Sam's Club Membership: Is the $15 Deal Worth It? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Sam's Club Membership Tiers: Club vs. Plus (What's the Difference?)

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Sam's Club offers two membership levels with vastly different value propositions.

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Club Membership: $50/year (Currently $15 with promo)

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What you get:

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• Access to all 600+ Sam's Club locations nationwide

• Members-only pricing on bulk items

• Scan & Go mobile checkout (skip checkout lines entirely)

• Fuel discounts at Sam's Club Gas stations

• Two membership cards (primary + one household member)

• Free curbside pickup on orders $50+ (no minimum or fees as of October 2025)

• Same-day delivery (flat $20 fee for Club members)

• Members-only sales and "Instant Savings" events

• Add up to 8 additional members at $45 each

• 100% satisfaction guarantee (cancel anytime for full refund)

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Best for: Occasional bulk shoppers, small households, people testing warehouse club shopping

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Plus Membership: $110/year (Currently $50 with promo)

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Everything in Club membership, plus:

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Exclusive Plus benefits:

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• 2% Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases (up to $500/year)

• Early shopping hours: Shop 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (2-hour head start Monday-Friday, 1-hour Saturday)

• Free shipping on eligible online orders $50+

• Free same-day delivery on orders $50+ (vs. $20 flat fee for Club members)

• Free select generic prescriptions (up to 10 medications per month, 600+ drugs under $10)

• Additional optical and pharmacy discounts

• 50% off tire installation with 4-year roadside assistance

• Early access to online sales events

• Add up to 16 Club-level members at $45 each

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Best for: Frequent shoppers (weekly), families of 4+, those who value convenience (early hours, free delivery)

The Break-Even Math: When Does Sam's Club Membership Pay for Itself?

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Club Membership Break-Even

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At the promotional $15 price, you only need to save $15 total to break even.

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How much do you need to spend?

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• If Sam's Club saves you 25% on groceries vs. regular stores

• You need to spend $60 at Sam's Club to save $15

• Or: Buy 2-3 bulk items per year

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Example: One Costco-sized pack of paper towels ($24 vs. $35 at Target = $11 saved) + one bulk pack of coffee ($18 vs. $28 = $10 saved) = $21 in savings, $6 profit after membership

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Verdict: At $15, Club membership is extremely low-risk and pays for itself with minimal shopping.

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Plus Membership Break-Even

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At the promotional $50 price (or $110 regular price), the math gets more complex.

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The upgrade from Club to Plus costs:

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• Current promo: $35 additional ($50 Plus - $15 Club)

• Regular pricing: $60 additional ($110 Plus - $50 Club)

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To break even on 2% Sam's Cash alone:

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• Need $1,750 in qualifying purchases (at promo pricing)

• Need $3,000 in qualifying purchases (at regular pricing)

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BUT — Sam's Cash exclusions apply:

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• Alcohol, tobacco

• Fuel, automotive services

• Milk, dairy products

• Gift cards

• Optical, pharmacy purchases

• Tire and battery centers

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Translation: If 30% of your spending is excluded categories, you need to spend $2,500-$4,300 total to hit break-even through cash back alone.

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However, Plus membership includes valuable perks beyond cash back:

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• Early hours (2 hours/week = 104 hours/year = $650 value at $6.25/hour time savings)

• Free shipping (10 orders/year = $100 saved)

• Free prescriptions (10 medications/month = $40-$480 annual value)

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Verdict: Plus makes sense if you spend $3,500+ annually at Sam's Club OR heavily utilize early hours, free shipping, and pharmacy benefits.

Real Household Savings: Who Actually Benefits from Sam's Club?

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Singles & Couples (1-2 people)

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Annual Sam's Club spending: $1,200-$2,000

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Recommended tier: Club membership ($15)

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Why: Limited storage space and smaller consumption means bulk purchases often go to waste. Club membership provides access to occasional bulk buys (toiletries, cleaning supplies, non-perishables) without the Plus premium.

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Estimated annual value: $100-$200 in savings after $15 membership fee

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Small Families (3-4 people)

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Annual Sam's Club spending: $2,800-$4,500

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Recommended tier: Club at $15, consider Plus at $50 promo pricing

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Why: This is the sweet spot for Sam's Club value. Families consume bulk items quickly enough to avoid waste, and the savings add up fast on groceries, diapers, school supplies, and household essentials.

