Sam’s Club Mastercard Review – Everything You Need To Know (2024)

Wholesale clubs can help shoppers save money on groceries and other necessities. But do their store-branded credit cards offer savings? What benefits do they offer, and are they worth it?

This in-depth review examines the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®, considering its rewards, fees, APR, features, and more.

Sam’s Club Card at a Glance

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Sam’s Club Card
Benefits
  • 5% cash-back* on gas for the first $6,000 annually, then 1%
  • 3% cash-back* on dining
  • 3% cash-back* on Sam’s Club purchases forPlus members (otherwise 1%)
  • 1% cash-back* on all other purchases
  • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted
Annual Fee$0
APR14.90% variable (account type 1)
22.90% variable (account type 2)
Late FeeUp to $40

* For this program, “cash-back” comes in the form of Cash Rewards, not true cash-back.

This rewards-earning card is issued by Synchrony Bank, and while there is no annual fee, cardholders must be a Sam’s Club member to apply. It costs $45 for an annual Sam’s Club membership and $100 for an annual Sam’s Club Plus membership.

Sign-Up Bonus Offer

The Sam’s Club card typically offers a sign-up bonus.

An example of a bonus is that if you open a Sam’s Club card and use your new account to make Sam’s Club purchases totaling $30 or more (excluding cash advances, gift card sales, alcohol, tobacco, and pharmacy purchases) within 30 days of the date of account opening, you will receive a 1-time $30 credit within 90 days after the qualifying purchases are made.

Benefits of the Sam’s Club Card

Sam’s Club Mastercard Review – Everything You Need To Know (1)

With the Sam’s Club card, cardholders can earn several benefits:

  • Earn 5% cash-back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%)
  • Earn 3% cash-back on dining
  • Earn 3% cash-back on Sam’s Club purchases forPlus members (otherwise 1%)
  • Earn 1% cash-back on all other purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted
  • Acceptance at all Sam’s Club and Walmart locations nationwide
  • No annual fee
  • Online account access at samsclub.com/credit
  • Doubles as your membership card

The 5% Cash Rewards for gas exclude purchases made at fuel stations of wholesale clubs other than Sam’s Club, certain supercenters, and supermarkets.

Cash-back on dining and all other purchases excludes purchases made at any wholesale clubs other than Sam’s Club.

You’ll only earn 1% cash-back on all in-store purchases at Sam’s Club and Walmart, though upgraded Plus members can earn 5% (2% for Plus membership and 3% with the card). With minimal in-store rewards value, there are better credit cards available to maximize rewards for in-store purchases (see the Alternative Rewards Credit Cards section below).

Also notable: the maximum cash-back amount you can earn per calendar year is $5,000.

Hot Tip:Cash Rewards are issued starting in February of the following year and are automatically loaded onto the primary Sam’s Club member’s membership account. Rewards can be used for in-club or online purchases or exchanged for cash-back.

Cash Rewards that aren’t redeemed will expire as of the date listed on the reward notification. Additionally, rewards are forfeited if the member’s account is not in “good standing,” if the member is more than 2 months delinquent on the minimum payment, or if the Sam’s Club membership has lapsed or terminated.

Accelerated Earning for Plus Members

Sam’s Club Mastercard Review – Everything You Need To Know (2)

Club members who upgrade from the $45 base membership to the $100 Plus membership will see a 4% increase in Cash Rewards on their Sam’s Club purchases, but is the upgrade worth it?

If we evaluate a breakeven solely based on Sam’s Club purchases (not including other earning categories):

  • Club members earning 1% on Sam’s Club purchases would need to spend $4,500 annually at Sam’s Club
  • Plus members earning 5% on Sam’s Club purchases (2% for being a Plus member and 3% for the Sam’s Club card) would need to spend $2,000 annually at Sam’s Club

If you are frequent Sam’s Club shopper, upgrading to Plus membership could accelerate your earnings and offer enhanced benefits like:

  • Free shipping at samsclub.com
  • 2% Cash Rewards on qualifying in-club and pickup purchases
  • Early shopping hours
  • Free select generic prescriptions
  • 20% off of glasses
  • 15% off Pandora streaming radio

The 2% Cash Rewards have a maximum reward of $500 per 12-month membership period and a membership can accumulate a maximum balance of $2,000 on a membership card. Earned rewards are loaded to the membership account at the end of each membership year (12-month period) and can be redeemed as cash or store credit at Sam’s Club locations.

