When your car battery dies, finding a reliable and affordable replacement quickly becomes a top priority. You might wonder if your go-to wholesale club, known for great deals on everything from groceries to electronics, also carries this essential automotive part. The core question is simple: does BJ’s sell car batteries? This guide provides the definitive answer and unpacks everything you need to know, from the specific brands they offer to crucial details about pricing and installation services.
Yes, BJ’s Wholesale Club sells car batteries, featuring their exclusive IBX Powered by Interstate Batteries line. They have transitioned away from previously selling Exide batteries and now offer a quality, in-house brand backed by a reputable manufacturer. Leveraging extensive analysis of their current offerings and member experiences, this guide delivers the clear, data-driven insights you need to make an informed decision. We’ll explore the different battery tiers, what you can expect to pay, and the one critical service they don’t offer.
Key Facts
- Exclusive Brand Offering: BJ’s sells its exclusive “IBX Powered by Interstate Batteries” brand, ensuring a consistent product line backed by a well-known name in the industry.
- No Installation Service: A crucial point for shoppers is that BJ’s Wholesale Club does not offer car battery installation; the purchase is for the part only.
- Refundable Core Deposit: Expect to pay a separate, refundable core deposit of approximately $15.00, which is returned to you when you bring back your old battery for recycling.
- Competitive Pricing: Based on member reports and available data, pricing is competitive, with standard batteries often found in the $90.00 to $115.00 range before the core deposit.
- Brand Transition: BJ’s has transitioned from selling Exide batteries to their current IBX line, a key detail for returning customers who may have purchased an Exide battery there in the past.
Yes, BJ’s Sells Car Batteries: Your 2025 Guide to Brands, Prices & Services
Yes, BJ’s Wholesale Club sells car batteries. If you’re a member looking for a replacement, you are in luck. The wholesale giant offers a dedicated line of automotive batteries designed to meet the needs of most drivers. But what brand do they carry, how much does it cost, and will they install it for you? Let’s dive in.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process. We will cover:
* The specific brand of car battery BJ’s offers.
* The different performance tiers available.
* Typical pricing and the mandatory core deposit system.
* The critical details on their installation (or lack thereof) policy.
* A simple checklist for a smooth purchasing experience.
Understanding BJ’s Car Battery Brand: IBX Powered by Interstate
When you’re shopping for a car battery at BJ’s Wholesale Club, you won’t find a dozen different brands on the shelf. They have streamlined their offering to provide one exclusive brand: IBX Powered by Interstate Batteries. This is a significant shift for members who may recall BJ’s previously carrying Exide batteries. The move to IBX establishes a partnership with Interstate, one of the most recognized and reputable names in the battery manufacturing industry.
This means that while the IBX name is exclusive to BJ’s, the technology and manufacturing quality behind it come from a trusted source. To cater to a wide range of vehicles and power demands, the IBX line is offered in several performance tiers.
| Battery Series | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| IBX Silver | Standard vehicles with minimal electronic accessories | Reliable, everyday starting power at a great value. |
| IBX Gold | Cars and trucks with more power-hungry electronics | Enhanced performance and a longer lifespan for demanding conditions. |
| IBX Gold AGM | Modern vehicles with start-stop technology & advanced safety features | Maximum power and durability; AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) design is spill-proof and vibration-resistant. |
Pro Tip: Choosing between Gold and Gold AGM often depends on your vehicle’s electronic demands. Modern cars with start-stop technology, where the engine shuts off at idle, typically require an AGM battery to handle the frequent restarting cycles.
BJ’s Car Battery Prices & Core Deposit: What to Expect
One of the biggest draws of a wholesale club like BJ’s is the potential for savings. When it comes to something as essential as a car battery, competitive pricing is a major factor. Based on member reports and available data, BJ’s offers strong value in this category.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can generally expect to pay:
- Battery Price: A standard IBX Automotive Battery often has a price point of ~$114.99. However, deals and specific models can bring that price down significantly, with some members reporting finding batteries for as low as $89.00 plus tax.
- Core Deposit: Like virtually all automotive retailers, BJ’s charges a mandatory core deposit. This is a separate, refundable fee of approximately ~$15.00.
- Total Upfront Cost: When you check out, you will pay for the battery and the core deposit. For a $115 battery, your initial total before tax would be around $130.
The core deposit is designed to encourage recycling. When you bring your old, dead battery back to BJ’s, they will refund the full deposit amount to you. This is a crucial step that many first-time battery buyers overlook.
Quick Fact: Returning your old battery for the core deposit isn’t just about saving money—it ensures the lead and acid are disposed of and recycled responsibly, protecting the environment from harmful materials.
Installation & Other Services: What BJ’s Does (and Doesn’t) Offer
This is perhaps the most critical piece of information for anyone considering buying their next battery from BJ’s. While the pricing is attractive and the brand is solid, you need a plan for getting the new battery into your car.
