For millions of Costco members, the warehouse's gas station is a primary destination for one of the most significant and recurring household expenses: fuel.
The consistently low prices are a major perk of membership, but for the truly savvy consumer, the savings don't stop at the pump price. The key to unlocking an even deeper level of savings lies in using the right payment method: the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.
This co-branded credit card is specifically designed to reward Costco members for their spending, and its gas rewards category is one of the most powerful on the market. However, understanding its unique reward structure, benefits, and potential drawbacks is crucial to determining if it's the right financial tool for you.
This guide provides a complete analysis of the Costco gas credit card. We will explore how to apply for and use the card, detail its full range of benefits, provide practical strategies to maximize your rewards, and offer a comprehensive comparison to help you decide if it's a worthy addition to your wallet.
The official name of the card is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. It is a co-branded credit card, meaning it is a partnership between Costco and a financial institution (Citibank). It functions as a standard Visa credit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, but it offers enhanced rewards for spending at Costco and in specific everyday categories.
How to Apply for the Card and Eligibility Requirements:
Membership is a Prerequisite: The most important requirement is that you must have an active Costco membership to apply for and maintain the card. Your credit card effectively doubles as your membership card.
Application Process: You can apply for the card either online through the Citi or Costco websites, or in person at any Costco warehouse. The application process is similar to any other credit card, requiring your personal and financial information.
Eligibility: Like most premium rewards cards, this card generally requires a good to excellent credit score for a high likelihood of approval.
How to Use the Card to Earn Rewards at Gas Stations:
Using the card is simple. You use it to pay for your fuel purchase just as you would any other credit card. The rewards are earned automatically on eligible gas purchases. The card's rewards structure is tiered, and its gas category is a standout feature. A typical offer for this card is a very competitive 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases worldwide. This high, permanent rate is what makes it a top contender in the gas credit card space.
While the fuel rewards are a primary draw, the card's value is significantly enhanced by its other bonus categories. A common rewards structure includes:
Restaurants and Travel: A high cashback rate, such as 3% back, on purchases at restaurants and on eligible travel expenses, including airfare and hotels.
Costco and Costco.com: A solid cashback rate, often 2% back, on all purchases made inside Costco warehouses and on Costco.com.
All Other Purchases: A standard 1% cash back on all other purchases made anywhere Visa is accepted.
This multi-layered rewards structure makes it a strong "all-in-one" card for many Costco members, allowing them to earn accelerated rewards on several major spending categories with a single card.
Simply having the card is not enough. A strategic approach will ensure you are getting the most value out of its rewards program.
Make it Your Dedicated Gas Card: The high cashback rate on fuel is one of the best available. To maximize this benefit, make it your default payment method for every single fill-up, whether you are at a Costco gas station or any other brand. The rewards are not limited to just Costco.
Combine with Costco's Low Prices: The most powerful strategy is to consistently buy your gas at a Costco station and pay with the Costco credit card. You are effectively "stacking" two benefits:
You start with Costco's already low base price, which is often significantly cheaper than surrounding stations.
You then earn a high percentage of cash back on that already low price.
Understanding the Points and Rewards System:
Annual Redemption: This is a unique and critical feature to understand. Unlike most credit cards that allow you to redeem rewards monthly, the cash back earned on the Costco card is issued only once per year, in the form of an annual credit certificate that comes with your February billing statement.
How to Redeem: This certificate must be physically taken to a Costco warehouse to be redeemed for cash or merchandise. You cannot redeem it for a statement credit directly through the credit card issuer. This structure is designed to drive traffic back into the warehouse.
Advantages of the Costco Gas Credit Card:
Top-Tier Gas Rewards Rate: The high, permanent cashback rate on gas is one of the best on the market, especially for a card with no annual fee (with your paid Costco membership).
Broad Application: The bonus rewards on gas apply worldwide, not just at Costco, making it a flexible travel companion.
Strong Bonus Categories: Excellent rewards on dining and travel make it a well-rounded card for everyday spending.
No Annual Fee (with Membership): There is no separate annual fee for the credit card itself, though you must maintain your annual Costco membership.
Disadvantages and Considerations:
Costco Membership Requirement: This is a non-starter if you are not a Costco member. The card is intrinsically linked to the warehouse club.
Once-a-Year Redemption: The annual reward certificate is a significant drawback for users who prefer the flexibility of redeeming their cash back on a monthly basis to offset their bill.
In-Person Redemption: You must physically go to a Costco store to get your reward, which can be inconvenient for those who do not shop there regularly.
No Introductory APR Offers: The card does not typically come with 0% intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers, which are common on other rewards cards. It is designed for users who will pay their balance in full each month.
How It Compares to Other Similar Cards:
vs. Rotating Category Cards (e.g., Chase Freedom): A card like the Chase Freedom might offer a higher rate (e.g., 5%) on gas, but only for one three-month quarter per year and with a spending cap. The Costco card offers its high rate year-round with a higher annual cap.
vs. Other Flat-Rate Gas Cards (e.g., Amex Blue Cash): Other premium cards might offer a solid rate on gas (e.g., 3%), but they often come with their own annual fee, which you would have to pay in addition to your Costco membership.
vs. Co-Branded Gas Station Cards (e.g., Shell Card): A Shell card might offer an instant cents-per-gallon discount, but it locks you into a single brand. The Costco card gives you the freedom to buy gas at any station and still earn a high reward.
For the dedicated Costco member who is also a frequent driver, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is an incredibly compelling financial tool. Its combination of a market-leading, permanent cashback rate on fuel and strong rewards on other everyday categories makes it one of the best all-around credit cards available for warehouse club shoppers. However, the decision of whether it's "worth it" hinges on your acceptance of its unique, once-a-year, in-person redemption structure. If that system works for you, this card is a powerful way to reduce your annual fuel costs significantly.
