Editor's note: This is a recurring post and is regularly updated with new information and offers.
Sam's Club® Mastercard® Review
The Sam's Club® Mastercard® is a cash back credit card available to Sam's Club members. While it doesn't provide additional income for purchases at Sam's Club without a Plus membership, this card offers 5% back on gas and 3% back on dining with no annual fee. Rewards are awarded within one to two payment cycles after they are earned and are easy to redeem at Sam's Club.Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Map ratings are based on the opinion of TPG editors and are not influenced by the map publisher.
The Sam's Club Mastercard may sound appealing if you regularly shop at Sam's Club, prefer cash back, or don't want to pay an annual credit card fee. Yes, Sam's Club Mastercard checks these fields.
However, the card has low rates on everyday purchases and only gives cash back on Sam's Club purchases to those with a more expensive Plus membership. On the other hand, the card offers premium rates for fuel and restaurant purchases.
Let's take a closer look at the Sam's Club Mastercard to see if it deserves a place in your wallet.
Sam's Club Mastercard data is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been verified or provided by the card issuer.
Sam's Club Mastercard Welcome Offer
Keep your credit cards safethey usually offer pretty depressing sign-up bonuses, and the Sam's Club Mastercard (issued by Synchrony Bank) is no exception.
New applicants can receive a $30 credit toward a Sam's Club purchase within the first 30 days of opening a $30 account. While something is better than nothing, $30 is pretty low forcredit card welcome bonus. However, it is a 100% refund andit does not require much effort.
Related:Why storing credit cards is (almost) always a bad idea
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Benefits of the Sam's Club Mastercard
Eventhe best cards with no annual feesthey don't offer much benefit. However, there are very few benefits on the Sam's Club Mastercard, which only offers:
- There are no fees for foreign transactions.
- There are no annual costs.
- Accepted at all Sam's Club and Walmart locations nationwide.
- Online access to the account, including the possibilityrequest a credit limit increase.
- It also serves as a Sam's Club membership card.
Of these advertised benefits, only two stand out: no fees for foreign transactions and no annual fee. In spite of everything,Sam's Club locations accept most credit cardsand other payment methods. It is not unusual to say that the Sam's Club Mastercard is accepted at all Sam's Club and Walmart locations nationwide.
Related:12 Credit Cards That Can Get You $1,000 or More in Your First Year
Earn cash back on your Sam's Club Mastercard
With the Sam's Club Mastercard, you can get cash back in the following ways:
- 5% at gas stations (starting with the first $6,000 in a calendar year, then 1%).
- 3% on meals and take-out.
- 1% on other purchases.
Sam's Club Plus members also earn up to 5% cash back on Sam's Club purchases - all Plus members already earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases (up to $500 cash back per year), and cardholders get an additional 3% cash back. ANDplus membershipit costs $110 a year.
Without a Plus membership, you only earn 1% back on Sam's Club purchases. If you're looking for better earnings without a $110/year membership, consider buyingCredit card with 2% cash back.
Earn 5% backfullis rare - especially in the case of the z cardthere are no annual costs- which makes this card a great option for those who spend a lot on fuel. This revenue applies to all gas stations (not just Sam's Club gas stations), although there are a few exceptions: non-Sam's Club warehouse clubs and in-store gas stations. Earn 3% backdining roomis another strong category on this chart.
Prizes will be awarded in the form of Sam's Cash. You can earn up to $5,000 in Sam's Cash per year with your card. It is important to note that you will not receive a refund for purchases of tobacco, e-cigarettes, prescription drugs, gift cards or other cash equivalents.
Related:How to choose a cash back credit card
Get cash back on your Sam's Club Mastercard
Sam's Cash will be issued automatically within one to two billing cycles of earning and upgrading your Sam's Club membership account. You can then use this cash back at Sam's Club to make purchases at the club, online and through the app. You can also use Sam's Cash to renew or upgrade your membership or cash it out by claiming cash back from the staff cashier or Member Services.
However, you will not receive a refund - or your available refund balance will be forfeited - in the following cases:
- Your card account is not in good standing.
- Your Sam's Club membership will be terminated, canceled or revoked by Sam's Club.
- Your card account has been canceled or closed (by you or Synchrony Bank).
Sam's Cash will not expire as long as you are an active member of Sam's Club.
