With almost 600 locations across the country, Sam’s Club is a popular wholesale club for savvy shoppers. As an added perk, the store offers two credit cards available exclusively to Sam’s Club members. Since you can’t carry infinite plastic in your wallet—and an excellent credit score depends in part on making good decisions about the credit accounts you do open—take some time to ensure a Sam’s Club credit card is the right card for you.
A Basic Look at the Sam’s Club Credit Cards
- Sam’s Club offers two credit cards: the Sam’s Club credit card and the Sam’s Club Mastercard.
- You need a current Sam’s Club membership to sign up for and use either card. Annual membership starts at $45 and is automatically billed to your card.
- You need good or excellent credit to be approved for either card.
- The Sam’s Club credit card can be used only at Sam’s Club and Walmart. The Sam’s Club Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted and offers cashback rewards.
- Both cards come with no annual fees beyond a Sam’s Club membership.
- Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank.
Who Might Benefit from a Sam’s Club Credit Card
If you’re a regular Sam’s Club shopper, these cards might be a good fit for you. They double as your membership card, so you can reduce some bulk in your wallet. And if you want a credit card with a reduced risk of overspending, the Sam’s Club credit card could be a great choice, as you can use it only at certain locations.
The Sam’s Club Mastercard may be a better choice for people looking for a more flexible card and cashback rewards. Its rewards can be especially lucrative for those who spend a lot on gas each year.
You do have to pay for a Sam’s Club membership each year to be eligible for either of these cards. If you never shop at Sam’s Club or you don’t have one near you, these may not be the right cards for you.
Everything You Need to Know About the Sam’s Club Credit Card Requirements
While the Sam’s Club credit cards share most of the same benefits, there are a few key differences to consider if you’re interested in applying for one of these consumer cards. Check out the specifics below before you make a decision.
Benefits of the Sam’s Club Credit Card
The Sam’s Club credit card works best for people who often shop at Sam’s Club or Walmart stores. It is accepted nationwide at all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations.
The card also offers a small bonus opportunity when you sign up for an account. If you spend $45 online at Sam’s Club when you’re approved for your card, you get a $45 statement credit to cover that initial purchase. This offer ends in June 15, 2020, but they often offer similar sign-up bonuses.
Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Credit Card
This credit card requires an active Sam’s Club membership and can only be used at Sam’s Club and Walmart locations. If you’re looking for a credit card you can use anywhere, this is not the card for you.
Its variable APR is a little high, especially if you regularly keep a balance on your credit card. The card also doesn’t offer any cashback benefits, so unless you’re looking for a card specifically for your Sam’s Club and Walmart outings, this card may not be right for you.
Benefits of the Sam’s Club Mastercard
Unlike the Sam’s Club credit card, the Sam’s Club Mastercard is accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Sam’s Club Mastercard also offers the added benefit of cash back rewards. You can earn up to $5,000 cash back in the following ways each year:
- You get 5% back on the first $6,000 per year on fuel purchases, including those at Sam’s Club locations. After $6,000, the fuel cash back drops to 1%.
- You get 3% back on qualified travel and dining purchases.
- You earn 1% back on any other purchase.
There are no foreign transaction fees or annual fees for this card.
Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Mastercard
Cashback rewards exclude some purchases—including gas purchases—made at wholesale clubs other than Sam’s Club. These rewards are loaded onto your Sam’s Club membership annually and can be redeemed only at a Sam’s Club location or online. If you are not a Sam’s Club member in good standing when rewards are redeemed, you forfeit those rewards. The card typically requires at least a good credit score, and your credit score also informs the APR for your account. Before applying for this card, you’ll want to check your credit score to ensure you have the best chance of approval. The card doesn’t offer any type of introductory APR, so if that’s important to you, you may want to take your excellent credit score elsewhere.
〉Tip: Check your free credit score from Credit.com before applying.
Alternatives to the Sam’s Club Credit Cards
The Sam’s Club cards aren’t right for everyone. If you don’t shop at Sam’s Club or don’t want to pay for a membership each year, these cards aren’t the ideal choice. You lose your cardholder status and forfeit any rewards as soon as you stop paying for your Sam’s Club membership.
But don’t worry. If you’re looking for a rewards card to go with your good credit, there are lots of other card options.
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
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- No annual fee
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- Up to 10% cash back from your favorite brands with Upgrade Shopping
- No touch payments with contactless technology built in
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- Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
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Get Your Credit in Order and Apply for the Right Card
Whether you’re going to apply for a Sam’s Club credit card or another option, take a moment to ensure your credit is strong enough. Get your free credit score on Credit.com and check your Credit Report Card to see where you might work to improve your score.
Download our app to keep track of your credit on the go.
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