Three warehouse clubs, one winner — but it depends entirely on what you're buying. We broke down prices on 40 common items to find out.
| Feature | Costco | Sam's Club | BJ's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee (Basic) | $65 | $50 | $60 |
| Annual Fee (Premium) | $130 | $110 | $110 |
| Store Brand | Kirkland (★★★★★) | Member's Mark (★★★★) | Berkley Jensen (★★★) |
| Accepts Coupons | No | No | Yes |
| Online Shopping | Good | Good | Limited |
| Pharmacy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gas Stations | Most locations | Most locations | Limited |
| Return Policy | Excellent | Good | Good |
You're paying $65–$130 a year for warehouse club access. The question isn't whether to join one — the question is which one pays you back the most. We compared prices on 40 common household items across all three clubs.
Membership Costs (2026)
Costco: $65/year (Gold Star) or $130/year (Executive — 2% cashback on purchases)
Sam's Club: $50/year (Club) or $110/year (Plus — includes scan-and-go, free shipping)
BJ's Wholesale: $60/year (Inner Circle) or $110/year (Perks Rewards — 2% back)
Where Each Club Wins
Costco Wins: Kirkland Brand, Prepared Foods, Electronics
Kirkland Signature is genuinely the best store brand in retail. Their 2.25lb bag of cashews at $14.99 beats Amazon by 40%. Their 5lb organic ground beef at $6.99/lb is better than Whole Foods at $9.99. If you eat well and cook at home, Costco's margins are unbeatable.
Sam's Club Wins: Tech, Appliances, Tires
Sam's Club consistently undercuts Costco on electronics by 3–8%. Their Member's Mark brand is solid. The Plus membership's scan-and-go feature (skip checkout lines) alone is worth the upgrade if you shop weekly.
BJ's Wins: Coupons, Flexibility, Eastern US Value
BJ's accepts manufacturer coupons — neither Costco nor Sam's does. On top of already-wholesale prices, savvy coupon stacking can yield 20–35% more savings. If you're in the Eastern US and coupon shop, BJ's has the highest ceiling.
The Verdict
Buy Costco if: You prioritize food quality, Kirkland products, and don't mind crowds
Buy Sam's Club if: You want the best tech prices and scan-and-go convenience
Buy BJ's if: You're in the Northeast, coupon regularly, and want the most flexible savings