If you plan to keep your Sam's Club membership for many years and shop regularly at Sam's Club, this redemption program is ideal because of its ease of use. But if you don't spend a lot at Sam's Club, it's best to see if another card is bringing you more total income.
Related:3 reasons why you want a cashback credit card in your wallet
What cards compete with the Sam's Club Mastercard?
Consider other wallet cards, such as those from Walmart and Costco, as well as cards that provide good income for everyday expenses without charging an annual fee.
- If you want to earn money in a warehouse club with a basic membership:FromCostco Anywhere Visa® Card stevig Citi(Seerates and surcharges) has no annual fee, but requires an active Costco membership. Earn 4% cash back on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 in purchases per year, then 1% cash back), 3% cash back on dining and eligible travel, 2% cash back on Costco purchases (both in-store and online ) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash prizes are available every year. For more information read ourfull review of the Costco Visa Card.
- Do you want to earn more by daily shopping:FromCiti® Dual Cash-kaart(Seerates and surcharges) has no annual fee and you earn 2 Citi ThankYou points for all purchases: 1 point for purchases and 1 point for bill payments. You can use these points for travel or withdraw them by offering earning options. For more information read ourfull review of Citi Double Cash.
- If you want to increase your earnings at Walmart:The Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card has no annual fee and gives you 5% cash back at Walmart.com (including pickup and delivery), 2% cash back at Walmart stores, 2% cash back at dining and travel and 1% cash back at other purchases. Earnings can be exchanged for cash, recent purchases, travel or gift cards. For more information read ourfull review of the Walmart Rewards card.
- If more income is important to you and you shop online:The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card has no annual fee, but requires an active Prime membership to unlock the earning potential. You can earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on other purchases. You also get 10% (or more) back on select Amazon products with various offers. For more information read ourAmazon Prime Visa Full Review.
Check out our full list for additional optionsthe best credit cards for everyday expenses.
Information for Capital One Walmart Rewards and Amazon Prime Visa cards is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been verified or provided by the card issuer.
Related:Why now is the time to get a card that rewards shopping
Is the Sam's Club Mastercard worth it?
If you're not a Sam's Club member, it probably doesn't make sense to join Mastercard Sam's Club. Existing members (especially those with a Plus membership) can take advantage of the card's earning level. It's also worth checking out if there's one of the best maps for itfullanddining roomshopping would be better for you.
Related:6 ways to save at the pump
Conclusion
Earning bonus cash back on fuel and meals is fun. The real power of this card is when you combine it with a Sam's Club Plus membership, which costs extra, so make sure you're earning enough to cover the cost.
If you shop at Sam's Club a lot, this might be a good ticket. But you can earn more with a card that offers higher earnings for daily spending, since you probably don't shop at Sam's Club every day.
Additional reporting by Katie Genter.
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
FAQs
How to earn cash back with your Sam's Club Mastercard reward program? ›
Sam's Club® Mastercard® holders may earn Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases using their Sam's Club Mastercard when using Scan and Go. Your e-receipt will have Sam's Cash earned details. REDEEM: On the Scan & Go checkout page, if you have Sam's Cash available, it will show as an available tender type.
What are the benefits of Sam's Club Plus member Mastercard? ›The Sam's Club Mastercard will earn 5% Cash Back Rewards on gas anywhere (up to $6,000), 3% Cash Back Rewards on dining and takeout, 3% Cash Back at Sam's Club for Plus Members and 1% Cash Back Rewards on all other eligible purchases.
What is the highest credit limit on Sam's Club Mastercard? ›The credit limit for the Sam's Club Credit Card typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, although reports indicate it's possible to get higher limits. Your credit limit on your Sam's Club Credit Card is determined by multiple factors, including your annual income and credit history.
How does Sam's Club reward points work? ›The Sam's Cash Bonus Offers program allows eligible Sam's Club members to earn Sam's Cash that they can redeem under the Sam's Cash loyalty rewards program. A member does this by linking an eligible credit or debit card to earn Sam's Cash when the member completes qualifying activities at third-party merchants.
Can I use my Sam's Club Mastercard rewards at Walmart? ›The Sam's Club Credit Card is designed to be used as a store card for purchases at Sam's Club and Walmart. The Sam's Club Mastercard can be used as a more general payment card and is accepted wherever Mastercard is.
