Citi Costco Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
Skip this card and don't waste a 5/24 spot. While the card offers good points multipliers for Costco shoppers and gas purchasers, the rewards can only be redeemed at Costco. We don't recommend cards that lack a sign-up bonus and have limited redemption options. The goal of the points and miles strategy is to earn free or discounted travel, and numerous other cards would better serve this purpose.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
This card offers some value if you're a frequent Costco shopper who regularly purchases gas at their stations. The Costco Anywhere card provides:
- 5% back on gas purchases at Costco
- 4% back on other eligible gas and EV charging stations (with an annual combined cap of $7,000 for cash back on gas/EV)
- 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco Travel
- 2% back on all other Costco purchases
- 1% back on everything else
While loyal Costco shoppers could earn substantial rewards, the lack of a sign-up bonus and limited redemption options (only at Costco or for cash) make it difficult to justify using a valuable 5/24 position for this card. There is no annual fee, but you must maintain a Costco membership, which starts at $65 per year.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
The exceptions where this card might not be good for you.
- You want to use your miles and points to cash in for free travel, and while yes, you can use this cash back through Costco Travel, there are so many better cards and redemption offers out there
How The Citi Costco Credit Card Fits In The Cash in Cents Ecosystem
If you're a regular Costco shopper who has been collecting points for some time, you've likely experienced trying to use a non-Visa card at checkout for a substantial purchase, only to remember that Costco doesn't accept American Express or Mastercard. This situation can be frustrating when trying to maximize spending for points.
For those who frequently shop and purchase gas at Costco, the Costco Anywhere Business card might be worth considering. It offers identical benefits without occupying one of your 5/24 spots. However, we still believe your funds would be better utilized toward a substantial welcome offer on any number of alternative cards.
Card Information
| Bonus Points | Minimum Spend | Point Value | Annual Value | Annual Fee |
1st Year Value
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0 | 1.0 ¢ | $0 | $0 |
$0
|
Spend Categories
1X points
1¢ Per Dollar Spent
4X points
4¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
3¢ Per Dollar Spent
3X points
3¢ Per Dollar Spent
2X points
2¢ Per Dollar Spent
Card Benefits
You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States.
will cover repairs or a refund if eligible purchases made with your card are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents).
Point Transfer Options
Transfer To Spouse/Partner Yes
Transfer To Friends Yes
Travel Partner Transfers
Outside Point System Cash in Cents
Transfers In From
1:1 71% value retained
1:1 100% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
1:1 63% value retained
1:1 91% value retained
1:1 71% value retained
Citi Costco Application Rules
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi business card within 95 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Citi card within 65 days
You'll be declined if you apply for a second Citi card (business and/or personal) within 8 days
You'll be declined if there are 6 or more hard inquiries on your credit report the past 6 months
Ranking of Cards Offering Cash in Cents
Best for Series
Below is a snapshot of where this card performs best compared to the other cards in our database: