Best Credit Cards for Costco and Warehouse Clubs

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Warehouse clubs are a special case: Costco accepts only Visa in the U.S., and warehouse purchases usually do not code as supermarkets, so most grocery bonuses do not apply. A strong flat-rate card or a card with a warehouse-club bonus is the way to earn there.

The two catches

First, Costco accepts only Visa cards in the U.S. at the register and at the pump, so an Amex, Mastercard, or Discover will not work there (Sam's Club and BJ's are more flexible). Second, warehouse clubs code as wholesale or discount stores, not supermarkets, so a grocery bonus card usually earns only its base rate inside the club.

How to earn the most

Because the grocery bonus rarely applies, a flat-rate card that earns 2 percent on everything is often the best general pick for warehouse spending, as long as it runs on Visa for Costco. Some co-branded warehouse cards earn a higher rate in-store and on club gas. Compare options in the card browser and the best flat-rate cards guide.

Gas and big-ticket items

Warehouse-club gas is a frequent perk, but it may not always code as a gas station for bonus purposes, so a flat-rate Visa is a safe choice at the club pump. For large one-time purchases like appliances or electronics, a card with a strong welcome-offer minimum spend or purchase protection can add value beyond the rewards rate.

Frequently asked questions

What credit cards work at Costco?
In the U.S., Costco accepts only Visa cards at checkout and at the gas pump. Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are not accepted in-warehouse, though you can use any card on Costco.com.
Do warehouse clubs count as grocery stores for rewards?
Usually no. Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's code as wholesale or discount stores, not supermarkets, so a grocery bonus card typically earns only its base rate there.

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Bryce Casson

Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.