Can you cash out credit card rewards? ›Usually, the most common ways to redeem cash back rewards are by requesting a statement credit to offset your current card balance or by having the funds deposited into a linked bank account. You can also sometimes request your rewards in the form of a check.
What is the difference between a Sam's Club card and a Sam's Club Plus card? ›The Sam's Club Plus Membership is the highest level of membership offered and includes additional benefits such as free shipping for online orders, earlier shopping hours, and special financing options. A Sam's Club basic membership costs $45 a year, while a Sam's Club Plus membership costs $100 per year, an extra $55.
How hard is it to get a Sam's Club Mastercard? ›The credit score needed for the Sam's Club® Credit Card is at least 700. That's in the “good” credit range but barely meeting a card's minimum requirements is far from the ticket to high approval odds. You'll need income to make your payments, and the issuer will look at several other factors, too.
Can Sam's Club Plus Mastercard be used anywhere? ›Earn Sam's Cash™* with your Sam's Club® World Elite Mastercard®. Anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What is an excellent credit card limit? ›Adam McCann, Financial Writer
A good credit limit is above $30,000, as that is the average credit card limit, according to Experian. To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income and little to no existing debt.
Which credit card usually gives the highest credit limit? ›
Highest “Overall” Credit Limit: $500,000
The winners of the nosebleed award for the highest credit limit among cards for mere mortals are these twins: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, with annual fees in the mid-triple digits and high-double digits, respectively.
A high-limit credit card typically comes with a credit line between $5,000 to $10,000 (and some even go beyond $10,000). You're more likely to have a higher credit limit if you have good or excellent credit.
How much is each Membership Reward point worth? ›This is simple: American Express Membership Points are worth exactly 1 cent apiece when booking flights or 0.7 cent if booking hotels through the issuer's portal. This math is made explicit when booking a flight or hotel while logged in. For example, a $210 flight will cost 21,000 points.
What is the difference between Sam's Club Plus and regular membership? ›And what are the different kinds of membership levels? A standard Sam's Club membership is $45 per year, while the Sam's Plus membership is $100. Both membership levels come with one card (plus one complimentary household membership to share), as well as the opportunity to add on extra memberships for $40 a year.
How do I use my Sam's Club Mastercard rewards? ›The easiest way you can redeem your Sam's Club® Credit Card rewards is by logging in to samsclub.com and choosing “Sam's Club Mastercard Cash Back” during checkout. You can also redeem rewards in-store at any register, self-checkout, or Scan & Go.
Can I use my Sam's Club credit card at a Walmart gas station? ›Sam's Club MasterCard may be used if the fuel center accepts these types of credit cards—check sign on pump or with station attendant for accepted cards. Walmart and Sam's Club gift cards can be used at Walmart or Sam's Club Fuel Centers. Sam's Club gas stations do accept Walmart Credit Cards.
Can I use my Sam's Club card at any Walmart? ›The Sam's Club® Credit Card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. That is pretty much anywhere, as Mastercard benefits from extensive worldwide acceptance. The Sam's Club® Store Card can also be used at Walmart locations in the U.S. and Walmart.com, but you won't be able to use it at Walmart Fuel Stations.
Can you use Sam's Club Mastercard at Costco? ›Sam's Club® Mastercard®
It won't work at Costco because it's a Mastercard and only Visa is accepted there. It also gives you 3% back on dining and takeout purchases, but only 1% back everywhere else, including purchases at Sam's Club.
Redeeming reward points for travel typically provides greater value than redeeming them for cash. Always compare cash prices versus award rates because some flight or hotel redemptions offer a poor redemption value. You may be better off waiting to redeem your points for a high-value reservation.
Should I convert my credit card points to cash? ›It's generally best to redeem credit card rewards points for as much value as you can get. After all, your points are a currency just like cash, albeit in a different and unofficial form.
How often should you cash out credit card rewards? ›
The best way to put this into practice is to redeem your cash back every month as a statement credit towards your credit card bill. Or, if your credit card has a minimum redemption amount, redeem every time you reach that minimum.
Which Sam's Club card is better? ›Plus membership provides the best, highest value available. If you run a business, Plus benefits like free shipping, Curbside Pickup and early shopping hours can help take your business to the next level.
Is Sam's Club offering $8.00 membership? ›Just like our members, we also have a 'more the merrier attitude', so we're excited to be able to bring back our $8 membership offer and let more people discover the quality, convenience, and value that Sam's Club offers.
