Costco is known for its low prices both in-store and at the gas pump. With gas prices quite high these days, finding a place like Costco that offers gas even for a bit cheaper is TOTALLY worth it. So, the next time you’re at Costco and need to fill up your car with gas, consider going to the Costco gas station. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Costco gas hours, the holidays they close, and the payment methods they accept.

What are Costco Gas Station’s Hours of Operation?

As a rule, Costco gas stations are open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day of the week.

I often pull into my local Costco gas station at 6:05 a.m. and have the place to myself, if you go to work early, it’s the best time to fill up.

That being said, the hours may vary based on your specific store’s location.

It’s important to keep in mind that Costco’s store hours are typically from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m..

Costco gas stations are open longer than the store itself to allow commuters time to fill up their tanks on the way to work.

See Also: 7 Must-Know Tips About Buying Costco Gas

PRO TIP: COSTCO GAS IS A “TOP TIER” APPROVED FUEL

Costco sells gasoline that is “Top Tier” approved, meaning that it meets the “high-quality” standards of leading automotive and heavy-duty equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers include Honda, BMW, Toyota, GM, Ford, and Audi to name a few. In other words, it’s good gas, typically much better than the other “bargain” gas stations in the town you live in.

Do They Close on Certain Holidays?

Yes.

Costco gas stations are closed on certain holidays where their warehouses are ALSO closed.

Specifically, Costco gas stations are closed on these holidays:

– New Year’s Day

– Easter

– Memorial Day

– Independence Day

– Labor Day

– Thanksgiving Day

– Christmas Day

Any Holidays When Costco is Closed But the Gas Station is Open?

No.

Costco gas stations will be closed on ALL DAYS when the warehouse is closed for business.

Therefore, if it’s a holiday and the Costco warehouse is closed, you can expect the gas station to also be closed.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS TAP YOUR CARD WHEN PAYING FOR GAS

According to Experian, tapping your credit card is ALWAYS the safest way to buy gas. The reason is because your card will never have to interact with a potential credit card skimming device. Inserting your chip is the next safest way. Sliding your credit card is the most vulnerable way to pay and should be avoided. Fortunately most credit cards made today are chip-enabled allowing you to tap your credit card.

What Hours Are They the Least Crowded?

There is no concrete answer for when the best time to go to a Costco gas station is.

This is because inevitably crowds will vary based on location, time of year, etc.

However, most Costco gas stations appear to be the least crowded during the following:

1. Right when they first open at 6 a.m.

2. Around late morning/early afternoon on weekdays when most people are still at work.

You can expect the weekend, in general, to be more crowded compared to weekdays.

PRO TIP: SHOW UP AT 9:20 P.M.

Show up ten minutes before they close at 9:20 p.m. and you’ll have the station to yourself. This is by far the BEST time to fill up your tank at a Costco gas station, trust me on this one.

If you show up and there are long lines for the “left side” pumps, just go to a “right side” pump and use the LONG hose to fill up your car. If you drive a big ol’ truck or SUV the hose might not reach, but for everything else you’re golden.

See Also: Costco Employees Tell Me to ALWAYS Shop on a Tuesday

Do I Need to Be a Costco Member to Buy Gas?

Yes.

Unfortunately, you must be a Costco member to buy gas at a Costco gas station.

When you get to the pump, you’ll be asked to do one of 3 things:

1. Tap your Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi (the easiest way as your membership number is already attached to it)

2. Insert your Costco Membership Card, then Tap your Visa card. 

3. Insert your Costco Membership Card, then use your smartphone to pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

A highly clever workaround is to have a member buy you a Costco Shop Card (up to $500) and then you can use it to buy gas at Costco without a membership.

See Also: After Getting Gas, Go Check Out the Costco Food Court

Are Costco Gas Stations Safe After Dark?

Generally speaking, yes Costco gas stations are safe after dark; however, you should always be aware of your surroundings and not leave your vehicle if you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable– your gas can wait.

If you can, try to fill up with other cars nearby, or in the close vicinity of other customers getting gas.

Can I Use Apple Pay at Costco Gas Stations?

Yes, you can use Apple Pay at Costco gas stations.

It’s important to note you do need to have a Visa card connected to your Apple Wallet to be able to use your Apple Pay at Costco gas stations.

The same things go for using Google Pay on your Android device.

See Also: Costco Raises Membership Cost and Introduces New “Entry” Policy

Can I Buy Gas with Cash at Costco?

No.

You cannot buy gas with cash at Costco.

This is because Costco is trying to reduce wait times so they don’t want their attendants handling cash.

These are the following payment methods you can use at Costco gas stations:

– All Visa Cards

– Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

– Most Pin-Based Debit/ATM cards

– Costco Shop Cards

Unfortunately, you cannot use your EBT benefits to buy gas at Costco.

Also, don’t forget you’ll need your Costco membership card to be able to verify you’re a Costco member to buy gas at a Costco gas station.

Ask the Reader: Do you regularly buy your gas at Costco? If so, did I miss any tidbits of information in my article? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)