Sam’s Club Raises Membership Fees — Chain Store Age

Sam’s Club will raise annual membership fees for both tiers in May 2026, aligning its pricing with BJ’s and close to Costco, while expanding perks and digital conveniences.

Key Takeaways

  • Higher fees, stronger ecosystem: Sam’s Club’s membership price hike reflects confidence in its value proposition and creates additional funds to reinvest in clubs, digital tools and merchandising that can support supplier sales growth.

  • Plus-tier importance: The richer Sam’s Cash cap and service perks make Plus members an even more attractive, high-value segment, encouraging suppliers to tailor promotions and innovation toward these heavy-spend shoppers.

  • Aligned warehouse pricing: By matching or approaching BJ’s and Costco pricing, Sam’s Club reinforces its place in the warehouse landscape, signaling to suppliers that the banner remains a critical, scaled platform for reaching value-focused, bulk-buying households.