BJ’s does not offer car battery installation. This is a non-negotiable part of their service model. You are purchasing the battery as a standalone part. While some auto parts stores offer free installation, wholesale clubs like BJ’s and Costco typically do not provide this service to keep their operational costs and prices low.
So, what can you expect when you buy a battery at the club?
| What BJ’s Offers | What You’ll Need to Do |
|---|---|
| ✅ Access to quality IBX batteries | ❌ Install the battery yourself. |
| ✅ Staff can help you find the right battery size | ❌ Have the necessary tools (wrenches, socket set). |
| ✅ Guidance on safe replacement practices | ❌ Hire a local mechanic for installation. |
| ✅ A convenient place to return your old battery | ❌ Ensure the old battery is transported safely. |
If you are not comfortable or equipped to perform the installation yourself, it’s highly recommended that you contact a local mechanic or garage before you purchase the battery to arrange for the service.
How to Purchase a Car Battery at BJ’s: A Simple Checklist
Buying a car battery from BJ’s is a straightforward process if you go in prepared. Following this simple checklist will ensure you get the right part and have a smooth experience from start to finish.
- Check Your Vehicle’s Manual First. Before you even head to the store, consult your car’s owner’s manual. It will specify the exact “group size” your vehicle requires. This number (e.g., Group 24F, Group 96R) is essential for ensuring the battery will physically fit in the tray and that the terminals are in the correct position.
- Use the In-Store Guide or Online Finder. BJ’s clubs have a battery fitment guide in the automotive aisle that allows you to look up your car’s make, model, and year. You can also use the BJ’s car battery finder online before you go to see which IBX model is right for you and check local stock.
- Purchase In-Store. While you can view options online, the purchase and core deposit process is typically handled in the physical club. A staff member in the automotive or tire bay area can assist you.
- Bring Your Old Battery (or Plan to Return It). The easiest way to handle the core deposit is to bring your old battery with you when you buy the new one. You can swap them in the parking lot (if you have the tools and are comfortable doing so) and return the core immediately for your refund. If not, make sure to bring it back on a later trip with your receipt.
Pro Tip: Take a picture of your old battery’s label with your phone before you head to the store. It’s a great backup if you can’t find your manual! It will have the group size and other important specs right on it.
For those who need to handle the self-installation process, having the right equipment makes all the difference. A complete and reliable toolset can turn a frustrating task into a quick and easy job.
FAQs About Buying a Car Battery at BJ’s
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the query, “does bjs sell car batteries,” helping you clarify any lingering doubts.
Does BJ’s still sell car batteries in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, BJ’s Wholesale Club continues to sell car batteries. Their current and exclusive offering is the IBX Powered by Interstate Batteries brand. They have a consistent stock of the most popular battery sizes to fit a wide range of cars and trucks on the road today.
What is the warranty on a BJ’s car battery?
The warranty can vary depending on the specific model and tier (Silver, Gold, Gold AGM) you purchase. As an example to provide a concrete idea, data shows that some models, like the IBX Group 24F battery, have been offered with a 30-month warranty. It is always best to check the specific warranty details on the battery you choose at the time of purchase.
Can I find a specific battery size like a Group 24F or 96R at BJ’s?
Yes, BJ’s typically stocks popular and common battery group sizes, including the IBX Gold 24F Automotive Battery and the IBX Gold 96R Automotive Battery. However, availability can vary by store location. It is highly recommended to check with your local club or use BJ’s online battery finder tool to confirm they have your specific size in stock before making the trip.
Does BJ’s sell other types of batteries, like for boats or lawn mowers?
Yes, beyond standard car batteries, BJ’s automotive section offers a much wider range of power solutions. Their selection often includes batteries for a variety of other needs. You can typically find options for:
* Marine/RV
* Golf Carts
* Lawn & Garden Equipment
Final Summary: Is BJ’s a Good Place to Buy a Car Battery?
So, after considering all the details, should you buy your next car battery at BJ’s Wholesale Club? The answer depends on your priorities and what you’re comfortable with. BJ’s presents a very strong option for the savvy, do-it-yourself shopper or anyone who has a trusted mechanic ready to handle the installation.
Here’s the final verdict broken down into key takeaways:
- ✅ Pro: Competitive Pricing. You are likely to find a very good price on a car battery at BJ’s, with prices often ranging from $90 to $115, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- ✅ Pro: Interstate-Backed Brand. The exclusive IBX brand is powered by Interstate, a highly reputable manufacturer, so you can be confident in the quality and reliability of the product.
- ❌ Con: No Installation Service. This is the biggest drawback. You are responsible for installing the battery yourself or paying a mechanic to do it, which adds an extra step and potential cost to the process.
If the price is right and you have an installation plan, heading to your local BJ’s is a solid move for your next car battery. For members who value cost savings and trust the Interstate name, it’s an excellent place to get the power you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
