Many shoppers invest in annual memberships to big-box stores to save money on everyday purchases like food and beverages, clothing, cleaning supplies and toiletries. But there are other ways Costco and Sam’s Club members can use their membership benefits to save money.
Both big box clubs also offer their members discounted gas prices. Whether you drive a sedan or an SUV, getting a discount on every tank of gas can make a difference to your bank account.
Are you considering whether to join Costco or Sam’s Club? If you want to take advantage of gas discounts, you should consider the differences between each big-box club’s gas stations. Let’s find out why Costco’s gas stations are better than Sam’s Club’s.
Costco sells high-quality gasoline
The quality of gasoline sold at gas stations can vary considerably. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that motorists use gasoline that meets TOP TIER™ standards. TOP TIER™ certified gasoline meets the fuel performance standards set by engine manufacturers.
You can research online which retailers sell gasoline that meets TOP TIER™ standards. If you have special requirements for the quality of the gasoline you fill up with, consider signing up with Costco instead of Sam’s Club. Costco is a TOP TIER™ approved retailer.
According to the TOP TIER™ website, Costco sells TOP TIER™ gasoline at its clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico and Japan. Unfortunately, Sam’s Club is not on the list of TOP TIER™ approved gasolines.
Costco has more locations
Costco and Sam’s Club continue to expand their presence in the United States. The number of clubs each brand has in the United States and Puerto Rico is similar – but Costco has a slight edge with more club locations.
Sam’s Club states on its website that the retailer has nearly 600 clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Meanwhile, a May 2024 news report from Costco states that the retailer has 605 club locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
While not every Costco or Sam’s Club has a gas station, many do. Since Costco has more clubs, you may have more options for filling your tank with gas. Regardless of which big-box store club you join, it’s a good idea to check to see if your nearest club sells gas.
Compare membership benefits and gas prices
If there are Costco and Sam’s Club stores in your area, you may be unsure which big-box store to join. Consider whether the quality of the gas you fill up with is important to you. If not, there are other things to consider.
You can research gas prices in your area to decide which big box store is best for you. Both retailers list gas prices for each location on their websites, so you can check which brand offers the biggest savings.
You can also compare membership benefits and prices on each retailer’s website. As a Sam’s Club member, you’ll pay $50 or $110. Membership at Costco costs $60 or $120 per year.
However, starting in September, Costco membership fees will increase from $5-10 to $65 or $130 per year.
With exclusive member offers at wholesale clubs, you can get all the essentials, including gas, without racking up a costly credit card bill.
Plus, you can use one of the best credit cards for Costco to earn rewards when you swipe your card, which can be a great way to maximize your savings.
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We strongly believe in the Golden Rule, and editorial opinions are solely our own and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the advertisers involved. The Ascent does not cover all offerings in the market. Editorial content on The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool’s editorial content and is produced by a different team of analysts. Natasha Gabrielle does not own any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns a position in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Why Costco Gas Stations Are Better Than Sam’s Club was originally published by The Motley Fool
