Sam’s Club is offering Sacramento teachers discounted memberships. What about Costco?

Sam’s Club is offering teachers nationwide discounted memberships ahead of back-to-school shopping, but those who prefer to shop at Costco shouldn’t expect the same deal.

Through Aug. 15, retail warehouse Sam’s Club is knocking $30 off its basic membership plan. According to a statement from Costco, the bulk warehouse chain is not offering free or discounted memberships.

Instead, teachers who sign up for a new membership will receive a $30 digital Costco Shop Card.

The cards are sent via email within two weeks of sign-up and can be redeemed online and in-store, according to Costco’s website. The promotion doesn’t extend to gas, car washes and food court purchases.

To get the card, teachers must verify their status online and provide both a valid credit card and email address for automatic membership renewal. The offer is valid for new customers and is limited to one household.

The card cannot be swapped for cash.

Similar deals are available for college students, military personnel and medical and government workers.

Sam’s Club versus Costco

Both bulk warehouses have car, hearing and optical services as well as pharmacies, gas stations and hot food on the go.

Costco offers three types of memberships: Gold Star and Business ($60 per year plus tax) and Executive (120 per year plus tax). At Sam’s Club, yearly memberships cost between $50 and $110.

Costco and Sam’s Club have warehouses in Sacramento, Roseville, Citrus Heights and Folsom.

Additional Costco locations are in Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove.