In recent years, Costco has expanded its services beyond retail with Costco Travel, an exclusive travel agency available to Costco members. This guide will explore how Costco Travel works, which services are eligible for Costco Visa rewards, and how to maximize your Costco Travel experience and rewards using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.
1. What is Costco Travel?
Costco Travel is a travel service offered exclusively to Costco members, providing access to curated vacation packages, car rentals, cruises, and hotel bookings. Unlike traditional travel agencies, Costco Travel leverages Costco’s bulk-buying power to offer competitive pricing and exclusive deals. This service focuses on high-quality offerings, including partnerships with major hotel chains, reputable cruise lines, and popular car rental agencies.
Some benefits of booking with Costco Travel include:
- Access to Costco-exclusive deals and discounts
- Streamlined booking processes
- Added value with specific packages, such as complimentary upgrades, resort credits, or free breakfast.
2. How Does Costco Travel Work?
To use Costco Travel, you must be an active Costco member. Members can browse and book travel services directly on the Costco Travel website or call their customer service line for assistance.
The platform offers the following travel options:
- Vacation Packages: Pre-packaged deals for destinations around the world, including Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, and more.
- Cruises: Access to cruises with exclusive perks on lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Disney.
- Rental Cars: Discounts on car rentals through brands like Alamo, Enterprise, and Avis.
- Hotels: Hotel bookings with added benefits, often including perks like resort credits and upgrades.
Using the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi for these bookings can also help you earn rewards (more on that below).
3. What is Eligible Travel for the Costco Visa Card?
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi rewards users with cash back on various purchase categories, and one of the highest cashback rates is on eligible travel. Understanding what counts as “eligible travel” is essential to maximize these rewards.
- Eligible Travel Purchases: According to Costco’s policy, eligible travel purchases generally include bookings made through Costco Travel, such as vacation packages, cruises, hotel reservations, and car rentals. Other travel-related expenses that qualify include flights, hotels, car rentals, and purchases from other travel agencies or airlines directly.
- Ineligible Purchases: Non-travel items, including Costco retail purchases (except gas), are not eligible for travel rewards.
When using your Costco Visa for eligible travel, you can earn 3% cash back on these purchases, offering a great way to accumulate rewards while enjoying Costco Travel’s services.
4. How to Use Costco Travel?
Using Costco Travel is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Sign In: Log in to the Costco Travel website using your Costco membership ID.
- Explore Options: Browse through categories like vacation packages, cruises, hotels, and rental cars.
- Select and Customize: Choose your desired package or service and customize it based on your preferences.
- Book and Earn Rewards: Complete the booking using your Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi to earn rewards.
Pro Tip: When booking through Costco Travel, check for deals with extra perks like room upgrades, onboard cruise credits, or free meals to get the best value.
5. Benefits of Using the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card for Travel
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers unique benefits, especially for Costco members who travel frequently. Here’s a breakdown of how to maximize your benefits:
- 3% Cash Back on Travel: One of the standout features is the 3% cash back on all eligible travel purchases, not limited to Costco Travel alone.
- 4% on Gas Purchases: For road trips, you earn 4% cash back on gas (up to $7,000 per year) worldwide, making it perfect for those who rent cars on trips.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: The card has no foreign transaction fees, a valuable feature for international travelers.
- 1-2% on Other Purchases: Costco and other purchases earn 2%, while all other purchases bring 1% cash back.
Using these cash-back benefits allows you to offset some of your travel expenses and maximize savings, making it ideal for those who travel frequently or plan significant vacation spending through Costco Travel.
6. FAQs: Costco Travel and the Costco Visa Card
Q1. Do I need a Costco membership to use Costco Travel?
Yes, only active Costco members can use Costco Travel.
Q2. Can I book flights through Costco Travel?
Costco Travel does not offer standalone flight bookings; however, flights are often included in vacation packages.
Q3. Does Costco Travel price match?
Costco Travel doesn’t price match, but its packages are often competitively priced due to Costco’s buying power.
Q4. How do I receive my Costco Visa rewards?
Rewards are issued as an annual certificate with your February billing statement, redeemable at Costco.
Q5. Are there restrictions on using the Costco Visa for travel rewards?
Travel rewards are only earned on “eligible travel” purchases, typically including flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel agency services. Non-travel purchases or certain fees may not qualify.
7. Maximizing Your Costco Travel and Visa Card Benefits
To make the most of your Costco Travel and Costco Visa Card:
- Plan High-Value Trips: Use Costco Travel for international or luxury trips where the savings and perks are most noticeable.
- Use Rewards Strategically: Apply your 3% travel rewards towards future trips, effectively reducing the cost of upcoming vacations.
- Track Offers and Seasonal Deals: Costco Travel periodically offers exclusive deals on specific destinations, so planning around these offers can save you more.
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Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
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Earn 4% on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter and 3% at restaurants and eligible travel purchases.
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Earn 3% cash back rewards on Costco Travel purchases when you use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi in addition to your annual 2% cash back from your Executive Membership.
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Enjoy no foreign transaction fees* with your Costco Anywhere Visa® Cards by Citi no matter where life takes you.
See what cardmembers are saying:
Rated 5 out of 5 Stars
“The 3% cash back on travel and 4% on gas are unbeatable!”
Ronzam, Costco Anywhere Visa® Cardmember
Rated 5 out of 5 Stars
“I love my Costco Citi card when we dine out. Definitely for gas and great travel coverage and peace of mind when you book tickets for any travel with this card. Finally, superb customer service.”
Busy B, Costco Anywhere Visa® Cardmember
Rated 5 out of 5 Stars
“The cash back on this card is the best we have found for everyday purchases. We have tripled our annual cash back from our previous credit card thanks to the extra cash back on gas, Costco and travel.”
DuHaas, Costco Anywhere Visa® Cardmember
Rated 4 out of 5 Stars
“Widely accepted everywhere I like cash back especially on gas and restaurants. Costco cash back adds up.”
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Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Earn cash back rewards anywhere on the things you buy every day.
See Pricing and Information Below
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Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
Earn cash back rewards anywhere on the things you buy every day.
See Pricing and Information Below
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Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi – Pricing Details
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Variable APR for purchases, balance transfers and Citi Flex Plans subject to an APR: 19.74% – 27.74%, based on creditworthiness. For Citi Flex Pay Plans subject to a Plan Fee, a monthly fee of up to 1.72% will apply, based on the Citi Flex Plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the Transaction, and other factors. The variable APR for cash advances is 29.74%. Variable penalty APR is up to 29.99% and applies if you pay late or your payment is returned. Minimum interest charge – $0.50. Fee for foreign purchases — None. Cash advance fee either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance whichever is greater. Balance transfer fee either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer whichever is greater. No annual fee with paid Costco membership. Subject to credit approval. Additional limitations, terms and conditions apply. You will be given further information when you apply. Variable rates shown above are based on the 7.75% Prime Rate as of 12/01/24.
Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi
Variable APR for purchases and Citi Flex Plans subject to an APR: 19.74% – 27.74%, based on creditworthiness. For Citi Flex Pay Plans subject to a Plan Fee, a monthly fee of up to 1.72% will apply, based on the Citi Flex Plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the Transaction, and other factors. The variable APR for cash advances is 29.74%. Variable penalty APR up to 29.99% and applies if you pay late or your payment is returned. Minimum interest charge – $0.50. Fee for foreign purchases – None. Cash advance fee – either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. No annual fee with paid Costco membership. Subject to credit approval. Additional limitations, terms and conditions apply. You will be given further information when you apply. Variable rates shown above are based on the 7.75% Prime Rate as of 18/11/24.