Which is better Sams or Costco? ›Does Costco or Sam's Club Have Better Prices? Overall, the prices at Costco tend to be cheaper. However, Sam's Club has a greater selection of name-brand products and a cheaper membership fee.
What bank holds Sam's Club Mastercard? ›The Sam's Club Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.
Who does Sam's Club Mastercard report to? ›It reports to the three major consumer credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
Does Sam's Club Mastercard include membership? ›On top of that, you're limited to $5,000 in total cash back for the year. Must buy a Sam's Club membership to use the card at Sam's Club: Even though the Sam's Club Mastercard can double as a membership card at Sam's Club, you don't get automatic membership.
Can you withdraw cash from Sam's Club Mastercard? ›— Sam's Club Mastercard Cardholders still have access to cash through ATMs or at Banks branches/drive-thrus. — Cash advances on Sam's Club personal credit are not available at Walmart stores.
Where can I use my Sam's Club Plus credit 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.
How do I get a second Sam's Club Mastercard? ›- Sign in to your online account.
- From the Account page and under the Membership section.
- Select Additional Cardholders.
- Choose to "Add" or "Edit" a complimentary or add-on cardholder.
- Enter the required info and click the [Save] button to finalize the change(s)
How much should I spend on a credit card with a 300 credit limit? ›
You should try to spend $90 or less on a credit card with a $300 limit, then pay the bill in full by the due date. The rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%, and credit utilization is calculated by dividing your statement balance by your credit limit and multiplying by 100.
Is $25,000 a high credit card limit? ›Yes, a $25,000 credit limit is good, as it is above the national average. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000, and people who have higher limits than that typically have good to excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt.
How much should I spend if my credit limit is $1000? ›A good guideline is the 30% rule: Use no more than 30% of your credit limit to keep your debt-to-credit ratio strong. Staying under 10% is even better. In a real-life budget, the 30% rule works like this: If you have a card with a $1,000 credit limit, it's best not to have more than a $300 balance at any time.
Can I buy a car with a credit card? ›In general, car dealerships accept credit cards. You might even be able to use a card to buy a vehicle. However, it's more likely that the dealership will take a credit card for a down payment or a part of the down payment up to a certain amount. For you, using a credit card is a convenience or maybe a necessity.
Is $5000 a good credit card limit? ›A $5,000 credit limit is good if you have fair to good credit, as it is well above the lowest limits on the market but still far below the highest. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000. You typically need good or excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt to get a limit that high.
What credit limit can I get with a 750 credit score? ›The credit limit you can get with a 750 credit score is likely in the $1,000-$15,000 range, but a higher limit is possible. The reason for the big range is that credit limits aren't solely determined by your credit score.
What credit limit can I get with a 700 credit score? ›“In the 700 club, your credit limit will likely be close to the average credit limit for a newly issued card, about $5,000,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate. “That limit can vary based on income and other debt.”
Is a 10k credit card limit good? ›Is a $10,000 credit limit good? Yes a $10,000 credit limit is good for a credit card. Most credit card offers have much lower minimum credit limits than that, since $10,000 credit limits are generally for people with excellent credit scores and high income.
Is 40000 a high credit card limit? ›Yes, a $40,000 credit limit is very good, as it is well above the average credit limit in America. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000, and people who have limits as high as $40,000 typically have good to excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt.
Are membership points better than cash back? ›If you travel often, you're likely to get more value out of a rewards card that offers points instead of cash back. But if traveling isn't your thing, or you value simplicity and low annual fees, a cash back credit card may be a better choice for you.
How much is 60 000 Membership Rewards points worth? ›
60,000 American Express points are worth about $402, depending on which American Express credit card you have and what you spend the points on. You will get the best value for your American Express points when you redeem them for Travel, but there are multiple redemption options.
How much is 1,000 reward points worth? ›| Number of American Express Points | Average Value |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $6.7 |
| 11,000 | $73.7 |
| 21,000 | $140.7 |
| 31,000 | $207.7 |
Sam's Club Plus membership
In addition to getting all the benefits of a regular membership, Plus members earn 2% back — up to a maximum of $500 per year — on qualifying purchases. They also get free shipping with no minimum purchase online and select free prescriptions in the pharmacy.
