Buzz
Does paying for discounts make sense? In 2023, nearly every retail or grocery chain has introduced some form of a rewards or loyalty program, promising perks for frequent shoppers. While some programs are 'free'—meaning no upfront cost—they often trade your purchase history for targeted ads and coupons.
However, an increasing number of stores are rolling out premium membership tiers, asking customers to pay a monthly or yearly fee for exclusive benefits. While it may seem counterintuitive to pay a store for shopping privileges, some programs genuinely offer value. Below, we highlight nine retailers with paid memberships that are likely worth the investment—and seven that probably aren’t.
Albertsons FreshPass
Paid Tier Cost: $12.99 monthly or $99 annually
Worth it? Absolutely.
Albertsons, now merged with Kroger as of 2022, stands as one of the nation's largest grocery chains. Its premium membership, FreshPass, offers exceptional value primarily due to unlimited free delivery on orders exceeding $30. While additional perks and discounts are included, the $99 yearly fee breaks down to just under $2 per delivery for weekly shoppers—making it a fantastic deal.
Amazon Prime
Paid Tier Cost: $139 per year
Worth it? Absolutely.
While Amazon Prime might feel like Jeff Bezos’ strategy to draw us into his ecosystem, the benefits are undeniably enticing. The combined value of Prime’s services is estimated at around $1,100 if purchased individually. Even if you only use a fraction of what Prime offers, the membership still pays off. Free shipping alone makes it worthwhile for frequent Amazon shoppers, and let’s not forget access to shows like Lord of the Rings.
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Paid Tier Cost: $29 annually
Worth it? Not really.
Bed, Bath & Beyond is technically still operating—though barely—and its future looks uncertain, with a high chance it won’t survive the year. This makes their paid membership a questionable investment.
Barnes & Noble Premium
Paid Tier Cost: $39.99 annually
Worth it? Definitely, if you’re an avid reader
For frequent Barnes & Noble shoppers and book enthusiasts, the $40 annual fee for their premium membership offers significant value. You’ll enjoy 10% off most purchases (both in-store and online), a rewards program that gives $5 back for every $100 spent, and free standard shipping on all orders. While there are additional perks, the discount alone can easily cover the membership cost if you’re a regular book buyer.
Best Buy’s My Best Buy
Paid Tier Cost: $49.99 or $179.99 annually
Worth it? Only if you’re a huge Best Buy fan
Best Buy recently added two premium tiers to its loyalty program. The $50 yearly option includes benefits from the free plan—like free shipping and better order management—along with exclusive discounts, faster delivery, and extended return windows. For $179.99, you gain all that plus 24/7 VIP support, unlimited Geek Squad assistance (even for non-Best Buy purchases), and 20% off repairs. However, these perks only make sense if you’re a frequent Best Buy shopper who requires extensive support. For occasional buyers, this membership isn’t worth the cost.
BJs, Costco, Sam’s Club
BJ’s Paid Tier Cost: $55/$110 annually + $30 for additional members
Costco Paid Tier Cost: $60/$120 yearly
Sam’s Club Paid Tier Cost: $45/$100 per year
Worth it? It depends on your shopping habits
BJs, Costco, and Sam’s Club all follow a similar model: Pay a membership fee to access wholesale prices. Since their fees and benefits are comparable, the value of these memberships hinges on your shopping behavior. If you frequently buy in bulk, they can be a fantastic bargain. However, with limited store locations and the necessity to purchase everything in bulk (which isn’t always cost-effective), it’s easy to overspend and lose money.
CVS Carepass
Paid Tier Cost: $5 monthly or $48 annually
Worth it? Definitely, if you’re a regular CVS shopper.
Like most people, I often find myself at CVS multiple times a day, grabbing essentials I’ve unexpectedly run out of or picking up prescriptions and then stocking up on more essentials. If you’re a frequent CVS visitor, the $48 annual fee for a Carepass membership is likely worth it, as it gives you $10 in rewards every month. While the $10 expires monthly, using it consistently adds up to $120 in savings annually. You also enjoy extra discounts, delivery perks, and access to a pharmacist helpline.
GameStop Pro
Paid Tier Cost: $15 annually
Worth it? Absolutely.
