Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi vs Apple Card
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Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi vs Apple Card

The Costco card stands out with substantial cashback rewards on gas, dining, and Costco shopping. In which cases the Apple card may be better?
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: June 3, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi and the Apple Card stand out as distinctive choices, each catering to unique consumer needs. Let's compare them side by side.

Costco vs Apple Card: General Comparison

Apple Card, a collaboration between Apple and Goldman Sachs, is celebrated for its effortless integration into the Apple ecosystem, coupled with competitive cashback incentives, especially for Apple-related purchases and services.

Apple balance and daily cash
Apple balance and daily cash (Screenshot from Apple app)

Costco Anywhere Visa, designed for pragmatic spenders, stands out with substantial cashback rewards on crucial expenditures such as gas, dining, and Costco shopping. This aligns seamlessly with the spending patterns of its members, establishing it as a go-to choice for those seeking practical rewards.

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

Apple card

Costco Anywhere Visa Card
Apple Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0 ($60 Costco membership fee required)
$0
Rewards
4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
N/A
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
Purchase APR
20.49% (Variable)
15.99% – 26.99% Variable
Read Review
Read Review

Cashback Analysis: Which Card Gives More?

In the analysis, we assumed all purchases had been made with Apple Pay if you use an Apple card. The Costco card is a bit more lucrative for the average consumer. The more you spend on travel and restaurants  – the more significant the difference between the cards.

Costco cash back will be issued in the form of an annual credit card reward certificate, accessible once your February billing statement concludes. This certificate is redeemable for either cash or merchandise at Costco Warehouses across the United States.

Costco credit card rewards certificate status
Costco credit card rewards certificate status (Screenshot from Citi app)

The Apple cash back is managed better – unlike typical cash back credit cards that provide monthly rewards upon statement closure, Daily Cash accumulates daily, syncing with your earnings. As it accumulates, Daily Cash is seamlessly deposited into your Apple Cash account or Apple Savings account if you have one.

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

Apple card

Spend Per Category
Costco Anywhere Visa Card
Apple Credit Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$300
$300
$5,000 – Restaurants
$150
$100
$4,000 – Apple Products
$40
$120
$4,000 – Travel
$120
$80
$4,000 – Gas
$160
$40
Estimated Annual Cashback
$760
$640

* Assuming all supermarkets/gas purchases made via Costco

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Costco vs Apple Card Additional Benefits: Comparison

When it comes to extra benefits, each card has its own unique benefits. The Costco card offers a variety of travel protections, including roadside and travel assistance protection.

The main benefits of Apple are no fees and access to Apple's savings account.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

  • Damage & Theft Purchase Protection: Costco's Citi card offers coverage for damaged or stolen purchases, providing potential repairs or refunds within 120 days of acquisition, offering peace of mind for cardholders.
  • Purchases Analysis and Tools: The Costco card offers a variety of spending tools and statistics on your purchases and rewards.
Citi Costco spending chart
Citi Costco spending chart (Screenshot from Citi app)
  • Travel & Emergency Assistance: Costco cardholders benefit from 24/7 services, ensuring assistance with emergency travel arrangements, travel issues, medical and legal referrals, and more, enhancing their travel experience.
  • Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service: With coverage across the U.S. and territories, Costco's Citi card provides a Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service, ensuring prompt help for cardholders facing car troubles during their journeys.
  • Citi Entertainment℠: Elevating experiences, Citi Entertainment provides exclusive access to presale tickets and special events, enhancing the entertainment options available to Costco cardholders.
  • $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: Costco's consumer card ensures complete protection against unauthorized charges, relieving cardholders of responsibility for any unauthorized online or other charges.
Apple Credit Card

Apple card

  • No Fees: One of the standout benefits of the Apple Card is its fee structure. There are no annual fees, penalty fees, transaction fees, or any other hidden charges associated with the card. This transparency makes it an attractive option for those looking to avoid unnecessary costs while enjoying the benefits of a credit card.
  • Access to Apple Savings Account: cardholders can open an Apple savings account and direct Daily Cash to a Savings account.
Apple set up savings account option
Set up savings account option within Apple app (Screenshot from Apple app)
  • Security: The Apple Card offers cutting-edge security features, including a unique card number for each purchase, biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), and transaction alerts.

