And my executive membership gets me early store access... and my cash-back rewards generally pays about $100 (sometimes a little less) of the full membership price. So it's actually a better deal, for us, than the Gold Star membership.

Their Member’s Mark brand products I have no complaints about. We buy a lot of frozen fish there, which would cost lots more elsewhere, and the quality is good. They also have early-store access but I don’t use it.

The nearest Costco to me is 50 miles away, I wish they’d open up one in my area. I’d like to give them a try.

I have a sam's club in cities that are only about 30 minutes away while I would have to travel over an hour to get to Costco.

The county GOP headquarters is right across the street from Sam’s so when I pull out onto the road I always give them a single digit salute! Childish, I know…..but it makes me feel better.

... even if it's not the best one. We have an embarrassment of riches around here. There are four costco stores within 20 miles of me... along with BJ's and Sam's. Costco is the better value.

That one is actually clean, well-stocked and generally friendly staffed. If I go right at opening I can breeze in and out. So, when I factor the increase in gas to drive to Costco, I can't justify giving up Sam's Club...

I do prefer Costco, but in Colorado there seems to be a trend to put them in various areas right off I-25, so most will pass by on their way home if they commute north or south. Plus, you can gas up there for less. But, if you live/work in town, you will drive several miles to shop there, whether in Denver or cities north. As gas moves toward and beyond $4/gallon, that extra starts to add up. Just contemplating... sigh

I have cards for both. The Sam's I go to often is a smaller store and one of their first built in my city. They do have gas which the nearest Costco to me does not. That was important when I drove a ICE vehicle. Now I primarily drive electric so gas is not as big of a hit on the wallet as it was before. I do still have a ICE vehicle, a 96 Jeep Cherokee but it rarely gets driven, maybe 1k/yr.

You get rocks tossed at your ICE vehicle?

Internal Combustion Engine, ICE.

I have been to some Sam's Clubs on my travels when there was no Costco.

Mine is a mile away and I walk there when the weather is good. My Costco VISA earns cash back wherever I use it. It will pay my Executive Membership come October. Even though it is $130, it is worth it for me.

I have the highest membership at Sam's. My Costco card is the standard$60 card. I don't go there enough to have the exec level card.