Money Management

Looking for a complete kitchen redo for your own home or dynamite holiday gifts? Learn how Costco’s Ultimate Le Creuset collection is an amazing deal. [[{“value”:”

Normally, I don’t pay a lot of attention to ads on social media. However, an ad for an incredible Costco deal on a 170-piece cookware set from Le Creuset caught my attention the other day.

Not that I need this much cookware. I live with dogs and cats, there’s no way that we’d ever need to cook that much at one time. But for people who do have big families or who are simply looking for an amazing deal on cookware they can break up for holiday gifting, this is an intensely good deal.

What’s in the box?

The 170-piece Le Creuset cookware set is a whopping $4,999.99, which sounds like a LOT of money, but when you consider this is delivered in six boxes on a pallet, it’s really quite a lot of bang for your buck.

If you’re already thinking about this cookware set, but you’d like to save even more, apply for one of our favorite credit cards that offer big discounts to Costco shoppers. Getting 2% or 3% cash back on $5,000 is nothing to laugh at.

Here’s a list of some of what you’ll find inside and retail prices for each piece.

Costco and Le Creuset brings massive value to Costco shoppers

As you can see in the chart above, I didn’t actually price absolutely everything in the 170-piece Le Creuset deal from Costco. I priced larger pieces, like pots and pans, enameled bakeware and ceramic dinnerware, and left the rest to your imagination. There are tons of other items in this set left that haven’t been priced, including mixing bowls and utensils, a teapot, and a coffee pot and press set.

Even so, I still came up with over $600 in value beyond the Costco price — and remember, there’s no shipping charge for this enormous and heavy lot of cookware.

Why choose Le Creuset?

Whether you buy your Le Creuset at Costco or somewhere else, I have nothing but nice things to say about it. Although I’ve heard great things about all of the company’s products, I am a huge fan of the enameled cast iron specifically.

Not only is it made from a proprietary metal blend that allows it to be lighter than, say, my 600-pound Lodge Dutch oven (that thing is a beast), a thinner, equally durable material under the enamel means more precise temperature control, which is generally a weak point with cast iron.

Although cast iron heats up slowly and evenly and maintains even heat distribution even after you turn off the burner, this is terrible if you need a pan that will cool down or heat up on a dime. That’s why most home cooks use cast iron for slow cooking or frying, rather than more delicate moves like sauteing.

But even beyond the finer points of enameled cast iron, you’ll also find that a great deal of Le Creuset cookware has a lifetime warranty. This isn’t a “lifetime of the pan” kind of lifetime warranty, it’s for your lifetime.

If you’re using your cookware as designed and literally anything goes wrong, all you have to do is contact the company and you’ll get a replacement. I’ve seen this happen in real life with people I know who own Le Creuset. It’s a very painless process, and you can even file a claim on the Le Creuset website.

Go for the gold with the giant Le Creuset package

It might seem pretty ridiculous to buy so much Le Creuset, but you don’t have to use it all yourself. If you’ve been looking to re-outfit your kitchen, this is a massive savings. Or you can always give away the pieces you don’t need or want, which can help you knock out your holiday shopping.

Who wouldn’t want a nice piece of Le Creuset as a gift, after all?

If you need more ideas for how to save money at Costco, check out our favorite tip to maximize your savings here.

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We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

Click here to read our full review for free and apply before the $200 welcome bonus offer ends!

