For many seniors, the weekly trip to the warehouse club is a ritual. You go for the bulk paper towels and stay for the $1.50 hot dog.
But the real value of your membership isn’t inside the store—it’s at the gas pump.
Both Costco and Sam’s Club offer credit cards that promise massive cash back rewards on gas, dining, and travel. But which one is actually better for a retiree’s budget?
As your trusted advocate, we’ve broken down the fine print to see which card puts more money back in your pocket—and why a general cash back card might still be the smarter choice for some.
Key Takeaways
- Gas Rewards: Sam’s Club wins with 5% back on gas (vs. Costco’s 4%).
- Dining & Travel: Costco wins with 3% back on both (Sam’s only offers 3% on dining).
- Redemption: Costco sends one annual certificate; Sam’s loads cash onto your membership card monthly.
- The Catch: You must pay for an annual membership to keep either card active.
Quick Verdict: Costco vs. Sam's Club
If you are in a rush, here is the bottom line on which card fits your lifestyle.
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If You Want...
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The Winner Is...
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Why?
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Maximum Gas Savings
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Sam's Club
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5% Cash Back on gas (up to $6,000/yr).
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Travel & Dining Rewards
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Costco
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3% Cash Back on all travel and dining worldwide.
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Lower Membership Fee
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Sam's Club
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Critical. Base membership is $50/yr vs. Costco's $60/yr.
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International Use
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Costco
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No Foreign Transaction Fees (Sam's Club charges 3%).
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Head-to-Head: The Rewards Structure
Let’s look at the numbers.
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Feature
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Costco Anywhere Visa®
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Sam's Club® Mastercard®
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Gas Rewards
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4%
(on first $7,000/yr)
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5% (on first $6,000/yr).
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Dining
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3%
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3%
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Travel
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3%
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1%
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In-Store Spend
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2%
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1%(Plus members earn more)
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The Verdict:
- Best for Drivers: If you drive a lot, Sam’s Club wins with that massive 5% gas reward.
- Best for Travelers: If you book cruises or hotels, Costco wins with 3% back on eligible travel.
Deep Dive: The Costco Anywhere Visa®
This card is a powerhouse for seniors who travel and dine out.
- Pros: The 3% back on travel (including airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruise lines) is excellent for a no-annual-fee card. Plus, it has No Foreign Transaction Fees, making it a great companion for international trips.
- Cons: You must be a Costco member ($60/year minimum). If you cancel your membership, Citi will automatically cancel your credit card and you will lose any unredeemed rewards.
Deep Dive: The Sam's Club® Mastercard®
This card is built for the road warrior or the senior who prioritizes gas savings above all else.
- Pros: 5% back on gas (up to $6,000 per year) is one of the highest rates in the industry. It applies at Sam’s Club and most other gas stations.
- Cons: The in-store reward is weak (only 1%) unless you pay for the expensive “Plus” membership. Also, the rewards are loaded onto your membership card, forcing you to go back to Sam’s Club to spend them.
The "Gas Math": Is the Membership Fee Worth It?
gas savings justify the annual fee.
The Scenario:
- You spend $150/month on gas.
- Sam’s Club Membership: $50/year.
- Sam’s Gas Savings (5%): $90/year.
The Result: After paying the membership fee, your net profit is only $40.
Comparison: If you used a free card like the Blue Cash Everyday (3% on gas), you would earn $54 in profit with a $0 membership fee.
Wise Tip: Unless you already shop at the warehouse for groceries, getting a membership just for the gas card often doesn’t pay off mathematically.
The "Redemption" Headache
This is where both cards fall short compared to a standard bank card.
- Costco: You only get your cash back once a year (in February) as a reward certificate. You must physically go into the store to redeem it for cash or merchandise. If you forget or lose the certificate, it’s gone.
- Sam’s Club: Rewards are loaded onto your membership card. You can use them for purchases or cash them out at the register, but you generally cannot just transfer them to your bank account online.
Why a General Cash Back Card Might Be Better
If you don’t want to be tied to one store or wait a year for your money, a general card from our Sagewise Top Picks list is often superior.
1. Flexibility: A card like the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card pays you cash every month directly into your account. You earn 2% on everything, everywhere—not just at the warehouse.
2. Freedom: You aren’t forced to shop at a warehouse to use your rewards. You can use the cash for bills, groceries at Publix, or gas at Shell.
3. No Membership Fee: You don’t have to pay $60-$120 a year just to keep the card open. The SoFi card has No Annual Fee.
Top Picks: Alternatives for Seniors
If you want rewards without the warehouse membership, or if you don’t have the “Excellent” credit required for store cards, consider these no-fee options found on our partner site.
- Best for Bad Credit: Indigo Platinum Mastercard® Sagewise Rating: 4.0
- Why it wins: Costco and Sam’s Club generally require credit scores of 700+. If you have been denied, the Indigo card gives you a path to access credit with a much higher approval rate and no security deposit required. Check Pre-Approval
- Best for No Credit Check: Chime Credit Builder Visa® Sagewise Rating: 4.5
- Why it wins: If you are “credit invisible” or rebuilding, this card has 0% interest and no credit check. It’s a safer way to pay at the pump than a debit card because it helps build your credit history for future needs. Apply Now
- Best for Limited Credit: Milestone Mastercard® Sagewise Rating: 4.0
- Why it wins: If you have less-than-perfect credit but want a real unsecured credit card, Milestone is a strong option. It offers a quick pre-qualification process that doesn’t impact your credit score, giving you buying power without the strict requirements of a warehouse club. See Offer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. You earn 4% back at eligible gas stations worldwide, including Costco. However, superstores (like Walmart or Target) and some supermarket gas stations are excluded. Check current gas prices at AAA Gas Prices to see where you can save the most.
Yes. Since Walmart owns Sam’s Club, you can use the card there, but you typically only earn 1% back. It is not a great card for Walmart shopping; a standard 2% card is better.
This is the trap. If you cancel your Costco or Sam’s Club membership, your credit card is automatically closed, and you forfeit all unredeemed rewards immediately.
Costco removed this benefit in 2023. Sam’s Club generally does not offer it. For warranty protection, you are better off with a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, as discussed in our Extended Warranty Guide.
Both cards generally require Good to Excellent credit (700+). If your score is lower, you are likely to be denied. In that case, look at a Secured Card or Builder Card to improve your score first.
Find the Best Credit Card Rates (Find a card that rewards you everywhere, not just at one store.)
