Members-Only Clubs Compared: Costco vs. Sam's Club

The decision between the popular warehouse clubs Costco and Sam's Club requires a careful consideration of membership offerings and services. Both companies offer attractive membership prices, but they differ in key aspects such as annual fees, payment options, and technological solutions for shopping. Membership prices vary significantly between the two providers. At Sam's Club, the fees range from $50 to $110 per year. While the standard membership starts at $50, the Plus membership offers additional benefits like 2% cashback on eligible purchases up to an annual maximum of $500. In contrast, Costco charges a fee of $65 to $130 annually. The Gold Star membership costs $65, while the Executive membership is available for $130 and offers up to $1,250 in rewards. There are also differences in the accepted payment methods. Costco exclusively accepts Visa credit cards alongside cash, checks, and Costco shop cards. At Sam's Club, the range of accepted credit cards is broader, including American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard both in stores and online. Sam's Club also distinguishes itself through technological solutions: The Scan & Go feature allows members to shop independently via an app and pay digitally before leaving the store. For consumers who wish to enjoy the most benefits, using credit cards with cashback rewards can be worthwhile to achieve the greatest rewards on purchases at both providers.