With more than 600 locations each, Costco (opens in new tab) and Sam's Club (opens in new tab) are the most popular warehouse clubs in the country.
We checked how they stack up in several categories -- from who has the better return policy to store credit card. Here's what we found.
Better Prices
- Our pick: Sam's Club
A recent Consumer Reports review found that both stores offered comparable prices. But Costco's annual membership is $55 -- $10 more than Sam's Club's fee. And Sam's frequently discounts its fee or throws in freebies for new members.
Sponsored Content
(opens in new tab)
Better Products
- Our pick: Costco
Costco's Kirkland brand (opens in new tab) has earned more kudos for quality than Sam's Club's products (opens in new tab). Kirkland olive oil was one of only a few imported oils that met international and U.S. standards for extra virgin olive oil in a chemical and sensory study by the University of California, Davis. And Kirkland Signature Tequila Añejo received an "exceptional" score from the Beverage Tasting Institute's Tastings.com (opens in new tab). Consumer Reports has named Kirkland's Colombian Supremo whole bean coffee, Greek yogurt and super premium vanilla ice cream as best buys.
Sponsored Content
(opens in new tab)
Better Store Credit Card
- Our pick: It's a tie.
For those who spend a lot at their warehouse club, we pick the Costco Visa (opens in new tab) (0% APR for seven months, then 15.99%; membership fee of $55 includes the card's annual fee). The card will pay you 4% on up to $7,000 in annual gas purchases at Costco and other gas stations, 3% on dining and travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on everything else.
But if you buy a lot of gas, the Sam's Club MasterCard (opens in new tab) (15.40% or 23.40% APR) gets the nod. It pays an impressive 5% on up to $6,000 in gas purchases each year. You also get 3% back on dining and travel, and 1% on all other purchases.
Sponsored Content
(opens in new tab)
Better Financial Services
- Our pick: Costco
Both big-box stores offer an array of membership benefits free or at discounted prices, including health insurance, car-buying services and identity protection. But Costco has more: mortgages (opens in new tab); auto (opens in new tab), home (opens in new tab) and life (opens in new tab) insurance; rental cars (opens in new tab); and travel packages (opens in new tab).
Sponsored Content
(opens in new tab)
Better Return Policy
- Our pick: Costco
At Costco you can return virtually any item anytime (opens in new tab), no questions asked, without a receipt or the original packaging -- unless you're returning a PC or other electronics, in which case you have 90 days. That's similar to Sam's Club, except Sam's highly recommends (opens in new tab) that you have the original packaging and a receipt.
Sponsored Content
(opens in new tab)
-
-
Doing Your Retirement Income Planning in the Right Order Matters
A strong retirement income strategy considers many factors, including the retiree’s unique financial resources and needs. How and when you tackle them is critical.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Start December Looking for Direction
Mixed economic signals led to a mixed close for the major indexes in a seesaw session on Thursday.
-
The Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Smart Buying Looking for the credit card that pays the most cash back? These lenders pay the most, with the minimum hassle.
-
Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown: What Will It Cost You?
After threatening to limit the popular practice of password sharing for months, the streaming giant has outlined a plan to make it happen.
-
10 Things to Know About Hurricane Insurance Claims
Becoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
-
The Most Expensive Natural Disasters in U.S. History
Economic Forecasts Wind, water, fire and drought have all wreaked havoc on the United States. What’s been the worst?
-
How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost for a Membership 2022?
Amazon Prime With the price of Amazon Prime rising 17% in 2022, the question remains: Is it worth it? We’ll run you through what you get (and ways you might pay less).
-
How to Spend $1,000: Find Cheap (or Free) Online Courses to Build Career Skills
Smart Buying There's a huge array of skill-building online courses that can level up your career for under $1,000.
-
MoviePass is Relaunching. Should You Sign Up?
Smart Buying The subscription discount movie card company has a checkered past and an army of disillusioned former cardholders. If you want to try the reboot, you’ll need to hurry.
-
HBO Max Is Offering Huge Discounts
Smart Buying Looking for a streaming service deal? Warner Bros. Discovery is cutting the price of HBO Max.
