A SHOPPER was left confused recently by a transaction processed by BJ’s Wholesale Club.
The customer had an active membership with the warehouse retailer and already paid their annual fee.
1
However, they allegedly received an added cost for another full membership belonging to an entirely different customer.
“I was charged for annual membership of an account I don’t own,” claimed the fuming customer, Prerna, in a post on X earlier in March.
Prera said she contacted BJ’s customer service representatives, who informed her that a refund would be sent out in a few days.
“When I raised complaint, I was told refund payment is processed for days,” she continued.
Read More on BJ’s Wholesale
“I stopped receiving mail responses. This is poor customer treatment and outright unacceptable,” Prera added.
“I didn’t authorise that payment.”
BJ’s quickly responded, apologizing and requesting that the member send over more details to resolve the issue.
“Hi! Thank you for reaching out,” the retailer replied.
“We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced, please send us a DM or email us at [email protected], to look into this and assist you better.”
It’s unclear if the situation was fixed, but it wouldn’t be the first time a customer had membership issues with BJ’s this month.
RENEWAL RAGE
Another shopper slammed staff for being unable to renew their membership despite a 45-minute phone call.
“@BJsWholesale just spent over 45 minutes with 3 different chat reps trying to RENEW my subscription so I could purchase products from you,” they wrote in an X post.
“Completely incompetent employees and never got renewed – my CC was charged though….terrible.”
Again, BJ’s was left apologizing.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
* If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
The chain requested more information, but it’s unclear if the shopper ever successfully renewed their membership.
PAY UP
BJ’s recently upped the cost of its membership in November 2024, following Costco.
Its basic Club Card plan went from $55 to $65, and the Premium Club+ membership went from $110 to $120.
The uptick took effect on January 1, 2025, and was the first since 2018.
At the time, BJ’s explained that the increase would allow the retailer to “invest in an even stronger value proposition” for its 7.5 million member base.
Customers were furious over the uptick.
“This may very well backfire,” a longtime BJ’s member wrote in a post on Facebook.
“It wasn’t worth it, now it is even more not worth it,” another fumed.
“We probably will not be renewing our membership,” a third stated.
BJ’s also caught backlash from an “entirely new layout” at a shopper’s local store location recently.
Someone else left their cart after waiting “40 mins” in-store due to a glitch.
