Two Popular Cards, Two Very Different Goals
The costco citi card vs chase sapphire question comes up a lot, and for good reason. Both are well-known cards, but they are built for different people.
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a no-annual-fee cash back card made for Costco members and everyday spending. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel rewards card with a $95 annual fee, built for people who travel often and want flexible points.
This comparison breaks down rewards, fees, and perks in plain language so you can see which one fits your life. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Rewards: Cash Back vs Travel Points
The two cards earn rewards in completely different ways.
The Costco Anywhere Visa earns:
- 5% back on gas at Costco (4% at other stations and on EV charging)
- 3% back on dining and travel
- 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases
- 1% back on everything else
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns:
- 3x points on dining, online groceries, and select streaming
- 2x points on travel booked outside Chase Travel
- 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel
The big difference is flexibility. Costco rewards come once a year as a certificate you redeem at the warehouse. Chase points can transfer to airline and hotel partners, which often unlocks more value per point for travelers.
Annual Fees and Sign-Up Offers
Fees and bonuses can tip the decision quickly.
The Costco Anywhere Visa has no annual fee, but you do need a Costco membership to hold the card, and that membership has its own cost. There is typically no large sign-up bonus.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred charges a $95 annual fee but often comes with a sizable points bonus after you meet a spending requirement. One thing to watch: the card's 10% anniversary points bonus is set to end October 1, 2026, so confirm current terms before applying. If you are torn between premium travel options, our Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture breakdown digs deeper.
If you are still building credit and not ready for a premium travel card, an accessible option can help you get there. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is an unsecured card aimed at people working on their credit, and it earns cash back while reporting to the bureaus.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Travel Perks and Protections
This is where the Chase Sapphire Preferred pulls ahead for frequent travelers.
The Sapphire Preferred includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage, primary rental car coverage in many cases, and transferable points that can stretch further on flights and hotels. These protections can save real money on a single trip gone wrong.
The Costco Anywhere Visa keeps things simpler. It offers solid everyday cash back and the Visa network's standard protections, but it is not designed as a travel card.
If your credit is still growing and you want to build toward cards like these, Perpay offers a structured way to pay over time through payroll deductions while building credit history. That history is what eventually opens the door to premium rewards cards.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Who Should Pick Which Card?
The choice really comes down to how you spend.
Pick the Costco Anywhere Visa if you are a loyal Costco member, you want cash back with no annual fee, and you like the simplicity of an annual reward certificate. It shines on gas and warehouse runs.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you travel several times a year, you want flexible points, and you value strong travel insurance. The $95 fee can pay for itself if you use the perks.
For everyday rewards without a Costco membership or a travel focus, a flexible card such as Robinhood's credit card earns on all purchases and can be a simpler fit for many people.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
Making Your Decision
There is no single winner here. The right card is the one that matches your spending and your goals.
If most of your budget runs through Costco and gas stations, the cash back card likely wins. If you travel and want flexible points with strong protections, the travel card likely wins. Some people even carry both and use each where it pays the most.
Whatever you choose, pay on time and keep balances low to protect your score. Both cards generally call for at least a good credit score, and free tools like Creditship.ai can help you monitor your credit as you decide and as you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a Costco membership for the Costco Citi card?
Yes. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi requires an active Costco membership. If your membership lapses, you can no longer use the card, so factor the membership cost into your decision.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred worth the $95 annual fee?
For frequent travelers, the Sapphire Preferred can be worth it thanks to transferable points and travel protections. If you rarely travel, a no-fee cash back card may give you more value for less cost.
Which card earns better rewards on gas?
The Costco Anywhere Visa is strong on gas, earning 5% back at Costco gas stations and 4% at other stations, up to an annual cap. The Chase Sapphire Preferred does not have a special gas category.
Can I get either card while building credit?
Both cards typically require good to excellent credit. If you are still building, start with an accessible card that reports to all three bureaus, pay on time, and work up to premium cards over time.
