Costco customers are frustrated after the warehouse giant stopped accepting Apple Pay through its app, a move that’s left many scrambling for solutions. While the change surprised most users, some smart shoppers have already found ways to bypass the inconvenience and still pay from their phones.
Apple Pay Disabled on the Costco App
On Tuesday, Costco users noticed that Apple Pay had been removed as a payment option from the company’s official app. Apple Pay, which allows shoppers to pay directly from their iPhone without entering card details, had become a favorite for its ease and added security.
A post on Reddit highlighted the situation:
“Very disappointed to see that Apple Pay is no longer available in the Costco app… Apple Pay was just easier and didn’t require storing a card on a third-party site.”
Costco has now introduced a system that stores Visa and Mastercard information on a third-party site. Many shoppers are hesitant to enter their card details due to privacy and fraud concerns. Unlike Apple Pay, which uses encryption and face/touch ID, manually entered card details don’t offer the same level of security and protection.
Frustration Over Digital Membership Card Access
The removal of Apple Pay also affects access to digital membership cards stored in the Apple Wallet. Some users have noted that they simply want to keep everything on their phone for convenience, without having to juggle between apps or use physical cards.
One shopper posted:
“I just want to be able to put my digital membership card into my Apple Wallet.”
The absence of Apple Pay complicates this, forcing users to rely solely on the Costco app or explore other digital tools.
Savvy Users Share Alternative Solutions
Thankfully, social media users have suggested workarounds. One Reddit user explained how to add the membership card as a widget on an iPhone. This doesn’t place the card inside Apple Wallet, but it keeps it easily accessible on your phone without needing to open the Costco app each time.
Other users suggested using external apps or third-party wallet tools. However, this comes with mixed success. One person warned that Costco employees may ask to see the membership card through the official app only, making some of these shortcuts less reliable in-store.
For now, these are temporary fixes, and they don’t fully restore the Apple Pay experience that many shoppers have come to rely on.
No Official Reason Given by Costco
Costco has not yet explained why Apple Pay was removed from the app, and customers are still waiting for answers. The US Sun has contacted the retailer, but no public statement has been made so far.
Until then, shoppers are left to navigate the change themselves, with mixed reactions and creative solutions filling forums like Reddit.
Costco’s sudden decision to remove Apple Pay from its app has left loyal shoppers both confused and disappointed. The move takes away a secure, easy payment method and complicates digital access to membership cards. While iPhone users have shared a few smart workarounds, they aren’t perfect and may not work in all situations. Until Costco provides a clear explanation or reinstates Apple Pay, customers will need to stay alert for new updates—and new tech-savvy tricks to make their shopping smoother.
