Costco remains one of the most beloved warehouse clubs in America, thanks to its loyal membership base, Kirkland Signature products and treasure-hunt shopping experience.
But while Costco has largely stayed committed to its traditional warehouse-club model, Sam's Club has been investing heavily in technology, convenience and digital shopping tools. The Walmart-owned retailer has rolled out features designed to help members shop faster, skip lines and get groceries without stepping inside a store.
Those efforts appear to be resonating with shoppers as Sam's Club continues to grow its membership base and expand member engagement programs.
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For shoppers who value convenience just as much as savings, here are seven Sam's Club perks that might have Costco members wondering what they're missing.
Scan & Go lets you skip the checkout line
One of Sam's Club's most popular features is Scan & Go. Instead of unloading a cart at a traditional checkout lane, shoppers can scan items as they shop using the Sam's Club app. When they're finished, they pay through the app and head toward the exit, bypassing the checkout line.
For busy families stocking up on groceries, parents shopping with young children or anyone who dreads waiting in long warehouse-club lines, the time savings can be significant.
Costco still relies primarily on traditional checkout lanes and self-checkout stations, making Scan & Go one of Sam's Club's most notable differentiators.
Curbside pickup adds convenience for busy shoppers
Warehouse clubs are known for large parking lots and even larger carts.
Sam's Club members can place an order online and have their purchases brought directly to their vehicle through curbside pickup, which is free for all members with no minimum order, although Plus members receive earlier pickup windows.
The feature can be particularly valuable for:
- Parents with young children
- Caregivers shopping for family members
- Professionals squeezing errands into a busy workday
- Shoppers who want to avoid navigating crowded warehouses
Costco offers some pickup options for select categories and services, but Sam's Club has made curbside pickup a more central part of its membership experience.
The Sam's Club app does more than track receipts
Many retailers have mobile apps, but Sam's Club has built much of its shopping experience around its app.
Members can use the app to:
- Access a digital membership card
- Create shopping lists
- Locate products inside the club
- Track orders
- Manage membership
- Use Scan & Go checkout
- View digital receipts
These tools create a more seamless shopping experience and help members manage purchases before, during and after each shopping trip. As more consumers rely on smartphones for everyday shopping, Sam's Club's technology-first approach helps distinguish it from competitors.
Plus members get free shipping on many online orders
Warehouse clubs traditionally encourage shoppers to visit stores in person. Sam's Club has increasingly blurred the line between warehouse shopping and e-commerce.
Plus members receive free shipping on eligible online orders of $50 or more, making it easier to stock up without making a trip to the warehouse.
For households that regularly purchase pantry staples, paper products, pet supplies or household essentials, free shipping can add meaningful value to a membership. It's also a benefit that appeals to rural shoppers who might not live close to a warehouse location.
Early shopping hours can help you avoid crowds
Anyone who has visited a warehouse club on a Saturday afternoon knows how crowded they can get. Sam's Club Plus members receive access to early shopping hours, allowing them to enter stores before standard members during certain times of the week.
For retirees, small-business owners and shoppers who simply prefer a quieter experience, those extra hours can mean shorter lines and easier parking. You might also get better product selection options and deal with less in-store traffic overall by getting there early.
These perks might seem minor, but for frequent shoppers, it can significantly improve the overall experience.
Same-day delivery can save a trip
Not every shopping trip requires a warehouse run. Sam's Club offers same-day and next-day delivery options in many areas, with Plus members receiving free delivery on eligible orders over certain spending thresholds.
For households juggling work schedules, school activities and family commitments, having groceries or household supplies delivered can turn a membership into a time-saving service rather than simply a place to shop.
As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, delivery options have become one of the fastest-growing benefits in retail memberships.
Fuel savings and convenience remain a major draw
Sam's Club continues to attract members with competitively priced fuel, as Costco does. Many shoppers say fuel savings alone can help offset the annual cost of a warehouse-club membership, especially for commuters and households with multiple vehicles.
While both warehouse chains are known for offering gas prices below nearby competitors, Sam's Club has continued to invest in member benefits alongside fuel discounts, positioning the membership as more than just a way to save at the pump.
Is Sam's Club a Better Fit Than Costco?
For many shoppers, the answer might be both. Costco continues to excel with its highly regarded Kirkland Signature private-label products, strong customer loyalty and treasure-hunt shopping atmosphere. Many members genuinely enjoy browsing the warehouse and discovering unexpected deals.
Sam's Club, meanwhile, has focused on removing friction from the shopping process. Features such as Scan & Go, curbside pickup, delivery options and app-based tools appeal to shoppers who place a premium on convenience and saving time.
Ultimately, the better value depends on how you shop. If you enjoy the warehouse experience and love Kirkland products, Costco might remain the favorite.
But if skipping checkout lines, ordering groceries from your phone and avoiding extra trips sounds appealing, Sam's Club's growing list of convenience-focused perks might be worth a closer look.
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