A Sam’s Club in Miami, July 7, 2025.
Joe Raedle | Getty Images
Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, announced Wednesday that it would increase its annual membership fee by $10.
As of May 1, the warehouse club, which competes directly Costco And Big BJ club – will charge $60 per year for the basic subscription and $120 for its higher-tier option. It currently charges $50 for Club Members and $110 for Plus Members and the annual fee was last increased in October 2022.
In a statement, Sam’s Club said it has “adjusted the pricing of our memberships to support the things our members love,” citing benefits such as its assortment, expanded hours and better curbside pickup and delivery options.
Still, these new fees will be lower than rival Costco, which charges $65 per year for its base membership and $130 per year for its higher-tier option. Costco increased its fees in 2024. The fees bring Sam’s Club in line with BJ’s, which charges $60 per year for its basic membership and $120 per year for its higher-tier membership.
Sam’s Club increases its dues as its annual sales and membership increase. Sam’s Club’s U.S. net sales increased about 3.1% to $93 billion last fiscal year, according to Walmart’s fourth-quarter earnings report. This growth is due in part to expanding digital business: During the holiday quarter, the warehouse club’s online sales increased 23% year over year. Store and website visits also increased, with transactions increasing 5.3% year-over-year in the same quarter.
Rising gasoline prices, driven by the war in Iran, have focused more attention on one of the main benefits of warehouse clubs: lower prices at the pump. Gasoline prices reached a national average of $4,018 this week, according to travel association AAA. This is the highest price since August 2022, when the war between Russia and Ukraine sent energy prices soaring.
Sam’s Club does not disclose its membership numbers, but said it reached an all-time high in the three-month quarter ended Jan. 31. The retailer’s membership is estimated at more than 30 million, with a similar proportion of members opting for the higher tier as at Costco, according to David Bellinger, retail analyst for Mizuho Securities.
According to the equity research firm’s estimate, the dues increase could increase annual subscription revenue by more than $200 million. That would translate to a 2-cent increase in annual earnings per share for parent company Walmart.
Membership fee increases for current members will take effect upon renewal at the end of their billing cycle. Sam’s Club said it sent an email to its members Tuesday about the fee increase.
As part of the fee change, Sam’s Club said members in its top tier, called “Plus,” will be able to earn up to $750 a year in Sam’s Cash rewards on eligible purchases, up from $500 a year.