There Is A Difference Between SAM'S CLUB and COSTCO Upper Level Memberships

I asked X'S Grok what the difference was between SAM'S CLUB and a COSTCO advanced membership.  Below is the answer it came up with doing the comparison of the two.

Yes, **Sam's Club** offers two main membership tiers: the basic **Club** level and the higher **Plus** level. The **Plus** membership serves as the premium or "executive-level" option, providing all the standard benefits of the Club membership plus additional perks.

### Current Pricing (as of April 2026)

- **Club membership**: $50 per year (rising to $60 starting May 1, 2026).

- **Plus membership**: $110 per year (rising to $120 starting May 1, 2026).

Promotional discounts for new members are often available (e.g., $20–$50 off through limited-time offers).

### Key Differences and Plus Benefits

The **Plus** tier includes everything from the Club level, plus these extras:

- **2% Sam's Cash** back on qualifying in-club purchases (capped at $500 per year currently; increasing to $750 after May 1, 2026). This is credited monthly to your membership card.

- Free shipping on most eligible online orders (with minimums).

- Free curbside pickup and delivery from the club on eligible orders over $50.

- Early shopping access (e.g., starting at 8 a.m. at many locations, before standard hours).

- Additional discounts on pharmacy, optical services, and other areas.

- Other conveniences like Scan & Go and enhanced savings on services.

The **Club** level gives you core access to member-only pricing, in-club and online shopping, plus one complimentary household card.

### Is the Plus (Executive) Level Worth It?

Many members find the Plus tier pays for itself if you spend enough at Sam's Club (roughly $3,000+ annually on qualifying purchases to offset the extra cost via the 2% cash back). It's similar to Costco's Executive membership but structured differently (Sam's caps rewards lower but adds free shipping/delivery perks). You can upgrade anytime from Club to Plus and pay a prorated fee.

Sam's Club does not have a separate "Executive" branded tier like Costco—instead, **Plus** is the upgraded executive-style option. There are also business/company memberships and add-on cards, but those are based on the Club or Plus primary level.

For the most up-to-date details, current promotions, or to compare/ join, visit the official Sam's Club join page at samsclub.com/join or check their help section on membership benefits. Prices and perks can vary slightly by location or with special offers.