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What is the best Costco card to get?

Published in Costco Credit Cards 3 mins read

For most Costco members, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi stands out as the best option due to its tailored benefits and integration with the warehouse club's ecosystem.

Why the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is the Top Choice

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is often considered the most advantageous card for frequent Costco shoppers. This card is specifically designed to maximize rewards on purchases made both inside and outside of Costco warehouses, making it a highly practical choice for everyday spending.


Key Features and Benefits:

The card offers a robust rewards structure that aligns well with common spending categories, providing value back on essential purchases.

  • No Annual Fee: A significant benefit of this card is that it carries no annual fee. This makes it an attractive option, especially when combined with the value derived from its reward categories.
  • Costco Membership Requirement: While the card itself doesn't have an annual fee, a valid Costco membership is required to apply and maintain the card. This isn't typically an issue for cardholders, as a membership is necessary to shop at Costco warehouses anyway.
  • Cash Back Rewards: The card offers competitive cash back rates across various spending categories, enhancing its appeal for diverse purchasing habits:
    • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1% thereafter).
    • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases.
    • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases.


Maximizing Your Rewards

To get the most out of your Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, consider these practical tips:

  • Fuel Up at Costco Gas Stations: With 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging, filling your tank at Costco can lead to substantial savings over time.
  • Dine Out and Travel: Use your card for restaurant meals and travel bookings to earn 3% back, making your leisure spending more rewarding.
  • Consolidate Costco Purchases: Make all your Costco and Costco.com purchases with this card to consistently earn 2% cash back on items ranging from groceries to electronics.
  • Everyday Spending: Even for purchases outside the bonus categories, the 1% cash back ensures you're always earning something back on your spending.


Annual Cash Back Rewards Certificate:

Cash back is distributed annually as a rewards certificate, typically in February. This certificate can then be redeemed for merchandise or cash at any U.S. Costco warehouse. This annual payout can feel like a significant bonus and is a unique aspect of the card's reward structure.


Comparison Table: Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Benefits

Feature Details
Annual Fee $0 (with paid Costco membership)
Gas & EV Charging 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%)
Restaurants & Travel 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases
Costco & Costco.com 2% cash back on all other purchases at Costco and Costco.com
All Other Purchases 1% cash back
Membership Requirement A valid Costco membership is required.
Rewards Redemption Annually issued as a cash back rewards certificate, redeemable for merchandise or cash at any U.S. Costco warehouse.


The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is purpose-built for the Costco shopper, offering compelling cash back rates on everyday essentials and the unique benefit of no annual fee, assuming you already hold a Costco membership.