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For US shoppers, Sam’s Club has the lower listed annual fee at both membership levels: $50 for Club and $110 for Plus. Costco lists Gold Star at $65 and Executive at $130, plus applicable sales tax. Both premium tiers offer a 2% reward on qualifying purchases, but the rules and other benefits differ. Which membership is better value depends on eligible spending, nearby locations, and the perks your household will actually use.
How much do Sam’s Club and Costco memberships cost?
The prices below are the listed US annual fees in the current sources checked for this comparison. Costco’s fee schedule took effect September 1, 2024; Sam’s Club’s FY2026 Form 10-K lists its current tier prices. Benefits and offers can change, so confirm the fee and terms at checkout before joining.
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| Retailer and tier | Listed annual fee | Notable features |
|---|---|---|
| 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, free shipping on qualifying orders of $50 or more, and other benefits subject to current 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, plus a 2% annual reward on qualified purchases, capped at $1,250, and additional service and convenience benefits. |
See Costco’s join page, its fee-change notice, and Walmart’s FY2026 Form 10-K for the listed prices and terms.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDo Plus or Executive pay for themselves?
The nominal upgrade premium is $60 a year for Sam’s Club Plus over Club, and $65 for Costco Executive over Gold Star. Costco’s listed prices are also subject to applicable sales tax. Both higher tiers advertise a 2% reward, but that rate applies only to qualifying purchases, not automatically to every dollar spent.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Sam’s Club Plus
Sam’s Club describes Sam’s Cash as applying to qualifying pre-tax purchases, with program conditions. To estimate value, consider your likely qualifying spend alongside the Plus benefits you would otherwise pay for or use, such as shipping or delivery. Check the current Sam’s Club shopping benefits and program terms.
Costco Executive
Costco’s 2% annual reward applies to qualified purchases and is capped at $1,250. Its terms also limit which purchases and account cardholders accrue the reward; review the current Executive Rewards terms before estimating your 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.
A simple calculation of the upgrade premium divided by 2% can be a starting point, not a guaranteed break-even point. Exclusions, taxes, Costco’s reward cap, and the value of other benefits all affect the result. Compare qualifying spend rather than total household spend, and include only perks you expect to use.
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Sam’s Club: checkout, fuel, and pickup
Sam’s Club promotes Scan & Go, which lets members scan items in the app while shopping, along with 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. Check current item and order eligibility in Sam’s Club’s benefits information and the relevant terms.
Rank #3
- 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.
Costco: Executive conveniences
Costco’s join page lists Executive-only benefits including early hours and a $10 monthly credit toward an eligible same-day delivery order of $150 or more. Terms and availability apply; check the current join-page details and whether the service is available in your area.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which membership should you choose?
- Compare your nearest clubs. Location, hours, stock, fuel access, and travel time may matter more than a modest difference in the annual fee.
- Estimate eligible spending. Use each program’s qualified-purchase rules, rather than assuming all purchases earn rewards.
- Value convenience realistically. Consider whether you will use Scan & Go, curbside pickup, shipping, delivery, early hours, or the Costco delivery credit.
- Check local service details. Confirm delivery coverage, order minimums, pickup conditions, and fuel availability for the specific locations you would use.
There is no established universal winner on total cost: that would require a defined, dated comparison of the same basket at both retailers. Compare the membership fees and benefits against your household’s actual shopping pattern instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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.
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.
