Both cards reward warehouse loyalists, but Costco's card edges ahead with a higher gas reward rate and broader travel perks, while Sam's Club wins on cash-back flexibility and no-annual-fee-with-membership simplicity.
The Costco card pays out rewards once a year in February like a weird tax refund — except instead of the IRS, it's a giant warehouse full of 48-packs of paper towels.
You drive a lot and want max gas rewards anywhere
4% on up to $7,000/year at any gas station beats almost every card in its class.
→ Pick Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiYou want flexible, on-demand cash back without waiting a year
Sam's Club lets you redeem anytime as a statement credit — your money, your timeline.
→ Pick Sam's Club MastercardYou travel internationally a few times a year
3% on travel with no foreign transaction fees makes it the clear winner for globetrotters.
→ Pick Costco Anywhere Visa Card by CitiYou're a Sam's Club Plus member who shops in-store constantly
5% back on Sam's purchases stacks beautifully with a Plus membership for serious in-store savers.
→ Pick Sam's Club Mastercard