What to know about BJ’s Wholesale Club, Target Circle, and more

Major retailers like Walmart and Target have launched paid membership programs to compete with Amazon Prime.
Wholesale clubs such as BJ’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club require a paid membership to shop for bulk items.
Some grocery stores, like Wegmans and Tops, offer free loyalty programs that provide savings on certain items.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, major retail chains have begun offering membership subscriptions to compete with Amazon Prime. Walmart+ launched in September 2020. Target Circle 360 followed in April 2024.

Depending on your particular shopping habits and needs, paying membership fees might save you money.

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Signing up for Target and Walmart memberships

Target has two membership tiers: Target Circle and Target Circle 360.

Target Circle is a free membership offering access to certain perks, deals and exclusive products.

A Target Circle 360 membership costs $99 a year or $10.99 a month and gets you same-day delivery from Target and partner stores CVS, Lowe’s, Petsmart, Office Depot and 7-Eleven, among others.

You’ll also get early access to sales and free items every month with a Target Circle 360 membership.

Walmart’s only membership is its paid Walmart+ plan, which costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month. Walmart is offering a free 30-day trial for its Walmart+ membership.

Walmart+ includes free and same-day deliveries on groceries and prescriptions, travel discounts through Expedia, free shipping, free online pet care, early access to deals and discounts through partner retailers Crunch gym, Burger King and eMeals.

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco and Sam’s Club

You have to buy memberships to shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco or Sam’s Club.

All three businesses specialize in selling items in bulk, so memberships won’t make financial sense for everyone.

Right now, BJ’s is selling standard annual memberships for $15 versus the usual $60. BJ’s standard membership includes access to discounted gas, same-day delivery for $14.99 and curbside order and pickup (there’s a $3.99 fee on orders of $50 or less).

BJ’s Club+ memberships are $120 a year. They include 2% back in rewards, 5 cents off every gallon of gas, two free same-day deliveries and free curbside order and pickup.

BJ’s also offers coupons (in-store, online and by mail) and accepts manufacturers’ coupons.

BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in the Lower Hudson Valley include:

Warehouse stores Costco and Sam’s Club also have two tiers of memberships.

Costco’s gold star membership is $65 a year and allows you to shop the chain’s usual deals and sales: exclusive pricing on bulk items; discounted gas; optical and pharmacy services; and travel, home and auto services.

Costco’s executive membership is $130 a year and gets you a $10 monthly discount, access to exclusive shopping hours and an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases (up to a limit).

Members must scan their membership card when entering the warehouse store and also at checkout.

Costco locations in the Lower Hudson Valley include:

The Sam’s Club standard membership is currently on sale for $15 (usually $50), which gives you access to Sam’s Club’s stores and regular deals. Sam’s Club Plus memberships are also on sale for $50 (usually $110). Sam’s Club Plus memberships include 2% back in Sam’s Cash and free shipping and delivery on purchases over $50.

Sam’s Club locations in the Lower Hudson Valley include:

Free rewards programs

Wegmans Food Markets and Tops Friendly Markets have loyalty programs that offer savings on certain items.

There is no fee to join Wegmans Shoppers Club or Tops Bonus Plus, but they do give the grocery store chains access to data about your shopping and spending habits.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

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