Does Costco Accept Apple Pay?

Written by in Apple Pay

Yes, Costco USA and Canada accept Apple Pay as a payment method. However, some stores may not accept it since they don’t have the right technology.

In addition, Costco USA has some limitations with Apple Pay. 

Find out below how you can use Apple Pay and the limitations that come with it. 

Costco USA Apple Pay Limitation

As mentioned, some Costco stores in the USA don’t accept Apple Pay because they don’t have a Near Field Card (NFC) reader.

So, if you don’t see any payment terminals at the checkout counter, it’s highly likely that the local store doesn’t support this payment method or is in the process of installing an upgrade. 

does costco accept apple pay

Another limitation that comes with paying with Apple Pay is that Costco only allows you to use Visa cards through Apple Pay.

Unlike Costco Canada which accepts all major credit cards, in the USA, you need to have a Visa credit or debit card as the default payment method in your digital wallet.

Or else the transaction won’t go through. 

How to Use Apple Pay At Costco

Are you planning to use Apple Pay at Costco?

If you haven’t used this digital wallet before, you need to set it up first.

The instructions below include the steps on how you can set up your Apple Pay. If you have an Apple Pay account already, skip steps 1 to 3. 

  1. It’s best to set up your Apple Pay before visiting any Costco store. To do this, open the Wallet app on your iOS device and add your credit or debit card to the mobile wallet. Follow the instructions to continue signing up for the services. 
  2. Upon signing up, you have two ways to add your card on the app. First, you can take a photo of it or second, you manually put the details in the app. If you use different cards, you can add multiple cards in the wallet. You just need to choose a primary card, which will be used whenever you make a payment. Be sure to have at least one Visa card on your Apple Pay to use it at Costco.
  3. Once you’ve set up your Apple Pay, visit the nearest Costco. Just make sure that the local store accepts Apple Pay. 
  4. Shop like you would normally do and, once done, go to the counter and open Apple Pay on your phone. The quickest way to open it is by pressing the lock button twice. Input your passcode or bring your face closer if you are using a Face ID. 
  5. Bring your device near the payment terminal and wait for it to accept your payment. If the payment is approved and processed, you’ll see a green light in the terminal. 
  6. Check your app if you need to answer some questions or prove your identity. If there isn’t, wait for your receipt and transaction is successful. 

Can You Use Apple Pay At Costco Gas Stations?

If you check the Costco Customer Service, Apple Pay isn’t listed as one of its accepted modes of payment at gas stations.

However, some Costco gas stations in the USA accept Apple Pay. 

But before you drive to your nearest Costco gas station, you need to ensure that they have the contactless NFC reader.

You can ask the store before making a purchase. At the same time, you need to have a Visa card on your Apple Pay.

Otherwise, your transaction won’t go through. 

How To Use Apple Pay Work At Costco Gas Stations

If you want to use Apple Pay at Costco Gas stations, follow the steps below: 

  1. Make sure that your Apple Pay has a Visa card on it. 
  2. Ask your local gas station if they accept Apple Pay. Unfortunately, not all gas stations are equipped with the right technology.
  3. If they accept this payment method, let the employee know you’re using Apple Pay and get gas like you would normally do. 
  4. In some cases, they will ask you to come to the cashier where the terminal is located since you need to be in close contact with it. Sometimes, they’ll bring it closer to you. 
  5. Next, press your iPhone’s right-side button twice to launch your digital wallet. 
  6. Enter your passcode or look at the screen to unlock it. 
  7. Finally, bring your device near the terminal and wait till you see a green light or hear a ping. This means that your payment has been processed, and the transaction is successful. 

Apple Pay Alternatives That Costco Accepts

If you don’t have a Visa card on your Apple Pay, your payment will not be accepted at Costco. But don’t worry, here are other payment methods accepted by the store: 

U.S. Costco warehouse locations accept:

  • All Visa Cards including The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
  • Most Debit/ATM Cards
  • Costco Shop Cards
  • Cash
  • Traveler’s checks
  • EBT cards
  • Mobile Payment but with limitations (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
  • Personal checks from current Costco Members
  • Business checks from current Costco Business Members

U.S. Costco Gas Stations:

  • All Visa Cards including The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
  • Most Debit/ATM Cards
  • Costco Shop Cards

Costco.com:

  • All Visa Cards including The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
  • Most Debit/ATM Cards
  • Costco Shop Cards
  • MasterCard
  • Discover Cards (Including JCB and Diners Club)

Other Stores That Accept Apple Pay

Here are some other stores that also accept Apple Pay:

Conclusion

You can use your Apple Pay at Costco. However, you need to understand the limitations that come with it or your transaction may fail.

At the same time, not all Costco warehouses have the technology to accept this digital wallet, so be sure to check before making a purchase or have a backup payment mode ready. 

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