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Estimated annual value:

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• Club: $400-$600 in savings after $15 fee

• Plus: $600-$850 in savings after $50 fee (if using early hours and free delivery)

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Large Families (5+ people)

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Annual Sam's Club spending: $5,000-$9,000

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Recommended tier: Plus membership (especially at $50 promo price)

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Why: High consumption volume means you'll maximize 2% Sam's Cash (capped at $500/year on $25,000 spending), early shopping hours avoid crowded weekend trips with kids, and free prescriptions can save hundreds monthly.

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Estimated annual value: $900-$1,400 in savings after $50 fee

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Small Business Owners

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Annual Sam's Club spending: $8,000-$20,000

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Recommended tier: Plus membership (100%)

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Why: Office supplies, cleaning products, break room snacks, and business services make Sam's Club essential. Plus membership's 2% cash back maxes out at $500/year ($25,000 spending threshold), and early hours let you shop before business hours.

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Estimated annual value: $1,200-$2,500 in savings after $110 regular price

Sam's Club vs. Costco vs. BJ's: Which Warehouse Club Wins?

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Before committing to Sam's Club, it's worth understanding how it compares to its two biggest competitors.

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Membership Cost Comparison (2025 Pricing)

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Geographic Coverage

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Sam's Club:

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• 600+ locations in 44 states

• Strongest in South, Midwest, and Southwest

• Owned by Walmart

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Costco:

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• 600+ locations in 46 states + DC

• Strongest in West Coast and Pacific Northwest

• Independent publicly traded company

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BJ's Wholesale Club:

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• 247 locations in 20 states

• Concentrated in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

• Limited geographic reach

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Winner: Tie between Sam's Club and Costco for coverage; BJ's limited to East Coast

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Product Selection & Quality

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Sam's Club:

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• Member's Mark private label (high quality, lower price)

• Strong Walmart partnership for product sourcing

• ~4,000 SKUs

• Excellent fresh meat and produce

• Tech and electronics at competitive prices

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Costco:

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• Kirkland Signature (considered gold standard for store brands)

• Premium product curation

• ~4,000 SKUs

• Higher-end organic and specialty items

• Better wine and spirits selection (where applicable)

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BJ's:

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• Wellsley Farms private label

• More name-brand options than Costco/Sam's

• ~7,000 SKUs (closer to traditional grocery store)

• Smaller package sizes available

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Winner: Costco for premium quality; BJ's for variety; Sam's Club for value

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Credit Card Acceptance & Rewards Stacking

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Sam's Club:

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• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express (all major cards)

• No co-branded credit card (full flexibility)

• Advantage: Stack any 2% cash back card + 2% Sam's Cash (Plus members) = 4% total rewards

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Costco:

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• In-store: Visa ONLY

• Online: All major cards accepted

• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (co-branded card):
  • 4% back on gas (up to $7,000/year)
  • 3% on restaurants and travel
  • 2% at Costco
  • 1% elsewhere

• Disadvantage: Must use Visa in warehouse

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "751", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Costco Members and Shoppers", "headerHint": "Generous Rewards"} ]]

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BJ's:

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• Accepts all major cards

• BJ’s One+™ Mastercard® (co-branded):
  • 5% back at BJ's Gas
  • 2% at BJ's
  • 1% elsewhere

• Advantage: Similar flexibility to Sam's Club

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "7774", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "BJ Members and Shoppers", "headerHint": "5% AT BJ’s Wholesale Club"} ]]

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Winner: Sam's Club (full credit card flexibility without restrictions)

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Cash Back Limits

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Sam's Club Plus: $500 annual maximum (requires $25,000 spending)

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Costco Executive: $1,250 annual maximum (requires $62,500 spending)

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BJ's Club+: $500 annual maximum (requires $25,000 spending)

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Winner: Costco Executive (for high spenders $15,000+/year)

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Delivery & Convenience

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Sam's Club:

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• Free curbside pickup on all orders (no minimum as of Oct 2025)

• Scan & Go app (skip checkout entirely)

• Same-day delivery: $20 flat (Club), FREE on $50+ (Plus)

• Early hours: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Plus members)

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Costco:

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• Limited curbside pickup availability

• No Scan & Go equivalent

• Instacart partnership: $120 annual credit ($10/month on $150+ orders) for Executive members

• Early hours: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Executive members)

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BJ's:

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• Free curbside pickup

• Express Scan mobile app

• 2 free same-day deliveries per year (Club+ members)

• No early hours

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Winner: Sam's Club (Scan & Go + earliest hours + free curbside for all)

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The Verdict: Which Warehouse Club Should You Choose?

