What Credit Cards Does Costco Canada Accept? (And Which One Gets the Most Cash Back)

If you’ve ever reached the checkout at Costco only to realize your credit card isn’t accepted, you’re not alone.

Costco Canada has more restrictive payment rules than most retailers, and if you don’t know them, it can be frustrating. But once you understand how it works, you can actually use it to your advantage and maximize your cash back.

Quick Answer: What Credit Cards Does Costco Canada Accept?

Costco Canada only accepts Mastercard credit cards in-store and at gas stations. However, when shopping online at Costco.ca, you can use both Mastercard and Visa. American Express is not accepted at any Costco Canada location.

Costco Canada Payment Methods (At a Glance)

In-Store (Warehouse Purchases)

At a Costco warehouse, Mastercard is the only credit card accepted. You can also pay using debit cards, cash, or Costco Shop Cards (gift cards).

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay are accepted, but only if they’re linked to a Mastercard or debit card.

Online (Costco.ca)

Shopping online at Costco gives you more flexibility. Costco.ca accepts Mastercard, Visa, most debit cards, and Costco Shop Cards. This is the only way to use a Visa credit card with Costco Canada.

Gas Stations

Costco gas stations are the most restrictive. You can pay with Mastercard, debit, or Costco Shop Cards. Most locations do not accept cash, so it’s best not to rely on it.

Why Does Costco Canada Only Accept Mastercard?

Costco’s “Mastercard-only” setup comes down to cost savings.

Instead of accepting all credit cards, Costco has an exclusive partnership with Mastercard. This allows them to negotiate lower transaction (interchange) fees—the small percentage charged every time you pay with a credit card.

With the volume Costco processes, even a small reduction in fees translates into millions in annual savings. Those savings help Costco maintain its low-price model.

Can You Use Visa or Amex at Costco Canada?

Visa is only accepted online at Costco.ca. American Express is not accepted anywhere.

If you prefer Visa but shop in-store, one workaround is to buy a Costco Shop Card online using your Visa, then use that Shop Card to pay in-store or at the gas station.

Do Any Credit Cards Treat Costco as “Groceries”?

No. Costco is typically categorized under Merchant Category Code (MCC) 5300 (Wholesale Clubs), not grocery stores.

That means grocery bonus categories (like 3–5% cash back) won’t apply. You’ll usually earn your card’s base rate, typically around 1–2%.

What Is the Best Credit Card for Costco Canada?

Since you’re limited to Mastercard in-store, the best strategy is to choose a strong flat-rate or category-optimized Mastercard.

Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard®

Overview

• Annual fee: $0

• Purchase interest rate: 20.99%–25.99%

• Cash advance rate: 22.99%–27.99%

• Minimum income requirement: $80,000 individual or $150,000 household

Rewards and Perks

• 3% cash back on U.S. dollar purchases

• 2% cash back on all purchases if you have a Rogers, Fido, or Shaw service

• 1.5% cash back otherwise

Pros

• High flat-rate cash back (especially for Rogers customers)

• No annual fee

• Strong U.S. dollar earn rate

• Includes travel insurance

Cons

• Requires Rogers/Fido/Shaw service to maximize rewards

• High income requirement

• No welcome offer

Borrowell’s Take

If you’re a Rogers customer, this is one of the best no-fee cash back cards in Canada and a great fit for Costco purchases. Pairing it with a Costco Executive Membership can result in up to roughly 4% back on your Costco spending.

Visit the Rogers Bank website to apply for this card.

CIBC Costco Mastercard®

Overview

• Annual fee: $0

• Purchase interest rate: 21.75%

• Cash advance rate: 22.49%

• Minimum income requirement: $15,000

Rewards and perks

• 3% cash back at Costco gas and restaurants

• 2% cash back at Costco.ca

• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Pros

• Strong rewards for Costco gas

• No annual fee

• Low income requirement

Cons

• Only 1% back on in-store Costco purchases

• Limited insurance coverage

• Requires Costco membership

Borrowell’s Take

A solid option for Costco loyalists, especially if you frequently buy gas or shop online, but less competitive for general purchases.

CIBC Costco World Mastercard is automatically issued if you meet higher income requirements ($50,000 individual or $80,000 household), with similar rewards but added World benefits.

Visit the CIBC website to apply for this card.

BMO CashBack® World Elite® Mastercard®

Overview

• Annual fee: $120 (often waived first year)

• Purchase interest rate: 21.99%

• Cash advance rate: 23.99%

• Minimum income requirement: $80,000 individual or $150,000 household

Rewards and Perks

• 5% cash back on groceries (excluding Costco)

• 3% cash back on gas (typically includes Costco gas stations)

• 2% on recurring bills

• 1% on all other purchases

Pros

• Strong overall cash back rates

• High gas rewards

• Good insurance coverage

Cons

• High annual fee

• High income requirement

• Only 1% at Costco warehouses

Borrowell’s Take

A strong all-around card, especially for gas, but Costco purchases mostly earn the base rate. Best used as part of a broader rewards strategy.

Visit the BMO website to apply for this card.

MBNA Rewards Platinum Plus® Mastercard®

Overview

• Annual fee: $0

• Purchase interest rate: 21.99%

• Cash advance rate: 22.99%

• Minimum income requirement: None

Rewards and Perks

• 2 points per dollar in select categories

• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

Pros

• No annual fee

• No income requirement

• Flexible redemption options

Cons

• Only base rewards on Costco purchases

• Limited insurance

Borrowell’s Take

A good entry-level option if you want flexibility, though it won’t maximize Costco rewards.

Visit the MBNA website to apply for this card.

CIBC Costco Business Mastercard®

Overview

• Annual fee: $0

• Purchase interest rate: 20.75%

• Cash advance rate: 22.49%

• Minimum income requirement: $15,000

Rewards and Perks

• 3% cash back at Costco gas

• 2% at Costco.ca and Costco Business Centre

• 1% on all other purchases

Pros

• Strong gas rewards

• Good for business spending

• No annual fee

Cons

• Limited insurance coverage

• Primarily useful for business owners

Borrowell’s Take

A practical option for business owners who shop at Costco, but lighter on perks compared to other cards.

Visit the CIBC website to apply for this card.

Best Strategy to Maximize Rewards at Costco

If you want to get the most value:

• Use a high flat-rate Mastercard for in-store purchases

• Use a gas-optimized card for Costco fuel

• Consider a Costco Executive Membership for an extra 2% annual reward

• Use Visa online strategically if you have a strong Visa card

A Costco Executive Membership pays for itself if you spend at least $3,250 per year at Costco, since the 2% annual reward would offset the additional $65 upgrade fee over a standard membership. If you spend more than that, the rewards become pure cash back.

The Bottom Line

Costco’s Mastercard-only policy might feel limiting, but it’s part of how they keep prices low.

The key is to choose the right Mastercard, ideally one with strong flat-rate cash back, so you’re earning consistent rewards every time you shop.

And if you really want to maximize your return, combine the right credit card with a Costco Executive Membership for an extra boost.