Even though inflation is cooling down according to the latest OECD report, consumers are still tightening their wallets, and seeking for the best value deals. Once seeking discounts becomes a habit, it is hard to give up on it, especially when you realize how much you can save when you actually look for good offers. 

After years of economic headwinds, consumers’ shifting behaviors are growing from a current trend into a long-term habit. Retailers need to adapt to these changes as quickly as possible to survive.

That’s why, the three major powerhouses in the warehouse retail sector, such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale, are commonly upgrading their offerings and improving their services.

Each giant is looking for ways to beat the other and attract more customers. Just recently, Sam’s Club solved a major pain point at Costco: the checkout. 

In its latest move, Sam’s Club has narrowed the membership fee difference with Costco’s, which may cause many members to raise their eyebrows and reconsider their loyalty. 

Sam’s Club raises annual membership fees after four years 

Walmart-owned membership warehouse, Sam’s Club, is raising membership prices by $10, first time in four years, reported CNBC. 

Starting May 1, 2026, Sam’s Club membership will cost $60 per year instead of $50 for basic membership and $120 for its plus membership, instead of $110.  

One member shared the message they received from Sam’s Club about the fee changes on Reddit. 

“Thank you for being a Sam’s Club member. Effective May 1, 2026, membership prices will change from $50/year to $60/year for Club members, and from $110/year to $120/year for Plus members. Plus members will benefit from an increased 2% Sam’s Cash™ rewards cap, from $500 to $750 per year,” reads the message shared on the social platform. 

Sam’s Club confirmed to the Chain Store Age (CSA) that the rewards funds under Plus membership will be boosted to $750 per year from $500.

So far, the retailer has not yet reveal any special improvements for the basic membership alone, but it did highlight extra value for all members as the reason for the price change. 

Why is Sam’s Club raising membership prices 

“We have adjusted our membership pricing to support the things our members love,” a Sam’s Club spokesperson told CSA in the email. 

“We will continue to provide innovative, tech‑driven tools and a curated assortment of the best national brands and Member’s Mark items—while also giving members greater flexibility to shop how they want with expanded in-club hours, curbside pickup and enhanced delivery options, reinforcing Sam’s Club’s value promise of exceptional products and service and an elevated shopping experience,” they added. 

The company told members that “This update helps us continue delivering unbeatable value and exceptional shopping experiences while investing in an ever-expanding set of member benefits. You can view the full list of benefits or upgrade to Plushere.”

Costco raised its membership prices by $5 for Gold members and $10 for Executive members in Sept. 2024.

What customers get with Sam’s Club membership vs competition 

Sam’s Club promotes its membership as the one “that can pay for itself.” Despite the price hikes, its membership fee is still cheaper than Costco’s that amounts $65 per year for its basic membership and $130 per year for its premium option. The increased fees tie the prices with BJ’s for both basic and higher-tier memberships. 

Sam’s Club basic membership benefits include: 

• Scan & Go shopping: Members can scan items as they shop, pay in the app and skip traditional checkout lines. 
• Members-only fuel prices: Access to lower prices at Sam’s Club gas stations. 
• Exclusive brands access: Members can buy Member’s Mark products and top national brands at warehouse prices. 
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Full refund on your membership fee if you are not satisfied.

Plus membership perks: 

• 2% Sam’s cash: Earn 2% back on qualifying in-club purchases (up to $750/year as of the 2026 update).
• Free shipping: On eligible $50 orders. 
• Early shopping hours and early curbside pickup: Access to the club before the general public. 
• Pharmacy savings: RX Delivery is free for Plus members.
• Optical savings: 40% off a second complete pair of eyeglasses with the purchase of a first pair at regular price.
• Tire installation discount: 50% off the installation fee when you purchase a set of four tires. Source: Sam’s Club

While Sam’s Club, Costco and BJs all offer similar member perks, there are features of each that stand out. For example, Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go perk, which allows a much easier and quicker checkout is often praised as one of the advantages over Costco, according to TheStreet’s retail reporter Maurie Backman. 