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Choose Sam's Club if:

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• You want the lowest entry cost ($15 promotional pricing)

• Credit card flexibility is important (use any card for rewards stacking)

• You value Scan & Go convenience and curbside pickup

• You shop at Walmart regularly and appreciate similar product ecosystems

• You live in the South, Midwest, or Southwest

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Choose Costco if:

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• You spend $10,000+/year at warehouse clubs (higher cash back cap matters)

• You prioritize product quality and premium store brands (Kirkland Signature)

• You frequently use Instacart ($120 annual credit for Executive members)

• You don't mind Visa-only restriction in-store

• You live on the West Coast or Pacific Northwest

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Choose BJ's if:

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• You prefer smaller package sizes (more similar to regular grocery stores)

• You live in the Northeast where BJ's is prevalent

• You value name-brand selection over private label

• Gas savings are a priority (5% back with BJ's One+ Mastercard)

How to Maximize Your Sam's Club Membership (Beyond Just Bulk Buying)

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1. Use Scan & Go to Save Time (Worth $300+ Annually)

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Sam's Club's Scan & Go feature lets you scan items with your phone as you shop, pay in the app, and walk out without waiting in checkout lines.

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Time savings calculation:

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• Average checkout wait: 10-15 minutes

• Scan & Go checkout: 0 minutes

• Shop twice monthly = 24 trips/year

• Time saved: 4-6 hours annually = $100-$150 value (at $25/hour)

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Bonus: Scan & Go gives you a running total, making it easier to stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases.

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2. Leverage Free Curbside Pickup for Heavy Items

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As of October 2025, Sam's Club offers free curbside pickup on all orders with no minimum purchase required (previously $50 minimum with $4 fee for smaller orders).

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Best items for curbside:

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• Bottled water cases (40-packs)

• Pet food (40-50 lb bags)

• Paper towels and toilet paper (bulk packs)

• Laundry detergent (large jugs)

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Value: Save 15-20 minutes per trip + avoid lifting heavy items

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3. Stack Credit Card Rewards on Top of Sam's Cash

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Sam's Club accepts all major credit cards, giving you flexibility to maximize rewards.

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Optimal strategy for Plus members:

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• Use a 2% flat-rate cash back card on all Sam's Club purchases

• Earn 2% from your credit card + 2% Sam's Cash = 4% total rewards

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Example calculation:

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• Annual Sam's Club spending: $5,000

• Credit card rewards (2%): $100

• Sam's Cash (2%): $100

• Total rewards: $200

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Use Kudos to identify your best card automatically — Kudos analyzes your wallet and tells you which credit card earns the most on every Sam's Club purchase, ensuring you never leave rewards on the table.

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4. Take Advantage of Member's Mark Quality at Private Label Prices

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Member's Mark is Sam's Club's exclusive private label brand, offering quality comparable to national brands at 15-30% lower prices.

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Best Member's Mark finds:

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• Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins)

• Coffee and tea

• Snacks and pantry staples

• Clothing (surprisingly good quality for basics)

• Home goods and storage solutions

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Estimated savings: $200-$400 annually by choosing Member's Mark over name brands

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5. Use Pharmacy Savings for Prescriptions

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Club members: $4 generic prescriptions (limited selection)

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Plus members:

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• Up to 10 FREE generic prescriptions per month

• 600+ additional generic drugs for under $10

• Save up to 80% on other medications

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Value for Plus members: If you take 3 generic medications regularly, that's $12-$36 per month = $144-$432 annual savings just from free prescriptions.

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6. Fill Up at Sam's Club Gas Stations

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Sam's Club gas stations typically offer fuel 5-15¢ per gallon cheaper than nearby gas stations.

