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Sam’s Club vs. Costco: Membership Costs, Perks, and Shopping Differences

Sam’s Club has lower listed U.S. membership fees, while both retailers offer premium tiers with qualifying 2% rewards. Compare fees, terms, access and conveniences before choosing.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
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For U.S. shoppers, Sam’s Club has the lower listed annual fee at both membership levels: $50 for Club and $110 for Plus, compared with Costco’s $65 Gold Star and $130 Executive, plus applicable sales tax. Both premium tiers offer a 2% reward on qualifying purchases, but the eligible spending and other benefits differ. The better choice depends on your expected qualifying purchases, nearby locations, and which conveniences you will actually use.

How much do Sam’s Club and Costco memberships cost?

The prices below are the listed U.S. annual fees in the current sources checked for this comparison. Costco’s schedule took effect September 1, 2024. Walmart’s FY2026 Form 10-K lists Sam’s Club’s Club and Plus fees. Membership terms and offers can change, so confirm the price and conditions at checkout before joining.

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Retailer and tier Listed annual fee What it includes
Sam’s Club Club $50 Household card, curbside pickup, member fuel pricing, and Scan & Go; order conditions may apply.
Sam’s Club Plus $110 Club benefits, plus 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases and shipping or delivery benefits subject to terms.
Costco Gold Star $65, plus applicable sales tax Household card and access to Costco warehouses and online shopping, subject to membership terms.
Costco Executive $130, plus applicable sales tax Gold Star benefits, a 2% annual reward on qualified purchases up to $1,250, and additional service and convenience benefits.

Sources: Sam’s Club shopping benefits, Sam’s Club benefits, Walmart FY2026 Form 10-K, Costco membership page, and Costco fee notice.

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How do Plus and Executive rewards compare?

Both higher tiers advertise a 2% reward, but that rate does not apply automatically to every dollar you spend. Each program defines qualifying purchases and imposes conditions. Costco’s Executive reward is capped at $1,250; its terms also specify which purchases and account cardholders accrue rewards. Sam’s Club describes Sam’s Cash on qualifying pre-tax purchases, subject to program conditions.

#1 Best Overall
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.

The upgrade costs $60 more per year at Sam’s Club ($110 Plus minus $50 Club) and $65 more at Costco ($130 Executive minus $65 Gold Star), before applicable Costco sales tax. Those figures are the fee differences only—not a guaranteed break-even calculation. To assess the upgrade, estimate your eligible annual spending, check exclusions and reward limits, and include any other tier benefits you expect to use or would otherwise pay for. The rewards terms are available from Costco and Sam’s Club.

What shopping conveniences differ?

Sam’s Club: Scan & Go, fuel, pickup, and delivery

Sam’s Club promotes Scan & Go, which lets members scan items in its app while shopping, as well as member fuel pricing and curbside pickup. Its FY2026 filing says Plus members receive free delivery from club and free shipping on orders of $50 or more, subject to conditions. Confirm which items and orders qualify, and whether the nearest club offers the services you need.

Rank #2
YIWANSIN Funny Wholesale Club Birthday Card for Costco Lover, Hilarious Aging Bday Greeting Card for Him Her Friend Coworker, Membership Goldstar Club Pun Joke Card
  • If they treat wholesale clubs like Disneyland, this card is their dream come true.
  • The card is made of 300GSM material, with exquisite workmanship, high quality, smooth writing and no paper jam, making it your first choice
  • Every card we create is a singular artwork, ensuring your blessings shine with both warmth and originality.
  • Ample blank space inside allows you to pen your own heartfelt thank-you, favorite memories, making your wishes more warm and creative
  • Thanks for visiting our shop! If you receive damaged products or other problems, you can contact us.

Costco: Executive hours and a delivery credit

Costco’s membership page lists Executive-only benefits that include early hours and a $10 monthly credit toward an eligible same-day delivery order of $150 or more. The credit and service are subject to terms and availability; check whether same-day delivery serves your address and whether your intended order qualifies.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
$105.95
Bestseller No. 3
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
$206.95
Bestseller No. 4
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
Bestseller No. 5
Visa Physical Gift Card $50 (plus $4.95 Purchase Fee)
Visa Physical Gift Card $50 (plus $4.95 Purchase Fee)
Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
$54.95
Best Value
Visa Physical Gift Card $50 (plus $4.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Rank #4
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.
Rank #3
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
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How should you choose between them?

  • Compare access first: Check the nearest warehouse or club, opening hours, fuel availability, and the convenience of getting there. A lower fee may not matter if the location or service is impractical.
  • Estimate qualifying spend: Use likely eligible purchases—not total household spending—to evaluate either premium tier. Read the current exclusions and limits before treating the advertised 2% as a predictable return.
  • Value the benefits you will use: Consider whether Scan & Go, curbside pickup, shipping, delivery, early hours, or a delivery credit fits your normal shopping. Check local availability and order thresholds.
  • Do not infer the cheaper overall basket from the membership fee: The listed fees do not establish which retailer has lower prices for your household’s products. That requires a comparison of the same items at your local stores.

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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