Last Updated on October 3, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
I recently shopped at Costco with an Apple gift card, eager to purchase. But I wondered if I could use my Apple gift card at this popular wholesale store.
I did a bit of research and tested it out. And what I discovered might surprise you. So, can you use Apple gift cards at Costco?
Keep reading as I’ll explain whether or not you can use Apple gift cards at Costco.
Can The Apple Gift Card Be Used At Costco?
No, the Apple gift card cannot be used for in-store purchases at Costco.
While Apple gift cards are versatile for buying Apple products and services, they do not extend their usability to other retailers like Costco.
“Apple stores are intended not just to move boxes, but to enrich lives.”
– Steve Jobs, American Business Magnate and Inventor
Costco has its policies and accepted payment methods, typically including major credit cards, debit cards, cash, and sometimes specific Costco-branded gift cards.
If you plan to shop at Costco, having one of their approved payment options on hand is essential, as your Apple gift card won’t be used for your in-store purchases.
But is it okay to use an Apple gift card on AppleCare?
Can Your Apple Gift Card Be Used In Any Store?
No, your Apple gift card cannot be used in any store. These gift cards are designed for their retail stores, online stores, and the Apple Store app.
They are only sometimes accepted as a form of payment in other retail stores or establishments.
So, while you can easily shop for Apple products and services using your Apple gift card within the Apple services, it will only be used as a payment method in some other retail stores.
Find out if you can use multiple Airbnb gift cards here.
Which Cards Are Accepted At Costco?
Costco has a specific set of accepted payment methods. These include all Visa cards, making the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi [1] a notable choice for Costco shoppers.
Besides, most PIN-based debit and ATM cards are accepted, offering flexibility to customers. Costco Shop Cards, essentially store-specific gift cards, are another valid form of payment.
Lastly, personal checks from current Costco members and business checks from current Costco Business Members are also welcomed as payment options.
Which Cards Are Not Accepted At Costco?
Costco has some rules about the cards you can use to pay. They’re okay with all Visa cards but don’t accept American Express, Discover, or Mastercard credit cards [2].
However, if you want to buy stuff from their website or app, you can use Discover or Mastercard, but not American Express.
“While your Apple gift card can power up your Apple world, it won’t help you at the Costco checkout.”
–
Howkapow Gift Site
With that, when heading to a Costco store, it’s essential to have an accepted payment method that fits their in-store policy, and these specific credit cards are a no-go.
Why Can’t Your Apple Gift Card Be Used As A Form Of Payment?
Your Apple gift card may only be used as a form of payment if the purchase cost is within the balance on your gift card or the credit in your Apple account.
Besides, even if your gift card balance is sufficient, you must have a valid payment method linked to your Apple ID.
This payment method is a backup if your gift card balance needs to be corrected.
Can My Apple Gift Card Be Transferred To My Bank Account?
No, transferring the funds from your Apple gift card to your bank account is impossible. When you redeem an Apple gift card, the funds become restricted for use within Apple.
These funds are essentially “pre-spent” and are only valid for purchasing Apple products and services. They cannot be converted into cash or transferred to your bank account.
So, if you have an Apple gift card, you can enjoy buying apps, music, devices, and more from Apple, but you won’t be able to turn it into real money in your bank account.
Also Read: Is It Okay To Put Visa Gift Cards On Apple Pay?
FAQs
Can an Apple gift card be refunded?
No, an Apple gift card cannot be refunded. Once purchased or redeemed, the funds associated with the gift card are non-refundable in the form of cash.
How often can an Apple Store gift card be used?
Up to twenty Apple Store gift cards can be used in a single purchase.
This allows for flexibility when using multiple gift cards to cover the cost of your Apple products or services within one shopping visit.
But how can you add a gift card to Apple Wallet?
Does Costco accept Apple Pay to pay for gas?
No, Costco gas stations do not accept Apple Pay as a payment method. Customers should be prepared to use other payment methods when refueling at Costco.
Can an Apple gift card be used at an ATM?
No, Apple Store Gift Cards cannot be used at ATMs. These gift cards are specifically designed for use in Apple, where they can be used to purchase Apple products and services.
Can my Apple Card be used to pay bills?
You can use your Apple Card to pay bills if your utility company accepts credit card payments.
Final Say
Ultimately, I wanted to see if my Apple gift card could work at Costco, where I love to shop. But, I discovered that my Apple gift card only works at Apple stores and online, not at Costco.
Costco has its own rules for how you can pay. They only accept Visa cards, special Costco cards, and some debit cards with a PIN.
They also take Costco gift cards and checks from people who are already Costco members.
But the Apple gift card won’t help you pay for things at Costco. So, bring the right way to pay when you shop there.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/citi-merchant-offers/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/mastercard-credit-card-benefits-standard-world-elite
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