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Savings calculation:

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• Fill up twice per week (26 gallons/week)

• Save 10¢/gallon on average

• Weekly savings: $2.60

• Annual savings: $135

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Pro tip: Use a credit card that offers elevated rewards on gas purchases to stack savings further.

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7. Shop During Early Hours (Plus Members Only)

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Plus members get access to stores at 8 a.m. Monday-Friday (2-hour head start) and Saturday mornings (1-hour head start).

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Why it matters:

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• No crowds or lines

• Fully stocked fresh produce, meat, and bakery items

• Easier parking

• Peaceful shopping experience

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Time value: Shopping early saves 20-30 minutes per trip. If you shop twice per month, that's 8-12 hours saved annually = $200-$300 value

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8. Use the Auto Buying Program

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Sam's Club partners with TrueCar to help members buy new and used vehicles with transparent, no-haggle pricing.

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Benefits:

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• Access to 10,000+ certified dealers

• Upfront pricing (no negotiation needed)

• Trade-in assistance

• Potential savings: $500-$2,000 on vehicle purchases

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9. Book Travel Through Sam's Club

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Sam's Club offers exclusive travel deals for members:

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• Hotels (10-20% off)

• Car rentals (up to 25% off)

• Vacation packages

• Live event tickets

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Plus members: Earn 2% Sam's Cash on travel bookings

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Estimated savings: $100-$300 on a week-long vacation

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10. Track Your Sam's Cash and Use It Before It Expires

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Sam's Cash is loaded onto your membership card monthly. It doesn't expire as long as your membership is active, but many members forget to use it.

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How to check your balance:

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• Open Sam's Club app

• Check "Sam's Cash" section

• Redeem at checkout or cash out at Member Services

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Pro tip: Enable push notifications to get alerts when Sam's Cash is added to your account.

Common Sam's Club Membership Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

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Mistake #1: Buying Perishables in Bulk When You Can't Consume Them

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The problem: That 10-lb bag of spinach seems like a great deal until it wilts in your fridge.

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Solution:

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• Buy non-perishables in bulk (toiletries, cleaning supplies, canned goods)

• Only buy perishables you can freeze or consume within a week

• Split bulk perishables with friends or family

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Mistake #2: Not Using Scan & Go and Wasting Time in Checkout Lines

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The problem: Waiting 15 minutes in line defeats the purpose of convenient bulk shopping.

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Solution:

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• Download the Sam's Club app

• Use Scan & Go on every visit

• Walk straight out after paying in the app

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Time saved: 6+ hours annually

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Mistake #3: Forgetting to Redeem Sam's Cash (Plus Members)

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The problem: Sam's Cash sits on your account unused, and you don't realize you're missing out on free money.

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Solution:

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• Check Sam's Cash balance before every trip

• Enable notifications in the app

• Redeem regularly instead of letting it accumulate

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Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Credit Card

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The problem: Paying with a debit card or low-earning credit card means missing out on 2-4% additional rewards.

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Solution:

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• Use Kudos to identify which credit card earns the most at Sam's Club

• Always pay with a credit card (never debit)

• Stack credit card rewards with Sam's Cash (Plus members)

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Lost value: $50-$200 annually by using the wrong payment method

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Mistake #5: Not Shopping During Early Hours (Plus Members)

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The problem: You're paying for Plus membership but shopping during regular hours, wasting time in crowds.

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Solution:

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• Adjust your schedule to shop at 8 a.m. at least twice per month

• Take advantage of peaceful shopping and full stock

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Wasted value: $200+ annually in time savings

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam's Club Membership

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Is the $15 Sam's Club membership deal legit?

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‍Yes. Sam's Club is running a promotional discount for new members through October 31, 2025. Club membership is $15 (normally $50) and Plus membership is $50 (normally $110). This is a legitimate limited-time offer.

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Can I get a refund if I don't like my membership?

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‍Yes. Sam's Club offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Cancel anytime during your membership year for a full refund—no questions asked. This makes trying the $15 deal virtually risk-free.

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What credit cards does Sam's Club accept?

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‍Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express both in-store and online. This gives you maximum flexibility to use your highest-earning rewards card (unlike Costco, which only accepts Visa in-store).

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How does Sam's Cash work?

