How to Set Up and Use Apple Pay at Costco

According to a Statistica report,  Apple Pay now has over 507 million users worldwide. With a significant increase from 383 million users in 2020.

Costco is a leading wholesale retailer giant, earning about 238 billion US dollars in net global sales in 2023, with over 800 warehouses across 14 countries worldwide. Costco is a leading wholesale membership retailer having nearly 128 million members worldwide.

In this article, we will discuss how to use and set up Apple Pay at Costco and other contactless payments.

Setting Up Apple Pay for Your Costco Visits

Follow the brief steps to set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. For a fully detailed pictorial guide, kindly visit How to Set Up and Use Apple Pay.

Set Up Apple Pay on Your iPhone or iPad

Set Up Apple Pay on Your Apple Watch

You can also authenticate your Apple Pay wallet by enabling Face ID or Touch ID.

Integrating Apple Pay with Your Costco Membership Card

Many people ask the question “How to add a Costco membership card to the Apple Wallet?”.

No, you can’t add a Costco membership card to the Apple Wallet. Because this card is designed to offer members advanced features.

However, you can integrate other cards with Apple Pay such as Visa Cards most PIN-based, Debit and ATM Cards, and Credit Cards.

The Costco Membership Card can only be used at:

• Warehouse entry
• Check-out (assisted and self-check-out lanes)
• Returns
• Pharmacy
• Hearing Aid
• Optical
• Tire Center
• Gas Station

Using Apple Pay In-Store 

First, ensure that you have set up the Costco app and added a Credit or Debit Card to your Apple Wallet.

Once done, you can simply tap your phone on the code at the self-checkout or the cashier, and it will automatically link and pay with your attached credit card – no need to take out a physical card.

To add a payment method on the Costco app:

• Tap on the card icon to view your membership and payment methods.
• If no payment is linked, tap “Add Payment” and select the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which offers rewards like 4% back on eligible gas, 3% on restaurants/travel, and 2% on other Costco purchases.
• The added card will now be visible, and you can remove or change it as needed.

At checkout, scan the QR code on the app, and the linked card will be charged after your products are scanned.

Ordering and Paying with the Costco Mobile App

At selected Costco locations in the United States, you can download the Costco mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Once installed, launch the app and tap the membership card icon to access the instructions for setting up your digital membership.

With this digital membership, you can leave your physical Costco card at home, unless you need to present your Costco Visa card for payment.

The app provides a straightforward solution by allowing you to store your membership. And potentially your credit card information for a seamless checkout process.

Here’s how to get started:

Please note that currently, the digital membership may not be accepted for gas purchases at Costco gas stations.

However, this feature could be introduced in the future as Costco continues to enhance the app’s capabilities, aiming to offer a competitive and user-friendly experience for its members.

Paying with Apple Pay at the Costco Pick-Up 

For Costco members seeking a seamless and efficient checkout experience, Apple Pay offers a convenient solution at Costco Pick-Up locations. Here’s how to take advantage of this contactless payment method:

1. Place your order through the Costco mobile app or website.
2. Once your order is ready for pick up, proceed to the designated Pick Up area.
3. When prompted for payment, simply open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
4. Hold your iPhone near the contactless reader, and the transaction will be securely completed with just a touch.

This innovative payment option eliminates the need to handle cash or physical cards, streamlining the pick-up process and ensuring a quicker and more efficient experience.

Apple Pay at Costco Gas Stations and Pharmacies 

For Costco members across the United States, the renowned membership-only warehouse club has contactless payment options at their pharmacies using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

At Costco gas stations, you’ll notice the “Digital Membership + Payment Card” option.

This innovative feature allows you to scan the QR code on your Costco mobile app, eliminating the need to carry physical cards altogether.

Follow these simple steps.

1. Download the Costco mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and link it to your Costco membership by entering your membership number.
3. Navigate to the “Accounts” section to access your digital membership QR code.
4. Optional: Link your Costco Visa credit card for seamless payment without taking out your card.
5. At the gas station or pharmacy, simply scan the QR code at the blinking red light to authenticate your membership and linked credit card.

This contactless payment method not only saves you from carrying physical cards but also provides a secure and efficient refueling or checkout experience.

Troubleshooting Tips 

If you encounter issues while using Apple Pay at Costco, follow these steps:

• Ensure you’re running the latest iOS or watchOS version, and that Apple Pay is activated on your device.
• Verify that you’re using a credit or debit card from a participating bank or financial institution.
• Position your device in close proximity to the contactless terminal to make the payment process.
• Try restarting your iPhone or Apple Watch and attempt the payment again.
• If the issue continues, reach out to your bank or Apple Support for further assistance.

Additional tips for a seamless Apple Pay experience at Costco:

• Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your device for optimal connectivity.
• If using an Apple Watch, ensure it’s connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
• Before making a purchase, confirm that the credit or debit card you intend to use supports contactless payments.
• Keep your device’s software updated to benefit from the latest security and performance enhancements.

By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you can resolve common issues and enjoy the convenience of Apple Pay at Costco warehouses.

Conclusion

Paying with just a tap using Apple Pay offers a moment of relief and time-saving convenience. Among other digital wallets, Apple Pay stands out with several advantages.

Apple Pay is designed for convenience, speed, and ease of use. Equally important is security, which is a concern for every consumer. Apple Pay employs advanced encryption and tokenization methods, ensuring that your transactions are completely secure.

Furthermore, Costco utilizes contactless readers equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, QR code

Costco has always prioritized quality and an exceptional customer experience. Furthermore, the company is constantly expanding its footprint.

According to a Statista report, “By 2025, Costco’s earnings are expected to reach roughly $200 billion. Additionally, the number of Costco warehouses has been on the rise across the United States.”