In the realm of wholesale clubs, Sam's Club and Costco stand as titans, offering a vast array of products at competitive prices. To further enhance the shopping experience, both clubs offer co-branded credit cards that provide enticing rewards and benefits.
While the two cards share some similarities, there are key distinctions that can influence your choice.
General Comparison: Sam’s Club vs. Costco Card
The Sam's Club Mastercard offers an enticing rewards structure, which is much more attractive if you're a Sam's club Plus member. The Sam's Club Mastercard requires a Sam's Club membership, which starts at $50 annually for a Club membership and $110 annually for a Plus membership.The cash-back rate on gas is one of the highest in the market.
Both cards don't charge an annual or foreign transaction fee. Costco Anywhere Visa, designed for pragmatic spenders, stands out with substantial cashback rewards on crucial expenditures such as gas, dining, and Costco shopping.
Sam's Club vs. Costco Cashback: Which Card Gives More?
Assuming all supermarket and gas purchases are made via Costco or Sam's Club – there is no significant difference between the cashback on both cards. Both cards offer a nice cash-back rewards, while Sam's Club higher cashback rate on its retail chain (for Plus members) are a bit higher than Costco.
Another thing to remember is that the Costco cash back will be issued as an annual credit card reward certificate, accessible once your February billing statement concludes. This certificate is redeemable for either cash or merchandise at Costco Warehouses across the United States.
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| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Costco Anywhere Visa Card | Sam's Club Mastercard |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $300 | $450 |
$5,000 – Restaurants | $150 | $150 |
$4,000 – Travel
| $120 | $40 |
$4,000 – Gas | $160 | $200 |
Estimated Annual Cashback | $730 | $840 |
* Assuming all supermarkets/gas purchases made via Costco/Sam's Club
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Additional Benefits: Comparison
When it comes to extra benefits, there are no special shopping benefits. The Costco card offers a variety of protections, which is not available with Sam's club credit card.
Keep in mind that the extra benefit of Sam's Club is available only for Plus members.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card
- Damage & Theft Purchase Protection: Costco's Citi card offers coverage for damaged or stolen purchases, providing potential repairs or refunds within 120 days of acquisition, offering peace of mind for cardholders.
- Travel & Emergency Assistance: Costco cardholders benefit from 24/7 services, ensuring assistance with emergency travel arrangements, travel issues, medical and legal referrals, and more, enhancing their travel experience.
- Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service: With coverage across the U.S. and territories, Costco's Citi card provides a Roadside Assistance Dispatch Service, ensuring prompt help for cardholders facing car troubles during their journeys.
- Citi Entertainment℠: Elevating experiences, Citi Entertainment provides exclusive access to presale tickets and special events, enhancing the entertainment options available to Costco cardholders.
- $0 Liability on Unauthorized Charges: Costco's consumer card ensures complete protection against unauthorized charges, relieving cardholders of responsibility for any unauthorized online or other charges.
Sam's Club Mastercard
The Sam's club MasterCard doesn't offer extra benefits unless you have a Plus member – which costs $110 annually. Only cardholders with a plus membership can also get the following:
- Early Shopping: Gain exclusive access to select online events before the crowds.
- 20% Off a Pair of Glasses: Enjoy a significant discount on eyewear, coupled with complimentary shipping on contact lenses.
- Free Shipping: Benefit from free shipping on the majority of items when shopping online or through the Sam’s Club app.
- Free Curbside Pickup: Simplify your shopping experience with the convenience of curbside pickup, including assistance in loading your car.
- Free Select Generic Prescriptions: Access over 600 generic prescriptions at $10 or less and enjoy discounts on brand-name drugs.
- Earn 2% Sam’s Cash™: Receive cashback on in-club purchases, with the opportunity to earn up to $500 a year.
- Same-Day Delivery: Opt for same-day delivery at a minimal cost of $8 with Sam's Club Plus, available when you order by 1 pm.
When You Might Prefer The Costco Credit Card?
Here are some situations where you might prefer the Costco Anywhere Visa Card over the Sam's Club Mastercard:
- Frequent Costco Shopper: If you are a regular Costco member and a significant portion of your spending occurs at Costco, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is tailored to reward your loyalty with higher cashback percentages on Costco purchases.
- You travel often. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card earns 2% cash back on all travel purchases, including hotels, airfare, and car rentals. This is a higher cashback rate than the Sam's Club Mastercard's 1% cashback rate on all other eligible purchases.
- You Want Extended Warranty and Damage Protection: The Costco Anywhere Visa Card provides additional benefits such as extended warranty and damage protection on eligible purchases, which could be valuable for those who make significant purchases with their credit card.
When You Might Prefer The Sam's Club Mastercard?
Here are scenarios in which you might prefer the Sam's Club Mastercard over the Costco Anywhere Visa Card:
- Frequent Sam's Club Shopper: If you are a regular Sam's Club member and do a significant portion of your shopping there, the Sam's Club Mastercard might be more beneficial. It offers cashback rewards, including 5% on gas, which can be particularly advantageous if you often fuel up at Sam's Club.
- You Spend A Lot On Gas: The Sam's Club Mastercard is especially appealing if you spend a substantial amount on gas. With 5% cash back on gas purchases, it outshines the Costco Anywhere Visa Card in this category.
- You're a Sam's Club Plus member. The Sam's Club Mastercard offers 5% cash back on Sam's Club purchases for Plus members, which is the highest cashback rate available for Sam's Club shopping.
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Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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|---|---|---|---|
Target Red Card | Apple Credit Card | Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0
| $0 ($139 Amazon Prime subscription required)
|
Rewards | 1% – 5%
5% off at Target and target.com, 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target
| 1% – 3%
3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
|
1-5%
5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh , Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, 1% cash back on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus | None | N/A |
$100
$100 Amazon gift card upon approval
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 | $0 | $0
|
Purchase APR | 29.95% (Variable) | 15.99% – 26.99% Variable
| 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
|
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