It’s the age-old question: Costco or Sam’s Club? The two warehouse stores have an interesting rivalry — and so do their fans. But an upcoming increase to Sam’s Club’s membership fee might make the decision on which store you prefer a little easier.
Here’s what’s going on with the membership price changes, and what people are saying about it. Hint: It’s not pretty.
How Much Is Sam’s Club Increasing Membership Fees?
On March 31, current Sam’s Club members received an email from the company explaining that membership fees will go up starting on May 1, 2026. Both the lower tier members and the Plus membership will increase by $10 per year. Here’s how much they’ll cost:
Club Membership
- $60 (previously $50)
Plus Membership
- $120 (previously $110)
Additionally, Sam’s Club is raising the rewards cap for Plus members from $500 to $750 per year. So if you’re a Plus member that spends a lot of money at the club every year, that may make up the difference in membership fees for you.
In the email, the company tried to frame the increase as somehow good for members. “This update helps us continue delivering unbeatable value and exceptional shopping experiences while investing in an ever-expanding set of member benefits.”
No one’s buying that, Sam’s.
‘I Can’t Justify the Price Increase’
On social media, Sam’s Club members are not happy about the increase. “I just cancelled mine after letting it auto-renew for the past decade,” said one member in a Reddit thread about the change. “I can’t justify the price increase. My original reason for getting the membership was for K-cups but Walmart has sold the 100 ct. for years now and they are similar in price. I’ll wait for the ‘we want you back’ email.”
“Costco went up recently,” said another Redditor. “Sam’s saw there was no pushback and followed. This is just the state of things. The price won’t ever go back down at the normal rates.”
Many people are also still lamenting the fact that Sam’s Club recently instituted a $50 order minimum for free shipping for Plus members, so this membership increase hits even harder. “Already planning to cancel in October not even due to this,” said one member, “but due to minimum $50 ship fee for Plus.”
“Just got this [email], wouldn’t even care if they hadn’t put the minimum shipping requirements on Plus accounts,” said another Redditor. “I’m already paying a premium and the minimum nonsense plus the increase I’ll be canceling in October before it renews.”
A few other Sam’s Club members had a really smart idea since there’s a month before the price increase goes into effect: Renew your membership now. “I just paid ahead for this year, before the price increase!”
“Yep I just did a renew early and then I’ll decide next year if I want to continue,” responded another member.
Overall, though, the sentiment is about what you’d expect to any price increase, including some people mocking the tone of the email. “‘Thank you for choosing Sam’s Club. Enjoy paying more!’”
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- ‘It’s About Time’: Costco Is Finally Catching Up With Sam’s Club’s Scan-and-Go Technology — Costco is finally testing scan-and-go technology — something that Sam’s Club has had for years — and customers are thrilled.
