Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
If you’re already a Costco member, this co-branded Visa is one of the strongest no-annual-fee cash back cards available — but it comes with a few quirks that surprise new applicants. This Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi review breaks down the rewards, the membership requirement, and the once-a-year payout system before you apply.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 (requires paid Costco membership, from $65/year) |
| Gas at Costco | 5% cash back |
| Other Gas & EV Charging | 4% (up to $7,000/year combined, then 1%) |
| Restaurants & Travel | 3% cash back |
| Costco & Costco.com | 2% cash back |
| All Other Purchases | 1% cash back |
| Welcome Bonus | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
This Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi review found the rewards structure genuinely competitive, but the redemption process is unlike most cash back cards. For official terms, see Citi’s official Costco Anywhere Visa page.
The Catch: Annual Rewards, Not Monthly
Unlike most cash back cards that let you redeem anytime, Costco Anywhere Visa cardholders receive their entire year’s cash back as a single reward certificate mailed with the February billing statement. That certificate is redeemable for cash or merchandise only at a U.S. Costco warehouse — cardholders earning $300 or more can alternatively request a direct deposit. If you don’t visit a physical Costco regularly, this redemption quirk is worth weighing before applying.
There’s also no welcome bonus, which is unusual for a cash back card in this category, and if you ever cancel your Costco membership, the card closes along with it and any unredeemed rewards are forfeited.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fee beyond your Costco membership
- Strong 5%/4% gas and EV charging rewards worldwide
- No foreign transaction fee
- Secondary rental car insurance and purchase protection included
Cons
- Requires a paid Costco membership to apply or keep the card
- Rewards paid out only once a year, not on demand
- No welcome bonus, unlike most competing cash back cards
- Only 2% back on in-store Costco purchases themselves
- Requires excellent credit for approval
Who Should Get This Card
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| You already have a Costco membership | ✅ Strong no-annual-fee option |
| You drive frequently or spend heavily on gas | ✅ 5%/4% gas rewards are excellent |
| You don’t want to wait a year to redeem rewards | ❌ Consider a card with on-demand redemption instead |
| You’re not a Costco member and won’t become one | ❌ The membership fee negates the “no annual fee” appeal |
| You primarily shop at grocery stores, not warehouse clubs | ❌ A dedicated grocery card likely earns more |
If you shop mostly at regular grocery stores rather than Costco, our Best Credit Card for Groceries guide covers stronger options, and our Wells Fargo Active Cash vs Citi Double Cash comparison is worth a look if you’d rather redeem cash back anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership to get this card?
Yes, a paid Costco membership (starting at $65/year) is required both to apply and to keep the card active — canceling your membership closes the card as well.
When do I receive my cash back?
Rewards are issued once a year as a certificate included with your February billing statement, redeemable at a U.S. Costco warehouse, or as a direct deposit if you’ve earned $300 or more.
Does the Costco Anywhere Visa have a welcome bonus?
No, unlike most competing cash back cards, this card does not offer a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
What credit score do I need to qualify?
Applicants typically need excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 720 or higher, according to the issuer’s stated requirements.
Does this card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a reasonable option for cardholders who travel internationally.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card terms, fees, and rewards are subject to change by the issuer; always verify current rates and fees directly with Citi or Costco before applying. We may earn a commission from partner links, which does not affect the objectivity of our reviews.