For millions of commuters, the price of fuel is a constant strain on their monthly budget.
While warehouse club members have long flocked to the pumps for lower prices per gallon, Costco has sweetened the value proposition of its co-branded credit card by increasing the cash back rate on fuel.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi now offers 5% cash back on eligible gas purchases made specifically at Costco locations. This is an enhancement from the previous rate, rewarding cardholders even more for filling up while they shop.
According to official program terms, this 5% rate applies exclusively to gas purchased at Costco’s own pumps. For fuel purchased at other non-Costco stations, cardholders continue to earn the standard 4% cash back.
Understanding the cap
While the 5% figure is headlined, you should pay attention to the specific limitations detailed in the fine print. The enhanced 5% rate for Costco gas and the 4% rate for other gas stations (and electric vehicle charging) are not unlimited.
Both categories contribute toward a shared $7,000 annual spend cap. Once your combined spending on gas and EV charging reaches this $7,000 threshold in a year, the cash back rate for any further fuel purchases drops to 1% for the remainder of that year.
For the average driver, spending $7,000 on fuel—roughly $580 per month—is a high bar, meaning most members will enjoy the full 5% or 4% benefit year-round. However, households with multiple vehicles or long commutes should keep an eye on their Costco gas and EV spending so they know if they hit the limit.
Additional card benefits
Beyond the fuel rewards, the card maintains its other reward tiers designed to keep members spending within the ecosystem:
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
There is no annual fee for the card itself, though it requires an active Costco membership. Rewards are distributed annually as a credit card reward certificate, typically issued after the February billing statement closes.
Is it worth it?
For loyal members who already fill up at the warehouse to save on the price per gallon, this increase essentially puts more money back in their pockets for a habit they have already formed. By stacking the 5% reward on top of Costco’s typically lower fuel prices, the card solidifies its place as a top-tier option for drivers looking to mitigate their transportation costs.
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