Inflation is still a lingering problem for many people. If it's been wreaking havoc on your finances, then you may be considering a Sam's Club membership.
Though you'll spend $50 a year on a basic membership to Sam's Club, and $110 a year for a Plus membership that gives you cash back on your purchases, it may be a worthwhile investment. A Sam's Club membership could result in massive savings on the items you buy to keep your household running.
Then again, Walmart, which owns Sam's Club, is also a great source of low-cost products and essentials. And you may be pleased at the savings you're able to reap by shopping there.
It raises the question: Is Sam's Club really so much cheaper than Walmart that it's worth a membership? And the answer is, it depends.
Sam's Club wins for bulk purchases
You'll find a world of discounts at Sam's Club compared to big-box retailers like Walmart. But the true savings tend to arise in the context of bulk purchases. The quantity discounts you can get at Sam's Club are really hard to beat.
Let's imagine your kids really love Kit Kats. If you were to buy them individually at Walmart, you'd pay $1.32 apiece. But a bulk pack of 36 Kit Kats at Sam's Club is $33.98 online, or $0.94 per pack (and you might even find a lower price at your local warehouse club store). And while 36 packs is a lot, if you know you'll go through that much candy before it goes bad, then it's hard to argue with the savings.
Walmart may be cheaper for individual items
When it comes to groceries and household essentials, Sam's Club will generally win out over Walmart in terms of price because you're getting a discount for buying in bulk. But this doesn't mean Sam's Club always has the less expensive price.
For example, right now, Sam's Club has boys' swim trunks available for $9.98. But at Walmart, you can find boys' swim trunks for as low as $7.80. However, this is one example, and there are many individual items carried by Sam's Club that are less expensive than at Walmart.
So if you're not sure whether it pays to join Sam's Club, you really need to ask yourself one question: How often do I expect to take advantage of bulk discounts?
If you have a larger family and plenty of storage space at home, then you may be more likely to purchase bulk items frequently. And that makes the case for getting a Sam's Club membership. But if you don't expect to do much bulk buying, then you may want to save yourself the membership fee and simply scope out sales at Walmart and your regular supermarket instead.
A Sam's Club membership can easily pay for itself via the savings you enjoy on groceries and other essentials. But if you're not going to be doing much bulk buying, then you might end up wasting your money by committing to that $50 or $110 annual fee.
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FAQs
Sam's Club wins the price comparison battle, but with some important caveats. The warehouse store typically sells items in bulk or, at the very least, in larger sizes than you would find in a typical package at a regular retail store like Walmart.
Do you really save money at Sam's Club? ›
Sam's Club wins for bulk purchases
You'll find a world of discounts at Sam's Club compared to big-box retailers like Walmart. But the true savings tend to arise in the context of bulk purchases. The quantity discounts you can get at Sam's Club are really hard to beat.
Is it worth joining Sam's Club? ›
Everyone knows that becoming a Sam's Club member can save them money. But there's a way to take your savings to the next level: An upgraded Sam's Club Plus membership offers you a 2% reward on your Sam's Club purchases, plus free shipping, select free prescriptions and more great perks.
Why do people like Sam's Club? ›
Sam's Club's affordable membership fees are impossible to resist. Scoring a discounted membership at Sam's Club is pretty easy — the store often offers promotions throughout the year.
Does Sam's Club have the same meat as Walmart? ›
As is the case with Walmart, Sam's Club receives all of its meat from within the United States. Some of the beef providers of Sam's Club include National Beef, Swift, Farmland, and Nebraska Beef, just to name a few. Sam's Club has several animal welfare acts set up, both for grazing animals as well as chickens.
Is it better to shop at Walmart or Sam's? ›
Sam's Club wins the price comparison battle, but with some important caveats. The warehouse store typically sells items in bulk or, at the very least, in larger sizes than you would find in a typical package at a regular retail store like Walmart.
What is the best day to shop at Sam's Club? ›
More than that, weekdays — especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays — are also when customers are more likely to find the best deals on fresh, high-quality food. “When shopping at Sam's Club, look to go on Tuesdays or Wednesdays,” said Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback.com.
Is the 14.99 Sam's Club membership real? ›
The Sam's Club $14.99 promotion is hosted by StackCommerce and offers new members a substantial discount on a 1-year membership, which normally retails for $45. Also included is a free $10 Sam's Club eGift card, a limited-time bonus.
Can I use my Sams card at Walmart? ›
The Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® and the Synchrony Bank-issued Sam's Club® Mastercard® are "open-loop" cards, meaning they can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. (Walmart and Sam's Club also offer "closed-loop" store cards, which can be used only within their respective brands.)
Which is cheaper Costco or Sams? ›
Costco's membership fees are more expensive and the prices of basic products at Sam's Club are generally cheaper. Costco has more stores worldwide, but Sam's Club has more stores in the U.S.
Share of U.S. wholesale clubs consumers 2022, by household income. Between June 2021 and May 2022, over 50% of Sam's Club's consumers had a household income of less than 50,000 U.S. dollars. On the other hand,14.8% of Costco consumers had a household income of over 150,000 U.S. dollars.
What are the benefits of shopping at Sam's Club? ›
Membership Benefits
- Member-Favorite Perks. Members-only gas prices. ...
- Plus Member Perks. 2% Sam's Cash™ for Plus. ...
- Sam's Cash. ™ ...
- Only at Sam's Club. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. ...
- Exclusive Savings. Members-only gas prices. ...
- Fast & Convenient Shopping. Early shopping for Plus. ...
- Health & Wellness. ...
- Tires & Installation.
What is the difference between Sam's Club memberships? The Club membership is the cheaper option and grants you access to Sam's Club prices. The Plus membership is more expensive and offers additional benefits, such as free shipping, free curbside pickup and early shopping hours.
Did Walmart buy out Sam's Club? ›
Sam's Club Company Facts
A division of Walmart Inc., we are the membership warehouse club solution for everyday living. Our President and CEO is Chris Nicholas and our headquarters is in Bentonville, AR.
Does Sam's Club count as grocery? ›
Even though you can certainly buy groceries from warehouse clubs, they generally aren't considered "grocery stores," meaning purchases made there wouldn't qualify for bonus rewards on many cards. But the most popular warehouse clubs offer their own store-branded cards, and those can earn you elevated rewards.
What is the best cut of steak? ›
“Those are steaks from the midsection of the animal, between the rib and the rump.” These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor.
Do you save more money at Costco or Sam's Club? ›
Costco's membership fees are more expensive and the prices of basic products at Sam's Club are generally cheaper. Costco has more stores worldwide, but Sam's Club has more stores in the U.S.
What are the benefits of joining Sam's Club? ›
Membership Benefits
- Member-Favorite Perks. Members-only gas prices. ...
- Plus Member Perks. 2% Sam's Cash™ for Plus. ...
- Sam's Cash. ™ ...
- Only at Sam's Club. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. ...
- Exclusive Savings. Members-only gas prices. ...
- Fast & Convenient Shopping. Early shopping for Plus. ...
- Health & Wellness. ...
- Tires & Installation.
Here are some strategies to help you maximize the benefits of your Sam's Club membership.
- Take advantage of bulk buying. ...
- Use the scan & go app. ...
- Explore the instant savings. ...
- Keep an eye on the member's mark brand. ...
- Leverage fuel discounts. ...
- Explore online exclusive deals. ...
- Embrace Sam's Club credit cards. ...
- Plan your shopping trips.
3% back on Sam's Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1%** 3% back on dining and takeout** 1% back on other purchases**
