Costco Wholesale is one of the largest membership warehouse chains in the United States. With over 500 locations across the country, Costco offers a wide array of products in bulk, including grocery items, home goods, electronics, and more. A common question that Costco shoppers have is whether Costco accepts Apple Pay.
What is Apple Pay and How Does it Work?
Apple Pay is a mobile wallet service developed by Apple that allows users to make contactless payments in stores, in apps, and on supported websites. With Apple Pay, you can use your compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac to pay quickly and securely.
To use Apple Pay, you simply hold your device near a contactless payment terminal with your finger on the Touch ID or double click the side button on devices with Face ID. Your default card will then be used to complete the payment through a secure cryptogram.
Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology so is only compatible with contactless payment systems. It does not work with traditional swipe payment terminals.
Can You Use Apple Pay at Costco?
Yes, Costco accepts Apple Pay at its warehouses and gas stations nationwide. As of March 2019, Apple Pay is now accepted at all Costco locations in the United States.
You can use Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay at checkout counters, food courts, pharmacies, and gas pumps. As long as you see the contactless or Apple Pay symbols at the terminal, you will be able to tap and pay.
For Costco members who frequently shop and spend a lot at Costco each year, using Apple Pay can be a quick and convenient payment option.
How to Set Up Apple Pay
Using Apple Pay at Costco and anywhere contactless payments are accepted is easy. Just follow these steps:
On iPhone
- Open the Wallet app
- Tap the plus icon to add a credit or debit card
- Use your device camera to scan your card or enter details manually
- Verify with your bank and agree to the terms
- Your default card for Apple Pay is now set up
On Apple Watch
- Ensure Apple Pay is set up on your iPhone
- Open the Apple Watch app
- Go to the My Watch tab > Wallet & Apple Pay
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Once Apple Pay has been set up, you will be able to use your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac to make secure contactless payments in stores, apps, and websites that accept Apple Pay.
Tips for Using Apple Pay at Costco
Here are some useful tips for Costco shoppers who want to use Apple Pay at checkout:
- Hover over reader: Instead of tapping, hover your iPhone or Apple Watch a few centimeters over the contactless reader for a second or two for it to work
- Pay with side button: If Face ID fails to recognize you at checkout wearing a mask, quickly double click your iPhone’s side button to pay
- Add card to favorites: Add your Costco membership card to Wallet favorites so it is easily accessible on your lock screen for convenience
- Use Apple Watch: Having your iPhone in your pocket while paying with Apple Watch can be quicker than pulling out your phone
- Check at lane: If you don’t see the contactless symbol at the terminal, ask the cashier before unloading if Apple Pay is accepted
- Have a backup: Occasionally, if the terminal is having issues, it may decline Apple Pay so have another payment card handy
- View receipt in Wallet: Your Costco transactions will save to the Wallet app so you can view details later
Benefits of Using Apple Pay at Costco
There are many benefits Costco members can enjoy from using Apple Pay, including:
- Fast checkout: With Apple Pay there is no more fumbling through your wallet, digging out your cards, swiping or inserting chips. Just hover your device over the reader for ultra fast checkout. This helps speed up lines.
- Convenient: Your devices are always with you and easy to access. Double click an iPhone even while wearing masks.
- No signature required: Purchases under $100 do not need a signature with Apple Pay.
- Secure payments: Apple Pay transactions use a unique encrypted number for each purchase so your actual payment card details are never shared.
- Receipt details: Review Apple Pay payment receipts in your Wallet app if you need to see itemized transactions, prices paid, date of payment and location.
- Earn rewards: Apply your credit card reward points, cash back or Costco membership rewards from Apple Pay. Paying through a mobile wallet does not impact your ability to accumulate or use points.
- Contactless: No need to touch keypads or sign paper receipts. Apple Pay facilitates touch-free transactions for a cleaner experience.
For Costco members who regularly spend hundreds during their shopping trips, utilizing secure Apple Pay can make the checkout process faster, more convenient and safer from fraud.
