Best Credit Card for Wholesale Clubs in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Wholesale Clubs

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Shopping at a wholesale club like Costco or Sam's Club is a great way to save money, but using the right credit card can amplify those savings even further through cash back, travel rewards, and other valuable perks.

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But before you start chasing rewards, it's crucial to avoid common missteps. Many shoppers get drawn in by a big introductory bonus, overlooking a card's weak long-term earning potential on warehouse purchases. It's also essential to confirm your card is accepted—since many clubs have exclusive network partners—and to weigh any annual fee against the rewards you'll realistically earn.

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Key Factors

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• Network Acceptance: Make sure the wholesale club accepts your card's payment network (e.g., Visa, Mastercard), as some clubs have exclusive partnerships.
• Rewards on Warehouse Purchases: Check the card's earning rate specifically for wholesale club spending, as this category is sometimes excluded from broader bonus categories like "groceries."
• Annual Fee: Evaluate whether the card's annual fee is justified by the value of the rewards and benefits you'll realistically earn from your spending.
• Introductory Offer: While a large welcome bonus is appealing, prioritize a card that offers strong long-term rewards on your regular wholesale club purchases.
• Additional Perks: Consider other valuable benefits like extended warranty, purchase protection, or travel credits that can enhance the card's overall value beyond just cash back or points.

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What to Watch Out For

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One of the biggest mistakes is assuming your high-earning grocery card will also deliver at a wholesale club; these stores are often excluded from bonus rewards categories. Additionally, don't get so focused on a flashy welcome bonus that you overlook a card's weak long-term earning potential or an annual fee that your spending can't justify.

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Decision Flow

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Navigating the options is simpler if you follow a clear path. Here’s a step-by-step flow to help you pinpoint the right card for your wallet:

• First, identify your primary club. Since some wholesale clubs have exclusive network partnerships, this is the most important first step. For instance, Costco warehouses only accept Visa cards, so a Mastercard or American Express won't work at the register.
• If you are loyal to one club and want simplicity...
  Look into the club's co-branded credit card. These are designed to maximize rewards at that specific store and often double as your membership card, offering the highest cash back rates for purchases made with the retailer.
• If you shop at multiple wholesale clubs or want one card for everything...
  A general-purpose, flat-rate rewards card is your best bet. Find a card offering a high, consistent return (like 2% cash back or 2x points) on all purchases, with no categories to track. This ensures you earn solid rewards everywhere, from Costco to Sam's Club to your local grocery store.
• If your main goal is earning travel rewards...
  Focus on a flexible travel rewards card. A premium travel card with a high base earning rate can be more valuable than a store-specific card, especially if you redeem points for high-value flights or hotel stays. Always double-check that "warehouse clubs" are not excluded from earning rewards.
• If you're a business owner stocking up on supplies...
  Explore business credit cards. Many are built for general spending and offer strong flat-rate rewards on all purchases, making them a great fit for large wholesale club hauls.

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Maximize Your Return with Wholesale Clubs

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To get the most out of every dollar you spend, here are several strategies to help you maximize your credit card rewards at wholesale clubs:

• Stack your rewards: Use an online shopping portal before making your purchase to earn additional cash back or points on top of what your credit card offers.
• Leverage rotating categories: Keep an eye on your card's quarterly rotating bonus categories, as wholesale clubs are often included, allowing you to earn significantly higher rewards for a limited time.
• Consider a co-branded card: If you're loyal to one specific wholesale club, using their co-branded credit card often provides the highest and most consistent reward rates for in-store purchases.
• Use the gift card aisle: Purchase gift cards for other stores, restaurants, or services from the wholesale club to effectively extend your high reward rate to spending outside the warehouse.
• Redeem wisely: Maximize the value of your points by transferring them to airline or hotel partners, which often yields a higher return than redeeming for cash back or statement credits.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Take the guesswork out of maximizing your credit card rewards. Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your highest-earning card at checkout, helping you earn up to $750 more per year. Get started for free

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Other Things to Consider

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If your loyalty lies with a single wholesale club, it's worth investigating their co-branded credit card, which might offer tailored benefits that a general-purpose card can't match. Regardless of which card you choose, the golden rule is to pay your balance in full each month. The high interest rates on revolving balances can quickly erase the value of any cash back or rewards you've earned, turning a smart financial tool into a costly debt. Also, consider your overall financial habits; sometimes using cash is the best way to stick to a budget. While Buy Now, Pay Later plans offer another alternative, they too require diligent management to avoid accumulating debt across multiple platforms.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use any credit card at any wholesale club?

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No, many wholesale clubs have exclusive agreements with a specific credit card network. For example, Costco warehouses currently only accept Visa cards for in-store purchases.

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Are co-branded wholesale club credit cards always the best option?

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Not necessarily. While co-branded cards often provide the highest reward rates for in-club spending, a general-purpose rewards card might offer better value across a wider range of categories.

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What happens to my co-branded card if I cancel my club membership?

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Your credit card account will likely remain open and usable, but you may lose access to club-specific benefits or the ability to earn rewards at the highest rate.

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