The Costco Membership Fee Increase Is Too Much for Me. Here’s Where I Shop Wholesale Instead

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Costco raised its membership fees. Find out where you can shop wholesale instead without breaking the bank. [[{“value”:”

It finally happened. Costco hiked its membership fee for the first time since 2017, and honestly? It’s hitting harder than an oversized frozen lasagna. The annual fee for basic members jumped from $60 to $65 annually, and the Executive membership? That’s now $130, up from $120.

Sure, the Executive membership reward cap increased to $1,250 from $1,000, but for those of us just trying to get through the week without breaking the bank, this 8.3% increase feels like a lot.

With 52 million memberships affected, I’m not the only one feeling the pinch. So, where do you turn when Costco’s price hike leaves you questioning your loyalty? Don’t worry — I’ve researched, and there are plenty of solid wholesale alternatives that won’t make your wallet cry.

1. Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club’s last fee hike happened in 2022, and Sam’s Club remains a more affordable Costco alternative — $50 for a basic membership and $110 for a Plus membership.

Not only is that cheaper than Costco, but Sam’s has been making moves to keep shoppers happy, like offering the handy Scan & Go feature, which lets you shop without standing in a checkout line. It’s as close to magic as grocery shopping gets.

You can find all the familiar bulk buys here — massive packs of toilet paper, giant tubs of laundry detergent, and enough chicken breasts to feed a small army. But what really sets Sam’s apart are the unexpected tech deals — I recently snagged a discounted smart TV. Plus, it has an excellent bakery (hello, croissants) and even more brands to choose from.

2. BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s has long been the underdog of the bulk-buying world, but don’t underestimate it. At $55 a year for a basic membership, it undercuts Costco, and unlike Costco, BJ’s accepts coupons. You can stack savings, and I’m not mad about it.

BJ’s offers slightly smaller bulk packages. This option is great if you’re tight on space but still love a deal. You’ll find plenty of name-brand products, and if you’re into organic items, BJ’s has you covered. It’s even partnered with Instacart for home delivery, making life easier when you don’t have time to lug around 20-pound bags of rice.

Also, BJ’s has gas perks! If you’re driving to pick up your bulk buys, you can get some sweet discounts at the pump.

3. Amazon

With an Amazon Prime membership ($139 per year), you’re getting fast shipping and access to Amazon’s own bulk section, Amazon Business, and Subscribe & Save options that rival wholesale pricing. And let’s not forget that you can shop from your couch in pajamas — no warehouse runs necessary.

Everything from pantry staples like granola bars and bottled water to cleaning supplies and diapers can be delivered right to your doorstep, often at prices that compete with the big wholesale clubs. And with Subscribe & Save, you can set up recurring deliveries for items you use regularly while saving up to 15%.

Plus, Amazon Business offers even deeper bulk discounts if you’re a small business or just someone who likes to buy in industrial quantities. No judgment.

4. Walmart+ and Target Circle

Walmart+ costs $98 a year, which may seem high, but you get free delivery, fuel savings, and access to discounts. Plus, Walmart has slowly started dipping its toes into the bulk-buying world, so you can still grab a giant bottle of ketchup or a bulk pack of snacks when the mood strikes.

On the flip side, Target Circle is completely free and offers regular deals on everything from cleaning supplies to snacks. While it’s not a bulk store, you might not need 36 rolls of paper towels at once if you’re shopping for a smaller household. Target Circle lets you rack up rewards while still sticking to your budget.

There’s also Target Circle 360, the newest paid membership for $99 per year. As a member, you’ll enjoy unlimited Same Day Delivery to multiple addresses, extended return windows with an extra 30 days, and access to the Shipt Marketplace, where you can shop from dozens of retailers. Plus, get free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items.

Between these two, I’ve been stocking up on household essentials, like laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. I also can’t resist Target’s trendy home goods and snack offerings.

5. Aldi

Aldi offers some bulk items, especially pantry staples like pasta and canned goods, and there’s no membership fee in sight. It’s perfect for people who want to save without going full “buy everything in bulk.”

The bonus? Aldi’s famous “Aldi Finds” section rotates out seasonal and limited-time goodies you never knew you needed. And let’s be real — sometimes it’s nice to leave the store with a pineapple-shaped cutting board, not a 10-pound bag of pretzels.

Aldi excels at keeping things simple. The streamlined store layout means you’re not overwhelmed by choices, and the prices are rock bottom. It’s a great place to stock up on basics when you don’t want to commit to a wholesale club membership.

I’ll always have a soft spot for Costco, but with the latest membership fee increase, it’s time for me to explore other options. Between Sam’s Club’s affordability, BJ’s coupon perks, Amazon’s convenience, and the no-fee charm of Target Circle and Aldi, there’s no shortage of alternatives for wholesale shopping.

Will I miss Costco’s free samples and mega-sized muffins? Maybe. But until that membership fee drops again (which, let’s be real, won’t happen), I’m perfectly happy exploring new aisles and charging my credit card elsewhere.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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