Costco vs BJ’s: Which Wholesale Club Is Better?

The average family spends more than $4,600 on groceries every single year. If you’re looking for ways to save money on groceries and other household items, you might want to consider joining a wholesale membership club for savings on bulk purchases.

But, when it comes to Costco vs BJ’s, how do you know which option is the best wholesale club for your needs? We’re here to help.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each of these clubs so you can decide which one is worth joining in your quest to save money.

Costco Wholesale Overview

Costco has more than 500 stores around the country, in nearly every state, so you shouldn’t have too much of a problem finding a location near you. The store offers two membership options to choose from:

• Gold Star
• Gold Star Executive

The Gold Star membership is currently $60 per year, while the Gold Star Executive plan is $120 annually. By choosing the Gold Star Executive option, you get an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases, additional discounts, and a subscription to the Costco Connection magazine.

Pros and Cons of Costco

Shoppers love Costco because it boasts an impressive selection of meats, cheeses, and organic produce, in addition to the bulk items you need like paper goods. The store also has its own wine selection under its store brand, Kirkland. Most shoppers agree that Costco offers the best selection of wine and beer compared to other wholesale clubs.

However, Costco is one of the most expensive wholesale membership clubs, so keep that in mind if you’re on a budget. It’s also worth reading through their share of customer complaints before deciding whether to sign up for a membership.

BJ’s Wholesale Overview

Currently, BJ’s offers two membership options:

• Inner Circle Membership
• Perks Rewards Membership

The Inner Circle Membership will cost you $55 per year and it gives you access to exclusive coupons. You also have the option of adding up to 3 additional members to your account for $30 each annually.

The Perks Reward Membership gives you all the same benefits as the Inner Circle Membership, plus you get 2% cash back on most purchases, you get access to special events throughout the year, and you can take advantage of their travel discounts. You can also join either membership option as a business for the same price.

Pros and Cons of BJ’s

As you can see, BJ’s is slightly less expensive than Costco, which is great if you’re on a budget. The store also offers a good variety of the brands you know and love and offers competitive prices on housewares.

However, BJ’s only has around 220 stores in the country, primarily in the east, so you may have trouble finding a convenient location. Before you sign up, make sure you’ll be able to go enough to make it worth the money.

Costco vs BJ’s: You Decide

After reading through this overview of Costco vs BJ’s, you can make a more informed decision on which wholesale club could be right for you and your family. Once you make your decision, get ready to see the savings add up!

Looking for more tips like this? Browse through our other articles before you go.