News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

11 Reasons People Ditched Sam’s Club for Costco

It may be time to swap your Sam's Club membership for Costco's.

Costco wholesale storefront in Taichung
Updated May 15, 2025
Fact checked

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

Mat Hayward/Adobe woman shopping for produce in grocery store

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

Aziz/Adobe woman shopping in supermarket

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

K Kehl/Adobe Kirkland Mixed Snacking Nuts on a Costco Store Shelf

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.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings
Compare car insurance rates in Ohio
See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
Check Rates

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe couple using credit card

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

Heorshe/Adobe Sam's club store in Shenzhen

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

mandritoiu /Adobe Costco bakery

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

Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Costco Kirkland Signature Organic Maple Syrup bottle

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

dennizn/Adobe costco receipt and executive membership card

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

Tyler Olson/Adobe Saleswoman Standing Arms Crossed In Butcher's Shop.

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.

Get a free quote

Sam's Club isn't always the best deal

Krakenimages.com/Adobe frowning woman holding supermarket basket and groceries

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

Halfpoint/Adobe mother with son outside grocery store

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

Kaleb/Adobe groceries in trunk on sheet

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

Ljupco Smokovski/Adobe elderly man groceries and money

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.

Financebuzz awards badge

2025 award winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Benefits

Card Details

  • 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
  • Apply Now
  • Apply Now to take advantage of this 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.
Wells Fargo Active <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>Cash<sup>®</sup></span> Card
5.0
info
Apply Now

on Wells Fargo’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.