What Is the Amex TrueEarnings Costco Credit Card?

Published July 18, 2025 | By matt

The American Express TrueEarnings Costco Credit Card was a co-branded card offering a solid mix of cashback rewards tailored to Costco shoppers. While no longer issued to new applicants since Costco’s partnership with Amex ended in 2016 (and transitioned to Citi), many people still search for the card either out of confusion or hoping for a similar product. Here’s what to know:

Legacy Product: The TrueEarnings Amex Costco card is discontinued; no new applications are currently accepted for this exact card.
Alternate Options: As of now, the Citi® Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is the official co-branded Costco card.
Still Have an Amex TrueEarnings Card? If you’re a legacy cardholder, you may still enjoy Amex-style benefits like Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty.

Looking for Similar Benefits? Consider the Closest Alternatives

Since the original card is unavailable, the next best move is applying for current reward-heavy cards that pair well with Costco spending. Here’s a quick comparison:

Card	Key Rewards	Annual Fee	Major Perks
Citi Costco Anywhere Visa	4% on gas, 3% on dining & travel, 2% at Costco, 1% other	$0 (with paid Costco membership)	Works directly with your Costco membership card
American Express Blue Cash Preferred®	6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000/year), 3% transit, 1% other	$95	Strong supermarket cashback; Amex Purchase Protection
Amex Cash Magnet®	1.5% on all purchases	$0	Simple flat-rate cashback + Amex travel and security perks

How to Apply for an Amex Card That Matches Costco Spending

While you can’t apply for the TrueEarnings card, applying for a related Amex card can still bring strategic value. Here’s your actionable checklist:

Check Your Credit: Aim for a score of 680+ for most Amex cash back cards.
Use Existing Relationships: Still have older Amex cards? Keep them active—Amex’s internal loyalty score improves with tenure.
Find the Right Card: Choose a card that rewards 2%+ on general or Costco-compatible spend types (e.g., gas, groceries, online).
Apply Online: Apply via the official American Express site or through a personalized offer link if one appears in your Amex Offers section.

Tip: After approval, check your Amex account under “Offers.” Many new cardholders receive limited-time deals, like 10% back at Costco (up to $50)—a stealthy early win if you shop soon after activation.

How to Check Your Amex Card Application Status

Applied and waiting? Here’s how to stay in the loop:

Visit the Amex application status tool
Input the required information (SSN and zip code)
You’ll see one of the following: Approved, In Progress, or Denied

If your application is denied and you believe it was an error or your finances recently improved, consider calling Amex’s reconsideration line. When you do:

Be specific: Mention recent credit improvements like increased income or reduced credit utilization.
Build rapport: Reps appreciate clarity and politeness. Your story matters.

Maximize Benefits: Use the Card Strategically at Costco

Whether you have a current Amex or switch to the Citi Costco Visa, getting max value takes intentional use. Think of your card not just as plastic, but as a toolkit. Use it smartly:

Big Purchases = Big Protections: TVs, laptops, or furniture at Costco? Amex cards offer Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty—often covering damage or theft within 90 days, and extending the manufacturer’s warranty up to a year.
Stack Offers: Use Amex Offers + Costco discounts for compounded savings.
Track Rewards: Use a Trello board or spreadsheet to visualize your cashback across categories like food, gas, and warehouse buys.

Bonus Tips for Smarter Credit Use (Especially if You Shop Wholesale Often)

Rotate with Partners: Pair your Costco card with a grocery-focused card (like Amex Blue Cash) + a travel rewards card for broader cashback.
Annual Cash Back Reports: Export annual summaries from Amex to analyze your top categories and plan next year’s card strategy.
Amex Offers Refresh Weekly: Log in every Friday to browse new offers—certain deals (Costco.com cashback, Sam’s Club credits, etc.) rotate in quietly.

Final Thoughts: The True Value of an Amex Costco Strategy

While the original TrueEarnings Amex Costco Credit Card is no longer available for application, you’re not out of luck. With sharp planning, you can blend smart credit card usage with your Costco buying habits to earn meaningful, stackable rewards. Think of credit cards as tools—not just for buying, but for building financial flexibility, savings, and protection. A well-chosen Amex or Costco-friendly card becomes your silent partner on every bulk shopping run.

If you’re still unsure which card suits your needs—or need personalized insight on how to manage rewards across spending categories—consider building a simple reward strategy board. Your wallet will thank you.