Does Costco Credit Card Do a Hard Inquiry?
Yes and no. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi does not start with a hard credit inquiry. Citi first gives you the opportunity to check whether you are pre-qualified, and that initial prequalification does not impact your credit score. If you receive a pre-qualified offer and choose to continue with the actual credit card application, that application may result in a hard inquiry.
Affiliate Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and recommend. If you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened, we may earn a commission. We are independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
Does Costco Credit Card Prequalification Use a Hard Inquiry?
No. The first step is prequalification. Citi checks your credit information to determine whether you may be eligible for a Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offer, but Citi says your credit score is not impacted by this initial check.
When Does the Hard Inquiry Happen?
The hard inquiry can happen after you receive a pre-qualified offer and decide to submit the formal application. Citi's current application process makes the distinction clear: the initial check is for prequalification, while submitting the application may impact your credit score.
What If I Don't Pre-Qualify?
If Citi does not give you a pre-qualified offer, you do not have to continue to the formal application. The prequalification step lets you find out whether Citi has an offer for you before you decide whether to apply.
Can I Choose Whether to Apply After Prequalification?
Yes. Receiving a pre-qualified offer does not mean you have to accept it and submit the application. You can review the offer and decide whether you want to move forward. If you do proceed, remember that prequalification is not a guarantee of approval because Citi still makes the final credit decision.
Want to Know How Costco Credit Card Prequalification Works?
Our Costco credit card prequalification guide explains the process in more detail, including how the initial credit check works and what happens if Citi gives you a pre-qualified offer.
Interested in the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi?
➤ Check for Costco Credit Card Prequalification
Learn More About the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
For a broader look at the card, including its rewards, benefits, drawbacks and ways to maximize cash back, see our Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi guide.
Found this guide helpful? Save this for later as you continue your financial journey!
Compare a variety of credit card offers.
FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a proprietary credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). About 90% of top U.S. lenders use it to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
FICO categorizes scores as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300–850) predicting your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to evaluate risk and determine rates and terms for credit.
Why it matters: A higher score can help you qualify for loans and lower interest rates. A lower score can lead to higher borrowing costs or application denials.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
- Three-Digit Number: Summarizes your credit risk.
- Range: 300–850; higher scores = lower risk.
- Data Source: Uses your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.
Security Notice: All participating issuers use secure application systems protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to help protect your information.
*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
Advertiser Disclosure: The card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Gettingacreditcard.com may receive compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Gettingacreditcard.com does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace.