The Cheapest Wholesale Club Credit Cards for Groceries

Last Updated on December 8, 2025 by Amrita Das

Grocery prices have fluctuated wildly in recent years, forcing many households to rethink how they fill their pantries. For millions of shoppers, the solution is buying in bulk. Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club offer significant savings on everything from produce to paper towels. However, the savings don’t have to stop at the shelf price.

By pairing your membership with the right credit card, you can unlock cash back rewards that effectively lower your grocery bill even further.

But there is a catch: most warehouse clubs do not code as “supermarkets” or “grocery stores” on standard rewards credit cards. If you swipe a typical grocery rewards card at a warehouse club, you will likely earn a meager 1% back.

To maximize your return, you need a card specifically engineered for bulk buying. The challenge lies in identifying which card is truly the “cheapest” option.

You must weigh the annual fees, membership dues, and reward caps against the cash back you earn. This guide will show you the most cost-effective credit cards for wholesale club shopping, helping you squeeze every penny out of your membership.

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The “Hidden” Cost of Warehouse Club Cards

When evaluating the cheapest credit card for wholesale clubs, you cannot look at the card’s annual fee in isolation. Most co-branded store cards technically have a $0 annual fee. However, they require an active store membership to apply and keep the card.

Therefore, the true “cost” of the card is the price of the annual membership.

Costco: $65 (Gold Star) or $130 (Executive)
Sam’s Club: $50 (Club) or $110 (Plus)
BJ’s: $55 (Inner Circle) or $110 (Perks Rewards)

To determine the best value, you need to calculate how quickly your rewards will pay for that membership fee. A card that offers a high return on groceries (and gas) can pay for the membership entirely, making the card effectively free—or better yet, profitable.

Save Big: The Cheapest Wholesale Club Credit Cards for Groceries

BJ’s One® Mastercard®: The Best Value for Base Members

If your goal is to earn high rewards without paying for a premium membership tier, the BJ’s One® Mastercard® is arguably your best bet.

While other clubs often reserve their highest cash back rates for members who pay for the expensive top-tier membership, BJ’s offers a generous return even at the entry level.

The Breakdown

Membership Cost: $55/year (Inner Circle)
Grocery Rewards: 3% back on most purchases at BJ’s.
Gas Rewards: $0.10 off per gallon at BJ’s Gas.
Outside Rewards: 1.5% cash back everywhere else.

Why It’s a Top Contender?

For a $55 entry fee, earning 3% back on in-club purchases is excellent value. Compare this to Sam’s Club, where entry-level members typically earn much less on the co-branded card for in-store purchases.

If you spend $153 per month at BJ’s, you will earn roughly $55 in rewards over the year, effectively breaking even on your membership cost. Anything you spend beyond that is pure profit.

Additionally, the 1.5% flat rate on purchases outside of BJ’s is decent for a store card, making it a viable backup card for your wallet.

For those willing to upgrade to the BJ’s One+® Mastercard®, the rewards jump to 5% back at BJ’s. While this requires the pricier $110 membership, big spenders will find the extra 2% return pays off the difference quickly.

Read More About BJ’s One® Mastercard®

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: The Gas Reward Powerhouse

Costco has a fiercely loyal following, and its co-branded card, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, is a major reason why. While the in-store grocery rewards are solid, the card’s true value—and what makes it “cheap” to hold—lies in its aggressive gas rewards.

The Breakdown

Membership Cost: $65/year (Gold Star)
Grocery Rewards: 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases.
Gas Rewards: 4% on eligible gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%).
Dining/Travel: 3% cash back.

Why It’s a Top Contender?

At first glance, 2% back on groceries seems lower than BJ’s 3%. However, the Costco Anywhere Visa offers a stunning 4% back on gas anywhere (not just at Costco pumps).

If you commute regularly, this gas benefit alone can pay for your $65 membership fee in record time. For example, spending just $136 a month on gas would generate about $65 in annual cash back.

Once your membership cost is covered by your fuel savings, every grocery run at Costco becomes a 2% discount on already low prices.

The Redemption Catch

The main downside to this card is flexibility. You receive your cash back rewards once a year, in February, as a reward certificate. You must redeem this certificate at Costco (for cash or merchandise) before the end of the year. It works well for loyal shoppers, but it lacks the instant gratification of other cash back programs.

Read More About Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Sam’s Club® Mastercard®: High Potential, High Threshold

The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® is a study in contrasts. It offers some of the highest potential rewards in the wholesale game, but accessing them requires a higher upfront investment.

The Breakdown

Membership Cost: $50 (Club) or $110 (Plus)
Grocery Rewards: 1% to 3% (depending on membership level). To get the full 5% back (3% in Sam’s Cash on the card + 2% back from Plus membership), you usually need the Plus membership.
Gas Rewards: 5% cash back on gas anywhere (on the first $6,000 per year).
Dining: 3% cash back.

Why It’s a Top Contender?

If you drive a lot, the 5% gas reward is unbeatable. It caps at $6,000 per year, but maximizing that cap nets you $300—more than enough to cover even the premium Plus membership.

However, for strictly grocery shopping, the “cheap” path is less rewarding. If you stick to the standard $50 Club membership, the card’s in-club earning rate is lackluster (often just 1%).

To get significant rewards on your bulk toilet paper and frozen foods, you typically need to upgrade to the $110 Plus membership. This makes the barrier to entry higher than BJ’s or Costco if your primary goal is grocery rewards rather than gas savings.

Read More About Sam’s Club® Mastercard®

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards: The Flexible Alternative

Not everyone wants to be tied to a single store. If you split your shopping between different clubs, or simply don’t want to open a new credit card every time you switch memberships, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a fantastic, flexible “cheap” option.

