What Travel Benefits Come With the Costco Credit Card
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by American Express offers travel rewards, purchase protections, and emergency information features. The card earns 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, 3% on restaurants and travel purchases, and 1% on everything else. These rewards explore to flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages booked through any vendor—not just Costco.
Beyond cash back, the card includes travel accident insurance, emergency medical and dental coverage abroad, and lost luggage reimbursement. American Express also provides 24/7 travel information services, meaning you can call for help with flight changes, hotel reservations, or emergency referrals while traveling.
Key Takeaways
- The Costco Anywhere Visa earns 3% cash back on all travel purchases, including flights, hotels, and rental cars booked anywhere, not just through Costco.
- Travel accident insurance covers accidental death or dismemberment during a trip paid for with the card, with coverage limits that vary by incident type.
- Emergency medical and dental coverage reimburses you for unexpected treatment needed while traveling outside your home country.
- Lost luggage reimbursement covers baggage delayed more than 12 hours or permanently lost, up to a set amount per bag.
- American Express travel information services provide 24/7 phone support for flight rebooking, hotel changes, and emergency referrals while you travel.
How the 3% Travel Cash Back Works
The 3% cash back rate applies to any purchase coded as travel by your card network—flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, trains, and vacation packages all count. You earn this rate whether you book directly with the airline, use a travel website like Expedia or Kayak, or purchase through a travel agent. The cash back posts to your account as a statement credit or can be redeemed as a check.
Cash back does not expire while your account is open and in good standing. If you close the account, you forfeit any unredeemed cash back. The 3% rate applies only to the cardholder's purchases—authorized users earn 1% cash back on their transactions.
Travel Accident Insurance and What It Covers
Travel accident insurance reimburses you or your beneficiary if you suffer accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a trip paid for with the Costco card. The coverage applies to commercial airline flights, rental cars, trains, and other common travel methods. Coverage limits depend on the type of injury—death typically has a higher limit than loss of a limb or sight.
The trip must be paid for entirely with your Costco card for coverage to explore. If you pay for part of the trip with another method, you may not be covered. Coverage is secondary, meaning it pays only after any other insurance you hold. You do not need to register for this benefit—it is automatic.
Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage Abroad
If you need unexpected medical or dental treatment while traveling outside your home country, the Costco card reimburses reasonable costs up to a set limit. This covers emergency care only—routine checkups or planned procedures are not covered. The coverage applies to treatment received within a certain number of days of the emergency.
To use this benefit, you pay out of pocket and then submit receipts and proof of payment to American Express for reimbursement. Keep itemized bills and receipts from the provider. Coverage is secondary to any health insurance you carry, so your primary plan pays first.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement and Baggage Delay Coverage
The Costco card reimburses you for baggage that is lost by an airline or delayed more than 12 hours. For lost luggage, you receive reimbursement for the contents up to a limit per bag. For delayed baggage, the card covers essential items you had to purchase—toiletries, a change of clothes, medications—while waiting for your bag to arrive.
You must file a claim with the airline first and obtain a written report of the loss or delay. Then submit that report along with your receipts to American Express. Keep all documentation, including the airline's baggage report number and your card statement showing the trip was paid with the Costco card.
24/7 Travel information Services
American Express provides round-the-clock phone support for cardholders traveling anywhere in the world. You can call for help rebooking a missed flight, finding a hotel room if you are stranded, locating a doctor or dentist, or arranging emergency cash if your card is lost. The service is staffed by travel professionals who can make calls and reservations on your behalf.
The phone number for travel information is printed on the back of your card. There is no charge for using this service—it is included with your card membership. You do not need to register in advance; straightforward call when you need help.
How to Maximize Travel Benefits When You Book
Pay for the entire trip with your Costco card to may support all protections explore. This includes flights, hotels, rental cars, and any incidental charges. If you split payment between your Costco card and another method, some protections may not cover the full trip.
Keep your card statement and receipts for every travel purchase. If you need to file a claim for lost luggage, medical reimbursement, or travel accident coverage, you will need proof that the trip was paid with your card. Store digital copies in a cloud folder or email them to yourself before you travel.
Review the full terms of each benefit before your trip. Coverage limits, exclusions, and claim procedures vary by benefit type. American Express publishes a benefits guide with your card materials—read it or request a copy online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn 3% cash back on hotel bookings through Costco Travel?
Yes. Costco Travel bookings are coded as travel purchases, so you earn 3% cash back. You also earn the same cash back rate on hotel bookings through any other vendor—Booking.com, Hotels.com, or directly with the hotel chain.
What happens if I book a flight with my Costco card but my travel companion pays for their own ticket?
Travel accident insurance covers you because your trip was paid with the card. Your companion is not covered unless they also used a Costco card to pay for their ticket. Each person's coverage depends on how they paid.
Can I use travel accident insurance if I book a trip but don't take it?
No. Coverage applies only to trips you actually take and pay for with the card. If you cancel before traveling, the insurance does not explore.
How long do I have to file a claim for lost luggage?
American Express typically requires claims within a set number of days of the loss or delay. Check your benefits guide or call the number on your card for the exact important date. File as soon as you have the airline's written report.
Does the Costco card cover trip cancellation or trip delay?
The Costco Anywhere Visa does not include trip cancellation or trip delay reimbursement. It covers travel accident insurance, emergency medical care, and lost luggage. If you need cancellation coverage, you may want to purchase a separate travel insurance policy.