Steps For Using Apple Pay at Costco Self Checkout Registers
Many Costco locations now have self checkout registers. Here is how shoppers can use Apple Pay to skip the lines and check-out faster:
- Scan all your items using the self-serve barcode scanner
- On the touchscreen, select your preferred payment option
- Choose the Apple Pay icon
- Open Wallet app on iPhone or double click side button of watch
- Hold device over the contactless reader when prompted
- Wait for beep, vibration or checkmark on screen confirming completed transaction
Purchases often process more quickly at self checkout with Apple Pay because no cashier or signature is required. After your items are bagged, you can be on your way fast.
Does Apple Pay Work At Costco For Online Orders?
In addition to in-store Apple Pay, Costco also accepts Apple Pay for purchases online and through the mobile app.
To use:
- Add items to cart on Costco.com or mobile app
- Proceed to checkout
- Select payment option
- Choose Apple Pay
- Use Face ID on mobile or Touch ID on compatible laptops
- Review order and press pay
So not only is Apple Pay accepted at physical Costco warehouses, but you can also check-out seamlessly online through Apple Pay on your favorite devices.
The Apple Pay online experience is smooth. You don’t need to worry about repeatedly entering or storing sensitive card information on Costco’s servers. Plus, Costco offers free 2-day shipping for online orders over $75 for Executive members.
Costco Anywhere Visa Cardholders
An added incentive for Costco members is using the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi card with Apple Pay both online and in stores.
Cardholders enjoy:
- 4% cash back: On eligible gas purchases including Costco gas stations
- 3% cash back: At restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back: On all Costco and Costco.com purchases
- 1% cash back: On all other purchases
As a Costco Anywhere Visa holder using Apple Pay, you can stack rewards by getting cashback in addition to accumulating your Costco 2% executive rewards if applicable.
Additionally, extended warranty protection applies on eligible purchases made through Costco’s Anywhere Visa, so you maintain this benefit when using Apple Pay.
Just remember payments must be made from the Costco Anywhere Visa, via Apple Pay at checkout, to qualify for the additional perks.
Key Takeaways: Does Costco Take Apple Pay?
- Costco accepts Apple Pay nationwide at checkout counters, food courts, pharmacies, and gas stations
- Set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Apple Watch from the Wallet app
- Hover over payment terminal and wait for vibration or beep indicating completed transaction
- Get secure, convenient tap-and-go checkout with your everyday Costco purchases
- See Apple Pay receipts from Costco purchases stored securely in your device’s Wallet
- Costco Anywhere Visa cardholders can stack cash back rewards when using Apple Pay
Paying with Apple Pay at Costco – in store or online – provides faster checkout, easy access to receipts, secure encrypted payments and support for contactless transactions. Use Apple Pay at your local Costco warehouse next visit!
Troubleshooting Apple Pay Issues at Costco
While Apple Pay generally works seamlessly, occasionally issues can occur during transactions that lead to declined payments. Some troubleshooting tips include:
- Update software: Make sure iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad software is up-to-date as Apple Pay relies on most current OS.
- Too fast: Try holding near reader a fraction longer before removing device.
- Moisture: Dry off any moist cases on device or smartwatch before attempting payment.
- Turn off passcode: Input phone unlock passcode before using Apple Pay if you have this feature enabled.
- Designated card: Ensure your designated Apple Pay card has sufficient funds and is not frozen. Call bank if problems persist.
- Still not working: As last resort, you can ask cashier to process transaction as credit card insert or swipe as backup.
In most situations, Apple Pay registers successfully at Costco after retail troubleshooting or ensuring your smartphone has the newest software updates activated. Reach out to Apple support if Apple Pay continues not working.
Apple Pay FAQs When Shopping at Costco
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Does Costco take Apple Pay now?
Yes. As of March 2019, Costco accepts Apple Pay across all United States locations at checkout counters, food courts, pharmacies, and gas stations. -
Can I use Apple Pay at Costco’s self checkout?
Yes, the self checkout terminals at Costco have contactless readers compatible with Apple Pay from an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. -
Do I need to show my Costco card if using Apple Pay?