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.Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
If you’re 50 and sitting on a million-dollar nest egg, congratulations! It can take decades of saving and investing in a brokerage account to reach that point. As to how long it will last, there are a lot of factors to consider, including your location, lifestyle, and the overall economy.Knowing whether you can retire with $1 million is a tough call — particularly as it will be quite a few years before Social Security and Medicare kick in. Moreover, if the bulk of your money is in 401(k)s and IRAs, you may have to pay a penalty to access that money before you reach 59 1/2.Here’s how to find out how long $1 million will last.What the 4% rule tells usThe 4% rule is a great way to estimate how much you can withdraw annually for at least 30 years without running out of money. If you have $1 million, it tells us you could safely take out $40,000 in the first year. After that, you could confidently continue to withdraw the same amount, adjusted for inflation, for another 30 years or more.You might be able to withdraw more than 4%; it’s just that the more you take out, the higher the probability that you’ll run out of money. If you want to make bigger withdrawals, you might choose a riskier mix of investments in the hope you’ll get higher returns. Similarly, a more aggressive portfolio might stretch to 35 or 45 years.A financial planner can help you map out how different scenarios might work for your situation. To give you an idea, Fidelity ran simulations on different investment portfolios and market scenarios. It concluded that you’d have a 75% chance of stretching a balanced portfolio with a 5.6% withdrawal rate for 25 years. So if you wanted to withdraw $56,000 in your first year, you could be fairly certain it would last until you were 75.A reputable low-fee brokerage can help you manage your portfolio and get the right mix of investments. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is offering welcome bonuses for new investors right now. Click here to learn more about its zero-fee mutual fund and ETF trading and open an account.How much do you need each year?We know that $1 million would comfortably sustain an income of $40,000 plus inflation for 30 years or more. To find out how that relates to you, we need to work out how much you’ll withdraw. The gap between your income and spending is the amount you’ll need to take from your investment portfolio.In terms of spending, financial planners often estimate you’ll need about 80% of your current income once you retire. But that logic may not apply at 50. You may find your post-work lifestyle is similar cost-wise. If you plan on traveling, taking up an expensive hobby, or have health difficulties, it may cost more. Consider both your current income and any lifestyle changes when you estimate your costs.Calculate your additional sources of incomeSocial Security is an important income source for many retirees, but you won’t be able to access it until you are at least 62. As such, it might help to break your planning into two sections: pre– and post–Social Security.Here are some additional potential income sources to factor in:PensionAnnuitiesRental incomePart-time workDividend-paying stocksCDs and savings accountsLet’s say you expect to spend $7,000 a month, and your additional income will generate $3,000. You’d need to take $4,000 a month — $48,000 a year — from your brokerage accounts. With a $1 million portfolio, that’s a withdrawal rate of 4.8%. As we saw above, in that scenario, you could be relatively confident your money would last for 30 years or more.$1 million may not last as long as you hopeAlthough the CDC says the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77.5 years, there’s a good chance you’ll live into your 80s or 90s. As such, if you stop working at 50, you might want more confidence that your money will last longer than 30 years.Not only that, but some people’s lives are more expensive than others. Your money will go a lot further if you live in Mississippi vs. Hawaii. Even if you live in a low-cost area, you may find you don’t have enough extra income sources to supplement your investment.If you find you’ll be drawing too heavily on your investments or want them to last longer, you have a few options. You can cut your expenses, find another source of income, or build your investment portfolio more.Don’t be afraid to wait a bit longerIf you worry $1 million isn’t enough, consider taking a little more time to build your fund. Spending a few more years in the workplace would get you closer to accessing Social Security and other retirement benefits.Your portfolio would also have longer to accumulate value. Plus, those over 50 can get extra tax benefits by making catch-up contributions to their IRAs. We’ve picked some of the best brokerages for IRAs here.At 50, you’ve still got a lot of years ahead of you. If you’ve already saved $1 million, it would be a shame to spend any of those years worrying about money.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

If you’re 50 and sitting on a million-dollar nest egg, congratulations! It can take decades of saving and investing in a brokerage account to reach that point. As to how long it will last, there are a lot of factors to consider, including your location, lifestyle, and the overall economy.

Knowing whether you can retire with $1 million is a tough call — particularly as it will be quite a few years before Social Security and Medicare kick in. Moreover, if the bulk of your money is in 401(k)s and IRAs, you may have to pay a penalty to access that money before you reach 59 1/2.

Here’s how to find out how long $1 million will last.

What the 4% rule tells us

The 4% rule is a great way to estimate how much you can withdraw annually for at least 30 years without running out of money. If you have $1 million, it tells us you could safely take out $40,000 in the first year. After that, you could confidently continue to withdraw the same amount, adjusted for inflation, for another 30 years or more.

You might be able to withdraw more than 4%; it’s just that the more you take out, the higher the probability that you’ll run out of money. If you want to make bigger withdrawals, you might choose a riskier mix of investments in the hope you’ll get higher returns. Similarly, a more aggressive portfolio might stretch to 35 or 45 years.

A financial planner can help you map out how different scenarios might work for your situation. To give you an idea, Fidelity ran simulations on different investment portfolios and market scenarios. It concluded that you’d have a 75% chance of stretching a balanced portfolio with a 5.6% withdrawal rate for 25 years. So if you wanted to withdraw $56,000 in your first year, you could be fairly certain it would last until you were 75.

A reputable low-fee brokerage can help you manage your portfolio and get the right mix of investments. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing is offering welcome bonuses for new investors right now. Click here to learn more about its zero-fee mutual fund and ETF trading and open an account.

How much do you need each year?

We know that $1 million would comfortably sustain an income of $40,000 plus inflation for 30 years or more. To find out how that relates to you, we need to work out how much you’ll withdraw. The gap between your income and spending is the amount you’ll need to take from your investment portfolio.

In terms of spending, financial planners often estimate you’ll need about 80% of your current income once you retire. But that logic may not apply at 50. You may find your post-work lifestyle is similar cost-wise. If you plan on traveling, taking up an expensive hobby, or have health difficulties, it may cost more. Consider both your current income and any lifestyle changes when you estimate your costs.

Calculate your additional sources of income

Social Security is an important income source for many retirees, but you won’t be able to access it until you are at least 62. As such, it might help to break your planning into two sections: pre– and post–Social Security.

Here are some additional potential income sources to factor in:

PensionAnnuitiesRental incomePart-time workDividend-paying stocksCDs and savings accounts

Let’s say you expect to spend $7,000 a month, and your additional income will generate $3,000. You’d need to take $4,000 a month — $48,000 a year — from your brokerage accounts. With a $1 million portfolio, that’s a withdrawal rate of 4.8%. As we saw above, in that scenario, you could be relatively confident your money would last for 30 years or more.

$1 million may not last as long as you hope

Although the CDC says the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 77.5 years, there’s a good chance you’ll live into your 80s or 90s. As such, if you stop working at 50, you might want more confidence that your money will last longer than 30 years.

Not only that, but some people’s lives are more expensive than others. Your money will go a lot further if you live in Mississippi vs. Hawaii. Even if you live in a low-cost area, you may find you don’t have enough extra income sources to supplement your investment.

If you find you’ll be drawing too heavily on your investments or want them to last longer, you have a few options. You can cut your expenses, find another source of income, or build your investment portfolio more.

Don’t be afraid to wait a bit longer

If you worry $1 million isn’t enough, consider taking a little more time to build your fund. Spending a few more years in the workplace would get you closer to accessing Social Security and other retirement benefits.

Your portfolio would also have longer to accumulate value. Plus, those over 50 can get extra tax benefits by making catch-up contributions to their IRAs. We’ve picked some of the best brokerages for IRAs here.

At 50, you’ve still got a lot of years ahead of you. If you’ve already saved $1 million, it would be a shame to spend any of those years worrying about money.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Looking for a car that will last you years and save you money in the long run? These four vehicles are known for their outstanding reliability. [[{“value”:”

Let’s just say I have had my share of cars; some reliable, many not. But hey, that’s what happens when you have a penchant for old, classic cars. My ’69 Alfa Duetto sure was something to look at, and well, I sure spent a lot of time looking at it (if you know what I mean). I really could have used a really good budgeting app back then to help me navigate those many repairs.

