Comparing Warehouse Clubs: Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's
Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s all sell you the same idea: buy in bulk, save over time and hope you don’t leave with a 40-pound bag of rice you’ll never finish. But which one actually saves you the most depends on what’s in your cart.
There’s no single winner across the board. Sam’s Club edged out the others on groceries in one recent comparison; Costco took the crown for cleaning and paper products; and BJ’s is the pick if you love stacking manufacturer coupons. Membership fees are close, too, with BJ’s and Sam’s running a few dollars cheaper than Costco.
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Below, we break down how the three clubs stack up across six categories so you can figure out which one actually earns its annual fee.
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Grocery Prices: Sam’s Club
AARP compared unit prices on 28 grocery items at Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s in August 2026. Sam’s Club had the lowest total at $75.47, BJ’s was next at $76.69 and Costco came in third at $83.30. Those totals use regular prices, so coupons and loyalty discounts weren’t part of the math.
Cleaning and Paper Products: Costco
Of the 24 cleaning and paper products Consumer Reports compared in July 2025, Costco won with 67% of the products having the lowest price. Sam’s Club came in at 58% and BJ’s at 50%. Some products even tied for the lowest price.
Costco wasn’t the cheapest on every item, though. BJ’s and Sam’s Club, for example, tied for the lowest price on generic liquid laundry detergent.
Membership Fees: BJ’s and Sam’s Club
Out of the three clubs, BJ’s and Sam’s Club have the lowest membership fees. BJ’s charges $60 annually for its Club membership and $120 for its Club+ membership. Sam’s Club matches those numbers with $60 for Club and $120 for Plus. Costco runs a bit higher at $65 for Gold Star and $130 for Executive.
The rewards are where the tiers get interesting. Costco Executive members earn 2% back on qualifying purchases. Sam’s Club+ members earn 2% in Sam’s Cash on qualifying in-club purchases, up to $750 a year. BJ’s Club+ members earn 2% back in rewards on most purchases.
Store-Brands: Tie
Costco’s Kirkland Signature line covers food, household items and clothing. Some products have devoted fans, such as its Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cashew Clusters and Wildflower Honey. Because of their high quality and value, the warehouse store encourages shoppers to compare Kirkland Signature items with their favorite brand-name products.
Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark has its own cult favorites, including its Italian Basil Pesto. More than 150,000 members also take part in its Member’s Mark Community, where they test products and give feedback that helps shape the products Sam’s carries.
BJ’s counters with Wellsley Farms for food and Berkley Jensen for household goods, baby care, pet care and office supplies. Both come with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Return Policy: Costco and Sam's Club
Costco doesn’t set a general return deadline for most of its merchandise. According to its customer service page, items including electronics, major appliances and cellular phones have a 90-day return window.
Sam’s Club also lets you return most items at any time. Electronics and major appliances have a 90-day limit, commercial heavy equipment and motorsports items have a 30-day limit, while cellphones have a 14-day return window.
BJ’s gives you 365 days to return most items, as long as they’re new and include all accessories. Groceries and electronics have a 90-day window, while some home products, including outdoor furniture and mattresses, have only 30 days.
Coupon Savings: BJ’s
BJ’s lets you use one store coupon and one manufacturer coupon on the same eligible item, as long as both meet the club’s rules. Costco and Sam’s Club don’t accept general manufacturer coupons. However, both do offer "Instant Savings" discounts, so the savings come from a different angle.
Which Club Should You Join?
There’s no universal winner, only the club that fits your cart. If groceries make up most of your spending, Sam’s Club is the place to start. If you stock up on cleaning and paper goods and want Executive-level rewards, Costco is the stronger choice. If you rely on manufacturer coupons or want a clear 365-day return window, BJ’s comes out ahead.
Before you pay the fee, look at your last few receipts and see which store actually gives you the most for your money.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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