Sam's Club Credit Cards Offer Rewards on Warehouse Purchases and Everyday Spending
Sam's Club issues two main credit cards: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. Both cards earn cash back on purchases, with higher rewards rates at Sam's Club locations and gas stations. The standard card is open to any Sam's Club member; the business version is for business owners and sole proprietors.
The cash back you earn does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. Rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited to a linked bank account, or used to reduce your Sam's Club membership fee at renewal.
Neither card charges an annual fee. You do need an active Sam's Club membership to hold the card, and membership fees vary by location and membership tier.
Key Takeaways
- The Sam's Club Mastercard earns 5% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and gas, 1% on all other purchases, with no annual fee.
- The Sam's Club Business Mastercard earns the same rates and is open to business owners with an EIN or sole proprietors with a Social Security number.
- Cash back rewards do not expire and can be redeemed as a statement credit, bank transfer, or applied to your membership renewal.
- You must maintain an active Sam's Club membership to keep the card open; membership fees are separate from the card itself.
Rewards Rates and How They Work
The Sam's Club Mastercard earns 5% cash back on all purchases made at Sam's Club locations and at Sam's Club fuel stations. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases made anywhere Mastercard is accepted. This includes groceries at other stores, restaurants, online shopping, and utilities.
Cash back accrues monthly based on your spending in the previous month. You do not need to reach a spending threshold or set up categories—the rewards are automatic. If you spend $500 at Sam's Club in a month, you earn $25 in cash back that month.
The 5% rate applies only to purchases at Sam's Club warehouse locations and Sam's Club fuel stations. Purchases made through Sam's Club's website or mobile app, or at other retailers, earn 1% cash back.
How to Redeem Your Cash Back
Cash back rewards appear in your account each month and remain there until you choose to use them. You have three ways to redeem:
- Statement credit: Log into your account online or through the Sam's Club mobile app and request a statement credit. The amount is applied to your next billing statement.
- Bank transfer: Request a direct deposit to a linked checking or savings account. This typically takes three to five business days.
- Membership fee credit: At renewal time, you can explore your cash back balance to reduce or cover your Sam's Club membership fee.
You do not have to redeem all your cash back at once. You can use part of it now and save the rest for later, as long as your account remains open.
Differences Between the Personal and Business Cards
The Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard earn rewards at the same rates and have the same annual fee (none). The main differences are in who can hold them and how they report to credit bureaus.
The personal card is open to any Sam's Club member age 18 or older. The business card requires you to be a business owner with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), or a sole proprietor using your Social Security number. Business cards typically report to business credit bureaus in addition to personal credit bureaus, which can help you build business credit separately from personal credit.
Both cards use the same Mastercard network, so they are accepted at the same merchants. Both earn the same 5% at Sam's Club and 1% elsewhere. The choice between them depends on whether you want the card tied to a business or personal account.
Annual Fees and Membership Requirements
The Sam's Club Mastercard itself has no annual fee. However, you must maintain an active Sam's Club membership to hold the card. If your membership lapses, Sam's Club may close the card.
Sam's Club membership fees vary by membership type and location. Standard Gold Star membership typically costs around $50 to $60 per year, while Plus membership (which includes additional discounts and benefits) costs more. These membership fees are separate from the credit card and are not waived by holding the card.
If you close your Sam's Club membership, you should expect the credit card to be closed as well. Conversely, if you do not plan to shop at Sam's Club regularly, the membership fee may outweigh the value of the card's rewards.
Getting the Card and What You Need
You can request the Sam's Club Mastercard in person at any Sam's Club warehouse, online through Sam's Club's website, or through the mobile app. You must be a current Sam's Club member to explore.
The process process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Sam's Club will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Approval decisions are usually made within minutes to a few days.
Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary digital card number when ready after approval to start earning rewards right away while you wait for the physical card.
How the Card Affects Your Credit
Opening a Sam's Club Mastercard creates a new account on your credit report. This lowers your average account age and increases your total available credit, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Over time, as you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it can help your credit score by showing a history of on-time payments and responsible credit use.
The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) each month. Your payment history, credit utilization, and account age all factor into your credit score. Paying your balance in full each month and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit helps maximize the benefit to your score.
If you close the card, the account remains on your credit report for up to seven years, so closing it does not when ready erase its history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the card outside of Sam's Club?
Yes. The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases made anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You earn the higher 5% rate only at Sam's Club locations and Sam's Club fuel stations.
What happens to my rewards if I close my membership?
Your cash back balance remains in your account for a limited time after your membership ends, but you will not be able to earn new rewards. You should redeem your balance before your membership lapses. Check your account terms for the exact window to redeem after membership closure.
Do I have to pay an annual fee to keep the card?
No. The card itself has no annual fee. You do need to maintain an active Sam's Club membership, which does have a separate annual fee that varies by membership type.
How long does it take to receive the physical card?
The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can request a temporary digital card number when ready after approval to start using the card right away.
Can I transfer my rewards to another person?
No. Rewards are tied to your account and can only be redeemed by you as a statement credit, bank transfer, or membership fee credit. You cannot transfer rewards to another person or account.