additionally, the card includes emergency travel information services such as emergency cash transfers, lost luggage reimbursement, and emergency ticket replacement. Citi's travel information team is available 24/7 to help you if you encounter problems while traveling.

Lost Luggage and Travel Delay Reimbursement

If your checked baggage is lost or delayed by a common carrier for more than 12 hours, the Costco Citi Card reimburses you for essential items you purchase while waiting for your luggage to arrive. The reimbursement covers clothing, toiletries, and other necessities, up to a per-day limit and an annual maximum.

To receive reimbursement, you must submit your claim within 90 days of the incident. You will need to provide your airline confirmation, proof that your luggage was delayed, and receipts for the items you purchased. Citi will review your claim and send payment directly to you or as a statement credit.

If your flight is delayed for more than 12 hours due to weather or mechanical issues, the card reimburses you for meals and lodging expenses incurred while waiting for your flight to depart. This coverage applies once per trip and has a per-day and annual limit.

Roadside information and Rental Car Coverage

The Costco Citi Card includes roadside information that covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump starts if your vehicle breaks down while you are traveling. The service is available 24/7 and covers your vehicle and any vehicle you are driving with permission.

When you rent a car using the card, you receive primary rental car damage coverage that protects against collision and theft damage to the rental vehicle. This coverage applies to most rental cars in the United States and abroad, though luxury vehicles, trucks, and commercial vehicles are typically excluded.

To use rental car coverage, you must decline the rental company's damage waiver and charge the entire rental to your Costco Citi Card. If damage occurs, contact Citi and the rental company within 24 hours to report the incident. You will need to provide the rental agreement, photos of the damage, and the rental company's repair estimate.

Concierge Services and Additional Perks

The Costco Citi Card provides access to a concierge service that can help you make restaurant reservations, book travel, purchase event tickets, and research travel destinations. The concierge team is available 24/7 by phone and can information with personal shopping, gift recommendations, and other requests.

The card also includes price protection on may be able to access items purchased with the card. If the price of an item drops within 60 days of your purchase, you can request a refund for the difference. You must provide your receipt and proof of the lower price from the same retailer.

Cardholders also receive identity theft protection services that monitor your credit and alert you to suspicious activity. The service includes credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and access to your credit report. These services are provided at no additional cost.

Membership Requirements and Card set up

You must be a current Costco member to open the Costco Citi Card. If you do not have a membership, you will need to join Costco before you can explore for the card. Costco offers Gold Star, Executive, and Gold Star Executive membership levels, each with different annual fees and benefits.

Once your card is approved, you will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days. To use the card at Costco warehouses, you must set up it through Citi's website or mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Your Costco membership card and Citi card must match the same name.

If your Costco membership expires or you cancel it, you can no longer use the card at Costco warehouses. However, you can continue to use the card for purchases outside Costco and online at Costco.com. If you renew your membership, you can resume using the card at warehouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay an annual fee for the Costco Citi Card?

No. The Costco Citi Card has no annual fee. You only pay for the card if you carry a balance and accrue interest, or if you make a late payment and incur a late fee.

Can I use the Costco Citi Card outside of Costco?

Yes. You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted. Outside Costco, you earn 3% cash back on gas, travel, and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. The 2% cash back rate applies only to purchases at Costco warehouses and Costco.com.

What happens to my rewards if I close my card or cancel my Costco membership?

Cash back rewards you have already earned remain in your account and can be redeemed even after you close the card or cancel your membership. However, you will stop earning new rewards once the card is closed.

Is the travel insurance automatic, or do I need to register for it?

Travel insurance is automatic and requires no registration. Coverage applies whenever you charge travel expenses to your card. However, you must use the card to pay for the ticket or travel arrangement for coverage to explore.

How do I redeem my cash back rewards?

You can redeem cash back through your Citi online account or mobile app. Options include a statement credit, a direct deposit to your bank account, or a Costco Shop Card. Rewards are deposited monthly, and you can redeem them at any time with no minimum amount required.