No, you do not need to show your membership card when paying with Apple Pay. However, the Costco Citi Visa card gets extra rewards so is recommended if eligible. -
Is Apple Pay safer than using my physical Costco Visa at the store?
Yes. Each Apple Pay transaction generates a unique cryptogram so your card details are never shared with the store. This means Apple Pay is very secure for in-person Costco purchases. -
Can I store my Costco Shop card on Apple Pay?
Yes. You can add your standard Costco Shop membership card or executive membership card to the Wallet app for payments via Apple Pay in warehouse or online. -
How do I see my Apple Pay Costco receipt?
Open your Wallet app and tap on the Apple Pay transaction to see the receipt with itemized purchases, total paid, date, rewards applied and location. -
Why do Costco gas pumps not accept Apple Pay?
While Costco warehouses take Apple Pay, unfortunately Apple Pay is not yet enabled at Costco gas station pumps due to technological restrictions. You still insert your Citi Visa credit card to pay for gas. -
Does Apple Pay allow me to access Costco without my membership card?
No. You still need an active Costco membership to shop there. Apple Pay only replaces your credit/debit card and does not give you access if you are not a current member. -
Can I add my Costco Shop Card to Apple Pay instead of my credit card?
The Costco Shop Card cannot be added directly to Apple Pay. Shop cards must be converted and transferred to an Apple Gift Card through email before adding to your Wallet. -
Is Apple Pay safer than using my physical Costco Visa at the store?
Yes. Each Apple Pay transaction generates a unique cryptogram so your card details are never shared with the store. This makes Apple Pay very secure for in-person Costco purchases. -
Does Costco Canada accept Apple Pay?
No, Costco locations in Canada unfortunately do not currently take Apple Pay. Only United States Costco warehouses have Apple Pay enabled. -
Can I use Apple Pay at Costco Mexico stores?
No, Costco Mexico does not accept Apple Pay payments from iPhone or Apple Watch at this time. Costco in the United States are the only locations configured for Apple Pay. - Will Apple Pay work at Costco self checkout?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay on your iPhone, Apple Watch or iPad successfully at Costco self checkout stands available in many warehouse locations after scanning items. - How do I add my Costco membership card to Apple Pay?
Open the Wallet app, tap the plus icon, choose the store card option, then follow prompts to enter your Costco membership card details and verify your identity. - Is the Costco Citi Visa the best card to use with Apple Pay?
Yes. Tapping to pay with the Costco anywhere Visa via Apple Pay allows you to earn bonus reward points and cashback on Costco purchases while getting tap-and-go convenience. -
Why does Apple Pay fail sometimes at Costco?
Occasional failed transactions can occur if the terminal has connectivity issues or if your phone software needs an update. Try again or troubleshoot before asking cashier to swipe card. -
How do I see my Costco Apple Pay receipts?
Open your Wallet app, go to the Apple Pay section, then tap on any Costco transaction entry to view the full detailed receipt including items purchased. - Is Apple Pay at Costco safe to use?
Yes, very safe. Apple Pay tokens protect your actual payment card details. You also get email receipts so can monitor Costco purchases. -
Can I load Costco cash cards into Apple Pay?
No. Only credit, debit or membership cards can be added directly. Shop cards must first convert to Apple Gift Cards via email before adding to Apple Pay Wallet. -
Why is Apple Pay not accepted at Costco gas pumps?
Unfortunately Costco gas stations currently do not have the compatible contactless readers to accept Apple Pay payments due to hardware restrictions. You still insert your membership Visa card at the pump.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes – Costco happily accepts Apple Pay across all retail warehouse locations and gas stations nationwide as of 2019. Additionally, Costco.com online and the mobile app checkout also take Apple Pay.
Costco members can enjoy convenient, fast and secure contactless payments by adding their Citi Visa, debit cards or eligible credit cards to the Wallet app on their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.
Apple Pay is easy to set up and built with privacy protections like unique transaction cryptograms to keep your data secure. Use Apple Pay at your next Costco run to speed up checkout and earn all your membership rewards points!