3 Reasons Not to Buy Gas at Sam's Club

Image source: Getty Images

A Sam's Club membership comes with plenty of perks that are good for your budget , like discounted bulk items, a 100% guarantee on purchased items, and, of course, cheaper gas.

But buying fuel at Sam's Club isn't for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might want to skip the gas lines at the wholesale club.

1. Most Sam's Club fuel stations require membership

Unsurprisingly, you need a Sam's Club membership to buy gas at most of the company's fueling stations. You don't need a membership in a few locations, but you'll pay about $0.05 more per gallon.

But you pay a price for the cheaper gas. A basic Club membership costs $50 annually, while a Sam's Club Plus membership costs $110. Both give access to the company's fueling stations.

For some people, getting a wholesale club membership is a smart way to save some cash . But if you're getting the membership just so you can buy cheap gas, you might want to reconsider. Ask yourself how often do you actually go to Sam's Club to fill up your car. If it's not often, it might not be worth it.

And considering that the national average price for a gallon of gas is just $3.44, lower than prices in 2022 and 2023, finding the cheapest gas may not be as critical to your budget as it used to be.

2. They're not always conveniently located

The nearest Sam's Club to me is about 15 minutes away on a good day. That's not a bad drive, but it's not on the side of town where I spend most of my time, and the store is on a road that becomes gridlocked on weekends and during rush hour.

For those reasons, buying gas at Sam's Club wouldn't be worth it for me. You may have better luck where you live, but it might be worth checking out where Sam's Club is located before you decide whether you'll fill up regularly at its stations.

3. Costco has better fuel

I know there are Sam's Club loyalists and Costco diehards, and many can't be convinced to switch to the other side. But if you're looking for the best quality discount gas, Costco is undeniably the better choice.

Costco's fuel meets independent Top Tier fuel standards, which have been found to keep engines 19 times cleaner than regular gasoline, making them more efficient and running better. Unfortunately, Sam's Club fuel isn't Top Tier rated.

You might not care much about having a clean engine, but for those looking for the best fuel for their vehicles, Sam's Club's rival may be the way to go.

You still might benefit from a membership

While there are a handful of reasons not to buy gas at Sam's Club, a membership may still be the right choice for you. With tons of discounted items, same-day delivery options, and a complimentary membership for a member of your household, the standard $50 per year Sam's Club membership is a good deal.

Just be sure to do some research ahead of time to decide if making the trip to Sam's Club fueling stations is worth the effort, especially if it's the main reason why you're purchasing a membership.

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. Chris Neiger 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 .