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Best Credit Cards For Costco – December 2023

To the point Looking for the best credit card for Costco to replace your new CIBC Costco Mastercard credit card ? Here are the best credit cards!

The easiest way to pay at Costco Canada… is with a Mastercard credit card .

But as you will see below, you could also use Visa cards with a back door method.

costco mastercard

You don’t need to have a CIBC Costco Mastercard credit card, contrary to the beliefs of many Costco members!

Costco cibc

All Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco!

So here is the list of the best Mastercard and Visa card to maximize your returns at your favourite warehouse.

The best MASTERCARD credit cards for Costco

Costco credit card - Mastercard Travel-Points

If you prefer travel points, there are many Travel Points MASTERCARD credit cards for your Costco purchases!

Milesopedia's choice

The National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard® is the Best National Bank Mastercard credit card.

This National Bank credit card is rarely on promotion. However, until January 31, 2024, you can earn up to 50,000 welcome bonus points! So, now’s the best time to get it with this exclusive promotion.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar on grocery and restaurant purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

And since it’s a National Bank Mastercard credit card, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Flight upgrades

In addition, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and free Wi-Fi with Boingo. And unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia voted National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard the Best Credit Card for Travel and the Best Credit Card for Insurance in 2023.

Other credit cards

Here are several other Travel MASTERCARD credit cards:

If you don’t have the minimum income requirement for World Elite cards ($80,000 individual / $150,000 household), here are other MASTERCARD credit cards with travel rewards:

Costco credit card - Mastercard cash back

If you wish to get cash back, there are many MASTERCARD cash back credit cards for your Costco purchases!

Milesopedia's choice

The Rogers World Elite® Mastercard® is one of Canada’s best no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards.

With the Rogers World Elite® Mastercard®, you earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases (including at Costco). And 3% cash back on all purchases in U.S. dollars (making this credit card particularly suitable for Snowbirds).

As the Rogers World Elite® Mastercard® is a World Elite Mastercard, you benefit from the complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass, which gives access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide (US$32 per person per visit).

What’s more, you’re protected by a wide range of insurance coverages, including:

  • Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection
  • Rental Car Collision/Damage
  • Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Emergency Medical
  • Trip Interruption Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance

Other credit cards

Here are several other cash back MASTERCARD credit cards:

And the CIBC Costco Mastercard?

As you’ve seen below, there are more attractive cash back credit cards than the CIBC Costco Mastercard.

As a reminder, this one offers gas pedals for restaurants, gasoline and Costco.ca (but there are annual limits to respect). Otherwise, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, including those made at Costco.

Costco credit card - AIR MILES Mastercard

If you’re an AIR MILES collector, you probably want to earn AIR MILES Bonus Miles for your Costco purchases!

Milesopedia's choice

With this exclusive offer for the BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite Mastercard®*, you earn 3,000 miles after $3,000 in card purchases, a $315 cash value.

Besides, the annual fee is waived in the first year!

With this card, you earn 3 miles for every $12 spent at participating AIR MILES Partners. Everywhere else, you’ll earn 1 Mile for every $12 spent, including at Costco and Walmart.

And it’s the only AIR MILES credit card in Canada to offer a 25% discount on one worldwide AIR MILES flight redemption during the calendar year

The BMO® AIR MILES® World Elite®* Mastercard®* card also offers:

  • Premium insurance for your travels or purchases
  • Double the miles for car rentals with National or Alamo
  • Concierge services

Other credit cards

Only BMO has AIR MILES MASTERCARD credit cards.

With these cards, you earn 1 mile for every $25 spent at Costco.

The best VISA credit cards for Costco

On Costco.ca, you can pay with a VISA credit card. And since you can buy Costco SHOP cards that you can use in warehouses, it’s a backdoor method to use any VISA credit card for Costco!

Costco Cash Cards

Costco Credit Card - Visa Aeroplan

If you’re a member of the Aeroplan program, you’ll want to be able to earn Aeroplan points on your Costco purchases!

Buy a Costco Shop Card with your Aeroplan credit card on costco.ca, to use it in your warehouse!