The Sam's Club membership cost increased on Oct. 17, 2022, with the entry-level membership jumping from $45 to $50 per year and their Plus membership increasing from $100 to $110 per year.
What is the difference between Sam's Club credit card and Mastercard? ›The Sam's Club Store Card and the Sam's Club® Mastercard® are entirely different products. The Mastercard is an “open-loop” card meaning it can be used outside of the warehouse club. The Sam's Club Credit Card is a store-only card without rewards that's only accepted at Sam's Club and Walmart stores.
How can I use my Mastercard reward points? ›- Log in to your online account with your user ID and password.
- Find the accounts page and click the rewards tab.
- Select your redemption option.
- Redeem your rewards.
No, your Sam's Cash never expires. Does my membership need to be active to earn and spend Sam's Cash? Yes, only active members can spend Sam's Cash. You can still earn Sam's Cash with the Sam's Club Mastercard, even if your membership is not active.
What is Sam's cash and how do you earn it? ›Essentially, Sam's Cash is a way to earn rewards by making in-store purchases as a Sam's Club member, earning you rewards that you can choose how to use later. You have to be a Sam's Club Plus member to earn Sam's Cash or have a Sam's Club Mastercard that can rack you up rewards wherever you make purchases with it.
Does Sam's Club card give cash back? ›The 2% Sam's Cash is awarded monthly and loaded onto the membership card for use in club, in our mobile app, on most direct purchases from Sam's Club online, applied to Sam's Club membership renewal fees or redeemable for cash. Restrictions apply.
Does Sams Club credit card give cash back on travel? ›With the Sam's Club Mastercard, you can earn 5% cash back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back on dining and travel, 1% back on other purchases.
Does Sam's Club give money back? ›
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on your Membership or your money back. If you are not pleased with any product you buy at the Club, we will replace it, refund your money, or compensate you with a Sam's Club gift card.
How do I redeem my Sam's Club Mastercard rewards? ›The easiest way you can redeem your Sam's Club® Credit Card rewards is by logging in to samsclub.com and choosing “Sam's Club Mastercard Cash Back” during checkout. You can also redeem rewards in-store at any register, self-checkout, or Scan & Go.
What pays the most at Sam's Club? ›FAQs About Sam's Club
Hourly pay at Sam's Club ranges from an average of $11.01 to $20.17 an hour. Sam's Club employees with the job title Optical Manager (Eye Care) make the most with an average hourly rate of $20.50, while employees with the title Greeter make the least with an average hourly rate of $10.98.
Walmart and Sam's Club gift cards can be used at Walmart or Sam's Club Fuel Centers. Sam's Club gas stations do accept Walmart Credit Cards.
Can I use my Sam's credit card at Walmart gas station? ›The Sam's Club® Credit Card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. That is pretty much anywhere, as Mastercard benefits from extensive worldwide acceptance. The Sam's Club® Store Card can also be used at Walmart locations in the U.S. and Walmart.com, but you won't be able to use it at Walmart Fuel Stations.
Do Sam's Club rewards expire? ›Sam's Cash does not expire, but you must remain an active Sam's Club member. If a Sam's Club membership ceases, the rewards may not be redeemed until such membership is reactivated.
What credit score do you need for a Sam's Club Mastercard? ›The credit score needed for the Sam's Club® Credit Card is at least 700. That's in the “good” credit range but barely meeting a card's minimum requirements is far from the ticket to high approval odds. You'll need income to make your payments, and the issuer will look at several other factors, too.
How does Sam's Club Mastercard work? ›Sam's Club MasterCard offers Sam's Cash when used in club or online. Sam's Cash earned during a reward period will be issued monthly and automatically loaded onto your Sam's Club membership. Once available, redeem it for most online or club purchases or redeem it for cash in your local club.
What items Cannot be returned to Sam's club? ›- Gift cards.
- Prepaid cards.
- Tickets.
- Custom-made items like personalized gifts and photos.
- Anything you may have bought through the Sam's Club Wholesale Trading Program.
- Prescriptions.
Both the Costco return policy and the Sam's Club return policy promise a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee that covers almost everything you buy. Even opened items and food. Also, they both have the same exception for electronics, which you have 90 days to return.
Can you bring someone with you to Sam's club? ›
Sam's Club Guest Policy Overview: You are welcome to bring up to two guests to Sam's Club. However, members must accompany their children and guests at all times. ONLY a member may purchase items.