Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Review (2023) (2023)

While the card_name is geared to shoppers who spend a lot within the brand's warehouse stores, it's also considered one of the best credit cards for gas. This is mainly due to its incredible rewards structure that offers 4% back on up to $7,000 spent at gas stations and on EV charging stations each year (then 1% back), as well as 2% back at Costco stores and Costco.com.

Cardholders also earn 3% back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, followed by a flat 1% back on everything else. The card doesn't charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees either, so you can keep for the long run at no cost if you never carry a balance.

That said, there are some "fine print" items you should know about with the card_name, including the fact you can only access the rewards you earn once per year. Before you sign up for the card_name, read on to learn everything there is to know.

Pros & Cons

ProsCons

Pros

  • Great earning rate on gas and EV charging, restaurants, eligible travel, and Costco purchases
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Bonus rewards caps apply to gas and EV charging purchases each year
  • Costco membership (minimum $60) required
  • No welcome offer Earns just 1% back on non-bonus spending
  • High APR

Who should get it?

Due to its dynamic rewards structure and the fact you have to be a Costco member to use the card's rewards, the card_name is geared to people who shop at the warehouse stores and want to get the most from their purchases. That said, it's important to note that the card's 4% back category on gas and EV charging stations applies to all eligible gas stations worldwide and not just gas at Costco.

There are a few notable exceptions. For example, the fine print for the card says members will only earn 1% back on "gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco or for fuel used for non-automobile purposes."

For the most part, these details make the card_name ideal for the following types of consumers:

(Video) Costco Anywhere Visa Business Credit Card Review | Awesome! (But Why I'd Pass)

  • Heavy Costco shoppers who want to maximize rewards on their purchases.
  • Consumers who are okay with redeeming their rewards for Costco merchandise.
  • People who commute to work or pay to charge their electric cars on the go.
  • Anyone who wants a rewards credit card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Costco membership

As we mentioned already, you must be a Costco member to apply for the card_name or even use the rewards you earn. However, most Costco shoppers would agree the price of entry is well worth it once you figure out which Costco food and household items you can use on a regular basis.

Not only does Costco offer a range of bulk grocery items, but you can head to the warehouse store to stock up on clothing, furniture, electronics, dishes and cookware, and all other kinds of gadgets.

The cost of membership is also reasonable. As of 2023, Costco offers the following membership tiers to choose from:

Costco Gold StarCostco ExecutiveCostco BusinessCostco Business Executive
Annual fee

Costco Gold Star

$60

Costco Executive

$120

Costco Business

$60

Costco Business Executive

$120
Use it to shop online and in stores

Costco Gold Star

Yes

Costco Executive

Yes

Costco Business

Yes

Costco Business Executive

Yes
Earns rewards

Costco Gold Star

No

Costco Executive

Earns 2% back in rewards

Costco Business

No

Costco Business Executive

Earns 2% back in rewards
Qualifies for Costco service discounts

Costco Gold Star

No

Costco Executive

Yes

Costco Business

No

Costco Business Executive

Yes
Membership cards

Costco Gold Star

Comes with two membership cards

Costco Executive

Comes with two membership cards

Costco Business

Comes with two membership cards (add additional people for $60 each)

Costco Business Executive

Comes with two membership cards (add additional people for $60 each)

Important: Business owners who want to earn cash back on their business purchases at Costco should look into the card_name instead. This card has the same rewards structure as the card for consumers, yet it is geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Rewards structure

The card_name offers four different tiers of rewards consumers can maximize. After signing up, cardholders earn cash back at the following rates:

  • 4% back on up to $7,000 per year in gas purchases worldwide and EV charging stations (then 1% back)
  • 3% back on restaurant purchases and eligible travel
  • 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
  • 1% back on everything else

With this rewards structure in mind, it's easy to see how you could rack up a ton of cash back on gas purchases, groceries at Costco stores, dining, travel and more. However, you should know about the very unique way the card_name doles out rewards before you sign up for this card.

(Video) Costco Anywhere Visa REVIEW! (Costco Credit Card Rewards & Benefits)

Instead of letting you rack up cash back you can use throughout the year whenever you're ready, this card only gives you your cash back in the form of a rewards check once per year when your February statement closes. This means you can't save up your cash back to use at your leisure, and that you'll have to wait 12 months to be able to access your rewards haul each year.

Not only that, but rewards are only redeemable in Costco stores for Costco merchandise. You may be able to use your Costco rewards check to get cash back at a Costco register too, but the fine print on the card_name says individual Costco stores can allow this (or not allow it) based on their own discretion.

The card_name doesn't have a lot of other benefits beyond the rewards it offers. In fact, the main listed card perk is the fact you can use your Costco credit card as your ID card to shop in stores.

The other major cardholder perk you get with the card_name is no foreign transaction fees. This benefit can be helpful if you travel internationally often and you don't want to pay extra fees to use your credit card when you do.

What could be improved?

While the card_name has an excellent rewards rate by any measure, there are a few notable downsides to be aware of. Improvements that could dramatically improve the value of this card include the following:

  • The card doesn't have a sign-up bonus. Other cash back credit cards offer generous rewards plus a cash bonus of $200 or more, yet the card_name doesn't have a welcome offer of any kind.
  • The card_name lacks an introductory APR offer. This card comes with a high interest rate that applies when you carry a balance, and the same APR applies to balance transfers.
  • The earning rate for Costco purchases and other spending could be higher. Earning 2% back at Costco is just okay since other cards offer 2% cash back on everything you buy, and the 1% rewards rate on other purchases is seriously lacking.

