Does Costco Accept AMEX? (2022 Answers)
Does Costco accept Amex? American Express (Amex) is a diversified global financial services company founded in 1850. It's one of the 30 components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is best known for its credit card, charge card, and traveler's cheque businesses. Amex cards account for approximately 24% of the total dollar volume of credit card transactions in the US.
Amex is a part of the Big Three credit card issuers, along with Visa and MasterCard. It is one of only two issuers (the other being Discover) that are not publicly traded; it is instead a member-owned cooperative structure. The company's logo since 1958 has been an italicized uppercase "X" inside a circle; this design was created by Saul Bass in 1959.
The company's headquarters are in Three World Financial Center in New York City. Its merchant services arm, which processes and settles credit card transactions for merchants on behalf of the issuer, is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Amex is a part of the Big Three credit card issuers, along with Visa and MasterCard. It is one of only two issuers (the other being Discover) that are not publicly traded; it is instead a member-owned cooperative structure.

Does Costco accept American Express?
Costco's decision to no longer accept Amex credit cards has caused some inconvenience for customers who are used to using their Amex cards at the store. However, it is important to note that Costco still accepts other forms of payment, such as Visa credit cards, cash, and checks.
In addition, Costco has implemented a new policy that allows customers to use their Amex points towards purchases made with other forms of payment. As a result, customers can still use their Amex points even if they are not using their Amex card to pay for their purchases. Overall, while the change in policy may be inconvenient for some customers, it should not have a significant impact on the majority of Costco shoppers.
Costco ended its agreement with Amex
Costco's long-standing relationship with Amex came to an end in 2016 when the two parties were unable to reach a new agreement. The end of the exclusive partnership resulted in Costco partnering with Visa, and Amex credit cards no longer being accepted at Costco stores.
While Visa is the only credit card currently accepted at Costco locations, other non-Visa cards can be used for online orders. The break-up between Costco and Amex was a large financial loss for Amex, as Costco was one of the company's largest merchants. The loss has been estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Costco's decision to switch from American Express to Visa has caused some headaches for customers who are used to using their Amex cards at the store.
Under the new agreement, Costco only accepts Visa credit cards in its stores. However, this is not the first time that Costco has made a switch like this. In the past, Amex had an exclusive deal with Costco, and now Mastercard and Discover are accepted for online purchases only. This transition period can be difficult for customers, but it is important to remember that Costco is still thriving despite the change.
Is it possible to pay for goods with an American Express debit card at Costco?
When it comes to storing policies, Costco is known for being pretty strict. For example, the store only accepts a limited number of credit cards. So, you may be surprised to learn that Costco does accept Amex debit cards. This means that if you have an Amex debit card, you can use it at Costco locations and also when shopping on the Costco website.
The same is true for pin-protected debit cards from Mastercard and Discover. In general, there are far fewer restrictions on customers who want to use debit cards at Costco, compared to credit cards. This makes sense since debit cards are directly linked to your bank account, whereas credit cards involve borrowing money. Therefore, using a debit card at Costco is a convenient way to pay for your purchases without having to carry cash or a checkbook.
Customers can use their Amex debit card at the following:
- When shopping in person at Costco warehouse stores
- When shopping from the convenience of their home online at Costco.com
- While traveling at Costco gas stations
The store's policy of accepting Amex debit cards is a great way to retain customers who bank with institutions that issue these cards. By accepting these cards, Costco helps shoppers avoid the inconvenience of having their form of payment rejected.
Additionally, the store's policy is a great benefit for customers who use Amex debit cards and wish to continue shopping at Costco. Until a new deal can be reached between Costco and Amex, customers who hope to use their credit cards at the store will need to look elsewhere.
What are Costco’s Visa card terms?
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is available to Costco members for free. You can earn 4% back on eligible gas purchases, 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel, 2% back at Costco and on Costco.com, and 1% back on everything else. You can redeem your reward points at Costco warehouse stores and on Costco.com.
The card has the benefit of being a Visa card, which is accepted by more merchants than American Express. There is no annual fee for this card. You can earn 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases (up to $7,000 per year), 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel, 2% cash back at Costco and on Costco.com, and 1% cash back everywhere else that Visa is accepted.
If you use this card exclusively at Costco, you can get rewards twice as fast. You will get 4% cash back instead of 2%. When you redeem your rewards for cash back, a statement credit, or merchandise at a U.S. Costco warehouse, you’ll get an additional 10% off (up to $500) your purchase.
Is it possible to shop at Costco if you don't have a Visa?
Costco is a membership-only warehouse club that offers its members deep discounts on a wide variety of merchandise. To become a member, customers must purchase a yearly membership for either $60 or $120. While Costco memberships are not free, they can certainly save shoppers a lot of money.
In addition to offering competitive prices on groceries, electronics, and other items, Costco also provides gas stations and car washes at many of its locations. As a result, Costco members can save money on gas and car washes as well. For customers who are looking for even deeper discounts, Costco also offers executive memberships for $120 per year.
Executive members receive 2% cashback on most of their Costco purchases, as well as additional perks such as early access to special sales events.
Conclusion
Costco and Amex have been in an exclusive partnership for 16 years, but they have recently parted ways. This is surprising for customers that have used their credit cards there for years with no issue. Before you consider signing up for a Costco membership, you should be aware that the warehouse supercenter does not accept Amex credit cards.
There are other credit cards that are accepted at Costco, so if you are a member or are thinking about signing up for a membership, you should use one of those cards instead of your Amex card.
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