If you’re already a savvy saver frequenting wholesale clubs, it’s high time to supercharge your spending with a rewards credit card crafted specifically for buying in bulk. Not just any fee-free plastic will do; typically, perks and reward structures are tightly woven into the fabric of a single retailer’s ecosystem. Wholesale club credit cards often cover their membership dues through cashback and perks, yet if your visits are sporadic or limited to the occasional essentials, these cards might fall short of expectations due to their stringent reward terms.
To steer you toward the right choice, we also highlight a handful of uncommon general rewards cards that boast wholesale club bonuses.
Top Picks Tailored for Wholesale Club Shoppers
Costco Devotees’ Favorite
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Bankrate’s verdict
Earning a steady 2% cashback on Costco store and online buys places this card alongside top-tier flat-rate reward contenders, though some co-branded wholesale cards might edge it out in-store. Its standout feature? A juicy 5% cashback on gas at Costco itself, coupled with 4% back on gas and electric vehicle charging elsewhere — applicable up to $7,000 annually before dropping to 1%. For those who fill up frequently during grocery runs, these are among the market’s most competitive fuel rewards year-round. The flip side is the redemption journey — arguably one of the most cumbersome we’ve encountered.
Pros
- No annual fee if you already have a Costco membership, mirroring typical wholesale club card setups.
- Robust and expansive fuel rewards categories boasting some of the highest consistent earnings available.
- 3% cashback on dining and qualifying travel rounds out this card as a versatile everyday ally.
Cons
- Zero welcome bonuses or standout perks beyond the reward rates, unlike several rival cards.
- Rewards can only be cashed out in-store as a certificate once per year after February’s billing cycle, expiring December 31.
- Lacks a premium rewards tier with enhanced in-store rates, unlike other wholesale club options.
Sam’s Club Shoppers’ Go-To
Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
Bankrate’s perspective
Far from a simple match for Costco’s offering, the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®* stands out for occasional travelers with its modest welcome offer, comparable dining rewards, and arguably firmer in-store earnings. Spending less than $6,000 annually on gas (roughly $500 monthly) sees this card beat Costco’s fuel rewards. That said, unlocking premium in-store rates requires a pricey membership upgrade, capping rewards and limiting perks to physical store redemptions.
Pros
- 5% cashback at regular gas stations up to $6,000 annually, surpassing many wholesale competitors.
- Welcomes new cardholders with an easy-to-earn introductory bonus.
- Rewards post and become redeemable usually within 1-2 billing cycles, an improvement over some co-branded cards.
Cons
- Only Plus members ($110/year) unlock the enhanced 5% in-store rewards; others settle for 1%.
- Annual rewards caps: $5,000 on Sam’s Cash and $500 on boosted in-store rewards may limit high spenders.
- Redemptions are strictly in-store, narrowing flexibility.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Shoppers’ Favorite
BJ’s One® Mastercard®
Bankrate’s insight
Among base wholesale club cards, BJ’s One® Mastercard®* arguably delivers the most bang without shelling out for premium membership. The base card’s uncapped in-store rewards trump both Costco and Sam’s Club’s earning rates. However, bonus categories are sparse, and fuel savings apply solely at BJ’s stations. This card especially suits infrequent bulk buyers, with its premium counterpart, BJ’s One+® Mastercard®*, offering further incentives.
Pros
- Affordable premium version available, but the base card alone is highly rewarding, unlike some competitors.
- Competitive welcome offer triggered upon approval.
- Among the rare wholesale club cards boosting flat-rate rewards.
Cons
- Fuel rewards limited strictly to BJ’s gas stations.
- No bonus categories like dining, potentially leaving some users better off elsewhere.
- Rewards redeemable online and via app, though not convertible to plain cash back.
Cards for Shoppers Frequenting Multiple Wholesale Clubs
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bankrate’s take
If you don’t anchor yourself to a single wholesale club or prefer to juggle fewer credit cards, this general rewards card offers an uncommon wholesale club bonus. It delivers 2% cashback at wholesale clubs and groceries, plus 3% in one of six versatile categories, including dining and gas. Beware the combined $2,500 quarterly spending cap for these categories, after which rewards drop to 1%, potentially limiting heavy earners.
Pros
- Flexible choice categories include dining, gas, travel, online shopping, drugstores, and home improvement.
- Welcome offer value and introductory APR beat many retail cards’ offers.
- Preferred Rewards program can boost returns by up to 75% with qualifying Bank of America balances.
Cons
- Wholesale club rewards pale compared to co-branded cards due to spending ceilings.
- Preferred Rewards require substantial qualifying balances, often steeper than some premium membership fees.
