Costco and Sam's Club can both give customers some great membership perks.
However, some shoppers see differences between the two and are bigger fans of Costco than rival Sam's Club.
Do you agree with why customers are ditching Sam's Club for Costco instead?
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco. New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable).
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
The produce isn't great at Sam's Club
/images/2022/08/22/woman_shopping_for_produce_in_grocery_store.jpg)
Sam's Club and Costco both have fresh produce, but some shoppers think the choices at Sam's Club are subpar.
"All the fruit is trash," lamented Reddit user dmiller1987.
Sam's Club is too much like Walmart
/images/2022/07/01/woman_shopping_in_supermarket.jpg)
Sam's Club is owned by Walmart, and both stores share some options, which has hurt them with some customers.
"Sam's Club is empty because it's just Walmart with bigger items," explained Redditor DeepSouthDude, while SplinterCell03 said, "I just want nothing to do with Walmart."
Costco has a better store brand
/images/2022/06/10/kirkland_mixed_snacking_nuts_on_a_costco_store_shelf.jpg)
Costco and Sam's Club both sell products under their store brand labels. Costco's Kirkland Signature is on the shelves, while Sam's Club offers Member's Mark.
However, not all store brands are the same. "Kirkland trounces Member's Mark for me," said one Redditor.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
/images/2025/02/18/couple-using-credit-card-adobe.jpg)
July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
It's not as clean at Sam's Club
/images/2023/03/16/sams_club_store_in_shenzhen.jpg)
Both stores can get dirty, but some customers noticed that Sam's Club isn't as clean as Costco.
"Just dirtier than any Costco I've ever been in," said Reddit user Lessa22 who explained that the local Sam's Club wasn't "call the health department" dirty but it didn't seem like workers cared about basic cleaning tasks.
Trending Stories
Baked goods are better at Costco
/images/2024/08/22/costco_bakery.png)
Both Sam's Club and Costco have bakeries where you can order baked goods or pick up cakes or cookies.
However, the "bakery is better" at Costco, according to Costco members and Redditor Soundfires.
Costco has better organic choices
/images/2023/05/23/irganic-maple-syrup-costco-kirkland-signature.jpg)
Sam's Club has around the same number of U.S. stores but only in two other countries.
"Costco is the closest," said Redditor Theopolis55 while Reddit user lhfitz76 said, "Still hold on to my Costco membership because they are closer to my home."
Costco is nicer to employees
/images/2022/09/23/costco_receipt_and_executive_membership_card.jpg)
Costco gets a better rating on Glassdoor, with 74% of employees saying they would recommend working there to their friends, while only 52% of employees at Sam's Club would recommend working there to their friends.
"Costco is generally good to its employees," said Reddit user moniquecarl while Redditor Appropriate_Shake265 appreciates that Costco pays its employees better and gives them better benefits.
Items are out of stock at Sam's Club
/images/2023/10/31/saleswoman-standing-at-butchers-shop.jpeg)
Popular items can go out of stock quickly, but sometimes, that can be extra frustrating and encourage Sam's Club members to leave for good.
Redditor CBus-Eagle said they ditched their Sam's Club card for Costco because "our Sam's Club refuses to have the rotisserie chickens available throughout the day."
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Sam's Club isn't always the best deal
/images/2022/12/23/frowning_woman_holding_supermarket_basket_and_groceries.jpg)
One reason to shop at a membership store is to get extra deals and discounts. But Sam's Club might not have the discounts you expect.
"Sam's is cheaper on some things, but not everything," said Redditor tdaun.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
/images/2024/05/10/mother-with-son-outside-grocery-store.jpeg)
Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Costco has more unique items
/images/2022/12/21/groceries-in-trunk.jpeg)
If you're looking for something unique and special when shopping, you may want to skip Sam's Club and go to Costco.
"Costco brings in a lot more unique and higher-end stuff," said Pizookie123. "Costco shoppers always have something to be excited about."
Bottom line
/images/2023/03/15/elderly_man_groceries_and_money.jpg)
Whatever you prefer, Sam's Club or Costco can be a good option if you're looking for ways to save money on groceries.
Both stores can get pricey because you're buying in bulk, so make sure you have enough in your budget for a trip to either store.
2025 award winner
Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card
Benefits Card Details on Wells Fargo’s secure website Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.