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When it comes to buying in bulk and saving money, two names often come up: Costco and Sam’s Club. These warehouse giants command loyalty from millions of shoppers across the United States. But which membership club is truly better?
With updated numbers from 2024–2025, shifting customer satisfaction scores, and rapid changes in technology and digital shopping, this question is more relevant than ever.
This guide dives deep into the latest membership costs, return policies, payment methods, perks, product variety, brand quality, real item pricing, customer ratings, services, store networks, tech features, and online experience.
Whether you’re a frugal family, a small business owner, or a deal hunter, understanding what sets these clubs apart will help you pick the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Costco Wholesale Corporation is the world’s third-largest retailer and the top warehouse club by sales. Founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1983, it now operates 914 warehouses worldwide, with 635 stores in the United States as of September 2025.
Costco’s business model is simple: charge an annual membership fee in exchange for limited but high-volume product selection, providing some of the lowest prices in retail. Costco is also famous for “treasure hunt” finds — high-quality products that rotate often.
Sam’s Club is Walmart’s warehouse club brand, founded by Sam Walton in 1983. As of May 2025, there are 600 Sam’s Club locations in the US (plus international locations in Mexico, China, and Brazil).
Sam’s Club focuses on exclusive member savings, higher SKU count (product variety), and deep integration with Walmart’s tech and supply chain. The past years have seen big investments in digital features and expansion plans, including up to 15 new US clubs per year.
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| Club | Basic Membership (Annual) | Premium (Annual) | Premium Rewards | Free Family Card | Satisfaction Refund |
| Costco | $65 (Gold Star) | $130 (Executive) | 2% back (up to $1,250/yr) | Yes | Yes |
| Sam’s Club | $50 (Club) | $110 (Plus) | 2% back (up to $500/yr) | Yes | Yes |
Sam’s Club is more affordable for basic and premium memberships, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious shoppers. However, Costco’s Executive membership has a much higher cash-back cap, meaning very high spenders (over $10,000/year) could benefit more.
If you haven’t activated your account yet, learn How to Activate Sam’s Club Membership in just a few steps.
| Club | General Merchandise | Electronics/Appliances | Other/Exceptions | Satisfaction Guarantee |
| Costco | Return almost any time | 90 days | Few non-returnables (e.g. alcohol, cigs) | Yes |
| Sam’s Club | Return almost any time | 90 days (30 for heavy equip.) | 14 days for cell phones | Yes |
Both clubs offer very generous return policies, especially compared to traditional retailers. Costco has a slightly shorter list of restricted items and is known for a hassle-free experience, including extended warranties on electronics and appliances.
| Club | Credit Cards | Debit | EBT | Checks/Cash | Mobile Pay | Gift Cards |
| Costco | Visa only (including Costco Visa) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Apple/Google/Samsung | Costco Shop Card |
| Sam’s Club | Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, Walmart | Yes | Yes | Yes | Apple/Google/Samsung | Sam’s Club, Walmart |
| Club | Co-branded Card | Gas Rewards | In-Club Rewards | Other Notable Perks |
| Costco | Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi | 5% gas (Costco), 4% EV charging | 2% back at Costco/Costco.com | 3% travel/restaurants |
| Sam’s Club | Sam’s Club MasterCard | 5% gas (all stations), 3% dining | 3% at Sam’s (Plus), 1% at Club | 1% all other |
Both cards are strong for gas, but Costco’s card offers a higher in-store cash back (2% vs. 1% at Sam’s for basic members), making it better for heavy Costco shoppers; Sam’s Club Plus members get a higher 3% back at Sam’s Club purchases.
| Club | In-Store SKU Count | Online SKU Count | Strategy |
| Costco | 3,700-4,000 | 9,000–10,000 | Limited, curated |
| Sam’s Club | 6,000–7,000 | 15,000+ | Higher variety |
Sam’s Club carries more brands and SKUs, offering shoppers more selection, especially in packaged and household goods. Costco’s limited assortment enables deeper discounts and higher average quality, but fewer choices.
