What the Good Sam's Club Credit Card Does

The Good Sam's Club credit card is a co-branded card issued by Synchrony Bank in partnership with Good Sam Enterprises, a membership organization for RV owners and outdoor enthusiasts. The card works like a standard rewards credit card but is designed specifically for Good Sam's Club members who want to earn cash back on purchases at Good Sam's locations and other retailers.

The card earns rewards on fuel, RV services, camping, and general purchases. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Good Sam's affiliated merchants. The rewards structure and benefits vary depending on which version of the card you hold — the basic card and premium versions have different earning rates and annual fees.

This is a credit card, not a debit card or prepaid card. You receive a monthly bill, make payments to Synchrony Bank, and build credit history as you use it responsibly. The card is only available to Good Sam's Club members, so membership is a requirement before you can open an account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Good Sam's Club credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank and earns cash back rewards on fuel, RV services, camping purchases, and other spending.
  • You must be a Good Sam's Club member to open a card account, and membership fees are separate from any card annual fee.
  • The card has different versions with different earning rates and annual fees, so compare the basic and premium options before you open an account.
  • Rewards are paid as cash back that you can redeem as a statement credit, and there is no limit to how much you can earn.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances at a variable rate set by Synchrony Bank, so carrying a balance costs money.

Earning Rates and Rewards Structure

The Good Sam's Club card earns cash back at different rates depending on where you spend. At Good Sam's RV parks and campgrounds, you earn a higher rate — typically 5% cash back. At Good Sam's fuel locations and other Good Sam's affiliated merchants, you earn a lower rate, usually around 2% to 3%. On all other purchases made anywhere Visa is accepted, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash back is not automatic. You must redeem your rewards through your Synchrony Bank online account or mobile app. You can redeem rewards as a statement credit applied to your card balance, which is the most common method. Some versions of the card may offer other redemption options, so check your cardholder agreement for details.

There is no annual cap on rewards — you can earn as much cash back as your spending allows. However, the card itself may carry an annual fee depending on which version you hold. The basic version typically has no annual fee, while premium versions may charge $95 or more per year. The higher annual fee usually comes with additional benefits like travel insurance or roadside information.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

The basic Good Sam's Club credit card has no annual fee. If you use the card and pay your balance in full each month, you pay nothing to Synchrony Bank beyond the cost of any Good Sam's Club membership you maintain.

Premium versions of the card charge an annual fee, typically $95 to $99 per year. This fee is charged once per year and appears on your statement. You pay it whether you use the card or not, so factor it into your decision about which version to open. Premium versions usually include benefits like roadside information, travel insurance, or higher earning rates that may offset the fee if you spend enough.

The card charges interest on unpaid balances at a variable annual percentage rate (APR). The exact rate depends on your credit score and creditworthiness — Synchrony Bank sets rates individually. If you carry a balance month to month, you pay interest on that balance. The only way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.

How to Open a Good Sam's Club Credit Card Account

You must be a Good Sam's Club member before you can open a card account. If you are not already a member, you will need to join Good Sam's Club first. Membership is separate from the credit card and carries its own annual fee, which varies by membership tier.

Once you are a member, you can open a card account online through the Good Sam's Club website or by calling Synchrony Bank directly. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information. Synchrony Bank will check your credit report to make a decision.

The approval process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If you are approved, you can receive your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some versions of the card offer a temporary digital card number you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Once your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up the card online, through the mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. After set up, you can use the card at any merchant that accepts Visa.

Making Payments and Managing Your Account

You make payments to Synchrony Bank, not to Good Sam's Club. Payments can be made online through your Synchrony Bank account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments set up in advance. The minimum payment is due by the date shown on your monthly statement, typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.

Paying only the minimum does not pay off your balance — it only covers interest and a small portion of principal. If you want to avoid interest charges, you must pay your full statement balance by the due date. You can see your current balance, available credit, and due date anytime by logging into your Synchrony Bank account online or through the mobile app.

You can set up automatic payments so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid automatically each month. This helps you avoid missed payments and late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.

Comparing the Good Sam's Club Card to Other Options

If you are not a Good Sam's Club member or do not want to pay membership fees, other rewards credit cards earn cash back on fuel and travel without membership requirements. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold Card earn rewards on travel and dining but may have higher annual fees and different earning structures.

If you primarily use Good Sam's RV parks and campgrounds, the 5% cash back rate on those purchases is higher than most general rewards cards offer. However, the 1% rate on other purchases is lower than some competitors. Calculate your typical spending across different categories to see whether the Good Sam's card's earning rates beat the alternatives.

Some RV-focused credit cards from other issuers may offer different benefits like roadside information, trip cancellation insurance, or extended warranties. Compare the total value of rewards plus benefits against the annual fee to determine which card makes sense for your situation.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If you miss a payment, Synchrony Bank charges a late fee, typically $25 to $35 depending on your account terms. A missed payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. The later your payment, the more damage to your credit.

If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, your interest rate may increase to a penalty APR, which is higher than your regular rate. This penalty rate can stay in place for six months or longer. You can request that Synchrony Bank remove the penalty rate if you make on-time payments for several months in a row.

If you fall behind on multiple payments, Synchrony Bank may close your account and refer the debt to a collection agency. At that point, the debt appears on your credit report as a charge-off, which damages your credit for seven years. If you are struggling to make payments, contact Synchrony Bank as soon as possible to discuss hardship options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Good Sam's Club membership to get this credit card?

Yes. The Good Sam's Club credit card is only available to current Good Sam's Club members. Membership is separate from the card and has its own annual fee. You must join Good Sam's Club before you can open a card account.

What is the difference between the basic and premium versions of the card?

The basic version has no annual fee and earns standard cash back rates. Premium versions charge an annual fee (typically $95 to $99) but offer higher earning rates, roadside information, travel insurance, or other benefits. Choose based on how much you spend and whether the extra benefits justify the fee.

Can I use this card at places other than Good Sam's locations?

Yes. The card is a Visa card and works anywhere Visa is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Good Sam's purchases, which is lower than the 2% to 5% you earn at Good Sam's affiliated merchants.

How do I redeem my cash back rewards?

Log into your Synchrony Bank account online or through the mobile app and select the redemption option. Most commonly, you redeem rewards as a statement credit that reduces your card balance. Check your cardholder agreement for other redemption methods that may be available.

What interest rate will I pay if I carry a balance?

The interest rate is variable and depends on your credit score and creditworthiness. Synchrony Bank sets rates individually, so you will see your specific APR in your cardholder agreement or online account. The best way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.