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Picking a favorite wholesale club is one of those adult rites of passage that you don’t realize exists until you reach it. Are you going to be a Costco household or a Sam’s Club one?

Both offer similar products and services — and enthusiastic fanbases. And a lot of those fans have the top-tier membership: Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus.

Each has pros and cons, but how do they really stack up? Let’s look at a few key areas.

Membership fee: Sam’s Club

On pure cost, Sam’s Club wins the matchup.

• Sam’s Club Plus membership costs just $110 a year.
• Costco Executive membership costs $130 a year.

It’s a difference of $20 a year extra you’re paying for the Costco top-tier membership over the Sam’s Club equivalent.

2% back on purchases: Costco

Both top-tier memberships earn rewards on purchases. Costco Executive members earn 2% back on eligible Costco purchases. Sam’s Club Plus members earn 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible Sam’s Club purchases.

If the amounts are the same, why is Costco the winner? Because Costco Executive members earn 2% back on in-warehouse purchases, as well as online at costco.com and Costco Travel. Sam’s Club Plus members only earn the 2% back on in-warehouse and curbside pickup purchases.

On the plus side, in either case your 2% back will stack with any other rewards you earn, such as the up to 3% back you can get by opening one of our favorite Costco rewards credit cards.

Online shopping perks: Sam’s Club

Right off the bat, the Sam’s Club online shopping experience is leagues above costco.com. But you get access to that with just a regular Sam’s Club membership. It’s the other online shopping perks that gives Sam’s Club Plus the win over Costco Executive specifically.

Sam’s Club Plus members get free shipping and Delivery from Club for online orders of $50 and up (which is not a hard minimum to hit when you’re buying in bulk, trust you me). Costco Executive members…do not.

Sam’s Club Plus members also get free curbside pickup. This is a hugely helpful perk for skipping a ton of in-store nonsense when you’re in a hurry.

Service discounts: Tied

Costco and Sam’s Club both offer a variety of services beyond aisles of bulk, from tires to optical to insurance. And both Costco Executive and Sam’s Club Plus members get extra discounts on these services.

Sam’s Club Plus members get deals on tire installation, as well as on pharmacy and optical. Costco Executive members get a variety of discounts on the Costco insurance services, plus select Costco business services.

The only thing to note is that you don’t earn the 2% back on outside services, such as insurance set up through your warehouse club, so make sure you’re using a good rewards credit card. Check out our simple strategy for maximizing your rewards at Costco.

In the end: It’s up to you

So long as the numbers work out for your household’s spending, either a Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus membership could be a good move. Pick the perks and benefits that best suit your needs and enjoy the bulk buys.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.