Does Costco accept Amex? (you will be surprised)
When it comes to payment options at Costco, it can get pretty confusing. Costco has changed its preferred payment method from Amex to Visa several times over the years.
So, does Costco still accept Amex? Here’s what I found!
Does Costco accept Amex?
Costco does not accept American Express credit cards at any of its locations. While Costco has only accepted Amex credit cards in the past, customers will have to pay with Visa credit cards or other payment methods going forward.
This can be a major frustration for Costco customers who want to use an Amex card to take advantage of some of the benefits their particular card may offer.
This is especially true for Costco customers who have been using Amex in-store for years. Read on to learn more about this surprising policy change.
Costco terminates agreement with American Express
In the summer of 2016, Costco ended its exclusive deal with American Express. The parties were unable to reach an agreement to renew the contract, which led to Costco partnering with Visa.
Existing Costco members who previously used American Express credit cards can no longer use those cards at Costco stores.
Currently, the Visa credit card is the only credit card accepted by Costco in its brick-and-mortar stores.
Also, Costco does allow other non-Visa credit cards for online purchases and orders, but unfortunately Amex is not included.
Visa and Costco deal ensures that Discover, Mastercard and other credit cards are not accepted.
The switch from Amex to Visa doesn’t appear to have affected Costco much, as the company continues to thrive through its current partnership. It’s frustrating for existing and new members, though.
For a while, Amex maintained an exclusivity agreement with Costco, much like Visa does today. Now customers can’t use their cards in stores or even online.
Costco only accepts Mastercard and Discover credit cards for online purchases. This benefit is not available to American Express credit card users.
Does Costco accept Amex debit cards?
After learning about Costco’s strict policy on credit cards, you might be surprised to learn that your Amex debit card is accepted at Costco, both in-store and online.
Costco has no problem accepting most debit cards from various vendors. This is a huge relief for anyone with an Amex debit card.
Costco also accepts Mastercard and Discover PIN-protected debit cards. There are far fewer restrictions for customers who want to use their Amex debit card at Costco stores or online.
Many customers are at the mercy of their bank when it comes to who services their debit card. Costco accepts all suppliers.
Customers can use their Amex Debit Card at:
- When shopping in person at a Costco warehouse store
- When shopping online at Costco.com from the convenience of your home
- When traveling at Costco gas stations
This is a great way for Costco to retain customers who have accounts with institutions that issue debit cards that Amex offers.
The last thing a customer wants to hear after purchasing groceries or other products is that their payment method wasn’t accepted. Shoppers with an Amex debit card have nothing to worry about at Costco.
Even though their policy is for those who use Amex debit cards, there is still an absolute no to anyone who wants to use Amex credit cards at Costco.
Until the new deal is struck, customers who want to use their Amex credit card for groceries may need to consider shopping at another store.
For more information on payment options at Costco, don’t forget to check out my posts on using EBT at Costco and using Mastercard at Costco.
Also, you can check out our other guides on whether Costco accepts Apple Pay and PayPal.
in conclusion
After 16 years of exclusive partnerships, Costco and Amex are parting ways. That’s surprising for a customer who has had no problems using a credit card there for years. Before you consider signing up for a Costco membership, you should know that warehouse supercenters do not accept American Express credit cards.
