Best Credit Cards For Costco September 2024 (2024)

Rates & Fees

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent(750 - 850)

With elevated earnings on all purchases, including Costco, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card might be worth keeping in your wallet. This premium travel rewards card charges a high annual fee (rates & fees), but includes a wealth of benefits that can help justify the cost.

Why We Like It

Let your next Costco trip take you further—by getting you a few steps closer to your next vacation. While the card isn’t targeted for wholesale shopping, you’ll earn a steady earn rate on all purchases. Plus, the Capital One miles are so versatile and are relatively easy to redeem in a few different ways including simply redeeming points for travel purchases.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles each year. Access to its global Partner Lounge Network and the growing list of swanky Capital One lounges are also included. Authorized user cards are free and those cardholders get access to benefits like lounges.

The annual fee on this card is easily offset with the benefits mentioned above, and it’s lower than fees on similar premium cards it competes with.

What We Don’t Like

The $300 annual travel credit only works when booking through the Capital One Travel portal, which is somewhat limiting especially when it comes to hotel reservations. Since Capital One Travel is considered a third-party booking site, you’ll forfeit many hotel loyalty benefits.

Another drawback is that Capital One travel partners don’t include any domestic airline partners with Capital One.

Who It’s Best For

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card does well with cardholders seeking to maximize earning on purchases at Costco while enjoying premium travel benefits at a much lower annual fee than competitors offer.

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

Rates & Fees

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on CapitalRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good(700 - 749)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) may not include all of the benefits of its big sibling, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees), but it still packs a punch for a card with a moderate annual fee and solid flat-rate rewards everywhere, including Costco.

Why We Like It

The rewards and benefits offered on the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card might seem out of balance with the annual fee—in a good way.

If you like to use rewards for travel, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card stacks up well. Cardholders can get a credit of up to $120 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, and, like the Venture X, you can transfer to any of Capital One’s 15-plus air and hotel partners like British Airways Executive Club and Wyndham Rewards.

What We Don’t Like

The flat-rate earnings structure means that the card doesn’t have bonus categories for everyday expenses such as dining or gas. If you spend a lot in those categories, in addition to Costco, you may be better served by other cards.

Who It’s Best For

Costco members who are looking for a way to transfer their rewards from purchases to travel partners and want the travel protection and benefits that come with this low annual fee credit card will find great value in the Venture card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is extremely low maintenance as far as travel reward cards go. It provides consistent value and flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel and is an excellent alternative for anyone a bit leery of the high Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card annual fee (rates & fees).

1.5% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business

Welcome Bonus

Earn $900 bonus cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49% - 24.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good(700 - 749)

Business owners will want to consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card for its heightened earnings on all purchases, including Costco, and the versatility of Chase Ultimate Rewards® for redemptions. Because many business owners make purchases for their businesses at Costco, having a card like this can be vital to keeping personal and business expenses separate.

Why We Like It

In addition to the respectable flat earning rate, this card also offers 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, then a 18.49% – 24.49% variable APR applies for purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. The welcome bonus is one of the highest available for a no annual fee card, and the spending requirement is relatively reasonable, especially for a business card.

If the rewards from this card are combined with a premium Ultimate Rewards-earning Chase card like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the redemption value and options increase further.

What We Don’t Like

It can be easy at Costco to load up your cart with great deals for both your household and your business. Since this is a business credit card, you should make sure to check your eligibility before applying and keep your business and personal expenses separate.

Who It’s Best For

This is a great choice for business owners who are already invested in the Chase credit card ecosystem. Since this card earns Ultimate Rewards, you can pool your personal Chase cards together for great redemptions.

Easy is the word that best describes the Ink Business Unlimited. With 1.5% cash back on purchases and no bonus categories to worry about, you can spend your time focusing on your small business instead of your credit card. Best of all, if you want to convert your rewards from cash back to travel points, you can combine the rewards earned from this card with one of Chase’s other premium credit cards and get access to Chase’s valuable transfer partners.

Choose your 3% category

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up toRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Score

Excellent/Good(700 - 749)

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students is unique in that it offers a bonus for grocery store and wholesale club spending. Most cards that include a bonus for grocery shopping, specifically exclude wholesale clubs like Costco.

