Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi: Should I Buy a Costco Membership for Gas Rewards?
Introduction
As the cost of fuel continues to rise, fuel consumers may be on the hunt for ways to save money at the pump. For those considering a Costco membership for gas rewards, weighing the benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is crucial. This article delves into whether this card, coupled with a Costco membership, is worthwhile for gas savings.
What is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi?
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a popular rewards credit card designed specifically for shoppers who frequent the giant warehouse club, either in-person or online. The card offers cashback on a variety of eligible purchases, including gas, groceries, dining out, and travel expenses.
Gas Rewards
One of the significant benefits of this card centers around its gas rewards, offering an impressive 4% cashback on eligible gas purchases worldwide (Costco and non-Costco stations) up to $7,000 per year, and then 1% thereafter. While this is enticing for frequent drivers or road-trippers, it’s essential to determine if this perk justifies the cost of a Costco membership.
Costco Membership Cost
To obtain and use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, consumers must have an active Costco membership. The cost of an annual basic membership is currently $60 while adding perks like through an Executive Membership comes in at $120. To decipher whether a membership carries enough value concerning gas rewards alone, consider your yearly fuel expenses.
Is It Worth It?
To calculate whether purchasing a Costco membership solely for gas rewards makes sense for you, consider two primary factors:
1. Your yearly spend on fuel.
2. The difference in gas prices between local fuel stations and those at Costco.
If you already own a card that offers rewards such as money back or airline miles, compare these rewards to the 4% cashback from the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Also, keep in mind that the card offers additional rewards on a range of other purchase categories that might further boost its value.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to buy a Costco membership just for gas rewards and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi depends on your specific needs and driving habits. Be sure to thoroughly evaluate your yearly fuel expenses, local gasoline prices, and other benefits offered by this card while conducting your research. For some drivers, the combination may be a cost-effective choice — but for others, it may not provide enough added value to warrant an annual membership fee.