Costco has other options for store credit cards

My husband and I are long-standing, frequent Costco shoppers — in part because of their commitment to good working conditions and wages for their employees, as well as the substantial support and offerings of organic foods. We are troubled, and have been for years, that Costco chooses to use and support Citibank through its credit card partnership.

It is unconscionable that Citibank continues to fund the oil and gas extraction globally when we are fully feeling the impacts that greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels have created. We have a warming planet, plain and simple. Citibank has invested a staggering $332 billion in new fossil fuel investments since 2016. This funding has contributed to climate-driven catastrophes worldwide, that are also harming my family and community. New Mexico experienced massive wildfires at Hermit’s Peak and beyond in 2022.

Costco has an opportunity to make a significant impact by ending this partnership and reinforcing the ethical values, which it has honored in so many other significant areas, including a commitment to reduce the use of plastics in packaging and products it markets.

There are many more climate friendly store credit card options available. Costco has the opportunity to be a leader among major retailers by addressing the climate impacts of its banking relationships. Costco should follow its own corporate motto and “do the right thing” on climate and end the relationship with unethical, dirty Citibank.

Listen closely, Costco, this is your membership speaking. Do the right thing!

Ann McCartney

Los Lunas