Does Costco Take Mastercard? & How Do You Use?
Mastercard is one of the most popular credit card companies. It is also an accepted payment option at most retailers. However, many stores still do not accept this payment method.
And that brings us to one of the most popular retail chains, Costco. It accepts several payment methods, including cards. But does Costco take Mastercard? Let’s uncover the mystery!
Does Costco Take Mastercard in 2023?

Unfortunately, Costco only takes Mastercard for online purchases on its website and mobile application. We tried several locations, but this payment option never worked.
Yes, knowing that Costco does not accept Mastercards can be a bummer. It is a popular payment method that various retailers accept.
However, you will have no luck using it at a Costco warehouse. That does not mean Costco rejects Mastercard completely.
You can still use it when shopping online on the Costco website and its mobile application.
On the other hand, you can shop at Amazon via Mastercard, and you can also use Mastercard at Walmart.
Why is Mastercard Not Accepted at Costco?
Costco does not accept Mastercard because the store has an exclusive contract with Mastercard’s direct competitor, Visa.
Note that Visa and Mastercard are the 2 biggest credit card companies. Their rivalry has always been visible at retailers. Costco is under an exclusive contract with Visa.
That means it can only accept Visa credit cards for in-store shopping. Now, that also means you can not use other card payments, including Discover, Mastercard, and American Express.
How Do You Use Mastercard at Costco?
There are several ways to use Mastercard at Costco. You can opt for it for online shopping or use it to buy a Costco Cash Card, which is a very underrated method.
The first way is simple. You can use Mastercard at the Costco website or app by selecting it during the checkout screen. Confirm payment, and you are all set.
But what’s the second way? Well, here’s how to use Mastercard at Costco for in-store shopping:
- Go to the Costco website or mobile application.
- Purchase a Costco Cash Card using your Mastercard.
- Now, use the Costco Cash Card to pay for your future purchases in-store.
It is important to note that the Costco Cash Card works for both online and in-store shopping. Hence, it is a good idea to get your hands on this payment method.
How to Use Mastercard for Costco Online?
You can use Mastercard for Costco online by selecting it as your choice of payment method at the checkout.
Follow the steps below:
- Open the Costco website or mobile application.
- Shop for items as usual.
- Go to the checkout page.
- Select Mastercard as the payment method.
- Enter the required information.
- Confirm payment.
You can easily make your payment via Mastercard on Costco online. All you need is to follow the instructions on the screen.

Does Costco Take Mastercard for Gas?
No, Costco does not take Mastercard at its gas stations as of 2023. We went to several locations to see if works and the results were unsuccessful.
It only accepts Visa credit cards. That’s mainly due to its exclusive partnership with the company.
Does Costco Take Mastercard for Instacart?
Yes, you can use Mastercard for shopping online from Costco Instacart.
Instacart is a very convenient online grocery shopping app. Luckily, it also accepts various payment methods, including Mastercard.
You can use almost all the major cards when shopping from Costco Instacart. And the method is quite simple. Here’s how it works:
- Shop for the items you want.
- Head to the checkout page.
- Select Mastercard as your payment method.
- Enter the required information, such as a PIN.
- Verify by entering the code, and your payment will be made.
Does Costco Food Court Take Mastercard?
Unfortunately, Costco food courts do not take Mastercard as they also follow the exclusive contract of Visa.
Costco courts are also part of the chain’s warehouses. They do take card payments, but only Visa.
We tested this in several food courts throughout the country. Unfortunately, the only place to use Mastercard is at Costco online.
Is Using Mastercard at Costco Safe?
Yes, Mastercard is a secure credit card that offers complete protection on any purchases made at Costco.
Mastercard is one of the biggest credit card companies in the world. Hence, there are no safety issues to be concerned about.
They ensure complete protection from fraud when shopping online or in-store. So, you can shop for your favorite items at Costco without any hesitation.
What Are the Benefits of Using Mastercard at Costco?
The benefits of using Mastercard at Costco are its top-notch security, convenience, and ease of use.
Mastercard has various benefits for shopping at Costco. It also offers a cashback reward program as well. Additionally, you get the benefit of shopping online from the comfort of your home.
Not only does Mastercard work on the Costco website and app, but it can also be used on Instacart. Combine that with its robust security, and you have one of the most convenient payment methods.
Can You Earn Cashback With Mastercard for Costco Purchases?
Yes, you can earn cashback rewards with Mastercard when shopping online at Costco. We achieved 1% and 2% cash back on purchases.
Note that some cashback rewards are only eligible in specific regions. For instance, Costco offers 2% and 3% cash back at gas stations and online, but only in Canada.
You can opt for the 1% reward for online purchases from the Costco website and application. It is eligible for the US.
Check out the following blogs to learn more about Costco payment options:
Conclusion
And that’s all there is to know about Costco and Mastercard. While it is not an accepted payment method in-store, you can still use it for online purchases.
It works flawlessly and comes with several benefits, like cash back. Another thing to consider is that Mastercard works at Costco Instacart as well.
That means you can shop for groceries and your favorite products from the comfort of your home.
All you need is to open the application, purchase the things you need, and select Mastercard at the checkout. Yes, it’s that simple!

I'm Annie Rondeau, a writer and content creator for QueryBoomer, where I specialize in providing insightful reviews about brands, stores, products, and retailers. Whether you're searching for information on the latest trends, products, or companies, my articles are the go-to resource for accurate and reliable information. I hope you find my content helpful in your quest for information about brands and products.