On the other hand, I have also owned some cars that would never break down, were a dream to drive, and that my wife and I still miss. Two of them are on this list, in fact. Check out these four dream cars, that just keep running, and running, and running, and are a joy to drive.

1. Lexus RX 350 SUV

Number one on this list is my wife’s favorite car ever, the Lexus RX 350. The car was first introduced by Lexus in 2006 and — and this really tells you something — it has been produced continuously since then. As of 2024, the Lexus RX 350 has been in production for 18 years.

The RX 350 is known for its luxurious design (both inside and out), comfort, and long-term reliability. Built by Toyota’s luxury division, it carries the same reputation for durability and quality that Toyota is known for.

The RX 350 has a V6 engine, a gorgeous interior of leather and walnut, and, all in all, is a joy to drive. With proper maintenance, this SUV can easily surpass 200,000 miles, offering a quiet, smooth ride for years. On top of all of that, we found that it really had low maintenance costs.

Motor Biscuit says that “With a reputation for reliability and safety, it is clear why so many shoppers are drawn to the exceptionally good Lexus SUV.”

2. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is practically synonymous with reliability. You probably know someone who owns or who has owned one and loved it for its drivability, and undoubtedly, for his endurance and affordability. Happily too, with these cars, car insurance is ever affordable.

Looking for less costly car insurance coverage? Click here for our picks for the best cheap car insurance.

The Camry consistently has been a very popular car — witness how many you see on the road — and that surely has much to do with its fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership, and impressive lifespan. Consumer Reports says that the average lifespan of a Camry is more than 200,000 miles, and it certainly is not uncommon to see older models still on the road.

3. Honda Accord

I must be the only person who ever owned a lemon of a Honda Accord. Maybe that’s because I seem destined to own fun, troublesome, old sports cars. But I digress.

People love their Hondas, don’t they? The Accord has earned its reputation for being extremely reliable. There are so many on the road, both old and new, and so many people who swear by their Accord, that there is no doubt that these cars have been built to last. Not only that, but they are comfortable to ride in, have great fuel efficiency, and many owners report driving them well over 200,000 miles.

Here is what one Honda dealer says about the Accord: “In most car ratings, Honda models typically have high scores in areas like reliability, safety, and overall satisfaction. Why is this? Honda cars are built to last… Honda cars are one of the most reliable car brands on the market. The typical lifespan of a Honda car is about 200,000 miles.”

4. Subaru Outback

I live in the Pacific Northwest and the Subaru is, apparently, our unofficial car because seemingly everyone has one, or has one in their family, or is looking to buy one. They are all over the road up here and their owners wax rhapsodic about their durability and longevity. Indeed, they are difficult to buy on the secondary market in this region because people, truly, tend not to sell them.

This is a rugged station wagon that is perfect for families and adventure seekers both. That it seems to perform best in tough weather conditions makes it that much more beloved. Again, the standard seems to be the ability to reach 200,000 miles or more, especially with routine maintenance. One last plus is that the Outback holds its value quite well, making it a smart choice for drivers looking for a dependable, long-lasting vehicle.

So there you have it. If you are looking for a car you can fall in love with, and drive for a long, long time, look no further than the four cars on this list (and please, avoid an MGB at all costs).

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

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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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The days of 5% CDs are dwindling. Read on to see why I’m not bothered by the situation. [[{“value”:”

Earlier this year, it was pretty easy to lock in a certificate of deposit (CD) that would pay you 5% or even a little more. But at this point, 5% CDs are harder to find. And they may go away completely before the end of the year, especially if the Federal Reserve continues to cut its benchmark interest rate, as it’s expected to do.

A lot of people I know are upset that CD rates are falling. But I’m not bothered one bit — here’s why.

1. CD rates are still pretty darn impressive

I remember reaching the point years ago when I was happy to lock in a 2.5% APY on a CD. So by comparison, today’s CD rates are still pretty solid, even if it’s not as feasible to lock in a 5% rate anymore.