Why We Like It

The card offers substantial time to pay a large balance with a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days, after that a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24% applies. There’s a 3% balance transfer fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4%. That extra time makes it a great card if you’re shopping Costco for big-ticket items like furniture, technology or home improvement services and installation.

Redemptions are kept simple, with a few distinct options. Rewards can be used to contribute to a 529 account with Merrill. You can redeem for statement credits or automatic deposits can be set up starting at a minimum of $25 to a Bank of America checking or savings account or a qualifying Cash Management Account® with Merrill.

If you loyally bank with Bank of America, Preferred Members can earn 25% to 75% bonus rewards depending on the funds deposited into your BofA and Merrill accounts.

What We Don’t Like

While the bonus rewards for specific categories are valuable, take note that there is a cap on the first $2,500 in spending each quarter.

Who It’s Best For

This card is best for Bank of America customers who can get extra rewards due to their Preferred member status.

This card offers valuable cash-back rewards to responsible students with good to excellent credit. The savviest cardholders will pay close attention to their top spending category to maximize their quarterly 3% cash back option.

Up to 6.5X Reward Rate

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, after that 5% cash backRead More

Welcome Bonus

Up to $300 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good(700 - 749)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has no annual fees to worry about and earns a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. Yes, that includes your Costco purchases—whether in-store or online.

Why We Like It

While the Freedom Unlimited is advertised as a cash-back card, it actually earns Ultimate Rewards®. You can redeem those rewards for statement credits, gift cards, travel and more. But the Chase Freedom Unlimited® becomes even more worthwhile as a companion card if you already have an eligible premium Ultimate Rewards-earning card that allows transfers to travel partners.

The card comes with a long intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers: 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies.

If you’re an avid traveler, you can rest assured your trips are protected when you pay for your bookings with the Freedom Unlimited. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, and a secondary auto rental collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like

If you’re dead set on earning cash back, there are other cards on this list that offer higher earning percentages. The only way to maximize your Freedom Unlimited rewards is to transfer them to other loyalty programs. But to do so you’ll need a premium card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Who It’s Best For

The Freedom Unlimited is perfect for those who are committed to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem and want to earn an elevated rate on purchases that don’t fall within the bonus categories of other Chase-branded cards.

The secret advantage of the Chase Freedom Unlimited is that it earns rewards that can be moved to other Chase credit cards instead of being redeemed for cash back. That means when you pair it with one of Chase’s cards that can transfer points to the bank’s airline and hotel partners, you’re effectively earning rewards that are even more valuable than advertised.

Rates & Fees

Unlimited 2% Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Welcome Bonus

$200 Cash Rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Excellent, Good(700 - 749)

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card combines an elevated base rewards rate with a generous intro APR, making it a compelling option for Costco shoppers. Add to that an easy-to-earn welcome bonus with no annual fee, and the card makes even more sense.

Why We Like It

The flat rate on this card means you earn the same rewards whether you’re shopping at Costco, paying your insurance premium or booking travel. The unlimited rewards on this card makes it stand out compared to others that tend to cap points or cash back. If you plan to make a large, expensive purchase and need time to pay it off, you’ll have some breathing room with the 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% (min. $5) then a fee of up to 5% (min. $5) applies.

Cardholders can get up to $600 in cellphone protection when paying their monthly bill with the card (subject to a $25 deductible), something uncommon on cards with no annual fee (terms apply).

What We Don’t Like

Since the rewards are issued as cash rewards, you don’t have the opportunity to maximize your rewards for travel or any other redemptions to obtain more value.

Who It’s Best For

The card tends to serve cardholders best if they’re not interested in complicated points structures or travel rewards and are fine earning a little extra jingle in their pocket every month.

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 3X points forRead More

Welcome Bonus

50,000 points

Annual Fee

$400

Regular APR

22.24% - 29.24% variable

Credit Score

Excellent(750 - 850)

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* has an exceptional earning rate for mobile wallet spending. Those comfortable with using a mobile wallet and putting in a bit of legwork on the redemption side could see value from this card.

