The Tool Desk
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How much do Costco and Sam’s Club memberships cost per year?
| Retailer | Base membership | Premium membership | Premium upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Gold Star: $65/year | Executive: $130/year | $65/year |
| Sam’s Club | Club: $60/year | Plus: $120/year | $60/year |
Costco’s listed fees are before applicable sales tax. Sam’s Club confirmed that its standard fees became effective May 1, 2026, according to Axios. Sam’s Club may advertise a limited-time first-year promotion for eligible new members; that offer is not the standard recurring renewal price. Check the current offer, renewal amount, eligibility and auto-renew terms at checkout. Costco’s membership page and Sam’s Club’s join page list the current tiers and terms.
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What do the premium memberships add?
Costco Executive
Executive costs $65 more per year than Gold Star. Costco says members earn a 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases at Costco, Costco.com and Costco Travel, up to a $1,250 maximum. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply; not every purchase necessarily qualifies. Costco also advertises a $10 monthly credit for Executive members on an eligible SameDay.Costco.com order of $150 or more, subject to terms. See Costco’s current membership details and its membership privileges and conditions.
Sam’s Club Plus
Plus costs $60 more per year than Club. Sam’s Club lists 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases, capped at $750 per 12-month membership period. Qualifying transactions and exclusions apply; check the Sam’s Club Sam’s Cash terms for current details.
#1 Best Overall
Plus benefits listed by Sam’s Club include free shipping on eligible orders over $50, free delivery from club on eligible orders over $50, early shopping, and additional pharmacy, optical, tire and battery benefits. Eligibility and availability can vary. The Sam’s Club benefits page outlines current conditions.
How much do you need to spend for the 2% reward to cover the upgrade?
For a reward-only calculation, divide the annual upgrade fee by the 2% reward rate. This assumes all of the spending in the calculation qualifies; it is not a guaranteed return.
Rank #2
- 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.
| Premium tier | Annual upgrade fee | Qualifying spend to earn that amount at 2% |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Executive | $65 | $3,250 per year |
| Sam’s Club Plus | $60 | $3,000 per 12-month membership period |
Actual rewards depend on qualifying purchases, exclusions and the program’s terms. A shopper may still value a premium tier’s delivery, shipping or other services below these spending levels; count them only if you would use them and they apply to your orders.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat do the base memberships include?
Sam’s Club Club and Plus
Sam’s Club lists fuel savings, Scan & Go, two membership cards and curbside pickup with both Club and Plus. Club curbside pickup is free on eligible orders over $50; Plus has no minimum for that benefit, according to the official benefits page. Order eligibility and service availability apply.
Rank #3
Costco Gold Star and Executive
Costco’s household-card rule differs from Sam’s Club’s description: a primary member may designate one additional household member for a card, provided that person is at least 16 and lives at the same address. Check Costco’s household-card policy for details. Do not assume the two clubs’ card entitlements or eligibility rules are identical.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which membership is better for your household?
There is no universal winner established by the published membership terms. Compare the factors that affect your own costs and convenience:
Rank #4
- Qualifying annual spend: Estimate purchases eligible for each program’s reward rather than treating all grocery, in-club or online spending as eligible.
- Delivery and pickup: Consider whether you meet order thresholds, use eligible services and live where those services are available.
- Fuel access: A fuel benefit matters only if a relevant warehouse station is convenient and you use it enough to count.
- Services: Compare Costco services with Sam’s Club pharmacy, optical, tire and battery benefits based on what your household actually uses.
- Household access and convenience: Check card eligibility, nearby locations, hours and shopping habits.
- First year versus renewal: Separate a temporary sign-up offer from the standard annual fee that may apply later.
The official membership pages establish fees and benefit terms, not local convenience, same-basket prices or product-quality rankings. A price comparison requires a current basket of items available to you; the listed membership benefits alone cannot show which store will cost less overall.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Space-Saving Design: Adds extra storage space without taking up cart room, keeping your snacks, phone and small items organized and within reach during shopping trips.
- Perfect Fit: Specifically designed to clip securely onto the latest carts, ensuring a snug, stable fit that won’t wobble while pushing the cart.
- Multi-Functional Storage: Features a tray, cup holder and built-in clip, providing versatile storage for snacks, drinks, phone, membership cards and receipts.Utilizes 3D-printed structural technology.
- Easy to Install: Simple clip-on design, no extra tools needed, just attach it to the cart firmly—takes only seconds to set up and use. Utilizes 3D-printed structural technology.
- Important Note: This is a third-party replacement part, Brand names are used only to indicate Compatible with Costco, This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand owner.
Sam’s Club membership refund terms
Sam’s Club says it will cancel a membership and refund the amount paid for the current-year membership fee if a member is unsatisfied and asks. Its terms exclude memberships purchased under the sponsored membership program and limit Plus cancellation to one per household or business per year. Review the current official membership terms for the applicable conditions.
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.