Hot Tip: It is worth noting that for the Cash Rewards managed by the Plus membership program and the Cash Rewards managed by the Sam’s Club card, each program is independently operated and managed.

Additional Sam’s Club Card Features

The Sam’s Club card offers special features including:

  • 1-card convenience since your credit card is your membership card
  • Special financing/promotional offers
  • $0 fraud liability
  • Enhanced security via smart chip technology
  • Online account management
  • Mastercard ID theft protection services
  • Contact-free technology, including the integration of payments capabilities into Sam’s Club Scan & Go, both in-club and at the pump

A Note About Special Financing

The Sam’s Club card has specific terms and conditions related to special financing. As a cardholder, if you’re going to utilize this benefit you want to pay close attention to the terminology used.

There is a significant difference between “no interest for 6 months” and “no interest if paid in full within 6 months.”

No interest for 6/12/18/24/36/48 months:

  • When you make a qualifying purchase, no interest applies to the purchase during the promotional period, but minimum monthly payments are still required
  • After the promotional period ends, regular account terms will apply to the promotional purchases
  • Purchases made outside of the promotional offer are subject to regular account terms

No interest if paid in full within 6/12/18/24/36/48 months:

  • IF PAID IN FULL is the key phrase here — this is called deferred interest and it can mean hefty fees if you’re not careful
  • When you make a qualifying purchase, no interest will be applied IF you pay your promotional balance IN FULL within the promotional period; if you DO NOT pay the balance in full, the interest will be applied to the balance all the way back to the date of purchase
  • Minimum monthly payments are required
  • After the promotional period ends, regular account terms will apply to the promotional purchases
  • Purchases made outside of the promotional offer are subject to regular account terms

Fees and Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Card

While there are many benefits to the Sam’s Club card, including the lofty Cash Rewards offers, it’s important to remember all credit cards come with fees and drawbacks.

The easiest way to avoid these is to be a consistently responsible cardholder. You should pay your balance in full every month. If you can’t pay it in full, the next best option is to pay as much as you can, leaving as small a balance as possible. You should always make at least the minimum payment.

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Sam’s Club Card
Annual Fee$0
Purchase and Quick Cash Advance APR14.90% variable (account type 1)
22.90% variable (account type 2)
Cash Advance APR19.9% variable (account type 1)
25.9% variable (account type 2)
Cash Advance Fee$5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance (whichever is greater)
Late FeeUp to $40

With the Sam’s Club card, your given APR percentage depends on which account type you receive:

  • Account type 1 is generally reserved for applicants with better credit scores
  • Account type 2 is generally for applicants with lower credit scoresthat still meet the minimum score required for issuance.

The APRs range from pretty average for a rewards card (for account type 1) to high (for account type 2). However, the APRs can add up, especially if you often carry a balance.

As mentioned previously, the Cash Rewards from the Sam’s Club card are not true cash-back. The rewards come in the form of an automatic credit to the member’s account and can only be used for Sam’s Club purchases — both in-store and online.

Alternatively, other cash-back credit cards typically give you your cash-back every month.

Applying for a Sam’s Club Card

There are several ways to apply for the Sam’s Club card. Members can either apply digitally (online, via the Sam’s Club app, or via text message) or in-store at their local club (at the member service desk, at a register (including Scan & Go), or at specific self-checkouts). Members must sign in or create an online account with their Sam’s Club membership to apply online.

Some applicants may be approved instantly (there are many otherinstant approval cards as well). However, other applications may require further review, resulting in a waiting period of 7 to 10 days.

Generally,a “good” credit score is necessary to secure a Sam’s Club card. Some individuals have reported approval with scores in the upper “fair” range.

Sam’s Club Log-in and Online Account Management

Cardholders have the option to manage their credit card account online by logging in at the Sam’s Club online account portal or via the Sam’s Club mobile app (iOS, Android).

Once logged in, members have the opportunity to:

  • Access account information
  • View electronic statements
  • Sign up for paperless statements
  • Make statement payments
  • Sign up for account alerts
  • Request a credit line increase

Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)

You can maximize your cash-back by using the Sam’s Club card for gas and dining purchases to earn bonus cash-back and, if you are not a Plus member earning 5% for in-store purchases, select a different credit card that offers a cash-back earning rate higher than 1% for in-store purchases.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases and is a no annual fee card.

Alternatively, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn 5% cash-back/5x Ultimate Rewards points on quarterly rotating bonus categories on up to $1,500 in purchases. These categories have a history of including wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club.

Bottom Line: If you’d like some other suggestions, check out our list of the best credit cards to use at Sam’s Club.