Even if your GameStop visits are limited to picking up the latest versions of Call of Duty or Madden, this membership is a solid investment. You’ll recoup the $15 fee through coupons within a month, plus earn 2% back on purchases and enjoy additional discounts. Essentially, buying just one game covers the cost of your membership. You also receive a free subscription to Game Informer, a charmingly old-school perk.
Kroger Boost
Paid Tier Cost: $59/$99 per year
Worth it? Possibly.
Kroger, now merged with Albertsons as of 2022, provides two paid membership options: For $59 annually, you receive free next-day grocery delivery and earn points for gas discounts (up to $1 off per gallon, which is a great perk). The free delivery feature alone makes this a strong value if you frequently shop at Kroger. The $99 tier adds free same-day delivery within two hours, which is convenient—but is it worth the extra $40? Unless you often need groceries delivered urgently, the lower tier might suffice.
Office Depot Business Select
Paid Tier Cost: $49 yearly
Worth it? Yes, especially for small business owners
Believe it or not, people still shop at Office Depot, and while they offer a free rewards program for individuals, they also provide a premium tier for small businesses. For $49 annually, you gain access to discounts, early sales, reduced rates on business services like printing, and free delivery. If you regularly order office supplies, the free delivery alone makes this a solid deal.
Petco Vital Care Premier
Paid Tier Cost: $20 monthly per pet
Worth it? Absolutely.
For pet owners, Petco’s Vital Care Premier membership is a fantastic value. Beyond earning points and receiving discounts, you get free food bags or grooming appointments (also available in the free tier). Additionally, you enjoy unlimited routine vet exams (at Petco or participating external vets), discounts on grooming, cat litter, and food, plus around $15 in rewards, effectively reducing your monthly cost to $5. The free vet visits and grooming discounts alone make this membership a smart choice.
REI Co-Op
Paid Tier Cost: One-time $30 fee
Worth it? Definitely!
If you enjoy camping, hiking, or any outdoor activities, you should definitely join the REI Co-op membership. Unlike other programs, it’s a one-time $30 fee—no recurring costs. Simply spend at least $10 annually on eligible items, and you’ll earn 10% back in rewards for future purchases. You also gain access to discounts and free shipping on select items. Earning 10% back annually means the membership pays for itself, even if you only shop at REI occasionally.
RH (Restoration Hardware) Members
Paid Tier Cost: $175 annually
Worth it? Yes—if you frequently purchase furniture or are planning a major home makeover
If you have a penchant for high-end home decor, you’re likely familiar with RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) and its luxurious, albeit expensive, furniture and accessories. As a luxury brand, its paid membership comes at a steep $175 per year. However, this could be a worthwhile investment if you’re a regular shopper or planning a significant redesign. The membership offers 25% off full-priced items, 20% off sale items, and complimentary design consultations. For frequent buyers or those undertaking large projects, the savings can be substantial.
Sephora Same-Day Unlimited
Paid Tier Cost: $49 yearly
Worth it? Not really.
For nearly $50, the primary benefit is same-day delivery. While this might seem useful in a makeup emergency, Sephora already offers same-day delivery (when available) for $6.95. Unless you require this service more than four times annually, the membership likely isn’t worth the cost.
Target Shipt
Paid Tier Cost: $10.99 monthly or $99 yearly
Worth it? Probably not.
Target’s Shipt service (which works with multiple retailers, not just Target) acts as a personal shopper and delivery solution. You choose your items, a shopper picks and packs them, and they’re delivered to your door. While the $99 annual fee ($8.25 monthly) might seem reasonable, some partner retailers add markups to your purchases, typically around $5 extra on a $35 minimum order. Service fees may also apply depending on the store. If you primarily use Shipt for Target or non-markup retailers, this service could be worth considering.
Walmart+
Paid Tier Cost: $12.95 monthly or $98 yearly
Worth it? Possibly.
Walmart—ubiquitous in many towns—has a way of becoming a central part of daily life. If you’re a frequent Walmart shopper, its paid membership might be worthwhile. At $98 annually, it’s cheaper than Amazon Prime and offers perks like free shipping, gas discounts, faster checkouts, rebates, and access to Paramount+ streaming. However, it still falls short of Prime’s overall value. If you shop at Walmart daily, this could be a good deal. For occasional shoppers, it’s likely not.
A previous version of this article contained inaccurate details about Target Shipt; Shipt does not apply markups to Target purchases.