Milesopedia's choice

The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a great way to earn Aeroplan points for all your purchases at Costco.

With this credit card you earn:

  • 1 point for every dollar spent on Costco.ca
  • A great welcome bonus
  • Premium travel insurance

Other credit cards

There are several other credit cards that offer Aeroplan points that may be of interest:

Costco credit card - Visa Travel-Points

There are many Travel Points VISA credit cards for your Costco purchases!

Milesopedia's choice

The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* is a great way to earn travel points for all your Costco purchases.

With this credit card, you earn:

  • 1 point per dollar at Costco.ca
  • A great welcome bonus
  • 6 complimentary accesses to VIP airport lounges
  • No conversion fee for foreign currency transactions
  • Premium travel insurance

Other credit cards

Several other travel points credit cards may be interesting for you:

Costco credit card - Visa cash back

If you prefer cash back, there are a few cash back VISA credit cards for your Costco purchases!

Milesopedia's choice

The CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card is a great way to earn cash back on all your purchases at Costco.

With this credit card, you earn:

  • 1% on Costco.ca
  • 4% on grocery and gas purchases
  • Premium insurance

Other credit cards

Three other cash back credit cards may be of interest:

Bottom Line

As you can see, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to credit cards to use at Costco.

If we had to choose just one as travellers, we’d take the National Bank World Elite Mastercard for several reasons:

The National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard® is the Best National Bank Mastercard credit card.

This National Bank credit card is rarely on promotion. However, until January 31, 2024, you can earn up to 50,000 welcome bonus points! So, now’s the best time to get it with this exclusive promotion.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar on grocery and restaurant purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

And since it’s a National Bank Mastercard credit card, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Flight upgrades

In addition, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and free Wi-Fi with Boingo. And unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia voted National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard the Best Credit Card for Travel and the Best Credit Card for Insurance in 2023.

Frequently asked questions about Costco credit cards

How does the Costco credit card work?

The Costco credit card, the CIBC Costco Mastercard, is a co-branded card offered in partnership with CIBC.

It serves as both a means of payment and a Costco membership card. Users benefit from discounts or points on their purchases, with sometimes higher rates for purchases at Costco or specific categories. The card may also include additional benefits such as insurance and protection. Like all credit cards, it requires monthly payments, and interest can accrue in the event of non-payment.

How do I get a Costco credit card?

To obtain a Costco credit card, the CIBC Costco Mastercard, you generally need to be a Costco member first. Once a member, visit the Costco website or your local warehouse to access credit card information. You’ll need to fill out an application, often online, where your financial and personal information will be requested. After submission, a credit check will be performed by CIBC, our financial institution partner. If you are approved, you will receive your card by mail. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before applying.

Can I get a Costco credit card in a Costco store?

Yes, you can apply directly for the CIBC Costco Mastercard at any Costco store.

Does Costco accept Visa cards?

No, Costco Canada does not accept Visa credit cards (unlike in the U.S.). Only Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco Canada.

However, you can use a Visa credit card on Costco Canada’s online site: costco.ca.

Which Costco credit card?

Only Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco Canada. On this page, you’ll find the best credit cards for Costco in Canada.

How do I pay at Costco?

Only Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco Canada. On this page, you’ll find the best credit cards for Costco in Canada.

You can also pay by debit card or cash.

Can I use debit cards to pay at Costco?

Yes, you can use a debit card to pay at Costco. However, we recommend that you earn rewards with one of the best credit cards for Costco in Canada.

How do I use a Costco gift voucher?

