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Topic: Costco's New Credit Card and use in Canada (Read 159 times) previous topic - next topic
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Costco's New Credit Card and use in Canada
Hi All,

I was in Victoria, BC recently, not with the LD, and I used my brother's truck to get around. I wanted to refuel it before giving it back so I went to Costco (which was close to my daughter's place). I found out that the new Costco/Visa membership card will not work at the gas pump, not even for my membership number. I realize that the Canada system only uses MasterCard and not Visa but it would not even read my membership number to let me into the system. The gas station attendant used his card to let me into the system and I paid with my MasterCard. He said that they have experienced this with Americans coming to Canada and are working on the problem. I did not try to go into the store in Canada to see if it would work there.

I reported this to Costco when I got back. They suggested that I go into my Costco store and ask for a Membership Only card which I did. Hopefully the gas pump  will read my membership card and then I can use any MasterCard when I am in Canada. My Costco store said that they punch in a code that will allow the store to accept foreign Costco membership cards.

One other thing is that the new Costco/Visa everywhere card charges 3% foreign transaction fee on the converted USD amount (I think this is the same as the old American Express card). This is why I have a MasterCard that does not charge this fee.

Hope that this helps others that plan on traveling in Canada and buying gas at Canadian Costco.

Kevin
Kevin
Kevin Hannah
Green Valley, AZ
Owner of 2000 26.5 RK, came back to the family
Previously 2014 Newmar Baystar
Previously 2001 LD 26.5 MB
Re: Costco's New Credit Card and use in Canada
Reply #1 –
Not surprised.  Last year when we were touring Newfoundland we had a similar experience at Costco in St. Johns.  While they accepted the then current Costco American Express card as a Costco ID we had to pay with cash.  Bummer!

Apparently Costco Canada makes its own financial deals.

The present Costco Visa card does have your membership information on the back.
Re: Costco's New Credit Card and use in Canada
Reply #2 –
Quote from: kevin hannah  - 
One other thing is that the new Costco/Visa everywhere card charges 3% foreign transaction fee on the converted USD amount (I think this is the same as the old American Express card). This is why I have a MasterCard that does not charge this fee.

Nice to know they accept Mastercard in Canada Costco. On our multi-month trip there in 2014, we never fueled at Costco due to the transaction fee on AMEX. Instead, everywhere else we gassed up accepted our Target Visa, without fees. Now Target has switched to Mastercard, also with no fees, so we can use that next time.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Costco's New Credit Card and use in Canada
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Alex Rutchka  - 
While they accepted the then current Costco American Express card as a Costco ID we had to pay with cash.  Bummer!
A good reason to carry more than one type of credit card, when traveling.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze