What is BJ’s Wholesale Club?
BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based wholesale store that offers groceries, household goods, office supplies, and business essentials in bulk at discounted prices. Much like Costco and Sam’s Club, BJ’s gives its members access to savings by charging annual membership fees.
A BJ’s membership is required to access special credit card offers, rewards programs, and exclusive savings. Being a BJ’s member determines your eligibility for certain rewards and credit cards, as membership level can influence the benefits you receive. To maximize rewards, a business owner should first apply for a BJ’s membership and then apply for the BJ’s credit card.
BJ’s members can shop in-store, online, or through the BJ’s app, with options for same-day delivery or free in-club pickup. For business owners, the most significant appeal is the ability to reduce costs on recurring purchases, such as cleaning supplies, beverages, food, and office equipment. BJ’s also operates BJ’s gas locations, providing members with discounted fuel rates, which can be a significant help if your business involves a lot of driving.
BJ’s Business Club Membership
BJ’s offers a dedicated Business Club Membership, designed for small businesses, independent contractors, and organizations that buy in volume. With this membership, owners can enjoy wholesale pricing, bulk discounts, and exclusive access to special checkout lanes for expedited service. Business members can also add supplemental cardholders for employees, making it easier to delegate purchasing responsibilities.
As business needs evolve, business members can adjust their membership level or details, such as upgrading or downgrading, to better suit their requirements.
Does BJ’s offer a Business Credit Card?
Yes, BJ’s offers credit cards tailored to its members, including small business owners. The BJ’s business credit card program is issued by Capital One as a Mastercard. There are two main options:
- BJ’s One Mastercard
- BJ’s One+ Mastercard (available for Club+ members, including business owners)
Both cards allow you to earn rewards on BJ’s purchases, including gas and other purchases made outside the store.
How does the BJ’s Business Credit Card work?
The BJ’s One and BJ’s One+ Mastercards function as both a credit card and a rewards program for BJ’s members. The primary difference between the two cards is the reward rate and the membership level required.
Earn Rewards on BJ’s Purchases
| Card Type | BJ’s Purchases | Outside Purchases |
|---|---|---|
| BJ’s One® Credit Card | 3% back | 1.5% back |
| BJ’s One+® Credit Card | 5% back | 2% back |
| BJ’s One® Mastercard | 3% back | – |
| BJ’s One+® Mastercard | 5% back | – |
At BJ’s Gas locations, cardholders receive a discount per gallon when purchasing fuel with either of their cards. Please note that purchases of gasoline, propane, and cigarettes are not eligible for rewards or discounts. Rewards earned with your BJ’s credit card last for the life of the account.
There is no cap to the amount you can earn on eligible purchases with your BJ’s credit cards, and rewards will not expire. Cardholders must have a minimum balance of $10 in rewards to redeem.
Note: Exclusions apply. Gasoline, propane, and cigarettes do not qualify for rewards or discounts. Additional terms and redemption conditions may apply.
Neither the BJ’s One Mastercard nor the BJ’s One+ Mastercard charges foreign transaction fees, making them usable for international purchases as well.
What are the qualifications for the BJ’s Business Credit Card?
To qualify for a BJ’s business credit card, you’ll need to be an active BJ’s member with a valid business membership account. Approval is based on standard credit scores, income, and financial history, as with most credit cards. You have to be a BJ’s member to get either the BJ’s One Mastercard or BJ’s One+ Mastercard.
How do I apply for a BJ’s Business Credit Card?
Applying for a BJ’s business credit card is straightforward:
- Start by signing up for a BJ’s Business Membership online or in-store.
- Review which membership level you have—standard or Club+.
- Select the credit card option that best suits your membership. If you have a BJ’s Club+ Card Membership, you will apply for the BJ’s One+ Mastercard.
- Complete the application online through the BJ’s website or Capital One’s portal.
- Provide your business details, financial information, and personal guarantor information if required.
- Wait for approval, which may be instant or take a few business days, depending on your application.
What are the benefits of the BJ’s Business Credit Card?
