To the point
There's a simple way to use a VISA credit card at Costco, so you can earn lots of points and miles!
Costco and credit cards
Our readers often ask how to use a Visa credit card at Costco warehouses.
For a few years now, Costco Canada has only accepted Mastercard for warehouse payments (in addition to cash or debit card payments).
In fact, we have established a list of the best Mastercard credit cards to use at Costco. For example, you can collect 2X AIR MILES at Costco with the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard®*.
At the warehouse, you cannot use a VISA credit card (or an American Express card). However, there is a way to use a VISA credit card: on the Costco.ca website!
The Costco.ca website
The costco.ca website allows you to pay with a VISA credit card or a Mastercard credit card!
It is quite convenient for all products available on the website (however, most of these products will generally be more expensive than those found in the warehouse). This is still interesting for household appliance purchases.
But what interests us most here is the possibility of buying “Purchase” cards with a VISA credit card, which can be used in the warehouse!
Costco Shop Cards
Costco “Shop” cards are gift cards you can use :
- At the warehouse
- at Costco gas stations
- on Costco.ca
They come in different denominations, from $50 to $2,000. For example, you could buy 3 $1, 000 cards (Costco’s purchase card limit is $10,000 per day).
And you can buy them with a VISA credit card.
Moreover, it is now possible to receive them in digital version: you will not have to wait for a delivery by mail and will be able to use them quickly!
These Purchase cards can also be used by people who are not Costco members!
If you are a Costco member, you can pass on your membership to others: in exchange for this service, you will use your credit card to buy them a Shop Card (and they will send you an Interac as a refund)!
So you’ll earn Points and Cash Back on your VISA credit card 😉
Which VISA credit cards for Costco
Several VISA credit cards are great for Costco such as those provided by CIBC or TD to earn Aeroplan points. We’re thinking of the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card TDMD AéroplanMD, for example. Or cards offering travel points like the CIBC AventuraMD Visa Infinite* Card and the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card.
But you can also earn cash back with some VISA credit cards:
- CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
- CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card
- TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
- Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card
So you can use these VISA credit cards for Costco by purchasing Costco Cash cards, especially when they offer a welcome bonus (often up to 10% cash back).
For example, with the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card or the CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card you can earn up to $250 cash back. With no annual fee in the first year!
Or, you can earn up to $200 cash back with the Scotia Momentum® VISA Infinite* card, also free in the first year.
Outside of the promotional period, you will get 1% on these VISA credit cards (Costco is not considered by credit cards issuers to be grocery shopping).
The CIBC Costco Mastercard credit card
The CIBC Costco Mastercard is Costco’s official credit card. Read all about it in this article:
Frequently asked questions about Costco and credit cards
Does Costco accept Mastercard?
Yes, Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco in Canada.
Is Costco taking Amex?
No. Only indirectly, thanks to Instacart. Please see our tip on How to use an American Express card for Costco purchases.
Are Visa cards accepted at Costco?
No, Visa credit cards are not accepted directly at Costco in Canada. This article explains how to pay with a Visa card.
How can I pay at Costco?
In Canada, warehouses accept payment by cash, debit card and Mastercard.
Does Costco accept Apple Pay?
Yes, you can use your phone and your virtual wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay) to pay for your purchases at Costco, with a Mastercard.