How does the it compare?

With the downsides of this card at the top of your mind, you may be wondering how other cash back credit cards compare. Consider the following cards from other issuers and how they stack up to the card_name.

(Video) Costco JUST Ruined The Costco Anywhere Visa

card_namecard_namecard_namecard_name
Annual fee

card_name

$0

card_name

$0
$0$0
Welcome offer

card_name

None

card_name

None
$200 after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening$200 after spending $1,500 on purchases within six months of account opening
Rewards rate

card_name

  • 4% back on up to $7,000 per year in gas purchases worldwide and EV charging stations (then 1% back)
  • 3% back on restaurant purchases and eligible travel
  • 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
  • 1% back on everything else

card_name

2% cash back — 1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off
  • 5% back on travel booked through Chase
  • 5% back on up to $12,000 spent at grocery stores the first year (then 1.5% back)
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other spending
  • 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in top eligible spending category each billing cycle (then 1% back)
  • c 1% back on other purchases
Intro APR offer

card_name

None

card_name

0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49% to 28.49%
0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 19.49% to 28.29%0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49% to 28.49%

card_name vs. the card_name

Instead of offering several levels of rewards for different types of spending, the card_name offers 2% back on everything you buy — 1% when a purchase is made and another 1% when it's paid off. The card also comes with no annual fee, and consumers can redeem their rewards for a statement credit to their account, a check in the mail or direct deposit, among other options.

The Citi Double Cash® Card also comes with 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49% to 28.49%. This makes it a good option for people who need to consolidate high-interest debt from other cards. Just keep in mind that the intro APR offer does not apply to purchases. Also, the Citi Double Cash® Card charges 3% in foreign transaction fees when you use it for purchases abroad.

card_name vs. card_name

The card_name also comes with no annual fee, and it offers its own unique rewards tiers consumers can maximize. New cardholders can start off with a cash bonus of $200 after spending $500 on purchases within three months of account opening, but they'll also earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 5% back on up to $12,000 spent at grocery stores the first year, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% back on all other spending.

While the card_name does have foreign transaction fees, it comes with a 0% APR intro offer that applies to purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (followed by a variable APR of 19.49% to 28.29%). Better yet, consumers have the option to redeem their rewards for cash back, gift cards, statement credits, travel, merchandise and more.

card_name vs. card_name

Finally, it's also worth looking into the card_name if you want to maximize cash back and have more flexibility. This card comes with no annual fee, and cardholders earn 5% back on up to $500 spent in their top spending category each quarter, then 1% back. Top spending categories that earn bonus cash with the card are easy ones to use since they include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

A welcome offer worth $200 in bonus cash can also be earned when cardholders spend at least $1,500 on purchases within six months of account opening. All other purchases earn 1% back, and cardholders can redeem their rewards for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, and more. The card also comes with 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 18,49% to 28.49%.

(Video) Costco Anywhere Visa® card by Citi cash rewards program

Worth considering if you’re a Costco shopper

At the end of the day, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is worth considering if you're a Costco shopper or you've been planning to buy a membership. After all, this card will reward you handsomely each time you fill up on fuel, and you'll also earn 3% back on restaurant spending and travel and 2% back on all purchases you make with Costco.

You may even find that getting your rewards check once per year is not a big deal, and that you even look forward to it. After all, you can use your Costco rewards to stock up on anything the warehouse stores offer, including bulk groceries and household supplies, liquor and beer, and all kinds of other items you might want to splurge for.

At the very least, you could pick up the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi to use for Costco shopping and gas then pair it with another card that offers more than 1% cash back on regular spending. There's no "right" or "wrong" way to earn credit card rewards, but smart planning can help you rack up more cash back for each purchase you make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Costco changing credit cards again?

Costco credit cards used to be issued by American Express, but the two companies ended their partnership in 2016. As of today, Costco credit cards for personal and business use are issued by Citi instead.

What is a good credit score to get a Costco credit card?

The Costco credit card requires good or excellent credit, so having a credit score of 670 or higher gives you the best chance at approval.

How do I get my Costco 4% back?

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi lets you earn 4% back on the first $7,000 you spend on gas worldwide and EV charging each year, then 1% back.

(Video) Citi Costo Anywhere Card Full Review!

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

FAQs

Is Costco anywhere visa hard to get? ›

Applicants need to have excellent credit to qualify for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card. The exact credit score required varies, but a very good credit score ranges from 740 to 799 and excellent credit is 800 and higher, according to Experian.

Is Costco Citi visa hard to get? ›

Is it hard to get a Costco Credit Card? Yes, it is hard to get the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi as it requires excellent credit for approval. So, unless your credit score is 750 or higher and you have a lot of income, it will be difficult for you to get approved for the Costco Credit Card.

What credit score do you need to get a Costco Citi visa? ›

The Costco Credit Card credit score requirement is 750 or higher, which means applicants with excellent credit should have good odds of approval. That's the case for both the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and the Costco Business Credit Card.

Is Costco Anywhere Visa card by Citi worth it? ›

Costco Credit Card Review Summary

The Costco Credit Card is worth applying for if you have a Costco membership and an excellent credit score. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has a $0 annual fee and offers 1 - 4% cash back, giving its bonus rates on gas, travel, dining and Costco purchases.

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5. THE COSTCO CREDIT CARD IS A MUST HAVE CREDIT CARD IF YOU SHOP AT COSTCO! (Full 2022 Review)
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