Costco Gold Star Membership vs Sam's Club Plus Membership
Verdict: Costco Gold Star Membership offers better value at $60 with full access while Sam's Club Plus at $110 adds 2% rewards capped at $500 and Scan & Go per company sites. Gold Star suits lower spenders; Plus benefits those exceeding $25,000 annual purchases. Costco locations average similar density to Sam's per retailer data.
Winner: Costco Gold Star Membership
Costco Gold Star Membership: 7.5/10
Sam's Club Plus Membership: 7/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Costco Gold Star Membership | Sam's Club Plus Membership | |
|---|---|---|
| annual_fee | $60 | $110 |
| reward_rate | 0% | 2% |
| number_of_locations | ~600 | ~600 |
| gas_discount | Yes | Yes |
Costco Gold Star Membership
What works
- Lower annual cost at $60
- Access to all Costco locations and services
- No upsell pressure for basic needs
What doesn't
- No cash-back rewards
- Requires separate Executive upgrade for rewards
Sam's Club Plus Membership
What works
- 2% rewards up to $500 max
- Includes Scan & Go and early hours
- Higher-tier perks like free shipping
What doesn't
- Higher annual fee at $110
- Rewards cap limits high spenders
Bottom line
Our pick: Costco Gold Star Membership.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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