Apple Pay works at every retailer that accepts a contactless payment method. You might also wonder, “Does Costco take Apple Pay as a payment option?” Over 85% of U.S. retailers, from retail giants like Costco to gas stations, now accept Apple Pay.
Mobile payment methods like Apple Pay have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and security features. In this article, we will explore whether Costco takes this digital payment method at all locations across the U.S.
We will show you all you need to know regarding the use of Apple Pay at Costco locations.
Let’s begin!
Does Costco Take Apple Pay?
Does Costco take Apple Pay? Out of all the Apple Pay-related questions, this is the most frequent question that Costco avid shoppers want to know about. So, the answer is yes. If you are thinking about switching to the Apple Pay payment method at Costco, understand that almost all Costco locations accept it.
But you can only use Apple Pay at Costco locations if they have a contactless NFC (near-field communication) reader. Some locations may not have upgraded their technology. But the chances are meager.
So, ensure this by looking for the contactless payment symbol at your preferred location. You can also confirm directly by checking with your local Costco store or visiting their official website.
See Also: Does Costco Take EBT Cards?
Can You Use Apple Pay Without a Visa Card at Costco?
You cannot use Apple Pay with a different type of card in your mobile digital wallet except a Visa card. Costco’s primary in-store payment method is Visa due to a significant contract. While they accept mobile wallets like Apple Pay, only Visa cards will work for in-store purchases.
See Also: Costco Return Policy
How to Pay for Purchases Using Apple Pay at Costco?
It’s pretty simple. You only have to be an iPhone user. You can also use an iPad or your Apple Watch to pay for your Apple Pay purchase. Also, keep your Apple device handy with sufficient battery for a seamless checkout experience.
Follow these steps to know how Apple Pay works at Costco:
- First, inform the cashier that you want to use Apple Pay as a payment option for your purchases.
- Second, you need to link your Visa card to the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Once your default Visa card is activated, hold your Apple device near the NFC reader.
- The prompt will ask for authentication of payment, do it with Touch ID, Face ID, or by entering the passcode.
- A tick will appear on your Apple device screen, signifying the successful payment.
- Remove your device and complete the checkout process.
What Payment Methods Does Costco Accept Besides Apple Pay?
If you are not an IOS user, don’t worry. Alternative mobile payment options are available for Android users, like Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Samsung Pay is only for Samsung users. Also, Costco takes various payment methods, including online, through the app, and at Costco gas stations. Let’s have a look into this.
| Payment Methods | U.S. Costco Physical Stores | Costco.com (Official Website) | U.S. Costco Gas Stations |
| All Visa Credit Cards | Accept | Accept | Accept |
| PIN-Based Debit/ATM Cards | Accept | Accept | Accept |
| The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi | Not Accepted | Accept | Accept |
| Costco Shop Cards | Accept | Accept | Accept |
| Cash | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Personal Checks from Current Costco Members | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Business Check from Current Costco Business Members | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Traveler’s Check | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| EBT Cards | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) | Accept | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| American Express | Not Accepted | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Discover | Not Accepted | Accept | Not Accepted |
| MasterCard | Not Accepted | Accept | Not Accepted |
Does Costco Gas Station Take Apple Pay?
If you want to know “Does Costco Gas Take Apple Pay”, this section is for you. Costco accepts Apple Pay at gas station pumps as long as they have NFC readers at checkouts. With this contactless NFC reader, digital wallets work at checkouts.
Thus, ensure it by looking for a contactless symbol or getting help from a Costco gas station attendant.
Another thing to remember while filling up your tank at a Costco gas station pump is that you can only pay using Apple Pay once you have a physical Costco membership card.
So, keep your physical Costco membership card with you to save your gas expenses at Costco gas station.
There are three ways to use Costco gas tap pay at the pump. These include:
- Tap to pay with a “Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi”
- Insert a “Costco membership card” + tap to pay with a “physical contactless card”
- Insert “Costco membership card” + tap to pay with “mobile wallet” (Apple Pay)
Does Costco Take Apple Pay at Gas Station Without a Physical Costco Membership Card?
It’s necessary to have a physical Costco membership card if you want to use Apple Pay at Costco Gas. This is because Costco operates on a membership-based model. It means that you need a valid Costco membership to shop at Costco stores, including gas stations.
When you use Apple Pay at a Costco Gas Station, the system needs to verify that you are a Costco member. To validate this, you will have to swipe or scan your physical Costco membership card at the gas pump.
Electronic or digital membership cards, including Apple Pay, are not always supported in this specific context. That’s why a physical membership card is required to complete the checkout process at Costco gas station when using Apple Pay.
Does Costco Take Apple Pay at Food Courts and Pharmacies?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay at Costco food courts and pharmacies. Besides this, you can also use mobile payment methods like Apple Pay at Costco optical centers and auto centers.
Remember that if you opt for home delivery orders, you cannot pay using Apple Pay. You will need to use any of the following cards for payment:
- Visa credit card
- Pin-based debit card
- Discover
- MasterCard
- Costco shop card
- The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Does Apple Pay Work at Costco Website?
You cannot use the Apple Pay mobile payment method at Costco.com. Mobile wallet options only work in the physical Costco stores. Even if you are an Android user, you cannot use Google Pay or Samsung Pay while shopping from Costco’s official website.
See Also: Everything You Need to Know About Walmart Online Grocery
Why Using Apple Pay at Costco Safer Than Cards and Cash Payment Method?
Using Apple Pay at Costco is a safe and secure option for in-store purchases. The reason is that a digital wallet or mobile payment service has several robust security features that make it a safe and reliable transaction choice.
When you add your Visa credit card to Apple Pay through the Wallet app, it neither saves your sensitive card information nor shares it with the merchant. Thus reduces the risk of data breaches.
Aside from that, biometric authentication like Touch ID or Face ID, high-level security features of Apple devices, and the confirmation message you receive after every Apple Pay transaction are sufficient to add an extra layer of security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Android users use Apple Pay at Costco?
Android users cannot use the Apple Pay payment method. Instead, they can use Google Pay and Samsung Pay, which work similarly to Apple Pay.
How to use Apple Pay at Costco safely?
To use Apple Pay safely at Costco, make sure to use a unique and strong passcode if you are not opting for Face ID or Touch ID. Moreover, enable two-factor authentication for your Apple ID for added security.
Does Costco take Apple Pay for Instacart?
Yes, Costco accepts Apple Pay for Instacart, but this availability can vary from location to location.
How to use Apple Pay as a payment method at Instacart?
To use Apple Pay for Instacart, log in to your Instacart account and select the nearest Costco location. Then select items, choose Apple Pay at checkout, verify, and enjoy a seamless payment experience with Touch or Face ID. Your order will be delivered to your specified address.
The Bottom Line
So, “Does Costco take Apple Pay?” Costco accepts Apple Pay at many locations, including gas stations, food courts, pharmacies, optical centers, and auto centers through contactless NFC readers.
However, it’s essential to note that Costco exclusively allows Visa credit cards for in-store Apple Pay transactions. This requirement does not apply when shopping online or via the Costco mobile app, but you can use Discover and MasterCard for online shopping.
Costco also provides a range of payment methods, including EBT cards, PIN-based debit/ATM cards, and their proprietary Costco Shop Cards. Android users can use Google Pay and Samsung Pay to get similar benefits as Apple Pay.
So, if you’re an IOS enthusiast, you can enjoy Apple Pay convenience at Costco’s physical locations. However, ensure you link a Visa card to your account because Costco only accepts Visa credit cards. Happy shopping!