Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
When you need a really good deal on everyday grocery items like bulk frozen food, a massive bag of baby spinach, and almond milk — or larger purchases like car tires, a 600-bottle wine cellar, or funeral caskets, Costco is the place to go. You can even fill up your gas tank on the way out at prices strikingly lower than nearby gas stations.
Costco is a mecca of savings, and just by shopping there, you're taking a huge cut out of your expenses. With the right membership, you'll even earn 2% back on all your purchases. But with the right credit cards, there are ways to save even more.
Here are the best credit cards for Costco shopping. You'd be surprised to know that Costco credit cards aren't the best option.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best Costco credit cards
The best Costco credit card reviews
Citi Costco Anywhere Visa
Why the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa is worth it: As far as personal credit cards go, Costco has one — that's it. It's been well-optimized for Costco customers. The
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging worldwide on up to $7,000 in spending each year (then 1%)
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Earning 4% back at gas stations and with EV is just about as good as it gets. You don't have to fill up at Costco to get this return rate. A 3% return is also respectable for restaurants and travel purchases, but you can do better (as we'll see in a bit).
Aside from the card's return rates, its only real benefits are purchase protection and that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
The
Welcome bonus: The card does not come with a sign-up bonus at this time, though Costco customers have found themselves occasionally being targeted for an intro offer by inquiring at a Costco warehouse.
Review: Costco Anywhere Visa Card review
Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card
Why the Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card is worth it: The
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging worldwide on up to $7,000 in spending each year (then 1%)
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
However, this card comes with useful travel benefits you won't find on the personal Costco credit card:
- Worldwide travel accident insurance
- Worldwide rental car insurance
Welcome bonus: The card currently offers no sign-up bonus.
Review: Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card review
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Why the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards is worth it: Often the best credit cards for a specific store aren't the ones branded with the store's name. The
- 3% cash back in the category of your choice: Gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings*
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs*
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
*Bonus cash is only eligible for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter. After that, you'll earn 1%.
In short, you'll get 2% on purchases when you shop in-store, and 3% when you shop at Costco.com if you choose online shopping as your 3% cash back category. Pretty great for a
Plus, if you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 75% more cash back. Here's how you qualify:
- 25% bonus — You must have between $20,000 and $49,999 in combined balances in your Bank of America deposit and/or Merrill investment accounts
- 50% bonus — You must have between $50,000 and $99,999 in combined balances in your Bank of America deposit and/or Merrill investment accounts
- 75% bonus — You must have $100,000+ in combined balances in your Bank of America deposit and/or Merrill investment accounts
Imagine earning 5.25% when shopping online or 3.5% for shopping in-warehouse.
Welcome bonus: The
Review: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Why the Chase Freedom Unlimited is worth it: This card has one of the highest earning rates of a no-annual-fee credit card. You'll get:
- 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% cash back (1.5x points) on all other eligible purchases
Unfortunately, Costco doesn't count as a grocery store with this card. But the ability to earn 1.5% cash back is better than it seems. That's because the
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Chase Sapphire Reserve® Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
By transferring the rewards you earn on the
Other card benefits include:
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
Chase Freedom Unlimited® (thenChase Freedom Unlimited® )
The intro APR is generous and extremely valuable if you intend to make a large purchase for which you'll need to temporarily carry a balance.
Welcome bonus: The
Review: Chase Freedom Unlimited review
Capital One Venture X
Why the Capital One Venture X is worth it: The
Insider estimates Capital One miles are worth an average of 1.7 cents each when you transfer them to airline and hotel partners like Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Wyndham, and more. If you agree with our valuations, earning 2 miles per dollar is equivalent to a 3.4% return.
The card comes with benefits that blow all other cards on this list out of the water:
- $300 per year in credits toward Capital One Travel bookings
- Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (worth at least $429 per year)
- 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary (worth at least $100 in travel)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
- High-grade travel insurances
- Return protection
- Extended warranty
- Cell phone protection
Again, it's great to use a card with return protection and extended warranty protection when making sizable purchases from Costco.
Welcome bonus: This card comes with
Review: Capital One Venture X review