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!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
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). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
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
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
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
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.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
It’s not as clean at Sam’s Club
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.
Baked goods are better at Costco
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.
Trending Stories
Costco has better organic choices
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
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
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.”
Sam’s Club isn’t always the best deal
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.
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.
Costco has more unique items
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
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.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.