How to Shop Smarter at Membership Clubs Like BJ’s and Sam’s

Warehouse clubs like BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club are often seen as havens for bulk savings—but they aren’t always the cheapest option unless you know how to shop strategically. While it’s true that buying in larger quantities can cut your cost per unit, savvy members know that the real savings come from pairing club pricing with payment hacks like gift cards and rewards platforms.

Here’s how to unlock more value at your favorite membership club without overbuying or overspending.

Know When Bulk Actually Saves You Money

Not every bulk deal is a bargain. To determine whether you’re truly saving, compare the price per ounce, pound, or item with prices at your local grocery store. Clubs like Sam’s Club and BJ’s are great for pantry staples, paper products, and household cleaners, but not always the best for fresh produce unless you’re feeding a large household.

Pro tip: BJ’s often accepts manufacturer coupons and issues digital ones through their app, making them even more cost-effective than Sam’s in many categories.

Use a Gift Card to Pay—and Earn More Back

You can amplify your savings at membership clubs by paying with a digital gift card rather than your regular debit or credit card. For example, buying a BJ’s gift card with cashback through Fluz lets you earn a return on your grocery budget before you even check out. The best part? These gift cards can be purchased for the exact amount of your purchase and used right away.

The same goes for Sam’s Club—though they don’t officially partner with Fluz, you can still use general rewards platforms or third-party gift card marketplaces to secure discounted Sam’s Club cards ahead of time.

What to Always Buy at Membership Clubs

• Toilet paper and paper towels: Bulk packaging drives down the per-unit price.

• Baking supplies and flour: Particularly during holiday seasons.

• Frozen fruit and vegetables: Great for smoothies or meal prep and last much longer.

• Meat in bulk: Portion and freeze at home for multiple meals.

• Gasoline: Sam’s Club and BJ’s both offer fuel discounts for members.

What to Avoid at Warehouse Clubs

• Fresh produce (unless cooking for many): May go bad before you can finish it.

• Snack packs or individually wrapped items: Often more expensive per unit than grocery store sales.

• Impulse seasonal buys: Think patio furniture, electronics, or decor—these often exceed your original shopping intent.

Leverage Member Apps and Perks

Both BJ’s and Sam’s Club have mobile apps with member-exclusive coupons, order-ahead features, and digital receipts. Use the BJ’s mobile app to track personalized deals and clip coupons before you shop.

Final Tip

Warehouse club memberships can absolutely be worth it—but the key is making the right purchases and using the right tools. Pairing club deals with cashback gift cards from platforms like Fluz lets you keep more of your grocery dollars in your pocket.