If you shop around for a great CD rate, you may find that you’re able to find one paying 4.5% or 4.75%. And that’s not a terrible deal at all, which is one reason I’m not grumbling about the fact that CD rates are falling.

2. CDs aren’t the best investment for me anyway

A CD is a great place to put your money on a fairly short-term basis. If you’re saving for a goal that’s about a year away, it could pay to open a 12-month CD. And full disclosure — I opened a 5-year CD earlier this year because I’m saving for a goal that fits that timeframe (college).

But generally speaking, I don’t tend to turn to CDs to grow my money. Instead, I invest in the stock market.

See, over the past 50 years, the S&P 500’s average annual return has been 10%, accounting for strong years and weak ones. I’d much rather aim for a 10% return on my money than 5%. And because of that, falling CD rates aren’t such a problem for me. If anything, they only reinforce my decision to rely primarily on my stock portfolio to work toward long-term goals, like retirement.

To be clear, investing in stocks isn’t safe when you only have a short window of time to work with. If your portfolio loses value and you don’t have enough time to ride out a recovery, you risk losing money. But if you have about seven years or more between now and when you want to meet a given goal, then stock investing absolutely makes sense.

3. Lower CD rates also mean more affordable borrowing rates on a whole

The Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts won’t just impact CDs. They’re also likely to lead to cheaper borrowing on a whole.

In the coming year, I expect everything from mortgages to personal loans to auto loans to get less expensive. And while I don’t have plans to apply for one of these loans in particular, you never know.

If my 10-year-old car starts giving me trouble, I might end up needing to finance a new one in a pinch. And it’s comforting to know that if that’s the case, I may be looking at some savings on an auto loan compared to what I would’ve paid this past year.

Falling CD rates aren’t an issue for me, and they don’t have to be a problem for you either. If you’re interested in opening a CD, know that if you act soon, you can snag a pretty great deal.

But you may realize that putting your money into stocks is a better option. And what you lose in the form of less interest on a CD, you might gain in the form of a less expensive loan you sign up to pay off for years.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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An 800-plus credit score may give you bragging rights, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a credit card. Learn how high scorers can still get denied. [[{“value”:”

Over the years, I’ve nurtured some pretty naive convictions. For example, it turns out that you can’t catch a cold just from being cold, that if you swallow gum it doesn’t stay in your stomach for seven years, and that coffee doesn’t stunt your growth (nope — it’s just the Sicilian genes in me). But it took learning the hard way for me to realize you can get denied a credit card with an 800-plus credit score.

To be honest, I’ve been denied a credit card with a credit score over 800 three times. And while I could talk about any of the possible reasons, I’ll pick the one that most people with 800-plus credit scores will run into: Applying for too many credit cards within a short span of time.

Too many hard inquiries could lead to a credit card application denial

Yes, if you apply for several credit cards within a short span, you could ruin your chances of getting approved. Unfortunately, this could also include credit cards you applied for recently but didn’t get.

The reason is hard credit inquiries. When you apply for a credit card, the credit card company will run a hard inquiry on your credit report. This helps it determine your creditworthiness. A few hard inquiries is usually not a bad thing. However, if you surpass a certain threshold, which usually begins around four or five, it will start to work against you.

Why would credit card companies consider hard inquiries? On the one hand, if you’re applying for multiple credit cards, it might think you’re preparing for some kind of financial hardship. That would make you a risky borrower. On the other hand, the company might think you’re credit card churning — meaning you’re opening new credit cards just to get welcome bonuses.

Got an 800-plus credit score and zero to few recent hard inquiries? Click here to see our curated list of the best rewards credit card offers and find out how you can earn a welcome bonus of $200 or more.

