What Sam's Club credit cards offer and who they're for
Sam's Club offers two credit cards: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank and are designed to work alongside a Sam's Club membership. The main difference is that one is for personal use and one is for business accounts, but both earn rewards on purchases at Sam's Club and at other retailers.
These cards are not required to shop at Sam's Club — you can use any payment method with your membership. But if you shop there regularly, the rewards structure may offset the membership fee or add value on top of it. The cards work only with an active Sam's Club membership, so you'll need to join the warehouse first.
Unlike some retail cards that require excellent credit, Sam's Club cards are available to people with fair credit and up. This makes them an option if you've been rebuilding your credit history or don't have an extensive credit file yet.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club offers two Mastercards — one for personal shoppers and one for business owners — both earning cash back rewards on purchases.
- You must have an active Sam's Club membership to use either card, and the card does not waive the membership fee.
- The personal card earns higher rewards at Sam's Club than at other stores, while the business card offers the same rate everywhere.
- Both cards charge no annual fee, but you pay the Sam's Club membership fee separately depending on the membership tier you choose.
- You can use the card to pay your Sam's Club membership renewal, and the purchase earns rewards at the standard rate.
Rewards rates and where you earn them
The Sam's Club Mastercard earns 5% cash back on purchases at Sam's Club gas stations, 3% at Sam's Club locations, and 1% everywhere else. The rewards post as Sam's Club Cash, which you can use as a statement credit or redeem for a check. You earn on every purchase, including membership renewals.
The Sam's Club Business Mastercard earns 3% cash back on all purchases, regardless of where you shop. This flat rate means you don't get a bonus at Sam's Club itself, but you earn the same reward rate at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers. For a business owner who uses the card outside the warehouse, this structure may be simpler to track.
Both cards have no cap on the cash back you can earn in a year. There is no bonus for opening the card — no sign-up offer like you might see with travel cards or premium cash back cards.
Annual fees and membership costs
Neither Sam's Club Mastercard charges an annual fee. However, you must maintain an active Sam's Club membership to use the card. The membership itself costs money: Sam's Club offers Gold Star membership (the basic tier) and Plus membership (a higher tier with additional benefits). The Gold Star membership fee varies by location but is typically around $50 to $60 per year. Plus membership costs more.
The card does not waive or reduce the membership fee. You pay the membership cost separately from the card fee. If you were already planning to buy a Sam's Club membership for shopping, the card adds no extra cost and straightforward gives you rewards on purchases you'd make anyway.
If you don't have a membership, the card is not useful — you cannot use it to shop at Sam's Club without one, and you cannot use it at other retailers in a way that makes financial sense compared to a general cash back card.
How to use the card and redeem rewards
Once approved, you can use the card when ready at any Sam's Club location, at Sam's Club gas stations, and anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The card works like any other credit card: you receive a monthly statement, make a payment by the due date, and the cash back accrues with each purchase.
Sam's Club Cash rewards appear in your account as a balance you can view online or in the Sam's Club mobile app. You can redeem the cash back in two ways: as a statement credit that reduces your card balance, or as a check mailed to you. Some members redeem by using the cash back as a discount at checkout on their next Sam's Club visit.
Rewards do not expire as long as your membership is active. If your membership lapses, you lose access to your rewards balance. This is an important detail: the rewards are tied to membership status, not to the card itself.
Credit requirements and approval timeline
Sam's Club cards are available to applicants with fair credit and above. You do not need excellent credit to be approved. The process asks for basic information: your name, address, income, and Social Security number. Synchrony Bank pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
Approval decisions usually come within minutes if you explore online. If your process is pending, Synchrony may contact you for additional information. Once approved, the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use the card number when ready for online purchases.
If you are denied, you have the right to a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) within 60 days. Reviewing your report can help you understand why the process was declined and what to address before explore again.
Comparing the personal and business cards
| Feature | Personal Mastercard | Business Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Sam's Club rewards | 3% to 5% depending on category | 3% everywhere |
| Other retailers | 1% | 3% |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Membership required | Yes, Gold Star or Plus | Yes, Business membership |
| Best for | Frequent Sam's Club shoppers | Business owners who use the card outside the warehouse |
The personal card rewards you more at Sam's Club itself, especially at the gas pump. If you do most of your shopping at the warehouse, the personal card's 5% gas reward and 3% store reward make it the better choice. The business card makes sense if you run a business and use the card for supplies, meals, or other expenses outside Sam's Club.
Both cards require the corresponding membership type. You cannot use a personal card with a business membership or vice versa. Make sure you have the right membership before explore for the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sam's Club card without a membership?
No. The card works only with an active Sam's Club membership. If your membership expires, you lose access to your rewards balance and cannot use the card at Sam's Club. You can use the card at other retailers, but there's no financial advantage compared to a general cash back card.
Do I get a sign-up bonus when I open the card?
No. Sam's Club cards do not offer a sign-up bonus or introductory rewards rate. You begin earning the standard cash back rate on your first purchase. Some other retail cards offer bonuses, but Sam's Club does not.
What happens to my rewards if I cancel my membership?
Your Sam's Club Cash balance is forfeited if your membership lapses or is cancelled. The rewards are tied to active membership status. If you plan to rejoin later, you will start with a zero balance.
Can I use the card to pay my membership fee?
Yes. You can use the card to pay your membership renewal, and the purchase earns cash back at the standard rate (3% for the personal card at Sam's Club). This means you earn rewards on the membership cost itself.
How long does approval take?
Most decisions come within minutes of explore online. The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use the card number for online purchases right away. If Synchrony needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email.