Costco Anywhere Visa® Card – Earn Cashback on Gas, Travel & More
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a rewards credit card designed exclusively for Costco members. Offering competitive cashback rates on essential spending categories, this card is ideal for individuals who frequently shop at Costco and spend on gas, dining, and travel.
Unlike general rewards credit cards, this card is tailored to Costco members, providing additional value through cashback incentives without an annual fee beyond the Costco membership requirement.
One of its standout features is its high cashback rate on gas purchases, making it an attractive option for those with significant fuel expenses. It also offers generous cashback on dining and travel, as well as on purchases made at Costco.
The cashback earned is provided as an annual reward certificate, which can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses.
While the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers strong rewards, it is important to note that it requires an active Costco membership, and rewards are redeemable only once per year. This card is best suited for individuals who already shop at Costco and want to maximize their everyday spending through a structured cashback program.
Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
4% Cash Back on Gas and EV Charging Stations
Cardholders earn 4% cash back on gas and eligible EV charging purchases worldwide, up to $7,000 per year in spending. After reaching this cap, purchases earn 1% cash back. This makes the card an excellent choice for frequent drivers or individuals with high fuel costs.
3% Cash Back on Restaurants and Travel
The card offers 3% cash back on dining and eligible travel purchases, making it a strong option for individuals who regularly spend on food and travel. This benefit applies to purchases made globally, providing flexibility and additional value for cardholders who dine out frequently or travel often.
2% Cash Back on Costco Purchases
Costco members earn 2% cash back on all purchases made at Costco and Costco.com. Unlike some other store cards that limit rewards to in-store purchases, this benefit extends to online purchases, enhancing the overall value of membership.
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases
For purchases that do not fall into the higher cashback categories, the card provides 1% cash back. While this is a lower rate compared to other spending categories, it ensures that every transaction earns some level of cashback.
Eligibility requirements for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
To apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. A key requirement is an active Costco membership, as the card is exclusively available to Costco members. Additionally, applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score, generally around 700 or higher, to improve approval chances.
Citi also evaluates an applicant’s income level, credit history, and existing debt obligations when determining eligibility. A strong financial profile with a stable income and a low debt-to-income ratio increases the likelihood of approval. The card is available to U.S. residents who meet these financial and membership criteria.
Rewards and programs offered by the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
This card is designed as a cashback rewards card rather than a travel or points-based rewards program. The primary rewards system focuses on earning cashback in different spending categories, with an emphasis on gas, dining, travel, and Costco purchases.
One unique aspect of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is how cashback is redeemed. Instead of offering flexible redemption options such as statement credits or direct deposits, Citi issues an annual reward certificate, which can only be redeemed at Costco warehouses. This means that cardholders receive their accumulated rewards once a year, rather than on a rolling basis. While this structure benefits those who regularly shop at Costco, it may be less convenient for individuals who prefer more frequent access to their rewards.
The card also includes standard Citi benefits such as fraud protection, zero-liability coverage, and access to Citi’s digital banking tools for account management and transaction tracking.
Initial credit limit
The initial credit limit for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi varies based on the applicant’s credit profile. Citi determines the limit based on factors such as credit score, income level, and existing debt obligations.
Applicants with higher credit scores and stable financial histories are more likely to receive a higher credit limit, while those with lower scores may start with a more conservative limit. Over time, responsible card usage and on-time payments may result in credit line increases.
Step-by-Step guide to apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Applying for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a straightforward process that can be completed online.
1. Visit the Official Citi Website: Navigate to the Citi website and locate the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card application page.
2. Confirm Costco Membership Status: Ensure that you have an active Costco membership, as this is a mandatory requirement for application.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Enter your personal details, including full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and financial information such as income and employment status.
4. Review Terms and Conditions: Carefully review the card’s terms, including interest rates, fees, and cashback structure, to understand how the card works.
5. Submit the Application: Once all information is provided, submit the application. Some applicants may receive an instant decision, while others may require additional verification.
6. Receive a Decision and Credit Limit Assignment: If approved, Citi will issue a credit limit based on your financial profile.
7. Receive and Activate the Card: Once the card arrives, follow the activation instructions to begin using it.
Pros and Cons of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Pros
- High cashback rates on gas, dining, and travel
- 2% cashback on Costco purchases, adding value for frequent shoppers
- No annual fee beyond Costco membership cost
- No foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international travel
Cons
- Requires an active Costco membership to apply and maintain the card
- Cashback is only issued once per year in the form of a Costco reward certificate
- Limited flexibility in cashback redemption options
- Higher credit score requirements for approval
How to Activate the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Once received, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi must be activated before use. Citi provides multiple activation methods:
1. Online Activation
- Visit Citi’s official activation page and log in or create an account.
- Enter the card details, including the 16-digit card number and security code.
- Follow the prompts to complete activation.
2. Mobile App Activation
- Download the Citi Mobile® App and log into your account.
- Select the activation option and enter the required details.
3. Phone Activation
- Call the activation number provided with the card and follow the automated instructions.
Once activated, setting up online account access is recommended for managing payments, tracking cashback rewards, and monitoring account security.
Fees and tariffs of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Type of Fee | Details |
Annual fee | $0 (Requires Costco Membership) |
Purchases APR | Variable APR of 20.49% |
Balance Transfer Fee | 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) |
Cash Advance APR | 29.99% variable APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
Late Payment Fee | Up to $41 |
Customer service and support
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders have access to Citi’s customer service for assistance with account management, fraud protection, and cardholder benefits. Support options include:
- 24/7 Customer Service via phone for general inquiries and lost/stolen card reporting.
- Fraud Protection with Citi’s zero-liability policy.
- Mobile and Online Banking for payment management and transaction tracking.
This card is a strong option for Costco members who want to earn cashback on gas, dining, travel, and Costco purchases while avoiding foreign transaction fees. However, the once-a-year rewards redemption structure may not be suitable for all users.
