When it comes to warehouse shopping, two names dominate the scene: Sam’s Club and Costco. Both promise unbeatable bulk deals, exclusive memberships, and aisles packed with everything from rotisserie chickens to flat-screen TVs. But here’s the twist—while Costco often gets the glory, Sam’s Club has quietly been catching up, offering smarter tech, better convenience, and perks that many shoppers overlook.
As a member of both Sam’s Club and Costco, I’ve spent plenty of time comparing the two—aisle by aisle, app by app, and even food court by food court. After years of shopping at both, here’s what I’ve observed: Sam’s Club has been quietly outpacing Costco in several surprising ways. Here are things Sam’s Club does better than Costco—and why it might be time to give it another look.
Scan & Go Checkout
Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go feature is an amazing feature for anyone who hates waiting in line. Using the Sam’s Club app, shoppers can scan items as they shop, pay directly through the app, and skip the checkout line entirely. The digital receipt is verified at the door, making the process seamless.
Costco has yet to roll out a comparable system, meaning members still have to queue up at traditional registers. For busy shoppers or families with full carts, this feature saves valuable time and reduces long lines in-store.
Curbside Pickup
Sam’s Club offers curbside pickup for online orders, allowing members to shop from home and have their purchases brought directly to their car. After placing an order through the app or website, members simply check in when they arrive, and an associate loads the items into their vehicle.
This service is especially convenient for parents, seniors, or anyone short on time. Costco, on the other hand, primarily focuses on in-store shopping and has limited pickup options.
Wider Range of Payment Options
Sam’s Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, giving members the freedom to use their preferred credit card. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who want to earn specific credit card rewards or points.
Costco restricts in-store purchases to Visa cards only, which can be inconvenient for members who prefer other issuers. Sam’s Club’s inclusive payment policy makes it easier for customers to shop without worrying about card compatibility.
More Obvious Instant Savings Offers
Although both retailers run Instant Savings promotions, Sam’s Club’s approach is more obvious and transparent. The signage is clear and easy to spot—bright yellow tags mark discounted items, so shoppers instantly know when they’re getting a deal.
Costco’s system, by contrast, relies on subtle pricing codes that only seasoned members recognize. For example, prices ending in .97 indicate clearance items, but this isn’t explained anywhere in-store. Sam’s Club makes savings straightforward, with Instant Savings and clearance items clearly labeled on shelves and online, ensuring every member knows exactly what’s on sale.
Better Online Shopping Experience
Sam’s Club’s website and mobile app are more user-friendly than Costco’s. The interface is clean, intuitive, and optimized for mobile use. Members can easily reorder past purchases, track deliveries, and access digital receipts.
The app also integrates features like Scan & Go and curbside pickup, creating a unified shopping experience. Costco’s online platform, while functional, can feel clunky and less responsive, especially on mobile devices.
Smaller Package Options
Sam’s Club is in many ways a better fit for smaller households, families, and couples because it sells smaller package sizes on many items. This allows members to enjoy warehouse savings without worrying about waste or storage space.
For example, Sam’s Club’s shredded cheese comes in two 1-pound bags, while Costco’s version is two 2.5-pound bags—a big difference for those who don’t need to buy in extreme bulk. This smaller, more manageable packaging approach makes Sam’s Club more practical for everyday shoppers who still want value without overstocking their fridge or pantry.
Cheaper Produce Prices
From personal experience, Sam’s Club’s produce section often beats Costco’s on price. Items like grapes, salad greens, and avocados tend to cost less per pound or per package, making it easier to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables without overspending.
While both clubs offer high-quality produce, Sam’s Club’s pricing is generally more budget-friendly, especially for families who buy fresh produce weekly. You can check my article where I do a price comparison of both warehouses.
Fresh Sushi Selection
Sam’s Club’s sells fresh sushi while only some Costco warehouse offer it. Many locations feature in-house sushi chefs preparing rolls daily, offering members a quick, high-quality meal. The sushi menu often includes classic rolls, sushi party platters, and side dishes- perfect for grab and go meals.
Limited-Edition Food Court Treats
Sam’s Club’s food court frequently introduces limited-edition treats, such as specialty sundaes. These rotating menu items keep the dining experience fresh and exciting, encouraging members to check back regularly for new offerings. I personally love the limited edition peaches and cream sundae.
Costco’s food court is beloved for its classics, but Sam’s Club’s willingness to experiment with new flavors adds a fun and dynamic twist to the warehouse dining experience.
Better Cake Selection in the Bakery
Sam’s Club’s bakery department stands out for its extensive cake selection, offering a wide range of customizable options for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations. Members can choose from various flavors, fillings, and designs, including themed cakes.
One item that Costco doesn’t carry is the Carlo’s Bakery showstopper dessert—a massive 5-pound vanilla confetti cupcake topped with rich buttercream icing. But the real surprise? It’s stuffed with M&M candies and colorful sprinkles that spill out when you slice it! The price is amazingly low- beats any local bakery.
Costco’s cakes are popular but limited in variety, giving Sam’s Club the upper hand.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Sam’s Club sells freshly squeezed orange juice in many of its locations. The juice is made in-store from real oranges and is only $10 for a 59 oz bottle. That’s a great deal for fresh OJ.
Unfortunately, Costco doesn’t carry freshly squeezed orange juice like Sam’s Club does. This is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to Sam’s Club.
Sam’s Club Membership Fee is Cheaper
Sam’s Club frequently run promotions to attract new members so you never have to pay the full membership fee price of $50. They often have deals where you can sign up for as low as $20 per year—60% off the regular price.
While Costco’s lowest membership tier, the Gold Star, costs $65 per year, and membership discounts are virtually unheard of.
Gift Cards Are More Affordable at Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club has a better selection of gift cards with lower denominations, making them more accessible and affordable for shoppers. You’ll find plenty of options, including $25 gift cards.
On the other hand, Costco has fewer gift card options, and they are generally priced higher, with most cards costing around $79.99 for $100 worth. While this offers solid savings, it requires you to spend more upfront to get the deal.
Lower Prices on Clothing and Shoes
Sam’s Club tends to have cheaper clothing and shoe prices than Costco. They frequently mark items down, and every time I go to Sam’s Club there are always new amazing deals on apparel and shoes. It’s not uncommon to find brand-name bargains, like Converse shoes for just $15!