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Costco Citi Card Travel Benefits in 2026: What Cardholders Should Know
July 1, 2025
Booking vacations through Costco Travel or using your Costco credit card abroad can unlock travel benefits many cardholders overlook. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers worldwide travel accident insurance, emergency assistance services, and solid cash back rewards without charging an annual fee.
This guide breaks down what the card covers for travelers, what it doesn't, and how it compares to dedicated travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
What the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card Offers for Travel
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is exclusively available to Costco members and delivers straightforward value for travelers who prefer simplicity over premium perks.
Card Overview
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- Annual Fee: $0 (No fee with an active Costco membership).
- Rewards: 5% cash back on gas at Costco (and 4% on other eligible gas and EV charging, on up to $7,000/year); 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel; 2% back at Costco and Costco.com; 1% back on all other purchases.
- Other Perks: No foreign transaction fees; purchase protection on new purchases; access to Citi Entertainment presale events; Citi® Quick Lock for security.
- Welcome Bonus: None.
- Required Credit: Generally need good to excellent credit (around 720+ recommended) for approval.
The card offers both consumer and business versions, making it flexible for different spending needs.
Travel Insurance and Protection Benefits
The Costco credit card includes several travel protections that provide peace of mind when you're away from home.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection
When covered events force you to cancel or cut short your trip, this benefit reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Common covered reasons include illness, severe weather, or job loss.
Car Rental Insurance
The card provides secondary worldwide car rental insurance when you:
- Pay for the rental with your Costco Citi card
- Decline the rental agency's collision damage waiver
This coverage protects against theft and collision damage, though it's secondary to your personal auto insurance.
Travel and Emergency Assistance
This service acts as your all-in-one travel safety net, providing round-the-clock help whenever something goes wrong far from home. Whether your flight gets canceled or you lose your wallet abroad, Citi’s assistance hotline connects you to emergency resources and trusted providers worldwide.
24/7 customer support helps with:
- Emergency travel arrangements
- Lost passport assistance
- Emergency cash and card replacement
- Medical and legal referrals abroad
Kudos Tip: Save the emergency assistance number from your card's benefits guide before traveling. Having immediate access to help can save hours of stress during travel emergencies.
Other Cardmember Benefits
Beyond travel protections, cardmembers can also take advantage of roadside assistance dispatch service, helping with towing or a flat tire when you’re on the road.
The card’s Mastercard network provides global acceptance and access to exclusive Citi Entertainment offers, including concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences, ideal perks for travelers in major destinations like New York and beyond.
These extras make the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card a reliable companion even when you’re not traveling through Costco.
Additional Purchase Protections
These protections extend the value of your purchases beyond checkout, adding an extra layer of security when things go wrong.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends manufacturer warranties (check issuer terms for specific duration)
- Purchase protection: Covers theft or damage for eligible purchases (verify timeframe with issuer)
These benefits apply to travel gear, electronics, and other purchases made with the card.
How the Costco Citi Card Compares to Top Travel Cards
Understanding how the Costco credit card stacks up against other options helps you make the right choice for your travel needs.
Costco Citi vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
While both cards cater to travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® clearly leans toward frequent flyers who value flexibility and richer insurance coverage. Its transferable points and premium protections justify the annual fee for anyone who travels multiple times per year.
By contrast, the Costco Citi card prioritizes simplicity, better suited for cardholders who want solid rewards without managing multiple loyalty programs or paying extra fees.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Value"} ]]
Costco Citi vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) and the Costco Citi card both appeal to travelers who value simplicity, but they take different approaches.
Venture’s flat 2x miles on every purchase and flexible redemption options make it a strong all-purpose card, especially if you travel frequently enough to offset the $95 annual fee.
The Costco Citi card, on the other hand, delivers stronger returns in specific categories like gas and Costco Travel without costing you a dime beyond your membership.
Capital One Venture:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "438", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint" : "High Travel Rewards" } ]]
When Costco Citi Wins
The Costco card excels for:
- Costco loyalists who travel occasionally
- Budget-conscious travelers who want basic protections without annual fees
- Domestic travelers who don't need premium international benefits
Maximizing Rewards with Costco Travel
For many members, Costco Travel is an underrated benefit that can meaningfully boost the value of your card.
Because bookings are commission-free and often include exclusive extras like Costco Cash Cards or added perks, it’s a simple way to earn higher cash back without chasing limited-time deals. When combined with Executive Membership, these returns can rival some premium travel cards, all with no annual fee to maintain.
Costco Travel offers an overlooked way to boost your travel rewards significantly.
How Costco Travel Works
Costco Travel provides vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotel bookings exclusively to Costco members. When you book through Costco Travel and pay with your Costco Anywhere Visa®:
- Earn 3% back on all Costco Travel purchases
- Executive Members earn an extra 2% back on Costco Travel bookings
- Total potential return: 5% for Executive Members
Real-World Example
Book a $4,000 family cruise through Costco Travel:
- Card rewards: $120 (3% back)
- Executive Membership reward: $80 (2% back)
- Total value: $200 back on a single vacation
Costco Travel Perks Beyond Rewards
Beyond strong cash-back earnings, Costco Travel adds convenience and value through built-in extras that simplify trip planning. These perks help unlock additional savings and support, turning your membership into more than just a shopping benefit.
