Fall is my favorite time of year to have a Sam's Club membership. Between stocking up on back-to-school lunch staples, grabbing bags of Halloween candy before they sell out and preparing for holiday hosting, the savings can add up quickly. That's one reason Sam's Club remains a popular alternative to Costco. Right now, shoppers can join for as little as $25 for a Club membership or $55 for a Plus membership, a discount that comes as Sam's Club expands benefits such as nationwide one-hour delivery.
As a Sam's Club member myself, I especially appreciate the convenience during the busy fall season. Whether I'm ordering ingredients for soup and chili recipes, stocking the pantry or scheduling a grocery delivery before a football watch party, the delivery and pickup
options make it easier to stay ahead between school pickup and the holiday rush.
If you're thinking about joining a warehouse club to save money on groceries, gas and household essentials, here's why I prefer Sam's Club over Costco:
Join Sam's Club today
Sam's Club vs. Costco: Which membership offers more value?
Both Sam's Club and Costco charge annual membership fees in exchange for access to warehouse pricing, fuel savings and exclusive member benefits.
Sam's Club currently offers:
- Club Membership: $25 promotional price, regularly $60 per year
- Plus Membership: $55 promotional price, regularly $120 per year
Costco typically offers:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
- Executive Membership: $130 per year
For shoppers focused on the lowest upfront cost, Sam's Club currently has a significant advantage thanks to its discounted membership promotion. Here's how to join each of Sam's Club's membership tiers:
Get a Sam's Club Membership
Sam's Club Membership
Get an annual Sam's Club membership to start saving in bulk right now.
Sign up for Sam's Club for $25
Get a Sam's Club Plus Membership
Sam's Club Plus Membership
Sign up for a one-year Sam's Club Plus membership for upgraded perks and benefits.
Join Sam's Club Plus for $55
Sam's Club membership benefits
The basic Club membership tier includes one card for the primary account holder and a complimentary card for another household member. You have the option to add up to eight additional members at $45 each. Other perks include:
- NEW! One‑hour delivery now available nationwide and expanded same‑day delivery coverage for members
- Access to members-only prices and Instant Savings offers
- Members‑only gas prices at Sam’s Club fuel stations
- Scan & Go app savings, including faster in‑club checkout, café orders and fuel payment
- Free curbside pickup for Club members on eligible orders
- 100% membership satisfaction guarantee
Is a Plus membership worth the upgrade?
For frequent shoppers, the Plus membership includes several upgraded perks:
- Free delivery on eligible $50-plus orders
- Free shipping on most online purchases
- No-minimum curbside pickup
- Early shopping hours
- Pharmacy and optical discounts
- 2% Sam's Cash on eligible in-club purchases
- Travel and entertainment discounts
- Discounted tire installation services
The added rewards and delivery benefits may help regular members offset the higher annual fee.
Is a Sam's Club membership worth it?
For shoppers already considering a warehouse club membership, the current $25 Club membership and $55 Plus membership promotion significantly lowers the cost of trying Sam's Club.
Combined with newer perks such as one-hour delivery, fuel savings and free pickup, the promotion may be especially attractive for households looking to cut grocery and household spending while paying less than the cost of a comparable Costco membership.
Join Sam's Club today
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why I'm choosing Sam's Club over Costco and saving more this fall
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