Advertiser Disclosure — This site may receive compensation when you click links and apply for credit cards. Compensation may impact which products appear and their placement. We strive to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee all details are current. Full disclosure
Costco Gas Station is classified under MCC 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers). The best card for Costco Gas Station purchases is the Ink Business Cash (no annual fee), earning 5x on automated fuel dispensers — an effective return of 10.25%.
The MCC 5542 covers automated fuel dispensers, which is crucial for maximizing rewards if you're a frequent gas station user and own cards like the Hilton Honors Surpass.
Pro Tip
To maximize your rewards, consider timing your gas purchases with your card's bonus categories or special promotions.
When you pay at Costco Gas Station at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 5542 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a automated fuel dispensers merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "automated fuel dispensers" purchases, Costco Gas Station transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not Costco Gas Station specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any Costco Gas Station transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 5542 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Merchant Category Code 5542 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Automated Fuel Dispensers industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 5542, all qualifying card programs that include automated fuel dispensers as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Retail industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
Other Automated Fuel Dispensers Merchants (MCC 5542)
Spending $200/month at Costco Gas Station with the Ink Business Cash (5x on automated fuel dispensers) earns approximately $120/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $96 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Custom Cash earns 5x at Costco Gas Station merchants, earning $120/year with no annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MCC code does Costco Gas Station use?
Costco Gas Station uses MCC 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers). This code is assigned by card networks and determines which bonus reward categories apply when you pay at Costco Gas Station.
Which credit card earns the most rewards at Costco Gas Station?
The Ink Business Cash earns 5x on automated fuel dispensers purchases (MCC 5542), making it the highest-earning option at Costco Gas Station among the cards we track.
Does my card earn bonus rewards at Costco Gas Station?
It depends on your card's bonus categories. If your card earns bonus rewards on automated fuel dispensers purchases, Costco Gas Station transactions (MCC 5542) will typically qualify. Check your card's terms or app, or call your issuer to confirm.
Is Costco Gas Station classified as automated fuel dispensers for credit card purposes?
Yes. Costco Gas Station is classified under MCC 5542, which falls in the Automated Fuel Dispensers category. This means cards with automated fuel dispensers bonus categories will apply the elevated earn rate at Costco Gas Station.
What is MCC 5542 and what merchants use it?
MCC 5542 stands for Automated Fuel Dispensers. It is assigned to businesses that primarily operate in automated fuel dispensers. Besides Costco Gas Station, other merchants in the same MCC include similar businesses in the retail industry group.
PointsPick may earn a commission when you apply through our links.
Full disclosure
MCC data based on card network classification standards.
Rankings verified monthly from official card issuer terms.
Last verified: March 16, 2026.
Full methodology: www.pointspick.com/methodology.