On the other hand, “One of Costco’s biggest strengths is its wide selection of quality products at fantastic prices. And Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand also tends to have a better reputation than Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brand,” Backman recently pointed out. 

BJs’s makes a better choice for coupon enthusiasts and those who prefer a shopping experience that feels more like a traditional grocery store. 

Sam’s Club raises annual membership fees after four years.

RaisaMacouzet/Shutterstock.com

What higher membership rates mean for consumers 

Despite a general cooling of inflation earlier this year, consumers are feeling tired and increasingly seeking best value deals. 

Year-on-year headline inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index decreased to 3.3% in January 2026, from 3.6% in December 2025, according to data from The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). However, despite these cooling down, OECD highlights that prices are nearly 36% above pre-COVID-19 levels. 

Consumers have been feeling the impact of these economic headwinds directly on their wallets. Industry data reveals that nearly 47% of consumers globally (and 35% of high-income households) are now classified as “value seekers” who prioritize deals and cost-conscious choices over convenience, according to Deloitte’s Consumer Signals Survey. 

The bottom line, with the price gap between Sam’s Club and Costco narrowing to $5 only, some members might reconsider their loyalty and think about switching. On the other hand, loyal members who are satisfied with the current benefits Sam’s Club is offering will just adapt to the higher prices, if they decide that Sam’s Club’s perks outweigh the competition. 

For example, Reddit user deltalew, compared the two retailers arguing that Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go feature makes a huge difference. 

“Well compared to Costco’s service, I have nothing but good things to say about Sam’s.  I like the selection they provide, which is usually very similar to Costco.  Food court is great Gas is great. The biggest perk? Scan and Go. I can check out without talking to one person or one line. Costco? It’s a mess every time,” deltalew wrote. 

At the same time, many customers are utilizing Sam’s Club cheaper gas prices, especially now at the time of higher fuel prices. 

What analysts are saying about Sam’s Club price hike 

While Sam’s Club does not disclose total membership numbers, it recently revealed hitting record high in the three-month quarters that ended January 31. Analysts estimate membership of more than 30 million, with a similar proportion of members choosing Plus level option as at Costco. 

In a commentary provided to CNBC, Mizuho Securities retail analyst David Bellinger said that the retailer’s higher membership fees could increase its annual subscription revenue by more than $200 million. 

This would further increase annual earnings per share at Walmart by two cents. 

More Retail:

• National cosmetics retailer closes three-quarters of its stores 
• Walmart closes stores for weeks to test new perks for shoppers
• Target launches another generous deal to win back shoppers’ trust

Sam’s Club members react to the news of price hikes:  the “Scan & Go” defense 

Customers took their thoughts on the new Sam’s Club price hike to Reddit, revealing members’ frustration that goes beyond $10 annual increase. Instead, many members express concern of a slow value disruption, especially following the introduction of a $50 minimum for free shipping on Plus memberships. 

Many commenters on Reddit argue that higher prices are launched alongside reduced perks, suggesting that a devaluation of the membership rather than a simple price adjustment. 

User Gor3Princ3ss wrote, “Higher price and you don’t even get all the perks if you’re plus anymore. Plus shopping is now one hour instead of two.. and you pay more? Such a joke.” 

At the same time, not everyone agrees, with many members saying that the increase is negligible on an annual basis, and that the current benefits justify the price, compared to other wholesalers. Some members who expressed loyalty, mainly argued that the Sam’s Club Scan & Go feature is unbeatable and worthy of paying more. 

User BeerandGuns wrote, “We have Costco and Sam’s memberships and scan and go is simply unbeatable. Last Saturday on our Sam’s trip there was one register open and all the self check-outs had large lines, meanwhile we did scan and go to skip all of it.” 

 Others suggest strategies to renew membership early before new rates begin.

Related: 39-year-old grocery chain closing 17 stores in 2026