Why We Like It

Even with a high annual fee, this card looks like an easy winner offering 3 points per dollar on all mobile wallet spending—including Costco. Other benefits include a $325 travel credit annually and eight free Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year.

If you’re comfortable with mobile wallet payments, this card provides outsized value at Costco. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are all accepted in-store and Apple Pay is also accepted online and at Costco gas stations. If you value cash back over travel rewards, the card allows you to redeem rewards as a statement credit or earnings can go directly into an eligible U.S. Bank account.

On the other hand, you can book travel with a 50% bonus through the Altitude Rewards Center. Redemption options include airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruises and other select activities.

What We Don’t Like

One limitation on the redemption side is the absence of any transfer partners for travel, which can take away some value to you if you’re interested in travel rewards.

Who It’s Best For

This card works well for tech adopters who are familiar with and don’t mind using mobile wallets while out and about to maximize earning rewards with the card.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* is unique because it earns 3X on all mobile wallet spending, which no other ultra-premium cards offer, and has a low net annual fee after taking the $325 travel/dining credit into account. Given the net annual fee after the credit, the fact that the card lacks lounge access—even Priority Pass—is not that big of a deal. The question is, do you spend enough on mobile purchases to add a card specifically for that?

Rates & Fees

Up to 2% Reward Rate

First, you earn 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Then, as you pay for those purchases, youRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good, Fair

Costco only accepts Visa in person, but if you shop online at Costco.com, the Citi Double Cash® Card can help earn points quickly with an attractive flat earn rate.

Why We Like It

There is no cap on the amount of cash you can earn on this card as long as you pay at least the minimum due on time each month. With no bonus categories to track, the Citi Double Cash® Card acts as a “set it and forget it” card.

Redemptions on this card are pretty standard, but if you don’t hold an eligible Citi travel card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, the Citi Double Cash® Card’s points can only transfer to three of Citi’s more than 15 partners. Those transfer partners are JetBlue Airways True Blue, Choice Privileges Rewards and Wyndham Rewards.

This card only gives you half of the rewards up front and half when you pay. While you may have to wait to get your full rewards, it will definitely encourage you to stay on top of your payments.

What We Don’t Like

Since this card is a Mastercard, you won’t be able to use it when shopping at Costco physical stores or at Costco gas stations. For most people, that’s enough to rule this out as your go-to Costco card.

Who It’s Best For

Costco shoppers who default to Costco.com to avoid the parking lot will love the Citi Double Cash card for its easy rewards.

Not everyone wants to chase bonus categories or shuffle cards in their wallet, which makes the Citi Double Cash the perfect “set it and forget it” credit card. It’s one of the only cards around that not only earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off, but also offers a path to using that cash back in the form of more valuable travel points down the road when you’re ready to take the next step.

Up to 4% Reward Rate

Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 spent annually, 1% thereafter; 3%Read More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% variable APR

Credit Score

Excellent(750 - 850)

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi* is one of the strongest earning cards for gas and EV charging purchases, even outside of Costco. You’ll also earn a nice flat rate on all in-store Costco and online Costco.com purchases.

Why We Like It

Don’t forget that Costco sells gas (often at a tremendous savings), so plan to fill up your tank there to max out the bonus rate on eligible gas spending.

If you are a Costco Executive member, there is an opportunity for even more rewards. Enroll as an Executive-level member of Costco, and you can earn another 2% back up to a maximum of $1,000 in rewards each membership anniversary year (not calendar year). These earnings are in addition to the 2% earned just for using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi*. Costco Executive Membership costs $120 per year.

For business owners, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi* is almost identical and can help keep expenses separate.

What We Don’t Like

One downside is that the rewards are issued only once a year and come in the form of a certificate that can be redeemed for Costco purchases, or you can redeem for cash in a Costco warehouse. You’ll also need to have a membership with Costco to be eligible for this card. That means if you ever cancel your Costco membership, you’ll be forgoing the card along with it.

Who It’s Best For

This card is best for long-term Costco shoppers who expect to continue their memberships into the future. You’ll love it if you spend a significant amount at the wholesale club, especially on gas.