By now, everyone knows that I frequent BJ’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club, and I’ll be honest: I didn’t join these clubs for the perks. I joined because my family goes through snacks and paper towels like it’s their job.

Yet, somewhere between the diaper aisle and the free samples, I started noticing the extras. Subtle quiet bonuses, hidden rules, and little-known policies that can make your membership way more valuable. You just need to know where to look.

These are the mom-friendly benefits I have found over time. The fine print that works in your favor, the membership perks most shoppers overlook, and a few savings secrets that make your annual fee seem like a bargain.

Return Policies That Work in Your Favor

Let’s start with the unsung hero of warehouse clubs: their return policies.

  • Costco has what I lovingly refer to as the “mom-proof return policy.” Most items (even opened) can be returned at any time. Seriously, if your toddler hates the snack you bought in bulk, bring it back. I’ve returned a box of pouches that made my kid gag. No questions asked.
  • Sam’s Club is a close second. Most items don’t have a strict window, and even opened packages are usually fair game if you’re not satisfied. Their Member’s Mark brand is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if something flops, you’re covered.
  • BJ’s Wholesale offers a generous one-year return window on general merchandise. You’ll want a receipt or the purchase logged in your account, but I’ve never had an issue returning a toy that broke early or diapers that didn’t fit right.

Tip: Buy new products confidently (even in bulk). Just keep the packaging and your receipt until you’re sure it works for your family.

Also Read: The Best Grocery Loyalty Programs to Maximize Your Savings in 2025

Membership Refunds (Yes, Even After a Year)

This one still surprises people: all three clubs will refund your membership fee if you’re not satisfied.

  • Costco is the most generous: they’ll cancel and refund your membership at any time if you’re unhappy.
  • Sam’s Club and BJ’s have similar policies, and I’ve heard firsthand from friends who asked for a refund after realizing they weren’t shopping enough, and got it, no fuss.

You probably won’t need to use this perk. But it’s comforting to know that if life changes and you stop shopping in bulk, you’re not stuck.

Free Second Memberships and Shared Access

If you’re splitting household duties, listen up: all three clubs offer some form of household sharing.

  • BJ’s lets you add a free second household card, and you can even assign up to three “additional cardholders” (think grandparents or helpful sitters). You can manage them online and swap them out if needed.
  • Costco includes one free household card with every membership. It must be someone 18+ who lives at the same address. You can’t hand it to your sister-in-law, but your partner or roommate? Totally allowed.
  • Sam’s Club allows one free add-on for household members and up to 8 more for business accounts (for a fee).

Tip: Add someone else from your household or a co-parent so one of you can always pop in or pull-up refills without needing your card. Also, add your member ship card to the store app whenever possible. This assures neither of you will forget your card… unless you forget your phone!

Digital Tools That Save Time (and Sanity)

You probably already use the apps, but are you using them to their full potential?

  • Sam’s Club Scan & Go is a mom’s dream: scan items as you shop, pay in the app, and skip the checkout line entirely. I’ve checked out while holding a baby on my hip.
  • BJ’s ExpressPay does the same thing in supported locations. BJ’s also lets you digitally clip coupons in the app, so you’re saving while shopping, not fumbling at checkout.
  • Costco’s app doesn’t have scan-and-go (yet), but you can view your membership card, check deals, and even order a food court pizza ahead of time in some areas. If you use Costco Next, their online-exclusive discounts on third-party brands, you’ll find hidden gems at great prices.

Gas Perks That Add Up (Fast)

If you’re doing school drop-offs, activities, or just live in your car like I do, cheap gas is gold.

  • Costco offers Top Tier gas (better for your engine) at often 20–30¢ below local stations. Pro tip: go early morning or late evening to avoid lines.
  • Sam’s Club offers gas discounts, and if you have a Plus membership, you can even earn Sam’s Cash on fuel.
  • BJ’s sometimes edges both out on price, especially if you’re a Club+ member, which gives you 10¢ off per gallon and access to extra promotions.

Price Adjustments and Sneaky Savings

This one’s subtle but powerful.

  • Costco will often issue a price adjustment if something you bought goes on sale shortly after. Just bring your receipt (or check online) and they’ll refund the difference. I’ve done this for snacks and even a baby monitor, saved $12 just by asking.
  • BJ’s and Sam’s don’t have formal price adjustment policies, but it’s always worth checking with the service desk. Some clubs will credit the difference as a gift card or Sam’s Cash.

Optical, Pharmacy & Free Medications

This isn’t just about your pantry, warehouse clubs can help you save on healthcare, too.

  • Sam’s Club Plus members get select free generics through the pharmacy program, like common antibiotics and prenatal vitamins.
  • Costco Pharmacy is open to non-members in many states, but members get better pricing. You can also get pet prescriptions filled (yep, even those count for savings).
  • BJ’s offers pharmacy services (at some locations) and coupon stacking on over-the-counter items like baby Tylenol or thermometers.

Also worth noting: all three clubs offer vision centers and hearing aid services. I’ve had my kids’ glasses made at Costco and saved 40% compared to the local optical shop.

Seasonal Perks & Free Samples (The Quiet MVPs)

  • Costco’s samples are legendary, and yes, I’ve done entire Saturday trips that doubled as snack time for my kids. But the real perk is their seasonal furniture, toys, and gift stock. Come early, and it is usually priced better than Amazon.
  • Sam’s Club regularly runs free member events where you’ll find samples, kid-friendly booths, and members-only markdowns (especially before the holidays).
  • BJ’s tends to do surprise bundle promos like “Spend $100 on baby products, get $25 off gas,” or “Free rotisserie chicken with $50 grocery purchase.” Not flashy, but they’re like bonus wins when you weren’t expecting them.

Related: Which Wholesale Club Is Best for Groceries and Household Essentials?

Final Thought: These Perks Add Up

When I joined these clubs, I thought I was just getting access to bulk cereal and cases of juice boxes. I had no idea I’d be getting free medications, gas discounts, time-saving apps, free returns on opened diapers, and even a second membership for a household member.

So here’s my honest suggestion: take a few minutes to explore your membership benefits. Download the apps. Ask the service desk about price adjustments. Clip the digital coupons. Use scan-and-go. And never hesitate to return something that didn’t work for your family.

Because when you use these “hidden” perks, that $50 or $65 annual fee starts to feel like the best shopping hack you never knew you had.

Mentioned In This Article:

Explore More About: