Sam’s Club has the lower standard annual fee in both membership tiers, but that alone does not make it the better value. In the U.S., Club costs $60 a year versus $65 for Costco Gold Star; Plus costs $120 versus $130 for Costco Executive. For the premium tiers, the nominal reward break-even points are about $3,000 in qualifying Sam’s Club purchases and $3,250 in qualifying Costco purchases. Your best choice depends on what you buy, which rewards count, which services you will use, and how close each club is.
How the membership fees and benefits compare
The following standard U.S. fees and listed benefits were checked on October 4, 2026. Fees, promotions, services, and reward rules can change; Costco fees may also be subject to applicable sales tax.
| Membership | Annual fee | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Gold Star | $65 | Free Household Card and access to Costco locations worldwide. Costco membership page |
| Costco Executive | $130 total: $65 base fee plus $65 upgrade | Gold Star benefits plus a 2% annual reward on eligible Costco purchases; exclusions and terms apply. Costco also describes additional benefits through its services and select travel products. Costco Executive membership terms |
| Sam’s Club Club | $60 | Member-only fuel prices, Scan & Go, two membership cards, and free curbside pickup, according to Sam’s Club’s comparison. Sam’s Club membership page |
| Sam’s Club Plus | $120 | Club benefits plus 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases, free shipping and free delivery from club on orders over $50, early shopping hours, and listed pharmacy, optical, tire, and battery savings. Qualifying terms apply. Sam’s Club membership page |
Promotions can lower a new member’s first-year cost, but compare the renewal fee as well. Costco’s membership page currently advertises a separate new-member promotion with eligibility and terms; Sam’s Club promotions may vary.
When does a premium membership pay for itself?
Compare each upgrade fee with the purchases its reward rules actually count. These are fee-only calculations at the advertised rates—not guaranteed earnings or a reason to apply the reward percentage to all household spending.
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Costco Executive: about $3,250 in eligible annual spending
Executive costs $65 more than Gold Star. At a 2% reward rate, $3,250 in qualifying annual purchases generates $65 in nominal rewards ($65 ÷ 0.02), matching the upgrade fee. Costco’s published terms exclude gasoline and membership fees, among other categories. Only qualifying spending by the primary member and active primary household cardholder counts under the terms. Costco says the reward is issued around renewal and the member must still have a paid Executive membership when it is issued. Check the current Executive terms before deciding.
Sam’s Club Plus: about $3,000 in qualifying annual purchases
Plus costs $60 more than Club. At the advertised 2% Sam’s Cash rate, $3,000 in qualifying purchases would produce $60 at the nominal rate, equal to the upgrade difference. Sam’s Club applies qualifying-purchase rules and other conditions, so this is a benchmark rather than a guaranteed payout. Plus may be worthwhile below that spending level if you will use benefits such as shipping, club delivery on orders over $50, early shopping, or the listed service savings.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
What should decide which club is better for you?
Location, travel time, and fuel
Compare the nearest locations, their hours, and whether the fuel stations are convenient for your regular routes. A small annual-fee saving can be outweighed by extra travel. Sam’s Club lists member-only fuel prices as a Club benefit; the value depends on local availability and how often you would use it.
Eligible spend—not total household spend
Estimate a year of purchases that meet each premium plan’s rules, rather than applying 2% to groceries, fuel, or other household costs indiscriminately. Costco’s exclusions are explicit in its published terms; Sam’s Club’s 2% benefit also depends on qualifying-purchase rules. Use the two break-even figures as starting points, then check the terms for the categories you actually buy.
Shopping workflow and services
Sam’s Club lists Scan & Go and free curbside pickup at both membership tiers, which can suit shoppers who value a faster checkout or pickup option. Verify availability at your local club. Plus adds shipping, club delivery for orders over $50, early shopping hours, and listed pharmacy, optical, tire, and battery savings. Costco Executive includes additional benefits through Costco services and select travel products; their worth depends on whether you use them.
Prices, package sizes, and household needs
The official membership information does not establish that either retailer is cheaper overall across a current, comparable national shopping basket. For your own comparison, match products and package sizes, calculate unit prices, and check local availability rather than relying on an old third-party basket. Both memberships include another cardholder benefit, but confirm each club’s current eligibility rules and how purchases are credited.
Rank #4
Which membership should you choose?
- Choose Sam’s Club Club if its local club is convenient and you will use included features such as Scan & Go or curbside pickup. At $60, it has the lowest standard annual fee among these four tiers.
- Choose Costco Gold Star if Costco’s location, assortment, services, products, or shopping experience are worth the $5 higher entry fee to you.
- Consider Costco Executive if you expect around $3,250 in annual qualifying purchases or value its additional services enough to justify the $65 upgrade. Check exclusions and reward timing.
- Consider Sam’s Club Plus if you expect around $3,000 in qualifying purchases or will use Plus benefits enough to make up the $60 upgrade.
- Consider both only if the additional local access and benefits are worth paying a second annual fee. Two memberships do not automatically save money.
These recommendations follow published fees and benefits, not an in-store price test. The right answer for a specific household still depends on its own shopping list, local clubs, and use of each plan’s benefits.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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