Does Costco Take Discover Card: Understanding Accepted Payment Methods at Costco

Introduction

When shopping at Costco, knowing which payment methods are accepted can save you time and hassle at the checkout. Many customers wonder, does Costco take Discover card for in-store or online purchases. Given Costco’s unique payment partnerships, especially its exclusive deal with Visa, the answer isn’t as straightforward as at other retailers.

This guide explores what cards are accepted at Costco in 2025, including Discover, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay. Whether you shop in-store, at the gas station, or online, understanding these details can help you avoid declined payments and maximise your rewards.

Quick Fact

Discover Credit Card Acceptance

Costco does not accept Discover credit cards in-store. The company has an exclusive partnership with Visa, which means only Visa-branded credit cards are accepted for purchases inside Costco warehouses. This rule applies across all U.S. warehouse locations, including at the checkout and pharmacy counters.

Discover Debit Card Usage

However, if you have a Discover debit card, you can use it at Costco—but only if you enter your PIN. PIN-based debit cards from networks like Discover, Mastercard, or Visa are accepted for in-store purchases. So while you can’t use your Discover credit line, you can still pay from your bank account with your Discover debit card.

Does Costco Take Discover Card Online?

Discover and Costco.com

As of early 2025, Costco’s website and mobile app no longer accept Discover credit cards for online purchases. Previously, Discover was allowed alongside Visa and Mastercard, but recent changes to Costco’s digital payment policy have removed Discover from the list of supported online options.

Current Online Accepted Methods

Costco.com now accepts:

• Visa credit and debit cards

• Mastercard credit and debit cards

• Costco Shop Cards

• PIN-based debit cards

This change has caused confusion among regular Discover users, particularly those who were accustomed to paying online with their Discover card.

What Other Cards Does Costco Accept?

Visa Credit Cards – The Primary Option

In all U.S. Costco warehouse stores, only Visa credit cards are accepted. If you have a credit card from Chase, Capital One, or other issuers, it must be Visa-branded to work in-store. This includes the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi, a popular rewards card for members.

Mastercard and American Express

Costco does not accept Mastercard or American Express credit cards in-store. This includes Capital One Mastercard and Amex Platinum cards. These may be accepted online but will be declined if you try to use them in-person at a checkout terminal.

Many people search “Does Costco accept Mastercard” or “Does Costco accept American Express,” and the answer remains no for in-store transactions.

Does Costco Take Debit Cards?

Debit Cards with PIN

Yes, Costco accepts debit cards with PIN authentication. These can be from Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or ATM networks like Pulse and Star. Debit transactions must be approved by entering your PIN at checkout.

This makes debit cards a useful alternative for customers who don’t carry a Visa credit card. You’ll be able to complete your purchase without issues, so long as the card is set up for PIN use.

Does Costco Take Discover Card at Gas Stations?

Costco Gas Payment Rules

Costco’s gas stations follow the same rules as the warehouse. If you’re wondering “Does Costco take Mastercard for gas” or “Can I use Discover at Costco gas,” the answer is no for credit, but yes for debit with PIN.

Only Visa credit cards and PIN-based debit cards are accepted at the pump. This is particularly important since self-service stations do not have a cashier who can process alternative payments.

Does Costco Accept Capital One Cards?

It Depends on the Card Type

Costco accepts Capital One cards only if they are Visa-branded. Capital One issues both Visa and Mastercard credit cards. If you own a Capital One Mastercard, it won’t work at Costco in-store or at their gas stations.

For example, the Capital One Venture X (Mastercard) is declined, while the Capital One Quicksilver Visa is accepted. This confusion often leads customers to search “Does Costco accept Capital One,” and the answer is conditional.

Does Costco Take Apple Pay?

In-Store Digital Wallets

Yes, Costco accepts Apple Pay in its physical stores. You can also use Google Pay and Samsung Pay if your mobile wallet is linked to a Visa card. These contactless payments are processed through Costco’s Visa network.

Apple Pay Online – Removed in 2025

As of May 2025, Costco.com and the mobile app no longer support Apple Pay. This change has frustrated customers who rely on digital wallets for online checkout, especially those using iPhones and iPads.

So if you’re wondering “Does Costco take Apple Pay,” it works in-store but not online.

Conclusion

To summarise, Costco does not take Discover credit cards in-store or online. It strictly accepts Visa credit cards, PIN-based debit cards, and digital wallets linked to Visa for in-person purchases. If you use Discover, Mastercard, or American Express, your options are limited to PIN debit in-store or select online use (excluding Discover).

Understanding these rules ensures smooth checkout and lets you plan your payment method ahead of time—especially important at Costco, where large purchases are common. Always verify your card type and have a Visa-based option ready for in-store or fuel transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does Costco take Discover credit cards?
No, Costco only accepts Visa credit cards in-store. Discover credit cards are not accepted.

Q2: Can I use Discover debit cards at Costco?
Yes, if you enter your PIN. PIN-based Discover debit cards are accepted in-store and at gas stations.

Q3: Does Costco accept Mastercard?
Not in-store. Only Visa credit cards are allowed. Mastercard credit may work online.

Q4: Can I use Capital One at Costco?
Only if it’s a Visa-branded card. Capital One Mastercard credit cards are not accepted in-store.

Q5: Is Apple Pay accepted at Costco?
Yes, for in-store purchases. However, Apple Pay is no longer accepted online or in the Costco app as of 2025.

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