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Many savvy shoppers love to get a great deal. It can feel rewarding to have more money in your checking account from shopping the best deals at your favorite retailers. If you’re looking to maximize your savings, you may be considering joining more than one warehouse club.
This strategy may be an option if you have more than one warehouse club retailer in your community. But is it wise to pay a yearly membership fee to shop at Costco and Sam’s Club? While it may be tempting to join both clubs, it’s probably unnecessary for most shoppers. Let’s explore this topic more to help you decide what to do.
Reasons to join only one warehouse club
For most people, joining more than one warehouse club is likely unnecessary. Here are some reasons why it’s likely best to only have a Costco or a Sam’s Club card in your wallet.
Annual membership costs
You’ll need to pay an annual membership fee for each warehouse club you join. If you aim to save money by shopping members-only deals, paying for two memberships probably doesn’t make sense. You can get great value by shopping for deals at one of these clubs, and it can be time-consuming to try to shop at two warehouse clubs.
The membership benefits are similar
There are some noticeable differences between the retailers. But if you compare the benefits provided to members at each club, you’ll notice they’re not that different. If you can get great value from using the benefits provided at one club, joining another may not be necessary.
Joining Costco and Sam’s Club may be a good idea
It could still be a good move for some shoppers to utilize multiple warehouse club memberships. In certain cases, joining Costco and Sam’s Club may be a good choice. Here are some reasons why.
You qualify for a discounted membership
If you can get a discounted membership to one or more clubs, it may be worth exploring joining both warehouse clubs. Not having to pay full price for two memberships is ideal.
Sam’s Club frequently offers new member promotions that make the first year of membership very affordable. The company also extends membership discounts to some shoppers, including seniors, educators, first responders, healthcare workers, and more.
You want to test out both clubs to find your ideal membership
Another reason to join Costco and Sam’s Club is to test out each membership. For those with a Costco and Sam’s Club nearby, paying for two memberships for one year to see which retailer best meets their needs is not a bad idea.
Just make sure you can afford to pay for both annual memberships, and don’t forget to use both memberships so you’re not wasting money. After spending time shopping in-club and online with both retailers, you can decide which brand better meets your needs.
If you’re unsatisfied with your experience with either retailer, you can cancel your membership and get a full refund. Both companies offer a 100% membership satisfaction guarantee. These policies may make you feel more confident about trying both warehouse club memberships.
Earn rewards when you shop
Whether you join Costco, Sam’s Club, or both retailers, take advantage of the opportunity to earn rewards when you shop. You can use a credit card that earns cash back rewards. Doing this can allow you to maximize your savings.
If you’re a Costco member, review the best credit cards for Costco that allow you to earn rewards. Using a cash back credit card when checking out at Costco or Sam’s Club can be a win for your wallet. You can use your rewards to pay for future shopping hauls.
Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)
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Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.
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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.Natasha Gabrielle 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.
