Why the Costco Credit Card Isn’t the Best Choice for Moms (even when you spend most of your money there)
If you’re a mom who loves Costco as much as I do (hello, bulk snacks and rotisserie chickens!), you might think signing up for the Costco credit card is a no-brainer. After all, it’s designed for Costco shoppers, right? But I’m here to share a little secret: when you spend most of your money at Costco, the Costco credit card might not actually be the best fit for you—especially if you want to stretch your dollars and travel more.
I’m Kristin, a mom of four who earns over a million points a year. That means we’re not just talking about how to earn points—we’re talking about using them to travel as close to free as possible with a family of six. If you’re new to points and miles, I’ve got a Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles that walks you through the basics. But for now, let’s break down why you should think twice about the Costco credit card and what cards could work better for your spending habits.
Why the Costco Credit Card Falls Short
The Costco credit card seems appealing: 4% back on gas, 3% on restaurants, and 2% on Costco purchases. But here’s the catch—those rewards are issued as a once-a-year certificate that can only be redeemed at Costco.
Why would you care about flexibility? Transferrable points are a lot more valuable.
If you want to actually maximize your Costco spending—and turn those purchases into travel or even cash back you can use however you want—there are better options.
The Cards You Should Use Instead
Here are my favorite cards for everyday spending that work beautifully with Costco purchases and beyond. These aren’t just random picks—I use these cards to earn over a million points a year, and they’re perfect for beginners and moms with busy lives.
1. card_name
With the card_name, you’ll earn:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x points on all other purchases
This card also has a great welcome offer right now: bonus_miles_full
2. card_name
With the card_name, you’ll earn:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
This is the highest percent back you'll earn of any Chase card right now without being concerned about category spending.
This card also has a great welcome offer right now: bonus_miles_full
Not sure if you qualify for a business card? Even a small side hustle like selling on Etsy or babysitting can count! Check out my guide to applying for a business card to learn more.
3. card_name
With the card_name, you’ll earn:
- 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5x miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
This card also has a great welcome offer right now: bonus_miles_full
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Costco fan, it’s time to rethink the Costco credit card. By choosing one of these flexible rewards cards instead, you’ll unlock more value from your spending—and maybe even earn enough points to cover your next family vacation.
Have questions about getting started with points? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook and send me a message—I love helping other moms travel smarter!
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.