Costco Gold Star Membership vs Sam's Club Plus Membership
Verdict: Costco Gold Star wins on value with its $60 fee versus Sam's $110 while still offering 2% rewards (per Costco annual reports). Sam's Club Plus provides a larger fuel discount of up to 8 cents per gallon and better app features (per Sam's Club member data). For most shoppers the Costco option delivers higher net savings unless fuel volume exceeds 1,200 gallons annually.
Costco Gold Star Membership lists at $60 while Sam's Club Plus Membership lists at $110 — Costco Gold Star Membership undercuts Sam's Club Plus Membership by $50 (83%).
Winner: Costco Gold Star Membership
Costco Gold Star Membership: 8.2/10
Sam's Club Plus Membership: 7.6/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Costco Gold Star Membership | Sam's Club Plus Membership | |
|---|---|---|
| annual_fee | $60 | $110 |
| cards_included | 2 | 2 |
| gas_discount | Up to 5¢/gal | Up to 8¢/gal |
| executive_reward | 2% on qualifying purchases | 2% on qualifying purchases |
Costco Gold Star Membership
What works
- Lower $60 annual fee
- 2% Executive rewards on most purchases
- Widely praised fresh produce and bakery items
What doesn't
- $60 fee still required with no free tier
- Fewer same-day delivery options than competitors
Sam's Club Plus Membership
What works
- Higher 8¢/gal fuel discount at most stations
- Scan & Go app enables faster checkout
- Free shipping on many online orders over $50
What doesn't
- Higher $110 annual fee
- Smaller overall warehouse footprint than Costco
Bottom line
Our pick: Costco Gold Star Membership.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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