How To Apply For A Costco Visa Credit Card?

Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Amrita Das

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how to apply for the Costco Visa credit card, who is eligible, and the specific benefits that make this card a favorite among savvy shoppers.

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Who is eligible for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card?

Before diving into the application steps, it is crucial to understand the eligibility requirements. Unlike standard cash back credit cards that are open to the general public, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has a unique prerequisite: you must have an active Costco membership.

This card is exclusively available to paid members. This means if your membership has lapsed, or if you are shopping with a friend’s card, you won’t be able to apply for the credit card in your own name.

Membership types that qualify

Both consumer and business memberships qualify you to apply for the card. Specifically:

Gold Star Membership ($65/year): The standard personal membership.
Executive Membership ($130/year): The premium personal membership that offers an annual 2% reward on qualified Costco purchases.
Business Membership ($65/year): For business owners who want to purchase for resale or business use.

If you plan to add an authorized user to your credit card account—like a spouse or a child over 18—they must also have their own Costco membership card.

The credit card functions as your membership ID at the warehouse entrance and checkout, so Citi and Costco require that all cardholders be valid members.

How to get a Costco membership (if you don’t have one)

If you aren’t currently a member, you will need to join before you can submit a credit card application. Fortunately, Costco makes this process straightforward.

You can purchase a membership through three primary channels:

Online: Visit Costco.com to purchase a membership. You will receive a membership number that you can immediately use to apply for the credit card.
In-Warehouse: Visit the membership counter at any local Costco warehouse. In this case, you will require a government-issued photo ID.
By Phone: Call Costco’s Member Service Center at 1-800-774-2678.

Once you have your active membership number, you are ready to move on to the credit card application.

3 ways to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card

Citi offers three easy and flexible ways to submit your application, allowing you to select the option that aligns perfectly with your preferences and daily routine.

1. Apply online (Recommended)

The fastest way to apply is through the Citi or Costco website.

The Process: Go to the Costco Anywhere Visa page on Citi.com or search “Citi Visa” on Costco.com.
The Advantage: You can often receive a decision in under a minute.
What to expect: You will need to enter your membership number, financial details, and personal information. If approved, the card typically arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

2. Apply in person

If you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can apply during your next shopping trip.

The Process: Stop by the membership counter at your local warehouse.
The Advantage: Staff can answer specific questions you might have about the card’s terms or how it integrates with your membership.

3. Apply over the phone

If you aren’t comfortable applying online but can’t make it to a store, a phone application is a solid alternative.

The Process: Call Citi directly at 1-800-259-3052.
The Advantage: You are guided through the application by a representative who can ensure you have all the correct information ready.

How to apply for a Costco Visa credit card: Information you need to apply

To ensure your application process is smooth and to avoid potential rejections due to missing info, gather the following details before you start:

Costco Membership Number: This is located on the back of your membership card. It is the most critical piece of information for linking your credit account to your warehouse privileges.
Personal Identification: Your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN).
Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
Financial Information: Citi needs to assess your creditworthiness. You will need to provide your total annual income and your monthly housing payment (rent or mortgage).

Providing accurate financial data is essential because Citi uses this to determine your credit limit and APR (Annual Percentage Rate). The variable APR for purchases typically ranges between 18.99% and 26.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

FAQ: How to apply for a Costco Visa credit card

Can I apply for the card if I have bad credit?

Citi generally requires a credit score in the “excellent” or “good” range (typically 700+) for approval. While income and debt-to-income ratio also play a role, those with poor credit may face difficulty getting approved.

Does the card have foreign transaction fees?

No. One of the major perks of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is that it charges no foreign transaction fees. This makes it an excellent companion for international travel, especially combined with the 3% cash back on travel purchases.

What happens if I cancel my Costco membership?

Your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is strictly tied to your membership status. If you cancel your membership or let it expire, Citi will close your credit card account. This could potentially impact your credit score by reducing your available credit and the average age of your accounts.

Can I use the card at other stores?

Yes. The card functions as a standard Visa credit card and is accepted anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide. You will earn 1% cash back on non-bonus category purchases made at other retailers.

How long does it take to get the card?

After approval, your physical card typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Additional Reading: Is The Costco Credit Card Worth It? A Comprehensive Review