Sam's Club Credit Card basics
Sam's Club offers a co-branded credit card through Synchrony Bank that works like any other Visa or Mastercard — you can use it anywhere those cards are accepted, not just at Sam's Club. The card comes in two versions: a standard Visa with no annual fee, and a premium Mastercard that charges an annual fee in exchange for higher cash back rates. The member version offers cash back on Sam's Club purchases and gas, while the non-member version offers cash back only on Sam's Club purchases.
You pay interest on any balance you carry month to month, and the rate depends on your credit score and current market rates — Synchrony will tell you the specific rate before you open the account. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Many cardholders use it for the cash back but pay off the balance when ready to avoid interest charges.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club offers two credit card versions: a no-annual-fee Visa for basic members and a premium Mastercard with an annual fee that includes higher cash back rates.
- The standard card earns 2% cash back on Sam's Club and gas purchases, and 1% elsewhere; the premium card earns 3% on Sam's Club, 5% on gas, and 1% elsewhere.
- You can use the card anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, not only at Sam's Club locations.
- Interest rates vary based on your credit score and are disclosed by Synchrony before you open the account.
- The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so you manage payments and disputes through Synchrony's website or app, not through Sam's Club.
Cash back rates and where they explore
The standard Sam's Club Visa card earns 2% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and gas station purchases, and 1% on all other purchases. The premium Mastercard earns higher rates: 5% on Sam's Club gas, 3% on Sam's Club purchases, and 1% elsewhere. These rates explore whether you are a Sam's Club member or not, though non-members cannot earn cash back on gas purchases at all.
Cash back accumulates as you spend and posts to your account monthly. You can redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or a deposit to a bank account. Sam's Club members earn the rates listed above; non-members earn 1% on Sam's Club purchases only and cannot earn cash back on gas. The cash back you earn never expires as long as your account remains open.
Annual fees and when they explore
The standard Sam's Club Visa has no annual fee. The premium Mastercard charges an annual fee (the amount varies by offer and is disclosed when you explore). You pay this fee once per year whether you use the card or not, so you should calculate whether the extra cash back rate will save you more than the fee costs.
For example, if the premium card's annual fee is $50 and you spend $2,500 per year at Sam's Club, the extra 1% cash back (compared to the standard card's 2%) would earn you $25 — not enough to cover the fee. If you spend $5,000 per year at Sam's Club, you would earn $50 in extra cash back, breaking even. If you spend more, the premium card may pay for itself. The standard card is the better choice for light users.
How interest works if you carry a balance
If you do not pay your full balance by the due date, Synchrony charges interest on the remaining amount. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set based on your credit score and current rates. Synchrony discloses the exact APR before you open the account, and it appears on your monthly statement. The APR can vary from one cardholder to another depending on creditworthiness.
Interest compounds daily, so the longer you carry a balance, the more you pay. If you pay your full balance each month by the due date, you pay no interest. Many people use the card for the cash back but treat it like a debit card — spending only what they can pay off when ready — to avoid interest charges. Carrying a balance erases the value of the cash back you earn.
How to open an account and what you need
You can open a Sam's Club credit card account online through Sam's Club's website or in person at a Sam's Club location. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Synchrony will run a credit check (called a hard inquiry) to decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer. The hard inquiry may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
If you are approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card when ready online through Synchrony's website or app before the physical card arrives. You manage payments, view your balance, and set up automatic payments through Synchrony's portal, not through Sam's Club. Synchrony sends you a monthly statement showing your balance, cash back earned, and due date.
Comparing the standard and premium versions
| Feature | Standard Visa | Premium Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | Yes (amount varies) |
| Sam's Club cash back | 2% | 3% |
| Gas cash back | 2% | 5% |
| Other purchases | 1% | 1% |
| Use outside Sam's Club | Yes (Visa accepted) | Yes (Mastercard accepted) |
The choice between the two depends on how much you spend at Sam's Club and on gas. If you are a light user, the standard card's lack of an annual fee makes it the better choice. If you spend heavily at Sam's Club and fill up frequently, the premium card's higher cash back rates may outweigh the annual fee. Calculate your annual spending at Sam's Club and gas stations, multiply by the difference in cash back rates, and compare that number to the annual fee.
Most people start with the standard card and switch to the premium card only if their spending patterns justify the fee. You can downgrade from premium to standard at any time, and Synchrony will typically refund the annual fee if you downgrade within 30 days of being charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sam's Club card outside of Sam's Club?
Yes. The card is a Visa or Mastercard (depending on which version you choose), so you can use it anywhere those cards are accepted. You earn the highest cash back rate only at Sam's Club and gas stations, but you earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Synchrony will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Many issuers will waive a single late fee if you pay within 30 days and have a good payment history.
Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the card?
No, but you earn higher cash back rates if you are a member. Non-members can open the card and use it anywhere, but they earn only 1% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and cannot earn cash back on gas.
How do I pay my bill?
You pay through Synchrony's website or mobile app. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account, pay online manually, or mail a check. The due date appears on your monthly statement, and paying by that date avoids interest charges.
What is the credit limit?
Synchrony sets your credit limit based on your credit score and income. The limit appears in your account once the card is approved. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.