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‍Plus members earn 2% Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases (up to $500 per year). Sam's Cash is loaded onto your membership card monthly and can be redeemed at checkout, used for online purchases, or cashed out at Member Services. It doesn't expire as long as your membership is active.

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Can I shop at Sam's Club without a membership?

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‍Generally, no. However, Sam's Club occasionally hosts "Open House" weekends where non-members can shop with a guest pass. The next Open House is October 17-19, 2025. You can also shop online without a membership, but you'll pay a 10% surcharge on most items.

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Is Sam's Club owned by Walmart?

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‍Yes. Sam's Club is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc. The companies share some supply chain and operational infrastructure, which helps Sam's Club offer competitive pricing.

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What's better: Sam's Club or Costco?

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It depends on your priorities:

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• Sam's Club wins on: Price ($15 entry), credit card flexibility, Scan & Go convenience, early hours (8 a.m.)

• Costco wins on: Product quality (Kirkland Signature), higher cash back cap ($1,250 vs. $500), Instacart credit ($120/year for Executive)

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For most families spending $3,000-$8,000/year, Sam's Club offers better value. For big spenders ($10,000+/year) who prioritize premium products, Costco Executive is superior.

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Can I share my Sam's Club membership with friends?

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‍No. Each membership includes two cards: one for the primary member and one for a household member living at the same address. You can add additional members at $45 each, but they must provide the same address. Sharing cards with non-household members violates membership terms.

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Do I need a separate membership for business purchases?

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‍No. Sam's Club offers both personal and business memberships at the same price. Business members can purchase items for resale and add additional cardholders for employees.

Final Verdict: Should You Join Sam's Club at $15?

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✅ Join Sam's Club Club ($15) if:

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• You're willing to try warehouse club shopping risk-free

• You occasionally need bulk items (paper products, cleaning supplies, non-perishables)

• You want access to Member's Mark products and fuel discounts

• You're curious about Scan & Go and curbside pickup

• You spend at least $100/year at Sam's Club

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Estimated value: $150-$400 annually after $15 fee

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✅ Upgrade to Sam's Club Plus ($50 promo price) if:

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• You spend $3,500+ annually at Sam's Club

• You shop weekly or bi-weekly

• You value early shopping hours (8 a.m. access)

• You place online orders frequently and benefit from free shipping

• You take 3+ generic medications regularly (free prescriptions = huge savings)

• You're a family of 4+ buying groceries, diapers, and household essentials

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Estimated value: $650-$1,200 annually after $50 fee

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❌ Skip Sam's Club membership if:

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• You live more than 20 minutes from the nearest location

• You have limited storage space (apartment, small home)

• You're a single person or couple who can't consume bulk quantities

• You primarily shop at specialty stores (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods)

• You prefer variety over value (Sam's Club has limited SKU selection)

Next Steps: How to Sign Up and Start Saving

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1. Check if the $15 deal is still active

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‍Visit Sam's Club's promotional page or click through deal aggregators (NBC Select, Stack Social, Groupon) to confirm the offer is live.

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2. Decide between Club ($15) and Plus ($50)

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‍Use the spending calculations and benefits breakdown in this guide to determine which tier makes sense for your household.

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3. Sign up with auto-renew enabled

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‍The promotional pricing requires auto-renew enrollment. You can cancel anytime for a full refund if you're not satisfied.

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4. Download the Sam's Club app

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‍Get instant access to your digital membership card, Scan & Go checkout, and Sam's Cash balance tracking.

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5. Set up Kudos to maximize credit card rewards

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‍Sign up for Kudos (free) to automatically identify which credit card earns the most on every Sam's Club purchase—ensuring you stack rewards on top of Sam's Cash.

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6. Plan your first shopping trip

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‍Take advantage of early hours (Plus members) or visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Use Scan & Go to skip checkout lines.

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7. Track your savings

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‍Keep receipts and compare Sam's Club prices to regular grocery stores for the first 2-3 months. If you're not saving at least $15-$50 (depending on your tier), consider downgrading or canceling for a full refund.

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Ready to maximize your Sam's Club membership savings? Sign up for Kudos for free and let our AI-powered wallet automatically tell you which credit card earns the most on every purchase—from bulk groceries to gas fill-ups.