The BJ’s business credit card allows small business owners to earn rewards on everyday purchases while maximizing savings at BJ’s Wholesale Club. With reward rates of up to 5% on BJ’s purchases and 2% on other purchases, the card helps offset membership fees and business expenses.
Members also gain access to exclusive discount offers, including savings at BJ’s gas and BJ’s gas locations, where you can receive a discount on fuel purchases. Rewards can be redeemed directly at BJ’s gas locations, and the BJ’s app enables easy redemption of rewards, management of memberships, and access to exclusive offers.
Since rewards don’t expire and there’s no cap, the card can be handy for businesses with high supply costs.
What are the drawbacks of the BJ’s Business Credit Card?
While the BJ’s business credit card offers substantial rewards for BJ’s purchases, it has limited flexibility compared to general business credit cards. Rewards can only be redeemed at BJ’s, meaning you won’t get cash back or travel perks.
Membership fees and an annual fee may offset the value of rewards for smaller businesses that don’t shop at BJ’s often. Certain items, like lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, protection plans, online optical purchases, cigarettes, gasoline, and propane, may not qualify for rewards. If your business spends more outside of BJ’s, other cards may be a better fit.
BJ’s Business Credit Card – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Up to 5% back on BJ’s purchases.
- No expiration on rewards.
- Discounts at BJ’s gas locations.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Seamless account management through the BJ’s app.
Cons:
- Rewards are limited to BJ’s purchases.
- Membership fees required.
- Exclusions for certain purchases, like lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, and online optical purchases.
- An annual fee may be applicable, depending on the membership level.
- Less flexible than other business credit cards.
Is the BJ’s Business Credit Card worth it for my small business?
Whether the BJ’s business credit card is worth it depends on how frequently your business makes purchases at BJ’s. If you regularly buy supplies, food, or fuel from BJ’s, the 3%–5% rewards can quickly add up and help offset membership costs.
On the other hand, if your purchases are spread across different stores or categories, you may find greater value with a more general business credit card.
What are the costs of the BJ’s Business Credit Card?
The BJ’s business credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees, but you must factor in BJ’s membership fees and any applicable annual fee. Membership costs typically range from around $55 to $110 per year, depending on your plan.
Interest rates, late payment fees, and other standard credit card charges also apply, making it essential to pay your account on time to avoid additional costs.
What are the alternatives to the BJ’s Business Credit Card?
Small business owners have plenty of funding options to consider.
Other Store Card Options
Other wholesale club business credit cards include the Costco Business Credit Card and the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card, both of which offer substantial rewards for in-club and gas purchases.
Independent contractors or businesses in the construction and home services industries may benefit more from a Home Depot or Lowe’s business credit card, as those cards reward spending on materials and equipment directly tied to their respective industries.
Business Credit Cards
General business credit cards, such as Chase Ink Business Preferred or the Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards card, provide more flexible rewards programs. These cards typically offer cash back, travel rewards, or broader redemption options, but lower reward rates for store-specific purchases.
Businesses that don’t shop at wholesale clubs regularly may benefit more from these general-use cards.
Small Business Loans
You may be interested in one of the following small business loans:
- Bad credit business loans
- Business line of credit
- Business loans for women
- Business term loans
- Equipment financing
- Accounts receivable factoring
- Merchant cash advance
- Revenue based business loans
- SBA loans
- Working capital loans
- ERC advance
BJ’s Business Credit Card – Final Thoughts
The BJ’s business credit card is a valuable tool for small business owners who frequently shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club and want to earn rewards on their purchases. With up to 5% back, no expiration on rewards, and added savings at BJ’s gas locations, it’s designed to maximize the value of your BJ’s membership.
That said, this card won’t be right for everyone. Membership fees, exclusions on certain purchases such as alcoholic beverages and lottery tickets, and limited redemption options make it work best for businesses that purchase most of their supplies at BJ’s. For owners seeking more flexibility, alternative cards or financing options may be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether BJ’s is central enough to your operations to justify the costs and maximize the rewards.
Contact us if you have further questions or are ready to apply for a small business loan. Our alternative financing experts can help you find the best small business loan for your needs.
