A deep dive into the Sam's Club credit card

Buying in bulk has caught on like wildfire.

In 2022, when the economy was plagued with high inflation, 75% of consumers polled were buying at least some items in bulk, according to data company Commercial Insights. And they still are.

Much of that shopping is taking place at Sam’s Club.

The Sam’s Club credit card is one reason shoppers keep returning. The company really rolls out the welcome mat for cardholders. This is especially true for Plus members who hold the Sam’s Club Mastercard, an upgrade from the regular club membership issued by Synchrony Bank.

Here's a deep dive into Sam’s Club credit cards so you can decide for yourself whether or not they live up to all the hype.

Sam's Club credit cards

Sam's Club is behind a trio of credit cards—its signature Sam's Club Member credit card, the Sam's Club Mastercard, and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard.

Each card comes with its own set of perks and benefits, some more attractive than others. The interest rates for each card vary as well. To qualify for any of these cards, you must be a Sam's Club member.

Cardholders rave about the rewards including discounts that come with fueling up, dining out, and shopping, depending on which card they hold.

Applicants need a good credit score—at least 700—to qualify for any Sam's Club credit card. But a good credit score alone doesn't guarantee approval. Synchrony Bank considers other factors to determine whether an applicant will be able to make payments. It's a good start, though.

Let's dive into the details on the three credit cards offered by Sam's Club.

Sam's Club member credit card

The Sam's Club credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, is accepted within Club stores and Walmart locations across the United States. For frequent shoppers of either Sam's Club or Walmart, this basic credit card could be more than enough.

But if you're looking to have a card that you can use beyond just these two retailers, you might want to consider a different card, like the Sam's Mastercard discussed in more detail below.

When applying for a Sam's Club credit card, make sure you know the features of each so you can get the one that best suits your needs and avoid being disappointed by the limitations on the Sam's club member credit card.

Club members earn 1% back in Sam's Cash rewards on club purchases. Sam's Cash is automatically deposited into a member's account. This is about the only perk for this no-frills credit card.

New cardholders are incentivized with a $30 statement credit when they've spent $30 in Sam's Club purchases within 30 days of opening an account. Sam's Club has been known to run promotions bumping the statement credit up to $50.

By way of comparison, Citi's Custom Cash Card offers $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of opening an account. And Bank of America's Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers $200 in online cash rewards after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of opening an account.

The Sam's credit card comes with a variable APR that ranges from 20.90% to 28.90%, which is on the high side, especially for members who will be carrying a balance from month to month. There is a minimum interest charge of $2.00.

There's no annual fee associated with the Sam's Club credit card, but in order for a cardholder to keep their account, they must pay a $50 annual membership fee to belong to Sam's club.

Other features of this card include tap and go technology, allowing users to simply touch the card to a reader for contactless transactions at the point of sale.

And this Mastercard also serves as a cardholder’s Sam’s Club membership card, streamlining the process for customers. The card is accepted in the club, online, or in the app.

As with most credit cards, if the card is lost or stolen, the cardholder is not held responsible for any charges.

Sam's Club Mastercard (Plus membership)

Sam's Club members willing to spring for the higher tier of membership are eligible for more rewards with the Sam's Club Mastercard issued by Synchrony Bank.

A Plus membership carries a $110 annual membership fee. That fee takes the place of the annual fee on the Sam's Club Mastercard.

For a Sam’s Club Mastercard holder to recoup the membership fee, they’ll need to spend approximately $2,220 inside the Club. This will generate enough Sam’s cash rewards to cover the lofty fee.

Perhaps the best part about the Sam's Club Mastercard is that it's accepted everywhere cardholders see the Mastercard logo, unlike the basic Sam's Club credit card, which is only accepted within club stores and Walmart.

So, for Sam's Club members who are looking for expanded access, this card could do the trick. And there are perks:

• Earn 5% back in Sam's Cash on fuel anywhere Mastercard is accepted up to the first $6,000 spent each year. After that, the reward drops down to 1%. This is a very generous incentive that surpasses the reward on many other gas cards. The one catch, the card is not accepted at competing bulk retailers.
• Earn 3% back in Sam's Cash on club purchases for Plus members.
• Earn 3% back in Sam's Cash on dining and takeout.
• Earn 1% back in Sam's Cash on other purchases.

Cardholders can expect to pay a variable APR purchase rate between 20.90% and 28.90% with a minimum interest charge of $2.00.

Perhaps to make up for the higher annual membership fee, Sam's Club offers more perks with the Mastercard, including free curbside pickup, free or $10 or less select generic prescriptions, 20% off a pair of glasses, and same-day delivery on Sam's Club orders.

The Sam's Mastercard is also accepted at Sam's Club and Walmart locations and the Mastercard doubles as the membership card.

Sam's Club business Mastercard

Small business owners might want to apply for the Sam's Club Business credit card, also issued by Synchrony Bank.

Sam's Club tends to run promotions where new cardholders can earn statement credit they can use in the club. In November 2023, this credit was for $50. And like Sam's Club Mastercard for Plus members, the business credit card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Also like Sam's other credit cards, the business credit card requires a good credit score of at least 700. Be aware that applying for the Sam's Club Business Mastercard will result in a hard pull on your credit report.

There's zero annual fee, but cardholders must be a Sam's Club member. The APR purchase rate ranges from 20.90% to 28.90%. Sam's Club does not allow balance transfers on this credit card.

One thing to be aware of is that members must apply for the business credit card either online or in one of the club locations. Based on social media commentary, the company does not allow over-the-phone applications.

Takeaway

Sam's Club's credit cards offer a great deal of value to cardholders, particularly with the cash back rewards on dining and fuel purchases for Plus members.

Keep in mind, however, that Sam's Club places a cap on those rewards each year, so cardholders might want to spend accordingly.

The zero annual fee feature is also a plus, but cardholders are basically paying for access to the card with their membership fees.

Synchrony Bank is a good partner to have for cardholders who make their payments on time—which, given the 700 credit score requirement, should be most of them.

All in all, any of the three Sam's Club credit cards can be a smart choice to have in your pocket depending on your needs, and especially if you regularly shop at Sam's Club or Walmart.

Just be prepared to read the fine print because Sam's Club has lots of caveats tied to its rewards system.