| Club | Private Brand | % of Sales | Quality/Reputation |
| Costco | Kirkland Signature | 31% | High—often beats national brands |
| Sam’s Club | Member’s Mark | 30% | Strong, but less universal acclaim |
| Item | Costco Price | Sam’s Club Price | Winner |
| Bath Tissue (toilet paper) | $20.49/1,425 sq.ft | $22.98/1,254 sq.ft | Costco (cheaper/cf) |
| Disposable Spoons (500 vs 300) | $12.99/500 | $14.98/300 | Costco |
| Olay Face Cream | $45.99/2-pack | $47.98/2-pack | Costco |
| Venus Razors (handle+11 ref.) | $24.59 | $35.98 | Costco |
| Baby wipes (900 vs 1,152 ct) | $19.99/900 | $21.74/1,152 | Sam’s (per wipe) |
| Paper Towels | $20.49/1,026 sq.ft | $19.98/1,031 sq.ft | Sam’s (slightly) |
| Kitchen Trash Bags (200 ct) | $17.99 | $16.98 | Sam’s |
| Clorox Wipes (5-pack) | $18.70 | $18.78 | Costco (by cents) |
| Sensodyne Toothpaste (4-pk) | $25.99 | $25.86 | Sam’s (by cents) |
There is no runaway winner—Costco wins on some staples, Sam’s Club on others (especially wipes, towels, and certain personal care items). Small differences can add up, but both beat grocery/drug store prices by a wide margin.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) 2025 has delivered some surprises
| Retailer | 2024 ACSI | 2025 ACSI | % Change | Category |
| Sam’s Club | 81 | 85 | +5% | Gen. Merchandise |
| Costco | 82 | 82 | 0% | Gen. Merchandise |
In short Sam’s Club has closed the loyalty gap and now pulls ahead for customer satisfaction, driven by rapid tech upgrades and digital-first experiences—especially among young shoppers.
Sam’s Club’s digital prowess is a standout, offering more convenient, tech-forward options for modern shopping.
Both clubs have nationwide reach, but Costco is slightly more widespread (more states covered, more stores overall). Location convenience depends on the individual zip code.
Sam’s Club offers greater flexibility, especially for early risers, thanks to more widespread early morning hours for Plus members. Costco’s exclusive early access is limited geographically.
Both clubs provide
Besides differences in prepared food, services are quite similar. Costco’s food court is iconic and draws member loyalty.
Both offer great value and fill up hungry shoppers. Costco’s food court has cult status, but Sam’s Club is competitive on variety and price.
Sam’s Club has better shipping benefits for premium members and a more user-friendly digital shopping platform, closely linked to Walmart’s fulfillment network.
Costco is still the leader for brand trust, quality, and simple shopping — with the best-value private brands (Kirkland), legendary returns, and an unbeatable food court. Hardcore bulk buyers and top spenders maximize their benefit with the Executive card.
Sam’s Club has surged ahead on price, digital innovation, convenience, and customer satisfaction. If you value early shopping, more payment flexibility, or live in a region with lots of Sam’s Clubs and want smaller annual fees, they’re the top pick — especially for tech-savvy or younger families.
| Category | Costco | Sam’s Club |
| Membership Cost | ✔ Lower | |
| In-Store Selection | Quality/Fewer SKUs | ✔ More SKUs |
| Private Label | ✔ Kirkland | ✔Member’s Mark |
| Brand Variety | ✔ More brands | |
| Payment Options | ✔ More flexible | |
| Digital Services | ✔ App, Scan & Go | |
| Return Policy | ✔ Easiest | |
| Food Court | ✔ Most iconic | |
| Gas Pricing | ✔ Both competitive | ✔ Both competitive |
| Customer Satisfaction | ✔ #1 ACSI 2025 | |
| Online Shopping | ✔ More flexible | |
| Operating Hours | ✔ Early for Plus | |
| Store Locations | ✔ More US states |
The best choice comes down to your needs.
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