x
Breaking News
More () »

Sam's Club raises its annual membership fee

Buying in bulk at a warehouse club to cut grocery costs is a popular strategy to save money, but now one club is increasing its membership cost.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sam's Club is raising its annual membership fee for the first time in nine years.

Rates have increased from $45 to $50 for a basic club membership while “plus” memberships have increased from $100 to $110. 

The CEO of the Walmart-owned retailer said last month that Sam’s Club will be reimbursing the fee increase in the store's own currency called “Sam's cash,” which can be used at its stores.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

These new rates bring Sam's Club closer in price to the membership rates of rival Costco. Costco charges $60 a year for its basic membership and $120 for its higher-tier “Gold” membership.

While Costco said last month it didn’t have any plans to increase its membership fees, according to Bloomberg, Costco typically raises its membership prices every 5 to 6 years. 

The last time Costco increased membership fees was in June 2017.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

MORE ON WCNC

FREE PODCASTS

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.  

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.  
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 


Before You Leave, Check This Out