You want a clear answer before choosing between these two wholesale credit cards.
This Sam’s Club vs. Costco comparison shows you how each card performs in rewards, fees, and real-world value.
You will see which card fits your spending habits and whether the membership cost is worth it.
Card Overview: Sam’s Club Credit Card
You should know what this card offers before comparing it. This summary clearly shows the structure, rewards, and limits.
- Issuer: Synchrony Bank
- Network: Mastercard, widely accepted
- Membership Required: Active Sam’s Club membership required
- Annual Fee: $0 card fee; membership fee applies
- Gas Rewards: Up to 5% cash back (annual cap)
- In-Club Rewards: 3% for Plus members; lower for Club members
- Dining Rewards: 3% on dining and takeout
- Other Purchases: 1% on all other spending
- Redemption Method: Annual reward, redeemable in-club or for cash
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- APR Range: Variable APR; typically high if you carry a balance
Card Overview: Costco Credit Card
You should understand how this card works before comparing value. This outline shows earning rates and limits.
- Issuer: Citi (Citibank)
- Network: Visa, widely accepted
- Membership Required: Active Costco membership required
- Annual Fee: $0 card fee; membership fee applies
- Gas Rewards: 4% cash back (annual cap)
- Dining & Travel: 3% cash back
- In-Club Rewards: 2% on Costco purchases
- Other Purchases: 1% on other spending
- Redemption Method: Annual certificate redeemable at Costco
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
- APR Range: Variable APR; high if balance is carried
Annual Fees and Membership Costs
You must calculate your real yearly cost first. Both cards require paid membership.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Card Annual Fee: $0
- Membership Required: Yes
- Club Membership: Lower annual cost, base benefits
- Plus Membership: Higher cost, better rewards
- Total Cost: Membership fee only
Costco Credit Card
- Card Annual Fee: $0
- Membership Required: Yes
- Gold Star: Standard yearly fee
- Executive: Higher fee with added rewards
- Total Cost: Membership fee only
Compare membership tiers carefully because that is your true annual cost.
Rewards Comparison
You need to compare earnings in your main spending categories. This shows where each card gives stronger returns.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Gas Rewards: Up to 5% cash back (annual cap)
- In-Club Rewards: 3% for Plus; lower for base members
- Dining Rewards: 3% on restaurants and takeout
- Other Purchases: 1% on all other spending
- Redemption Timing: Annual reward certificate
Costco Credit Card
- Gas Rewards: 4% cash back (annual cap)
- Costco Purchases: 2% cash back
- Dining & Travel: 3% cash back
- Other Purchases: 1% cash back
- Redemption Timing: Annual Costco reward certificate
Focus on gas and grocery spending to see which card best fits you.
Sign-Up Bonus and Intro Offers
You should check the value of the first-year bonus. These offers can improve short-term returns.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: Occasionally offers a cash bonus after minimum spend.
- Spending Requirement: Must meet spending target in the first months.
- Intro APR: Sometimes offers promotional APR for a limited time.
- Real Value: Helpful in year one if you qualify.
Costco Credit Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: May offer a bonus after minimum spend.
- Spending Requirement: Must meet the set threshold.
- Intro APR: Limited promotional rates may apply.
- Real Value: Boosts early value if requirements are met.
Interest Rates and Credit Requirements
You need to understand interest costs and approval odds. Carrying a balance makes APR important.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
- APR Range: Variable; generally high
- Balance Interest: Charged if the balance is carried
- Credit Required: Good to excellent credit preferred
- Penalty Fees: Late fees and penalty APR may apply
Costco Credit Card
- APR Range: Variable; similar to other retail cards
- Balance Interest: Applies to unpaid balances
- Credit Required: Good to excellent credit needed
- Penalty Fees: Late fees and penalty APR possible
Pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest.
Extra Benefits and Protections
You should look beyond cash back. Protections can add real value.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Purchase Protection: Limited coverage on new items
- Extended Warranty: May extend manufacturer’s warranty
- Fraud Monitoring: Zero-liability and alerts
- Mobile Wallet Support: Compatible with major digital wallets
- Customer Support: Dedicated cardholder service
Costco Credit Card
- Purchase Protection: Limited coverage on eligible purchases
- Extended Warranty: May extend original warranty
- Travel Perks: Some travel or rental benefits
- Fraud Protection: Alerts and zero-liability coverage
- Mobile Wallet Support: Supports digital wallet payments
These benefits do not increase cash back, but they strengthen protection and usability.
Pros and Cons Summary
You need a fast way to see strengths and weaknesses. This summary shows where each card wins and where it falls short.
Sam’s Club Credit Card
Pros
- Higher gas rewards rate (up to 5%)
- Strong dining rewards
- No foreign transaction fees
- No card annual fee
- Works anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Cons
- Rewards are paid only once per year
- Best in-club rate requires Plus membership
- High APR if you carry a balance
- Annual gas rewards cap applies
Costco Credit Card
Pros
- Strong 4% gas rewards
- Solid 3% on dining and travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- No card annual fee
- Widely accepted Visa network
Cons
- Rewards are paid once per year only
- In-club rewards lower than Sam’s Plus rate
- Requires a paid Costco membership
- High APR if you carry a balance
You should match these pros and cons to your spending habits before deciding.
Who Should Choose Sam’s Club?
You should choose based on how and where you spend. This list shows the main profiles that benefit most from this card.
- Heavy Gas Spenders – Drive frequently and aim to maximize the higher gas cash-back rate.
- Plus Members – Already hold a Plus membership and want stronger in-club rewards.
- Dining Spenders – Spend regularly at restaurants and want consistent 3% back.
- No Foreign Fee Users – Travel or shop internationally and avoid foreign transaction fees.
- Full-Balance Payers – Pay balances monthly to prevent high interest charges.
- Mastercard Preference – Prefer the broad acceptance of the Mastercard network.
If your spending matches these categories, this card can deliver solid value.
Who Should Choose Costco?
You should pick the card that fits how you spend. This list shows the main profiles that benefit most from the Costco card.
- Gas-Focused Spenders – Fill up frequently and seek a strong 4% cash-back rate.
- Dining & Travel Users – Spend regularly on restaurants and travel purchases.
- Costco Shoppers – Make frequent Costco purchases and earn steady 2% rewards.
- Visa Network Users – Prefer the broad global acceptance of Visa.
- Full-Payment Cardholders – Pay balances monthly to avoid interest charges.
- Reward Certificate Fans – Prefer receiving an annual reward certificate for Costco spending.
If your spending matches these profiles, this card may fit your financial habits.
Final Verdict
You now see how Sam’s Club and Costco credit cards compare in rewards, costs, and overall value.
The better choice depends on where you spend most of your time and which membership tier you maintain.
Review your yearly spending, calculate your expected rewards, and apply for the card that gives you the highest real return.
Disclaimer
Rates, rewards, and terms can change at any time, subject to issuer policies. Always review the official website and the current card agreement before applying.
