Costco, the popular wholesale club, caters to smart shoppers looking for bargains on bulk items. However, optimizing your savings strategy involves selecting the ideal credit card, especially when considering your financial budget. While Costco provides its co-branded credit card, there are several alternative options that can provide substantial rewards beyond the confines of the warehouse. Here are the leading credit cards to contemplate for your Costco shopping spree, aligning with your financial budget goals.
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Annual Fee: $0 (Costco membership required).
- Sign-up Bonus: None.
- Rewards:
- 4% on gas and EV charging.
- 3% on restaurants and most travel purchases.
- 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Why We Like It for Costco:
While the best rewards aren’t directly for Costco purchases, the card’s overall benefits, especially 4% cash back on gas, make it appealing. Just bear in mind that rewards are distributed annually as a certificate.
- Active Cash® Card by Wells Fargo
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Sign-up Bonus: $200 cash bonus on spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards: Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Why We Like It for Costco:
With a generous sign-up bonus and a flat 2% cash back rewards on all purchases, including those at Costco, this card offers simplicity and competitive rewards.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles bonus once on spending $4,000 on purchases within 3 months.
- Rewards: Unlimited 2 miles per every dollar spent on purchases. And another 5 miles per every dollar spent on booking hotels or car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
Why We Like It for Costco:
For travel enthusiasts, this card lets you use your 2X rewards rate for Costco shopping toward travel expenses, providing flexibility and value.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Sign-up Bonus: 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Rewards:
- 5% on traveling through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 3% back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% back on drugstore purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on everything else.
Why We Like It for Costco:
While earning 1.5X rewards at Costco, combining this card with other Chase cards can potentially enhance the value of your points.
- Customized Cash Rewards credit card by Bank of America®
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Sign-up Bonus: $200 online bonus after at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
- Rewards:
- 3% reward on a category of your choice (select options).
- 2% reward on grocery and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 spending per quarter.
- 1% back on all other purchases.
Why We Like It for Costco:
Automatic 2% back on spending at wholesale clubs, including Costco, makes this card a solid choice. Plus, you get to choose your 3% rewards category.
- Reserve Visa Infinite® Card by U.S. Bank Altitude™
- Annual Fee: $400.
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn an enrollment bonus of 50,000 points worth $750 on travel by spending $4,500 in the first 90 days.
- Rewards:
- 5 points per $1 spent on prepaying for hotels and car rentals using the Altitude Rewards Center.
- 3 points on every dollar spent on eligible travel and mobile wallet spending.
- 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Why We Like It for Costco:
Triple rewards when paying through mobile wallets make this card an excellent choice for Costco, which accepts Visa via mobile pay.
Conclusion: Optimize Your Costco Savings with the Right Credit Card
Choosing the best credit card for your Costco shopping involves considering your spending habits and rewards preferences. Whether you prioritize cash back, travel rewards, or simplicity, these top picks cater to various preferences. Make every trip to Costco count by earning valuable rewards on your purchases.