The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi isn’t just a retail card—it’s a full-fledged cashback powerhouse that offers 4% back on gas, 3% on travel and dining, and 2% at Costco. It’s one of the rare cards that combines no annual card fee (with membership) with broad everyday category rewards, making it a top choice for Costco members and families who want to maximize every dollar spent.

However, applying and getting approved isn’t as straightforward as some may think. In this detailed guide, we break down additional card benefits not widely covered, outline exact pre-requisites, and share insider tips to help you increase your approval odds.

Let’s unlock the full value of this high-performing card and help you apply with confidence.

Additional Costco Anywhere Visa® Benefits You Might Not Know

1. Built-In Travel & Purchase Protections

Most users focus on the cashback, but this card also offers important protection benefits rarely promoted:

• Worldwide car rental insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Purchase protection against theft or damage (90-day coverage)
• Extended warranty protection for eligible items

These benefits add significant hidden value, especially for travelers or frequent big-box shoppers.

2. No Foreign Transaction Fees

Unlike many store cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa charges 0% foreign transaction fees. This makes it ideal for international travel or online purchases from global retailers, while still earning rewards.

3. Digital Integration with Costco & Citi Mobile Apps

Users can track purchases, rewards, and statements easily via both the Citi Mobile® app and the Costco app, allowing streamlined management of rewards and card usage.

Pre-Requisites for Applying: What You Really Need to Qualify

Citi doesn’t publicly list its approval criteria, but data from approved applicants and internal insights reveal the following:

✅ Credit Score

A minimum FICO score of 700+ is strongly recommended. Most successful applicants fall within the Good to Excellent range (720–800).

✅ Active Costco Membership

You must be a current Costco member to apply. This includes both Gold Star and Executive Memberships.

✅ Stable Income

Although there’s no published minimum, $40,000+ annual income appears to be a baseline. Higher income improves approval chances and credit limits.

✅ U.S. Residency & SSN

You must have a U.S. address and a valid Social Security Number to qualify.

✅ Low Credit Utilization

Applicants with credit utilization under 30% and no recent delinquencies are more likely to be approved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Do I need to apply in-store at Costco?

No. You can apply online through Citi’s website, in-store at Costco, or by phone.

❓ Will applying hurt my credit score?

Yes, applying triggers a hard credit inquiry, which may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score.

❓ Can I use the card immediately after approval?

If approved in-store, you may be issued a temporary shopping pass. Online approvals typically require waiting for the physical card.

❓ Do Executive Members earn more?

Yes. Executive Members get 2% back annually from Costco, which stacks with the 2% card cashback, offering up to 4% total on Costco purchases.

❓ What’s the APR?

As of 2025, the variable APR ranges between 20.49%–29.49%, depending on creditworthiness. There is no 0% intro APR currently.

How to Apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

Use free tools from Experian, Credit Karma, or your bank to verify your score is at least 700. This helps predict your approval odds.

Step 2: Activate or Renew Your Costco Membership

If you’re not an active member, sign up on Costco.com or in-store. Keep your member ID handy.

Step 3: Gather Key Information

Prepare income details, employer info, housing cost, Social Security number, and your Costco membership number.

Step 4: Choose Your Application Method

You can apply:

• Online at Citi.com
• In-store at any Costco location
• Over the phone with Citi customer service

Step 5: Submit and Await Decision

Some applicants get instant approval, while others may be reviewed manually. Processing may take up to 7–10 business days.

Step 6: Receive and Activate Your Card

Once approved, your card will arrive by mail. Use the Citi Mobile App to activate and manage your account.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval

✅ Apply After Reducing Your Utilization Ratio

Pay off balances to keep your credit utilization under 30%—a key metric used by Citi when evaluating risk.

✅ Avoid Recent Credit Inquiries

Too many recent applications can reduce trustworthiness. Wait at least 3–6 months after your last hard inquiry before applying.

✅ Increase Your Internal Score with Citi

If you already bank with Citi, your internal banking relationship can improve chances. Consider opening a Citi checking or savings account before applying.

✅ Don’t Apply During Major Life Changes

If you’ve recently changed jobs or moved, wait until your financial situation stabilizes for higher approval odds.

✅ Apply Midweek for Faster Processing

While not widely known, internal Citi reps have noted midweek (Tues–Thurs) applications often receive quicker responses and higher success rates due to lower volume.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is a high-performance financial tool that rewards you for spending on the essentials—fuel, food, and Costco purchases. With its rare combination of high cashback, zero foreign transaction fees, and embedded protection benefits, this card stands out in a crowded rewards market.

By understanding the eligibility requirements and applying strategically, you’ll be in the best position to secure approval and start earning big on your everyday spending.