But hear me out, people; this bad boy's got game when it comes to travel. And no, you don't have to be hauling around bulk peanut butter and 48-packs of batteries to reap the rewards.
The Hero of Travel: 3% Cash Back on Travel Purchases
Let's begin with one of the most obvious benefits that one somehow tends to overlook: a whopping 3% cash-back offer on travel purchases. It might sound like another one of those run-of-the-mill cash-back offers, but when you break it down, it's like that extra fry at the bottom of your bag.
This 3% stacks up way quicker than most might expect if you're a frequent flyer, hotel hopper, or once-a-year vacationer. Imagine this: You're booking a week-long stay in a nice hotel, maybe some boutique spot in Napa Valley, because why the heck not? Let's say the cost of your hotel is $2,000. Boom—just like that, you're going to get $60 back immediately upon making the booking.
Now, tack on your flights, car rentals, maybe a cheeky little tour or two, and you're looking at serious cash back that can fuel your next adventure… or, let's be real, a bulk purchase at Costco.
But here's the kicker: this cash-back isn't just limited to flights and hotels. Cruises to car rentals, travel agencies—even those swank all-inclusive resorts count toward it. It's like your Costco card is just as keyed up about your vacation as you are.
Travel Protection Benefits
Your Invisible Armor For most of us, when we think about traveling, it is all about the destination. The sights, the sounds, those endless Instagram stories. But what about the "what ifs": you know, between you and that picture-perfect sunset? And right here is where the Costco Citi Card steps in—more like a protection, almost-superhero quietly saving that pack of bacon bits, in all its bulk, coming in clutch.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection
Have you ever had a trip derailed because of something completely out of your control? Be it sudden sickness, a family emergency, or even that decided-to-blow-in blizzard in the middle of April, all bases are covered with trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Your trip is assuredly reimbursed for the non-refundable portions in the case of a canceled journey for specified reasons under the feature.
It's not just pocket change, either—up to $5,000 per trip. That's peace of mind with a capital P.
- Worldwide Rental Car Insurance
Going to rent a car for your vacation? You don't need to pay extra for the rental company's insurance. Your Costco Travel card provides you with worldwide use of a rented car insurance facility, which would fix the card if the rented vehicle were either stolen or involved in a collision. So go ahead; get that sexy convertible! Just be aware it's secondary insurance within the U.S., which means you must file with your auto insurance first. However, it's primary if traveling abroad!
- Travel Accident Insurance
This is a benefit that hopefully you will never use but makes you happy knowing you have. The travel accident insurance offers you coverage in the event of an accident leading to death or dismemberment while traveling. That is pretty grim; however, that can help knowing the card has your back if something unthinkable takes place.
4. Lost Luggage Reimbursement:
Like lost luggage, for many people, it's the bottomless pit of traveler horror stories. But if your luggage does take the scenic route somewhere else, your Costco Citi Card is going to reimburse you for those important items you need to purchase while your bags are on vacation without you. This valid reason can reach up to $3,000, so you need not decide whether to purchase a toothbrush or an emergency dress.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
One of the biggest pains in going abroad are those insidious little foreign transaction fees that slip in on you before you know it. You're just looking to have a nice dinner in Paris, then—bang—your bank hits you with a 3% fee for the privilege to pay in euros. Not with the Costco Citi Card.
No foreign transaction fees. However far across the world: sipping espressos in Rome, shopping the streets of Tokyo, diving in Bali, this laugh-in-the-face-of-them-all card won't ding you with extra charges on top of the pleasure of spending your own money abroad. It's competitive, and at least now you won't feel like you've just been ripped off by a money changer on the street.
And this doesn't even go for the big ones; the small things—grabbing a gelato, getting a ticket to the museum—really do add up. With that Citi Card from Costco, you are free to swipe without a care for those sneaky fees, being a true globetrotter's best friend.
The Not-So-Glamorous, Yet Totally Worth-It Details
Now, similar to all great relationships, it's wise for you to understand beforehand what you are in for with your Costco Citi Card. The following are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that you maximize your benefits without problems.
It is a Costco card, after all; you'll need to be a Costco member to apply in the first place. This actually isn't much of a downside, as now you've gotten yourself a one-two punch of a card—all the travel benefits and access to Costco's warehouse of wonders. Double win!
This card also carries a standard variable APR. Just like any other credit card, it's always best to pay off your balance in full every month, should you want to avoid interest charges. After all, those cashback rewards are pretty sweet—much more so when they're not gobbled up by interest.
Though travel benefits of the card are great, the benefits do come with some fine print. For example, travel insurance benefits usually require that you pay for the entire travel expense with your Costco Citi Card.
Coverage is always going to vary by state and there will be exclusions and limitations, so it's a good idea to take a look at the card's terms and conditions, call Citi, if you have certain questions.
Conclusion:
Is the Costco Citi Card Worth Packing on Your Next Trip?
In essence, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of traveling. It's loaded with some sure apropos charges: saving you bucks, taking the bullet for you in a crunch-acting just to grease the skids, if you will.
That's not just all about having to ever stack bulky groceries; it is a powerhouse full of travel accessories that go unnoticed much of the time. Therefore, if you are an independent wanderer or someone who just loves going away on occasion, this card absolutely deserves a special place in your wallet.
No foreign transaction fees, 3% cash back in the category of travel, and a long list of insurance coverage—it's like having a faithful traveling partner who is sure to deliver and can even buy you a drink or two with its cash-back benefits.