Costco Gift Certificates, often referred to as “Cash Cards” or “Gift Certificates” depending on the region, are pre-loaded cards that you can use to make purchases at Costco warehouses, on the Costco website, or to purchase gasoline at Costco gas stations. Here’s how to use them:

  • At the Costco warehouse:
    • Simply present your gift card at checkout. The amount of your purchase will be deducted from your card balance.
    • If the amount of your purchase exceeds the balance on your card, you will be required to pay the difference using another accepted method of payment.
  • On the Costco website:
    • When finalizing your order, choose the option to pay with a gift card or enter the gift card details when prompted.
    • As in the warehouse, if the purchase exceeds the balance on the gift card, you’ll need to provide another form of payment to cover the difference.
  • Costco service stations :
    • Insert your gift card into the pump’s reader, just as you would with a credit or debit card. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Remarks :

  • Costco gift certificates can often be used by non-members, making them a great way to try Costco without a membership. However, conditions may vary from region to region.
  • Keep your gift card after a purchase until you’re sure you don’t need to return any items. Refunds for purchases made with gift certificates will generally be issued on the same gift card.

Finally, to check the balance of your Costco gift card or if you encounter any problems, contact Costco customer service or check the balance online, if this option is available in your area.

What are the three best World Elite Mastercard credit cards for Costco?

Here are the top 3 World Elite Mastercard credit cards for Costco:

Which credit cards are accepted at Costco?

In Canada, only Mastercard credit cards are accepted at Costco warehouses. On the Costco.ca website, however, you can pay with a Mastercard or Visa credit card.

How to buy at Costco without being a member?

To buy at Costco, you need to be a Costco member. However, there are some exceptions to this rule in some countries. Here are some of the options for shopping at Costco without being a member:

  1. Buy online: In some countries, such as Canada, buying on the Costco website is possible without being a member. However, some restrictions may apply, such as additional fees for non-members.
  2. Buy with a gift card: If you have a Costco gift card, you can use it to shop at Costco without being a member. However, it is essential to note that gift cards have a limited value and you will not be able to purchase items that exceed the value of the gift card.

How much does a Costco card cost?

The cost of a Costco card depends on the type of card you choose. Basic membership cards are available for an annual fee, while premium membership cards may have a higher cost. Typical costs for basic membership cards in different countries are as follows:

  • In the U.S.: The basic annual Costco membership card costs $60 USD.
  • In Canada: The basic annual Costco membership card costs $60 CAD. Executive membership costs $120.
  • In France: the basic annual Costco membership card costs 36 €.
  • In the UK: The basic annual Costco membership card costs £33.60.

It is important to note that costs may vary depending on the region and the type of membership card you choose. Additional fees may also apply for premium membership cards. Before purchasing a Costco card, it is recommended that you check the specific costs and benefits for your area.

How do I pay for a CIBC Costco Card?

To pay for your CIBC Costco Card, you can use any of the following payment methods:

  1. Online Payment: Log in to your CIBC Costco Credit Card online account and select the “Make a Payment” option. You can then enter the amount you wish to pay and choose your bank account to make the payment.
  2. Automatic Payment: You can set up an automatic payment for your CIBC Costco Credit Card by selecting the “Automatic Payment” option in your online account. You can then select a monthly payment amount or your total credit card balance to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month.
  3. Pay by Phone: You can make a payment by phone by calling your CIBC Costco Credit Card customer service number and following the instructions for making a payment by phone.
  4. Paying in person: You can make a payment in person at any CIBC branch

How do I pay for a CIBC Costco Card?

To pay for your CIBC Costco Card, you can use any of the following payment methods:

  1. Online Payment: Log in to your CIBC Costco Credit Card online account and select the “Make a Payment” option. You can then enter the amount you wish to pay and choose your bank account to make the payment.
  2. Automatic Payment: You can set up an automatic payment for your CIBC Costco Credit Card by selecting the “Automatic Payment” option in your online account. You can then select a monthly payment amount or your total credit card balance to be automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month.
  3. Pay by Phone: You can make a payment by phone by calling your CIBC Costco Credit Card customer service number and following the instructions for making a payment by phone.
  4. Paying in person: You can make a payment in person at any CIBC branch

What is the best prepaid card for Costco?

The best-prepaid card for Costco is the KOHO Extra Mastercard. With this prepaid card, you can earn 2% cash back on your Costco purchases.

Read all about the KOHO Mastercard prepaid card.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
4.8 Milesopedia Rating
Jean-Maximilien
Jean-Maximilien is an expert in Canada and France about Loyalty programs, Credit cards and Travel. He is the Founding President of Milesopedia.

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