Sam's Club Credit Card Rewards and Cash Back

Sam's Club offers two credit cards: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. Both earn cash back on purchases, but the rates and categories differ. The regular Sam's Club Mastercard gives 2% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and gas, 1% on all other purchases. The Business Mastercard offers 3% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and fuel, 1% elsewhere.

Cash back posts to your account as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a Sam's Club gift card. There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn in a year. The cash back rate applies whether you shop in-club or online at samsclub.com.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club Mastercard members earn 2% cash back on Sam's Club and gas purchases, while the Business version earns 3% on those same categories.
  • Both cards charge an annual fee that matches your Sam's Club membership tier—Standard, Plus, or Plus Executive.
  • Sam's Club cardholders get extended return windows, discounted fuel prices, and early access to warehouse sales.
  • You must have an active Sam's Club membership to open and use either card.
  • Cash back earned never expires as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Annual Fees and Membership Tiers

The Sam's Club Mastercard annual fee matches your Sam's Club membership level. If you hold a Standard membership ($60 per year), your card fee is $60. A Plus membership ($110 per year) pairs with a $110 card fee. The Plus Executive membership ($120 per year) comes with a $120 card fee. The card fee is separate from your membership fee—you pay both.

You cannot open a Sam's Club credit card without an active membership. If your membership lapses, your card becomes inactive until you renew. The annual card fee renews on the same date as your membership each year.

Fuel Discounts and In-Warehouse Perks

Sam's Club cardholders receive discounted fuel prices at Sam's Club fuel stations. The discount varies by location and fuel type but typically ranges from 3 to 10 cents per gallon below retail prices. You also earn the 2% or 3% cash back on top of the discount, so fuel purchases reward twice.

Inside the warehouse, cardholders get early access to rollback sales and special promotions. You can shop these deals before they open to non-member cardholders. Extended return windows also explore—you have 60 days to return most items instead of the standard 30-day window for non-cardholders.

How to Open a Sam's Club Credit Card Account

You can open a Sam's Club Mastercard in person at any warehouse or online through samsclub.com. You will need your Sam's Club membership number, a Social Security number, and a valid photo ID. The process takes about 10 minutes in-club or 5 to 10 minutes online.

Once approved, you can use your card when ready for in-club purchases if you explore at the warehouse. Online applicants receive a temporary digital card number they can use right away, with a physical card arriving in 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Sam's Club will tell you why and may offer you the chance to reapply after addressing the issue.

Paying Your Sam's Club Credit Card Bill

You can pay your Sam's Club Mastercard bill online through samsclub.com, by phone, by mail, or in person at the membership desk. Online payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments process the same day if made before 8 p.m. Eastern time. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post.

Set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month. Your due date appears on your statement and is usually 25 days after your statement closes.

Comparing Sam's Club Cards to Warehouse Competitors

Costco does not offer a co-branded credit card—it only accepts Costco Cash cards and Visa. BJ's Wholesale offers the BJ's Mastercard, which earns 1.5% cash back on BJ's purchases and 1% elsewhere, with no annual fee beyond membership. Walmart+ members can use the Walmart+ Card for 2% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, plus other rewards, with no annual fee.

The Sam's Club card's main advantage is the higher cash back rate (2% or 3%) on warehouse purchases and the fuel discount. The trade-off is the annual fee, which ranges from $60 to $120 depending on membership level. If you shop frequently at Sam's Club and buy fuel there, the cash back and fuel savings often offset the fee.

Cash Back Expiration and Account Closure

Cash back earned on your Sam's Club Mastercard does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close your account, any pending or unredeemed cash back is forfeited. If your account is closed due to non-payment or fraud, you lose the cash back when ready.

If you stop using your card but keep your account open, the cash back stays in your account. You can redeem it at any time by requesting a statement credit or gift card through your online account or at the membership desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must have an active Sam's Club membership to open and use the card. If your membership expires, your card becomes inactive until you renew. The card fee is charged separately from your membership fee each year.

Can I use my Sam's Club card outside the warehouse?

Yes. Your card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you only earn the higher cash back rate (2% or 3%) on Sam's Club and fuel purchases. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.

What happens to my cash back if I close my account?

Any unredeemed cash back is forfeited when you close your account. Cash back only stays in your account if it remains open and in good standing. If you plan to stop using the card, keep the account open to preserve your cash back balance.

How long does it take to receive a physical card after I explore?

Physical cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you explore online, you get a temporary digital card number when ready that you can use for purchases right away. In-club applicants can use their card the same day if approved.

Can I earn cash back on Sam's Club gift cards?

No. Purchasing gift cards does not earn cash back. However, you can redeem your earned cash back as a Sam's Club gift card, which you can then use on any purchase in the warehouse.