Here’s what travelers can expect when booking through Costco’s travel portal.
- 24/7 member services for travel support
- Costco Cash Cards on select vacation packages
- No booking fees on most travel arrangements
When to Pair with Another Travel Card
While the Costco Citi card handles basic travel needs well, frequent travelers often benefit from a two-card strategy.
Recommended Pairings
Pairing the Costco Citi card with another travel-focused card can fill the coverage and rewards gaps it leaves behind. The right companion card depends on where and how you travel most.
By stacking cards strategically, you can balance no-fee cash back earnings from Costco with premium perks like lounge access, flexible points, and stronger insurance coverage.
For Premium International Travel: Pair with Chase Sapphire Reserve® for:
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Primary rental car coverage
- Premium trip protections
For Dining and Grocery Optimization: Combine with American Express® Gold Card for:
- 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarkets
- Monthly dining and Uber credits
- Flexible point transfers
Strategic Usage
- Costco Citi card: Everyday domestic travel, gas, and Costco Travel bookings
- Premium travel card: International trips, luxury hotels, airline purchases, and situations requiring primary rental coverage
This approach maximizes rewards while keeping annual fees reasonable.
Optimizing Your Costco Citi Card Rewards
Once you have the Costco Citi card in your wallet, the key to maximizing its value lies in how and when you use it.
Annual Redemption Strategy
Since rewards are issued once yearly, plan accordingly:
- Time major Costco purchases around your reward certificate arrival (typically March)
- Request cash at checkout if you don't need Costco merchandise
- Use Kudos insights to track earning progress throughout the year
Category Optimization
Getting the most from the Costco Citi card means understanding where its bonus multipliers shine.
Gas and EV Charging: Max out the $7,000 annual limit (earning $280) by using the card for:
- Regular fuel purchases
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Some wholesale clubs that code as gas
Travel and Dining: Earn 3% back on:
- Restaurant meals and takeout
- Hotel bookings
- Airline tickets
- Costco Travel purchases
Credit Score and Application Considerations
Before applying, it’s helpful to know what Citi looks for and how to boost your approval odds. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card targets applicants with solid credit and stable financial histories, and having your membership ready ensures a smoother process.
Here’s what to expect when preparing your application.
Approval Requirements
Citibank typically looks for:
- Credit score: Good to Excellent range
- Stable income and employment history
- Costco membership (required for approval)
Application Tips
- Apply as a Costco member first before applying for the card
- Consider your credit report timing if you've applied for other cards recently
- Business version available for those with business expenses
Kudos members can check their approval odds before applying, helping avoid unnecessary hard inquiries on their credit report.
Is the Costco Citi Card Right for Your Travel Needs?
Best For:
- Costco loyalists who travel domestically 2-4 times per year
- Budget travelers who want basic protections without annual fees
- Families who use Costco Travel for vacation bookings
- Gas-heavy commuters who also travel occasionally
Consider Other Cards If:
- You travel internationally multiple times per year
- You want premium perks like lounge access or travel credits
- You prefer flexible point redemptions over annual cash back
- You need primary rental car insurance for frequent car rentals
Bottom line
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card offers solid travel value for casual travelers who appreciate simplicity. While it lacks premium perks, the combination of no annual fee, decent travel protections, and strong cash back rates makes it a smart choice for Costco members who travel moderately.
For frequent travelers, it works best as part of a two-card strategy paired with a premium travel card.
How Kudos Helps You Choose the Right Travel Card
Choosing between the Costco Citi card and dedicated travel cards doesn't have to be guesswork.
Compare Real Earning Potential
The Kudos Explore tool analyzes your actual spending patterns to show:
- Projected annual earnings from each card
- Break-even analysis including annual fees
- Category-by-category comparisons for travel, dining, and everyday purchases
Test Drive Before Applying
Kudos Test Drive feature lets you preview how cards would perform with your real spending data, ensuring you pick the right fit before the application impacts your credit score.
Track Card Benefits
Once you have your card, Kudos helps you:
- Monitor reward-earning progress throughout the year
- Get alerts when reward certificates are available
- Discover additional card perks you might be missing
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Costco Citi card cover car rental insurance?
Yes, the card includes secondary worldwide car rental insurance when you decline the rental company's coverage and pay for the rental with your card. This protects against theft and collision damage, though it's secondary to your personal auto insurance.
Are there foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad?
No foreign transaction fees apply when using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card internationally. You can shop, dine, and pay for services abroad without the typical 3% surcharge.
Does the card include trip delay insurance?
No, trip delay coverage is not included. For trip delay protection, consider premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card which reimburses meals and hotel costs during covered delays.
Can I earn cash back rewards on Costco Travel bookings?
Yes, you earn 3% back on Costco Travel purchases when paying with your Costco Citi card. Executive Members earn an additional 2% back through their membership rewards, for a combined 5% return.
When do I receive my Costco Citi card rewards?
Citi issues annual reward certificates after your February statement closing date each year. You can redeem these for cash at Costco checkout or use them for Costco purchases.
What credit score do I need for approval?
Citibank typically requires a Good to Excellent credit score for approval. You must also be a Costco member to qualify for the card.
Does the card work at Costco warehouses in Puerto Rico?
Yes, the card works at all Costco locations, including Puerto Rico warehouses, and you'll earn the standard 2% back on Costco purchases.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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