Some credit card companies have specific rules on how many of its cards you can open within a specific frame. For example, Chase is known to automatically deny applicants who have opened more than five credit cards within the last 24 months. Known as the 5/24 rule, it’s ruined many credit card enthusiast’s dreams of opening a new Chase card.

What to do if you’ve been denied a credit card with an 800-plus credit score

If you think the credit card company made a mistake, you can call the card issuer to dispute it. While this doesn’t guarantee you’ll get approved, it could give you further reasons for why you were denied.

Otherwise, let some time pass, then reapply for the same card. Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for 24 months. If you wait until some of those inquiries are off your report, you might have better luck getting approved the next time you apply.

Looking ahead, a good rule of thumb is to open no more than one new credit card account every three to six months. This doesn’t guarantee approval, but it’s a safer strategy than “scatter-applying” for multiple cards within a one- to three-month period. When you wait, you can improve your chances of getting cards you actually want.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

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.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Picking a side in the warehouse club wars often means choosing between Costco Executive and Sam’s Club Plus. Here’s what to consider. [[{“value”:”

Picking a favorite wholesale club is one of those adult rites of passage that you don’t realize exists until you reach it. Are you going to be a Costco household or a Sam’s Club one?

Both offer similar products and services — and enthusiastic fanbases. And a lot of those fans have the top-tier membership: Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus.

Each has pros and cons, but how do they really stack up? Let’s look at a few key areas.

Membership fee: Sam’s Club

On pure cost, Sam’s Club wins the matchup.

Sam’s Club Plus membership costs just $110 a year.Costco Executive membership costs $130 a year.

It’s a difference of $20 a year extra you’re paying for the Costco top-tier membership over the Sam’s Club equivalent.

2% back on purchases: Costco

Both top-tier memberships earn rewards on purchases. Costco Executive members earn 2% back on eligible Costco purchases. Sam’s Club Plus members earn 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible Sam’s Club purchases.

If the amounts are the same, why is Costco the winner? Because Costco Executive members earn 2% back on in-warehouse purchases, as well as online at costco.com and Costco Travel. Sam’s Club Plus members only earn the 2% back on in-warehouse and curbside pickup purchases.

On the plus side, in either case your 2% back will stack with any other rewards you earn, such as the up to 3% back you can get by opening one of our favorite Costco rewards credit cards.

Online shopping perks: Sam’s Club

Right off the bat, the Sam’s Club online shopping experience is leagues above costco.com. But you get access to that with just a regular Sam’s Club membership. It’s the other online shopping perks that gives Sam’s Club Plus the win over Costco Executive specifically.

Sam’s Club Plus members get free shipping and Delivery from Club for online orders of $50 and up (which is not a hard minimum to hit when you’re buying in bulk, trust you me). Costco Executive members…do not.

Sam’s Club Plus members also get free curbside pickup. This is a hugely helpful perk for skipping a ton of in-store nonsense when you’re in a hurry.

Service discounts: Tied

Costco and Sam’s Club both offer a variety of services beyond aisles of bulk, from tires to optical to insurance. And both Costco Executive and Sam’s Club Plus members get extra discounts on these services.

Sam’s Club Plus members get deals on tire installation, as well as on pharmacy and optical. Costco Executive members get a variety of discounts on the Costco insurance services, plus select Costco business services.

The only thing to note is that you don’t earn the 2% back on outside services, such as insurance set up through your warehouse club, so make sure you’re using a good rewards credit card. Check out our simple strategy for maximizing your rewards at Costco.

In the end: It’s up to you

So long as the numbers work out for your household’s spending, either a Costco Executive or Sam’s Club Plus membership could be a good move. Pick the perks and benefits that best suit your needs and enjoy the bulk buys.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

We love versatile credit cards that offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco! This card is a standout among America’s favorite credit cards because it offers perhaps the easiest $200 cash bonus you could ever earn and an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, even when you shop at Costco.

Add on the competitive 0% interest period and it’s no wonder we awarded this card Best No Annual Fee Credit Card.

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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.
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