Costco citi visa card

[frugalnacho]

Costco is severing their relationship with American express and transitioning to Visa on June 20, 2016.   They have signs all over the store, parking lot, and website about the transition stating June 19 is the last day they will accept amex and June 20th onward they will accept Visa only.

I don't currently have a visa, so I am searching for the best rewards.   It seems like the new costco citi visa has the best rewards system for me, but you can't apply until June 20.  Costco will automatically transition current Costco amex card holders to a new citi visa account, but applications for the current amex card are closed. 

If I want the costco citi visa card and the rewards that go with it apparently I have to wait until June 20 to apply, then I can't make any purchases at costco for the next 1-2 weeks until my card comes.  I suppose I could go to the atm and pull out cash like an animal, but I hate going to the atm and I hate carrying/paying with cash. 

I really do not understand their logic in not opening the application process until after they already made the transition. 

[esq]

Cards usually come more quickly than 1-2 weeks.  Can you not stock up beforehand and just wait it out?

[frugalnacho]

I called citi after I spent about 30 minutes trying to figure it out, and their automated message before I can get to an operator says if you are calling about an application their normal turn around time is 7-10 days.  I have no idea if they will expedite the costco card applications or not.  I assume everyone applying for them on June 20 is doing so because they need a visa in order to make purchases as costco, and I don't understand why they wouldn't allow you to apply before so you can have the card ready on the transition date. 

I could pay cash.  I think my bank debit card (which i've never used) is visa as well.  It just seems so asinine to not take applications until after the transition is already made.

[esq]

Chase has a million travel rewards cards.  Latest is 70k pts for Mileage Explorer card with 4k min spend in 90 days.  That's almost 3 round trip airfare tickets to most places in the U.S.  I was approved in 10 seconds.

Just a thought!

[frugalnacho]

I don't know that I am going to spend $4k in the next 3 months.  If I don't hit that limit and don't get the sign up bonus then the costo rewards card is much better for me.   4% back on gas, 3% back on travel and restaurants, and 2% back on other purchases at costco.  1% back on everything else, but I will use my citi MC with 2% cash back for those purchases. 

[dandarc]

So if you can take money out at the ATM, you could also likely pay via debit at the register.  Or do you have an ATM card that is not also a debit card?

[opnfld]

I don't know that I am going to spend $4k in the next 3 months.  If I don't hit that limit and don't get the sign up bonus then the costo rewards card is much better for me.   4% back on gas, 3% back on travel and restaurants, and 2% back on other purchases at costco.  1% back on everything else, but I will use my citi MC with 2% cash back for those purchases.

Satisfy the spending requirements by purchasing Costco gift cards and spending those down over the year.

[frugalnacho]

I'm pretty sure I can also use it as a debit card, I just never have.  I don't use it as a debit card or take money out of the ATM.  I would rather be getting an additional 2% back on my purchases (4% on gas) rather than the nothing my credit union will give me for using the debit card.

[TheAnonOne]

I don't know that I am going to spend $4k in the next 3 months.  If I don't hit that limit and don't get the sign up bonus then the costo rewards card is much better for me.   4% back on gas, 3% back on travel and restaurants, and 2% back on other purchases at costco.  1% back on everything else, but I will use my citi MC with 2% cash back for those purchases.

Satisfy the spending requirements by purchasing Costco gift cards and spending those down over the year.

Also the 4k can be spent ANYWHERE. Not just costco....

Bills included (most of them anyway)

$1,250 a month is pretty low, even for mustache standards. (As was stated, you could also just buy a giftcard at the 2.5 month point for whatever you need)

[RocketSurgeon]

I don't know that I am going to spend $4k in the next 3 months.  If I don't hit that limit and don't get the sign up bonus then the costo rewards card is much better for me.   4% back on gas, 3% back on travel and restaurants, and 2% back on other purchases at costco.  1% back on everything else, but I will use my citi MC with 2% cash back for those purchases.

Satisfy the spending requirements by purchasing Costco gift cards and spending those down over the year.

Also the 4k can be spent ANYWHERE. Not just costco....

Bills included (most of them anyway)

$1,250 a month is pretty low, even for mustache standards. (As was stated, you could also just buy a giftcard at the 2.5 month point for whatever you need)

Not for singletons, not including my rent, which I can't put on a card, I average less than $600 a month.

[Clean Shaven]

I have a Costco AmEx, and Citi mailed me the replacement Costco Citi Visa card last week.  I haven't gotten around to activating it yet, but I have the card in my possession. 

AFAIK it's an automatic event -- if you have the Costco AmEx, Citi will mail you a Costco Citi Visa; you do not have to close the AmEx and apply for the Visa.  I've read that if you close the Costco AmEx before the conversion happens, then Citi will not automatically send you a Costco Visa; you will have to apply.

[madage]

I'm pretty sure I can also use it as a debit card, I just never have.  I don't use it as a debit card or take money out of the ATM.  I would rather be getting an additional 2% back on my purchases (4% on gas) rather than the nothing my credit union will give me for using the debit card.

Use your Amex to pick up a Costco Cash card (or order online) to tide you over until the Citi Visa arrives?

[Revelry]

Not for singletons, not including my rent, which I can't put on a card, I average less than $600 a month.

Look into radpad.

[Shor]

... just remembered that I did get the Citi Visa mailed to me... has been sitting in my wallet at the back of the line, waiting for its moment to shine!

I imagine on June 20th, despite all of the signs for the last few months,
despite all of the letters and emails sent out to customers,
despite all of the additional signs reminding customers that Amex no longer works,
the number one question being answered at Costco that day will be how the Amex won't work, only Visa will work,
and no we can't just switch the system back and accept Amex,
and yes you should've gotten your card in the mail already,
and no we can't just print you a new one,
and could you see the manager over at customer help center you're backing up the line now,
and yes we can take all of your perishable food and try to put it back before it rots after being out for hours, sorry for the inconvenience.