The Breakdown

Annual Fee: $0.
Grocery Rewards: 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
Bonus Category: 3% in a category of your choice (Gas, Online Shopping, Dining, etc.).
Caps: The 2% and 3% rates apply to the first $2,500 in combined spend each quarter.

Why It’s a Top Contender?

This card allows you to earn 2% cash back at wholesale clubs without requiring a specific store affiliation. It works at Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s alike.

While 2% matches Costco’s rate and beats the basic Sam’s Club rate, the real magic happens if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member. If you keep a high balance in bank accounts, your rewards rate can increase by 25% to 75%.

This could boost your wholesale club earning rate up to 3.5%, making it arguably the most lucrative card for bulk shopping without being tied to a specific retailer’s redemption rules.

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: The Heavy Hitter

For shoppers who spend heavily at big-box stores, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers eye-popping numbers, but it comes with a literal price tag.

The Breakdown

Annual Fee: Zero Dollar for the first year, then $95.
Grocery Rewards: 6% cash back at two retailers of your choice (including Costco, Target®, and Walmart).
Caps: The 6% rate applies to the first $1,500 in combined spending per quarter.

Why It’s a Top Contender?

Earning 6% back at a wholesale club is unheard of. If you max out the $1,500 quarterly cap, you earn $360 in cash back per year from that category alone.

However, is it the “cheapest”? After the first year, you must pay a $95 annual fee. You need to do the math:

$360 max rewards – $95 fee = $265 net profit.

Compare this to a no-fee card earning 2% on the same $6,000 spend ($120 profit). The U.S. Bank card still comes out ahead by $145, assuming you consistently max out the spending cap. If your spending is lower, the annual fee might eat up too much of your rewards.

Verdict: Which Card is the Cheapest for You?

Defining “cheapest” depends on your shopping habits and whether you view membership fees as a sunk cost or an investment.

The Best Value for Low Spenders: BJ’s One® Mastercard®

If you want to pay the lowest membership fee ($55) and still earn a high return on groceries (3%), BJ’s wins. You don’t need a premium membership to get a grocery return that beats most standard credit cards.

The Best for Commuters: Sam’s Club® Mastercard® or Costco Anywhere Visa®

Both cards offer incredible gas rewards (5% and 4% respectively) that can pay for your membership fee entirely. If you fill up your tank weekly, these cards become effectively free to own. Sam’s Club wins slightly on the gas rate, but Costco offers better in-store rewards for the base membership tier.

The Best for Flexibility: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

If you don’t want to juggle annual fees or store-specific redemption rules, this $0 annual fee card gives you a solid 2% back at any wholesale club. It is the “cheapest” in terms of mental load and commitment—you can switch from Costco to Sam’s Club next year and keep using the same card.

Tips for Maximizing Wholesale Club Rewards

Once you have chosen your card, use these strategies to ensure you are getting the most out of every bulk buy.

Watch the Spending Caps

Cards like the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards and Bank of America Customized Cash have quarterly spending limits ($1,500 and $2,500 respectively). Once you hit that ceiling, your rewards rate drops to 1%. If you are planning a massive purchase—like a new TV or furniture set—check your progress toward the cap first.

Stack Your Savings

Don’t forget that credit card rewards stack on top of store sales.

Instant Savings: Costco and Sam’s Club frequently offer “instant savings” books. Combining a $5 off deal with 2-4% cash back compounds your savings.
Gas Station Synergy: If you have a card with high gas rewards, make it a habit to fill up at the club before you shop. The price per gallon is usually significantly lower than street corners, and the cash back is the cherry on top.

Understand Redemption Rules

Store cards are notorious for restrictive redemption.

Costco: Rewards are issued annually in February. You must go to the store to redeem them.
Sam’s Club: “Sam’s Cash” is more flexible and can be applied to purchases monthly.
BJ’s: Rewards can be used at checkout in $10 increments.

If you prefer cash in your bank account to pay off bills, a general rewards card (like the Bank of America option) might be better than a store card, even if the percentage rate is slightly lower.

FAQs: The Cheapest Wholesale Club Credit Cards for Groceries

What is the best credit card for wholesale clubs?

The best credit card for wholesale clubs depends on where you shop most frequently and what kind of rewards you prefer. Co-branded cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi or the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® offer high rewards rates for their specific stores.

In contrast, general-purpose cards like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card provide flexibility by earning cash back at various wholesale clubs.

Do I need a good credit score to get a credit card for wholesale clubs?

Yes, most credit cards that offer significant rewards at wholesale clubs, like the American Express® Gold Card or the Citi Double Cash® Card, typically require a good to excellent credit score (usually 690 or higher). Always check the specific card’s requirements before applying.

Are there any credit cards that offer bonus rewards for gas at wholesale clubs?

Yes, several cards offer this benefit. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi provides 4% back on eligible gas and EV charging, including at Costco stations (on up to $7,000 per year, then 1%). The Sam’s Club® Mastercard® offers 5% cash back on gas anywhere, including at Sam’s Club fuel centers (on up to $6,000 per year).

How do I redeem my rewards with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card?

With the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card, your cash back rewards are issued once a year as a reward certificate after your February billing cycle closes. You must redeem this certificate for cash or merchandise in-person at a Costco warehouse before it expires on December 31st of the same year.

What is the annual fee for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card?

This card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year. After the first year, the annual fee is $95.

Can I earn extra rewards with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card?

Yes. In addition to choosing a 3% cash back category and earning 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn 25% to 75% more cash back on every purchase.