Costco Citi Visa: Rewards, Benefits, and How It Compares

Is the Costco Citi Visa Still Worth It in 2025?

The Costco Citi Visa card has long been one of the most talked-about co-branded cards in the United States. For Costco members, it promises strong rewards on everyday spending categories, especially at the warehouse and on fuel. But with changes in card networks, annual fees, and competing offers from Amex and Chase, the decision to apply requires a clear look at what the card actually delivers. This breakdown covers the rewards structure, fees, and real-world value so you can decide if it belongs in your wallet.

Rewards Structure: Where You Earn the Most

The Costco Citi Visa uses a tiered earning system that rewards specific spending categories at elevated rates. The core earn rates are designed to benefit Costco shoppers and drivers, but the card also provides a solid baseline for all other purchases.

• 4% cashback on gas purchases, capped at $7,000 per year in rewards, after which the rate drops to 1%.
• 3% cashback on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, including hotels and airlines booked directly or through travel platforms.
• 2% cashback on all purchases made at Costco, including the warehouse, online, and the Costco app.
• 1% cashback on all other purchases, with no rotating categories to track.

The 4% gas cap is the most important detail to understand. Once you hit $7,000 in annual gas spending, the rewards rate on fuel falls to 1%, making the effective annual cap on gas rewards $280. After that point, the card's earning power on other categories remains unchanged.

Annual Fee and Welcome Offer

The Costco Citi Visa carries an annual fee that is charged directly by Citi, separate from your Costco membership fee. The current annual fee is $95, which is competitive among flat-rate rewards cards but higher than no-fee alternatives. The fee is automatically billed to your card account each year on the account anniversary.

New cardholders typically receive a welcome bonus after meeting a minimum spending threshold within the first few months. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement can vary by promotion, so it is important to check the current offer on Citi's website before applying. Past offers have included statement credits or points equivalents after spending $1,500 to $3,000 in the first three to four months.

Comparison With Other Costco Cards

Costco members have multiple credit card options, and the best choice depends on your spending habits and whether you value simplicity or maximum reward rates. The table below compares the Costco Citi Visa with two other prominent cards commonly associated with Costco.

The Citi Visa's main advantage is its 4% gas rate, which is the highest among the three. However, the Amex and Mastercard Executive cards have no annual fee for Executive members and uncapped earning rates, making them better for high-volume gas spenders. The Visa also benefits from Visa's wide merchant acceptance, which the Amex network lacks at some smaller retailers.

Key Considerations Before Applying

The Costco Citi Visa is a strong option if your household spends heavily on gas and you already pay the $95 annual fee. The 3% restaurant and travel rate adds meaningful value for frequent diners and travelers. However, if you do not drive much or if you can get a no-fee card with comparable rewards, the annual fee may not be justified. Credit approval is also a factor, as Citi typically requires a good to excellent credit score for the best terms. Before applying, confirm the current annual fee, welcome offer, and eligibility requirements directly with Citi, as these details can change.