Won't even imagine how backed up the gas lines will become, plenty of people will be honking for the attendant that day...

[frugalnacho]

I have a Costco AmEx, and Citi mailed me the replacement Costco Citi Visa card last week.  I haven't gotten around to activating it yet, but I have the card in my possession. 

AFAIK it's an automatic event -- if you have the Costco AmEx, Citi will mail you a Costco Citi Visa; you do not have to close the AmEx and apply for the Visa.  I've read that if you close the Costco AmEx before the conversion happens, then Citi will not automatically send you a Costco Visa; you will have to apply.

I had an amex card before I got a costco membership so I never bothered with their costco amex.  You are correct in that all current costco amex customers are being sent new cards and automatically being transitioned to the citi visa.  For everyone that did not have a costco amex card, you will be unable to apply for either costco cc until after the switch is already made.  That's the main point that's irritating me.  Signs all over warning me that June 20 is approaching and I can only use a visa from that point on, but also not letting me apply for said visa until June 20.  It's so asinine.  They have a huge partnership with visa, and they are obviously promoting their own visa card, but won't let you sign up until after you already need it.

[frugalnacho]

... just remembered that I did get the Citi Visa mailed to me... has been sitting in my wallet at the back of the line, waiting for its moment to shine!

I imagine on June 20th, despite all of the signs for the last few months,
despite all of the letters and emails sent out to customers,
despite all of the additional signs reminding customers that Amex no longer works,
the number one question being answered at Costco that day will be how the Amex won't work, only Visa will work,
and no we can't just switch the system back and accept Amex,
and yes you should've gotten your card in the mail already,
and no we can't just print you a new one,
and could you see the manager over at customer help center you're backing up the line now,
and yes we can take all of your perishable food and try to put it back before it rots after being out for hours, sorry for the inconvenience.

Won't even imagine how backed up the gas lines will become, plenty of people will be honking for the attendant that day...

And if you don't currently have a costco amex card you can't even apply until after the switch is made.  It's insanity I say!

[MountainFlower]

Costco takes debit cards as long as you know your PIN

[trashmanz]

I don't know that I am going to spend $4k in the next 3 months.  If I don't hit that limit and don't get the sign up bonus then the costo rewards card is much better for me.   4% back on gas, 3% back on travel and restaurants, and 2% back on other purchases at costco.  1% back on everything else, but I will use my citi MC with 2% cash back for those purchases.

Satisfy the spending requirements by purchasing Costco gift cards and spending those down over the year.

Also the 4k can be spent ANYWHERE. Not just costco....

Bills included (most of them anyway)

$1,250 a month is pretty low, even for mustache standards. (As was stated, you could also just buy a giftcard at the 2.5 month point for whatever you need)

Not for singletons, not including my rent, which I can't put on a card, I average less than $600 a month.

I don't think singletons are the target or majority demographic for Costco bulk purchasing.

[Altons Bobs]

So the whole point of this thread is that you're just irritated that Citi/Costco would not let you have your Citi Visa card BEFORE June 20.

[frugalnacho]

So the whole point of this thread is that you're just irritated that Citi/Costco would not let you have your Citi Visa card BEFORE June 20.

Yes. 

(Actually I can't even apply until June 20.  Then allow 7-10 days for me to get my card according to citi [if everything goes smoothl])

[RocketSurgeon]

Look into radpad.

I'm living in a co-op thing atm that requires a personal check or MO. (but only $365 a month incl. water!)
I may be moving in a few years though, so thanks for the suggestion!

I don't think singletons are the target or majority demographic for Costco bulk purchasing.

So? I buy virtually all of my food and gas there, and I might buy my car insurance from them when my current policy expires in August.

[frugalnacho]

Look into radpad.

I'm living in a co-op thing atm that requires a personal check or MO. (but only $365 a month incl. water!)
I may be moving in a few years though, so thanks for the suggestion!

I don't think singletons are the target or majority demographic for Costco bulk purchasing.

So? I buy virtually all of my food and gas there, and I might buy my car insurance from them when my current policy expires in August.

If it's cheaper why not just switch to their insurance now?

[Altons Bobs]

If you apply on June 20, they will give you a temp card that you can start shopping at Costco on the same day while you wait for your physical card to arrive.  So you'll be ok.

[frugalnacho]

If you apply on June 20, they will give you a temp card that you can start shopping at Costco on the same day while you wait for your physical card to arrive.  So you'll be ok.

You mean if I apply in store?

EDIT: After I wrote that I shuddered to think of standing in line on June 20 with all those other assholes looking to get cards too.  I'll probably just apply online and wait for it, and use my debit card in the 7-10 takes until my card arrives.  Or more likely just not shop at costco because I only need to go like once or twice a month.

[Altons Bobs]

If you apply on June 20, they will give you a temp card that you can start shopping at Costco on the same day while you wait for your physical card to arrive.  So you'll be ok.

You mean if I apply in store?

EDIT: After I wrote that I shuddered to think of standing in line on June 20 with all those other assholes looking to get cards too.  I'll probably just apply online and wait for it, and use my debit card in the 7-10 takes until my card arrives.  Or more likely just not shop at costco because I only need to go like once or twice a month.

There you go, not shopping there will save you money!  ;-)

[RetiredAt63]

Costco in Canada switched over to MasterCard a while ago (which meant I could use my MC instead of my debit card, no way I was getting American Express).  They have their own, but any MC works.  So I would guess that any Visa would work for the US.  Until then, you may not get the same rewards, but a debit card is always good.