Which deal is better?

Choosing your favorite wholesale club is one of those adult rites of passage that you don’t even know exists until you get there. Are you going to take the family to Costco or Sam’s Club?

Both offer similar products and services and have an enthusiastic following. And many of these fans have top-tier memberships: Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus.

There are pros and cons to each, but how do they really add up? Let’s look at a few key areas.

Membership fee: Sam’s Club

On net value, Sam’s Club wins the match.

• A Sam’s Club Plus membership costs just $110 per year.
• A Costco Executive membership costs $130 per year.

That’s the $20 per year difference you pay for a top-tier membership at Costco compared to the Sam’s Club equivalent.

2% cash back on purchases: Costco

Both top tier members receive rewards for purchases. Costco Executive members earn 2% back on eligible Costco purchases. Sam’s Club Plus members earn 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible Sam’s Club purchases.

If the amounts are the same, why is Costco the winner? Because Costco Executive members earn 2% back on purchases in the warehouse and online at Costco.com and Costco Travel. Sam’s Club Plus members only earn 2% cash back on in-store and curbside pickup purchases.

On the other hand, in any case, your 2% cash back will be cumulative with any other rewards you earn, e.g. you can get up to 3% back opening one of our favorite Costco rewards credit cards.

At first glance, Sam’s Club’s online shopping experience is leagues above Costco.com. But you get access to this simply by becoming a regular Sam’s Club member. It’s the other benefits of online shopping that give Sam’s Club Plus the win over Costco Executive.

Sam’s Club Plus members get free shipping and Club delivery on online orders of $50 or more (which isn’t a hard minimum when you buy in bulk, trust me). Costco executive members… no.

Sam’s Club Plus members also receive free curbside pickup. This is an extremely useful feature that allows you to avoid a ton of crap in the store when you’re in a hurry.

Service discounts: linked

Costco and Sam’s Club offer a wide range of services beyond wholesale, from tires to optical and insurance. Costco Executive and Sam’s Club Plus members receive additional discounts on these services.

Sam’s Club Plus members receive discounts on tire installation, as well as pharmacy and optical discounts. Costco Executive members receive various discounts on Costco insurance services as well as some Costco business services.

The only thing to note is that you don’t get 2% back on third-party services like insurance purchased through your warehouse club, so make sure you’re using a good rewards credit card. Check out our simple strategy for maximizing your rewards at Costco..

In the end: it’s up to you

If the numbers match your family’s spending, a Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus membership might be a good move. Choose the perks and benefits that best suit your needs and enjoy bulk shopping.