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<span style="font-weight: 400;">Sam’s Club vs Costco: Best Membership for Your Budget 2026</span>
by Aimee Bray
Choosing between Sam's Club and Costco feels a little like picking a phone plan - both promise great value, but what you actually save depends on the details. Sam's Club starts at $50 a year compared to Costco's $60, but that $10 is just the warm-up. Before you commit, check Groupon's Sam's Club discount codes for easy ways to trim your signup cost.
The real question isn’t which warehouse club is universally “better.” It’s which one fits the way you shop. Here’s how the two stack up, category by category.
GROUPON DEAL ALERT: Get 50% Off a 12-Month Sam's Club Membership - Only $25
Quick Comparison Reference
| Feature | Sam's Club | Costco |
| Basic Membership | $50/year | $60/year |
| Premium Membership | $110/year | $120/year |
| Cash Back Limit | $500/year | $1,000/year |
| US Locations | ~600 | ~585 |
| Credit Cards Accepted | All major cards | Visa only |
| Store Brand Products | 600+ (Member's Mark) | 300+ (Kirkland) |
| Gas Quality | Standard | Top Tier certified |
Membership Fees: What You’re Actually Paying For
Sam’s Club
- Basic (Club): $50/year
- Premium (Plus): $110/year
- Rewards: 2% back, capped at $500/year
- Breakeven on Plus: around $5,500/year in eligible spending
- Best for: value shoppers who want lower upfront fees and solid rewards
- Basic (Gold Star): $60/year
- Premium (Executive): $120/year
- Rewards: 2% back, capped at $1,000/year
- Breakeven on Executive: around $6,000/year in eligible spending
- Best for: high-volume shoppers who can really leverage the higher rewards cap
If your annual spending falls below those breakeven points, the basic membership at either club will usually give you the best value. For a deeper dive into perks on the Sam’s side, check out our full guide to Sam’s Club membership benefits .
Gas Savings: Price, Convenience & Quality
Pump Prices at Both Clubs
Both Sam’s Club and Costco typically undercut local gas stations by 5-25 cents per gallon. Over a year, that’s a meaningful difference for big tanks or frequent commuters.
Sam’s Club has a slight edge in availability, with around 600 US locations versus Costco’s 585. Depending on where you live, that can make one club’s gas far easier to access than the other.
Gas Quality Differences
Costco sells Top Tier certified fuel, which includes higher detergent levels designed to keep engines cleaner. Sam’s Club fuel isn’t Top Tier certified.
For most cars, the difference isn’t make-or-break, but long-term owners and car enthusiasts may appreciate the extra engine protection Costco’s fuel offers.
Credit Card Rewards at the Pump
Sam’s Club accepts all major credit cards at the pump, which means you can pair your membership with whichever rewards card serves you best. Costco only accepts Visa for in-store purchases and fuel, which might limit your strategy if you rely on non-Visa gas rewards.
Store Brands: Member's Mark vs Kirkland Signature
Product Variety and Selection
Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark covers more than 600 products, compared to roughly 300 items under Costco’s Kirkland Signature label. If you like having a store-brand version of just about everything, Sam’s wins on selection.
Member’s Mark ranges from fresh food to apparel to electronics - a wide umbrella for shoppers who like consistent value across categories.
Quality and Member Satisfaction
Kirkland Signature has an almost cult-level following. About 73% of Costco shoppers say they prefer Kirkland to name brands in many categories - an impressive testament to quality.
Member’s Mark leans toward everyday value and competitive pricing. It’s reliable and wallet-friendly, especially for staples you buy on repeat.
Where Each Brand Wins
Choose Member’s Mark if you want more store-brand choices and consistently low prices.
Choose Kirkland Signature if you care about premium quality and don’t mind paying a little more for it.
Shopping Experience & Convenience
Store Locations and Accessibility
Sam’s Club has slightly more US locations, and its footprint is often stronger in smaller or rural markets. If convenience is your deciding factor, Sam’s may be closer to home.
Payment Options and Technology
Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go app is a standout perk - you can scan items as you shop and skip the checkout line entirely. On busy weekends, this feels like cheating (in the best way).
Costco’s app is solid but doesn’t offer a similar friction-free checkout option. If speed is your love language, Sam’s Club wins here.
Return Policies
Both clubs offer 100% satisfaction guarantees on memberships and most purchases. Electronics get a 90-day return window at either store. In practice, the return experience is nearly identical and very consumer-friendly.
Bottom Line: Which Club Fits Your Life?
Choose Sam’s Club If…
- You want the lowest upfront membership cost
- You prefer maximum payment flexibility (all major cards accepted)
- You love the speed of Scan & Go checkout
- You like Member’s Mark’s wide product selection
- You live in an area with better Sam’s Club coverage
Choose Costco If…
- You’re a high-volume shopper who can take advantage of the $1,000 reward cap
- You prefer Top Tier certified gas
- You’re loyal to Kirkland Signature’s reputation for quality
- You want access to Costco’s travel services and specialty perks
- You don’t mind slightly higher membership fees for a premium feel
Which is better for gas, Sam’s Club or Costco?
Both typically run 5-25 cents cheaper than local stations. Costco offers Top Tier certified fuel; Sam’s Club offers more payment flexibility and slightly more locations.
What’s the difference between Member’s Mark and Kirkland Signature?
Member’s Mark offers over 600 value-focused products. Kirkland Signature offers around 300 items known for premium quality - and strong customer loyalty.
Can you shop at Sam’s Club or Costco without a membership?
Generally no, though you can use pharmacies at both clubs and buy alcohol in select states. Non-members pay a 5-10% service fee on other purchases.
Do both clubs have the same return policy?
Yes. Both offer satisfaction guarantees on memberships and most products, with a 90-day window for electronics.
Ready to Start Saving?
Sam’s Club and Costco both offer serious value - it just depends on how and where you shop. If you want the lowest fees and the quickest checkout experience, Sam’s Club delivers. If you’re after premium quality and a broader rewards ceiling, Costco might be the better match.
Before you sign up, get more from your budget with smart Sam’s Club savings tips . And don’t forget to check Groupon’s current Sam’s Club deals to stack even more savings.
See All The Sam's Club Sales & Coupons
Can You Shop at Sam's Club Without a Membership?
Is Sam's Club Gas Worth It? Quality, Prices, and Membership Rules Explained
Sam’s Club Curbside Pickup 101: Costs, Rules, and Tips
Is Sam’s Club Plus Worth It? Breakeven Guide for 2026
Get a Sam's Club Membership for Half Off
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