While perusing the Costco aisles is a fun shopping experience, making sure you can purchase your favorite bulk items is just as important. Only certain payment methods are accepted at your favorite wholesaler. If you’re wondering “Does Costco accept Mastercard?” you’re not the only one. Here’s everything you need to know for payment both in-store warehouses and online. 

Related: Does Costco Take Discover?

Can You Pay with any Mastercard at Costco?

In-Store

Depending on if you have a Mastercard debit or credit card will determine how you can pay for your Costco groceries. Mastercard credit cards are not accepted as payment in-store; you can only use Visa credit cards, EBT cards (food stamps), cash, or Apple Pay. Fortunately, you can still use a Mastercard debit card to complete your purchase according to several Costco members. 

Online

When shopping at Costco.com, your options will increase with Mastercard. It doesn’t matter whether you have a credit or debit card through the provider, Costco.com will take both. Some Costco members even use their Mastercard credit card to purchase a Costco Shop Card, allowing them to buy items in-store. This is an option if you’d rather not sign up for the Costco Visa credit card, although you would get extra rewards. 

Check Out: Does Costco Take American Express?

Do Costco Gas Stations Take Mastercard?

does Costco accept Mastercard: Costco gas station

It doesn’t matter whether your Mastercard is debit or credit at the pumps; Costco’s gas stations only accept Visa cards. If you often buy gas at Costco, it may be worth it to get their Visa credit card, as you can receive cash back and other benefits at the pumps. 

Why Won’t Costco Take Mastercard?

Costco exclusively accepts Visa cards in certain situations due to the partnership agreement between the two companies. It allows Visa to be the exclusive card provider for purchases made in Costco warehouses and cuts down on credit card usage costs. However, they still use Mastercard in other ways, as mentioned above. Shopping online at Costco.com is your best bet as a Mastercard customer. 

Read Next: What Should I Do If I Forgot My Costco Card?

Even though Costco does not take Mastercard payments at every level (in-store, online, and gas stations), there are ways to use debit and credit through your Mastercard provider. Costco wants you to enjoy its quality products even if you’re not a Visa cardholder. With these tools and the right set of cards, you’ll never have to worry about paying for your favorite groceries.