Costco : How do I use a VISA credit card at Costco?

Costco and credit cards
Our readers often ask how to use a Visa credit card at Costco warehouses.
For a number of years now, Costco Canada has only accepted in-store payments made with Mastercard credit cards (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 lets you pay with a VISA or 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 remains interesting for the purchase of household appliances.
But what interests us most here is the possibility of purchasing « Shop » cards with a VISA credit card, which can be used in the warehouse.
Costco Shop Cards
Costco « Shop » cards are simply Costco gift cards that 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.

What’s more, you can receive them digitally, so you don’t have to wait for mail delivery, and you can use them quickly. Your Costco Shop Card will be delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. The delivery time is between a few minutes (most of the time) and a few hours.

These purchase cards can also be used by non-Costco members.
If you’re a Costco member, you can pass your membership on to others: in exchange for this service, you’ll use your credit card to buy them a Shop card (and they’ll send you an Interac transfer to reimburse you).
So you’ll earn Points and Cash Back on your VISA credit card 😉
Which VISA credit cards for Costco
Several VISA credit cards are of interest to Costco, as are those provided by CIBC or TD to earn points Aeroplan. The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card for example. Or cards offering travel points, such as the CIBC Aventura® 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
- and Scotia Momentum® Visa Infinite +* Card
You can use these VISA credit cards for Costco by purchasing Costco Shop cards, especially when they offer a welcome bonus (often up to 10% cashback and no fees for the first year!).
Outside the promotional period, you’ll earn 1% on these VISA credit cards. Costco is not considered agrocery store by credit card issuers.
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
Which credit card maximizes your everyday savings?
For recurring spending (groceries, online purchases, restaurants), a cash back credit card makes a real difference. Use our credit card comparator to filter through 200+ Canadian offers, or browse the best credit cards in Canada, updated monthly by the Milesopedia team.
Does Costco accept Mastercard?
Yes, all Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco in Canada, such as the Rogers Red Mastercard® or the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard.
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.
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