Choosing between Sam's Club and Costco feels a little like picking a phone plan — both promise great value, but what you actually save depends on the details. Sam's Club starts at $50 a year compared to Costco's $60, but that $10 is just the warm-up. Before you commit, check Groupon's Sam's Club discount codes for easy ways to trim your signup cost.

The real question isn’t which warehouse club is universally “better.” It’s which one fits the way you shop. Here’s how the two stack up, category by category.

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Quick Comparison Reference

Membership Fees: What You’re Actually Paying For

If your annual spending falls below those breakeven points, the basic membership at either club will usually give you the best value. For a deeper dive into perks on the Sam’s side, check out our full guide to Sam’s Club membership benefits.

Gas Savings: Price, Convenience & Quality

Pump Prices at Both Clubs

Both Sam’s Club and Costco typically undercut local gas stations by 5–25 cents per gallon. Over a year, that’s a meaningful difference for big tanks or frequent commuters.

Sam’s Club has a slight edge in availability, with around 600 US locations versus Costco’s 585. Depending on where you live, that can make one club’s gas far easier to access than the other.

Gas Quality Differences

Costco sells Top Tier certified fuel, which includes higher detergent levels designed to keep engines cleaner. Sam’s Club fuel isn’t Top Tier certified.

For most cars, the difference isn’t make-or-break, but long-term owners and car enthusiasts may appreciate the extra engine protection Costco’s fuel offers.

Credit Card Rewards at the Pump

Sam’s Club accepts all major credit cards at the pump, which means you can pair your membership with whichever rewards card serves you best. Costco only accepts Visa for in-store purchases and fuel, which might limit your strategy if you rely on non-Visa gas rewards.

Store Brands: Member's Mark vs Kirkland Signature

Product Variety and Selection

Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark covers more than 600 products, compared to roughly 300 items under Costco’s Kirkland Signature label. If you like having a store-brand version of just about everything, Sam’s wins on selection.

Member’s Mark ranges from fresh food to apparel to electronics — a wide umbrella for shoppers who like consistent value across categories.

Quality and Member Satisfaction

Kirkland Signature has an almost cult-level following. About 73% of Costco shoppers say they prefer Kirkland to name brands in many categories — an impressive testament to quality.

Member’s Mark leans toward everyday value and competitive pricing. It’s reliable and wallet-friendly, especially for staples you buy on repeat.

Where Each Brand Wins

Choose Member’s Mark if you want more store-brand choices and consistently low prices.

Choose Kirkland Signature if you care about premium quality and don’t mind paying a little more for it.

Shopping Experience & Convenience

Store Locations and Accessibility

Sam’s Club has slightly more US locations, and its footprint is often stronger in smaller or rural markets. If convenience is your deciding factor, Sam’s may be closer to home.

Payment Options and Technology

Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go app is a standout perk — you can scan items as you shop and skip the checkout line entirely. On busy weekends, this feels like cheating (in the best way).

Costco’s app is solid but doesn’t offer a similar friction-free checkout option. If speed is your love language, Sam’s Club wins here.

Return Policies

Both clubs offer 100% satisfaction guarantees on memberships and most purchases. Electronics get a 90-day return window at either store. In practice, the return experience is nearly identical and very consumer-friendly.

Bottom Line: Which Club Fits Your Life?

Choose Sam’s Club If…

• You want the lowest upfront membership cost
• You prefer maximum payment flexibility (all major cards accepted)
• You love the speed of Scan & Go checkout
• You like Member’s Mark’s wide product selection
• You live in an area with better Sam’s Club coverage

Choose Costco If…

• You’re a high-volume shopper who can take advantage of the $1,000 reward cap
• You prefer Top Tier certified gas
• You’re loyal to Kirkland Signature’s reputation for quality
• You want access to Costco’s travel services and specialty perks
• You don’t mind slightly higher membership fees for a premium feel