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Does Apple Pay Work at Costco? The Definitive Answer and Comprehensive Guide

The burning question: Does Apple Pay work at Costco? The answer is a resounding YES, but with a crucial caveat. While Costco doesn’t directly accept Apple Pay at the register, you can use Apple Pay via your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. Think of it as a workaround, a clever solution to access the convenience of tap-to-pay while still adhering to Costco’s payment ecosystem. This means you must first have the Costco Anywhere Visa Card added to your Apple Wallet. Then, you can enjoy the benefits of Apple Pay for your Costco purchases. Let’s dive into the details and address all your burning questions.

Understanding Costco’s Payment Policy

Costco has always had a unique approach to payments. Historically, they’ve prioritized keeping costs down by negotiating lower transaction fees with specific payment partners. This is why for a long time, they exclusively accepted American Express cards. Today, that policy has evolved, offering more flexibility, but still maintaining some limitations.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card: Your Key to Apple Pay

The key to using Apple Pay at Costco lies in the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. This card is your golden ticket. Add it to your Apple Wallet, and you can use Apple Pay at the register as if it were a regular Visa card.

Why Doesn’t Costco Accept Apple Pay Directly?

This is a question that often pops up. It boils down to transaction fees. While Apple Pay is incredibly convenient, it still incurs transaction fees for merchants. By channeling payments through their co-branded Visa card, Costco likely secures a more favorable rate, which allows them to keep prices competitive for their members. It’s all about optimizing the bottom line!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple Pay and Costco

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of Apple Pay at Costco:

1. Can I use Apple Pay for online purchases at Costco.com?

Yes! Costco.com typically accepts Apple Pay as a payment option during the checkout process. This offers a convenient way to shop online without needing to manually enter your credit card details. Look for the Apple Pay button at checkout.

2. Does this work at all Costco locations, including gas stations?

Yes, this solution should work at all Costco locations within the U.S., including the Costco gas stations. Just make sure your Costco Anywhere Visa Card is added to Apple Wallet.

3. What if I don’t have the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card?

Unfortunately, if you don’t have the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card, you won’t be able to use Apple Pay at the register. You’ll need to use another accepted payment method, like a physical Visa card, cash, or a Costco Shop Card.

4. Are there any fees associated with using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card with Apple Pay?

No. There are no additional fees for using your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card with Apple Pay. You’ll earn the same rewards as you would if you used the physical card. Make sure to refer to the Cardholder Agreement for potential interest charges when not paying the balance in full.

5. Is it safe to use Apple Pay at Costco?

Absolutely. Apple Pay is designed with security in mind. It uses tokenization, which replaces your actual card number with a unique digital code for each transaction. This means that even if a retailer’s system is compromised, your card information remains secure. Your actual card number isn’t stored on your device or shared with merchants.

6. What rewards do I earn using Apple Pay with my Costco Anywhere Visa® Card?

You’ll earn the same rewards using Apple Pay as you would with the physical card:

4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide (on the first $7,000 per year, then 1%)
3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide
2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
1% cash back on all other purchases

7. How do I add my Costco Anywhere Visa® Card to Apple Wallet?

You can add your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card to Apple Wallet in a few ways:

Through the Wallet app on your iPhone: Open the Wallet app, tap the “+” icon, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Through the Citi Mobile App: Some users report adding the card through the Citi Mobile App is more reliable. Look for a section to manage your cards and add them to digital wallets.

8. What if I have issues adding my card to Apple Wallet?

If you’re having trouble adding your card, try the following:

Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
Verify that your billing address is correct in the Citi Mobile App.
Contact Citi customer service for assistance.

9. Can I use Apple Pay with my Apple Watch at Costco?

Yes! Once your Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is added to Apple Wallet on your iPhone, it will automatically be available on your Apple Watch (if you’ve set it up to mirror your iPhone’s wallet).

10. What other payment methods does Costco accept at the register?

Besides the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card, Costco accepts:

Visa cards (other than the Costco Anywhere Visa)
Cash
Checks (for in-warehouse purchases only)
Costco Shop Cards

11. Can I use Apple Cash at Costco?

No, Apple Cash cannot be used directly at Costco registers. You can only use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card that’s linked in your Apple Pay.

12. Is there a minimum purchase amount to use Apple Pay at Costco?

No, there is no minimum purchase amount to use Apple Pay at Costco, as long as you’re using it via the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card.

The Future of Payments at Costco

While Costco’s current payment policy might seem a bit restrictive, it’s important to remember that they’re constantly evaluating ways to improve the member experience. The landscape of payment technology is ever-evolving. It’s possible that Costco may reconsider its stance on direct Apple Pay acceptance in the future, especially as more consumers embrace contactless payments. For now, using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card through Apple Pay provides a seamless and secure way to enjoy the convenience of tap-to-pay while shopping at Costco.