  • Great Wallet App: The Apple Card provides robust tools for managing your debt and spending. The Wallet app offers a clear overview of your transactions, organizes them by category, and provides insights into your spending habits. It also offers payment suggestions to help you pay off your balance faster and more efficiently.

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 miles 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Prefer The Apple Credit Card?

You might prefer the Apple card in the following situations:

  • High Spend On Apple Products: If you frequently purchase Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, or accessories, you may prefer the Apple Card to maximize cashback in these specific categories.
  • Daily Cash Rewards: If you appreciate a more frequent rewards system, the Apple Card's Daily Cash feature provides cashback on a daily basis, unlike the uncomfortable Costco Credit Card's annual certificate.
  • You Primarily Use Apple Pay For Your Purchases: The Apple Card is tightly integrated with Apple Pay, making it easy to use and earn cash back on your everyday purchases. You can even use your Apple Card for online purchases made through Apple Pay.
Apple cash how i earned
Apple cash how I earned (Screenshot from Apple app)

When You Might Prefer The Costco Credit Card?

Opting for the Costco Credit Card over the Apple Card might be preferable in certain scenarios:

  • Frequent Costco Shoppers: If you are a regular Costco shopper, the Costco Credit Card offers substantial cashback rewards on Costco purchases. This includes purchases made in-store, online, and at Costco gas stations.
  • You Have A Costco Membership: In order to get the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, you need to have a Costco membership. If you're already a Costco member, this is a great way to get even more value out of your membership.
  • You Spend On Gas And Restaurants: The Costco Credit Card also caters to gas and restaurantsspenders. If your spending aligns more with these, it might be a better fit.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for a credit card with everyday purchase rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

Chase Freedom Flex

amazon prime visa

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Annual Fee
$0
$0 ($139 Amazon Prime subscription required)
$95 ($0 intro for the first year)
Rewards
1-5%
1-5% 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh , Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, 1% cash back on all other purchases
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome bonus
$200
$100 $100 Amazon gift card upon approval
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
$0
2.70%
Purchase APR
20.49%–29.24% variable
19.49% – 27.49% Variable
19.24% – 29.99% Variable

Compare Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

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Costco is a clear winner when it comes to rewards for everyday spending, but the Best Buy Card wins for gadget lovers. Here's our comparison.

My Best Buy Visa vs Costco Anywhere Visa Card: How They Compare?

The Amazon Prime Visa card offers high cashback for avid online shoppers. However, Costco is the winner when it comes to everyday spending.

Amazon Prime Visa vs Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Comparison

In the realm of wholesale clubs, Sam's Club and Costco stand as titans. Which of them offers a better branded credit card? Here's our verdict.

Sam's Club Mastercard vs Costco Anywhere Visa Card: Which Card Is Best?

The Costco Card is a great for Costco shoppers, gas and grocery purchases, while the Freedom Unlimited stands out for its travel benefits.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card vs Chase Freedom Unlimited: Comparison

BJ's One+ Mastercard our winner when it comes to cashback, but Costco card offers flexibility and many categories with higher cashback ratio.

BJ's One+ Mastercard vs Costco Anywhere Visa Card: How They Compare?

If you focus on groceries – the Target RedCard wins, but if you focus on travel or gas – you may want the Costco credit card.

Target Red Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa Card: How They Compare?

Compare Apple Card

If you're a geek of both Amazon and Apple and not sure which card is better for your needs, we think we can help – there is a clear winner.

Apple Card vs Prime Visa: Which Is Better?

The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.

Apple Card vs. Amex Gold: Where You Can Get More?

The Apple Card offers competitive cashback rewards on Apple purchases and services – but if you travel frequently, the Unlimited card wins.

Apple Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited: How They Compare?

The Apple Card offers high cashback on Apple products, while the Best Buy card wins when it comes to gas and BestBuy purchases. Let's compare.

My Best Buy Visa Card vs Apple Card: How They Compare?

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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Best Cards Per Category
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 miles 85,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
Up to 3x miles 3 miles per $1 spent on United purchases immediately after earning your $125 annual United purchase credit, 2 miles on all other travel and select streaming services, 1 mile on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 miles 60,000 bonus miles + 500 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s 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.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.