Best for Superstore + Wholesale Club Combined Shoppers
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Bankrate’s perspective
Walmart and Target usually miss out in rewards categories, despite popularity as grocery sources. U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card* uniquely rewards superstores and wholesale clubs, in some cases outpacing co-branded cards on store-specific rates during promotional periods. However, quarterly spending caps may restrain bulk buyers.
Pros
- An impressive 6% cashback on $1,500 quarterly at two chosen retailers and 3% in a selected category.
- Above-average $250 signup bonus, balanced by a $2,000 spend requirement within 120 days.
- No annual fee the first year, though $95 thereafter, offering a trial window.
Cons
- $1,500 quarterly caps might push big spenders toward a lower 1.5% flat rate for part of the year.
- Unlike wholesale club cards, lacks simultaneous gas or dining bonus categories.
- Gas and EV charge category excludes wholesale club and discount store stations, unlike many co-branded cards.
Wholesale Club Cards Quick-Reference Comparison
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Costco shoppers | $0 | Excellent |
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| Sam’s Club® Mastercard® | Sam’s Club regulars | $0 | Good to excellent |
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| BJ’s One® Mastercard® | BJ’s shoppers | $0 | Good to excellent |
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| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | Multi-club shoppers | $0 | Good to excellent |
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| U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® | Superstore + wholesale clubs | $0 first year, then $95 | N/A |
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How to Pick the Right Wholesale Club Credit Card
Your decision boils down largely to which wholesale clubs you frequent and your shopping intensity. Another angle to consider: do you lean toward a single-purpose rewards card or a generalist option that aligns better with your overall spending and existing card portfolio?
Identify Your Wholesale Club of Choice
Which club do you find yourself shopping at most often? While BJ’s One Mastercard might look attractive for fuel savings, it’s pointless unless you primarily shop there. Holding memberships across multiple clubs might tip the scales in favor of a flat-rate or general cashback card for smoother rewards accumulation and redemption.
Evaluate Your Spending Volume
Even regular wholesale shoppers spending dwindling totals may gain more from versatile rewards cards instead of store-specific plastic. For instance, Sam’s Club Plus membership costs $60 extra annually — if your spend doesn’t exceed $3,000 yearly in-store, a general 2% cashback card may save you more. Additionally, occasional shoppers may find restricted retail-only rewards less advantageous given premium membership costs.
Consider Your Fuel Habits
One of the biggest draws of co-branded wholesale club cards is their lucrative gas rewards, especially at members-only gas stations. If filling up or charging at wholesale clubs is a routine, such cards likely trump general cashback options that exclude these pumps.
Account for Your Current Card Arsenal
Co-branded wholesale cards often cover dining, gas, and travel well but lack the broader reward horizons of general-purpose cards. New cardholders building credit or those unable to secure co-branded cards might find wholesale club cards a worthwhile stepping stone.
A Bankrate Expert’s Personal Take
“I favor keeping my credit cards few. After college and moving into my own place, I eyed a wholesale club card since Sam’s Club was my local big player. But transitioning from a family of four to solo living meant my spending wasn’t enough to justify upgrading my membership. The Sam’s Club Mastercard wouldn’t have delivered much value, especially with my reduced driving. Instead, I leaned on the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card with its boosted flat rewards. Since bulk buys are less frequent, its 3% cashback on dining and drugstores provided more bang than a standard 2% bulk rewards card.”
— Garrett Yarbrough, Bankrate Credit Cards Writer
Final Thoughts on Wholesale Club Credit Cards
Generalist credit cards with grocery perks typically dish out just 1% cashback at wholesale clubs. A co-branded card tied to your preferred wholesale retailer is often the smartest way to score 2% or more in-store rewards. These cards also shine on gas purchases — a category often excluded on general rewards cards when buying fuel at wholesale club pumps.
However, if you’re a light or infrequent bulk shopper, the combination of membership upgrade costs and complicated redemption terms might outweigh the benefits. In such cases, a simple 2% flat-rate rewards card or a rare general-purpose card with wholesale club bonuses may better complement your financial toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there business credit cards for wholesale clubs?
Bulk buying is a powerful money-saver for small businesses, and many wholesale clubs offer co-branded business cards, such as:
- Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard®
- BJ’s Wholesale Club Business Club Card Membership*
- BJ’s Wholesale Club Business Club+ Card Membership*
Which credit cards do wholesale clubs accept?
Some wholesale clubs limit card network acceptance, so it’s important to check your cards’ compatibility. Major clubs accept these networks:
- Costco: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (both in-store and online)
- Sam’s Club: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (both in-store and online)
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover (both in-store and online)
All data regarding the cards discussed here have been independently gathered and have not been reviewed or endorsed by the issuers.
Information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card was last updated on 6/21/25.