Final Thoughts

The Sam’s Club card provides generous cash-back benefits. With 5% on gas, 3% on dining, and 1% on most other purchases, it could be a decent option for your wallet if you’re going the cash-back route.

However, keep in mind that you must be a Sam’s Club member (with a $45 annual membership fee) to apply for a card and retain your benefits.

You can only get your Cash Rewards once per calendar year, and the program doesn’t offer true cash-back. This is a big drawback for those who want to take advantage of their rewards quickly or utilize their cash-back in any way they choose.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a travel rewards credit cardor a card to help you earn more points and miles,this is not the card for you.

The information regarding the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Sam’s Club Mastercard Review – Everything You Need To Know (2024)

FAQs

Is it hard to get approved for Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

The credit score needed for the Sam's Club® Credit Card is at least 700. That's in the “good” credit range but barely meeting a card's minimum requirements is far from the ticket to high approval odds. You'll need income to make your payments, and the issuer will look at several other factors, too.

What is the highest credit limit for Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

The credit limit for the Sam's Club Credit Card typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, although reports indicate it's possible to get higher limits. Your credit limit on your Sam's Club Credit Card is determined by multiple factors, including your annual income and credit history.

What credit score is needed for a Sams Mastercard? ›

Alternatively, you can apply in store. Keep in mind that the Sam's Club® Credit Card requires good credit, which means you need a 700+ credit score for high approval odds. Also note that applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily hurt your credit score.

What are the benefits of having a Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

Benefits of Sam's Club Consumer MasterCard:
  • Payments accepted at Sam's Club and Walmart.
  • Add an authorized user.
  • Easy online account management.
  • No annual credit card fee.
  • One card convenience.
  • Earn cash back with a Sam's Club Mastercard.

What credit bureau does Sam's Club Mastercard pull from? ›

The Sam's Club® Credit Card uses all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) in order to assess your creditworthiness. Either one or more credit bureaus may be used when evaluating a Sam's Club® Credit Card application.

Can I use my Sam's Club Mastercard at Walmart? ›

The Sam's Club® Credit Card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. That is pretty much anywhere, as Mastercard benefits from extensive worldwide acceptance. The Sam's Club® Store Card can also be used at Walmart locations in the U.S. and Walmart.com, but you won't be able to use it at Walmart Fuel Stations.

What credit card has a $100000 limit? ›

The best credit card with a $100,000 credit limit is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. In addition to a credit line of at least $100,000, the card offers 1 - 5 points per $1 on purchases and comes with a $95 annual fee. You will need good credit or better to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

How much cash advance can you get from Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

The cash advance limit for the Sam's Club® Credit Card is 20% of your credit limit, according to customer service. To determine your specific cash advance limit, you can refer to your card agreement or monthly statement.

Can I use my Sam's Club Mastercard anywhere? ›

Where can I use my Sam's Club Credit Card? Use your Sam's Club Mastercard anywhere that Mastercard is accepted.

What bank does Sam's Club Mastercard use? ›

See the "How to Earn Sam's Cash with your Sam's Club® Mastercard®" rewards program terms for details. Subject to credit approval. The Sam's Club Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.

What credit card is the easiest to get? ›

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top pick for easiest credit card to get because it's geared toward those with limited / poor credit. It offers great rewards and charges a $0 annual fee.

Does Sam's Club credit card do a hard pull? ›

Yes, the Sam's Club® Business Store Card does a hard pull on your credit report when you apply for the card. A hard pull usually results in a slight decrease in an applicant's credit score, but the effect only lasts for a short period of time.

Is Sam's card worth it? ›

Sam's Club Plus memberships cost more to start than the entry-level Club membership, but for many shoppers, a Plus membership will save you more in the long run -- potentially hundreds of dollars per year.

Can you withdraw cash from Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

Before you take out a Sam's Club® Credit Card cash advance, it's important to note that it is a very expensive transaction. For starters, there's a cash advance fee of 3% (min $5). There's also a separate cash advance APR of 25.9% - 31.9% (V) that applies as soon as you withdraw the cash.

How to upgrade to Sam's Club Mastercard? ›

You can upgrade your Sam's Club® Store Card to the Sam's Club® Credit Card by making a request over the phone at (800) 964-1917, or in person at a Sam's Club warehouse location. It's best to wait at least 6 months from account opening before asking, though.

How hard is it to get a Sam's Club card? ›

How to join at the Club: Just visit any club location and apply at the Member Services Desk. Start shopping online once all required information is submitted and you're approved!

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