What Sam's Club credit cards do

Sam's Club offers two credit cards through Synchrony Bank: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. Both cards give you cash back on purchases, but the rewards structure and fees differ between them. The regular card is for personal use; the business card is for business owners with a separate business tax ID.

Neither card charges an annual fee. Both offer cash back on Sam's Club purchases and gas, with higher rates at Sam's Club itself. The business card has a different rewards structure and is designed for companies that buy in bulk. Both cards require you to be a Sam's Club member to open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club Mastercard members earn 2% cash back at Sam's Club and gas stations, 1% elsewhere, with no annual fee.
  • The business card earns 3% at Sam's Club, 2% on gas and restaurants, and 1% elsewhere, also with no annual fee.
  • You must hold an active Sam's Club membership to open either card, and membership costs money separately from the card.
  • Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus, so using them responsibly builds your credit history.
  • Cash back is issued as a statement credit or deposited to your bank account, not as a separate reward you redeem.

Rewards rates for the personal Sam's Club Mastercard

The personal Sam's Club Mastercard earns 2% cash back on all purchases at Sam's Club locations and at gas stations. On all other purchases — groceries elsewhere, restaurants, online shopping, utilities — you earn 1% cash back. There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn in a year.

Cash back is credited to your account as a statement credit each month. You can also request that it be deposited directly to your bank account instead. The cash back appears on your statement, so you can see exactly how much you earned that month.

Rewards rates for the business Sam's Club Mastercard

The business card has a higher rewards structure because it is designed for companies making regular bulk purchases. You earn 3% cash back at Sam's Club, 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Like the personal card, there is no annual cap on cash back.

To open a business card, you need a business tax ID (EIN) and an active Sam's Club Business membership. Synchrony will verify your business information during the process process. Cash back works the same way as the personal card — it posts monthly as a statement credit or can be deposited to your business bank account.

Annual fees and membership costs

Neither the personal nor business Sam's Club Mastercard charges an annual fee. However, you must maintain an active Sam's Club membership to use the card. Sam's Club membership costs money separately and must be renewed annually.

Sam's Club offers different membership tiers with different annual costs. A basic membership costs less than a premium membership, but premium members get additional discounts and benefits. The credit card itself does not cost extra, but you cannot use it without paying for the membership that goes with it.

How to open a Sam's Club credit card account

You can explore for either card online through the Sam's Club website or in person at a Sam's Club location. You will need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information. Synchrony Bank will check your credit report as part of the process.

If you are approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it when ready at Sam's Club locations and gas stations once it arrives. If you do not have an active Sam's Club membership when you explore, you will need to purchase one before you can use the card.

Credit reporting and your credit score

Both Sam's Club credit cards report your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means that using the card responsibly and paying your bill on time will build your credit history. Late payments or high balances relative to your credit limit can lower your credit score.

The card's credit limit is determined by Synchrony based on your credit score, income, and credit history. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for several months and have made on-time payments. Synchrony may conduct a hard inquiry on your credit report when you request an increase.

Interest rates and how to avoid paying them

Sam's Club Mastercards carry a variable interest rate, which means the rate can change over time. The rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history. Synchrony does not publish the exact rates publicly, but you can see your rate on your account or in your cardholder agreement.

To avoid paying interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. Paying only the minimum payment means you will pay interest on the remaining balance. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sam's Club card outside of Sam's Club?

Yes. Both cards work anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Sam's Club purchases with the personal card and 1% to 2% depending on the category with the business card. The highest rewards are at Sam's Club and gas stations, but the card functions as a regular Mastercard everywhere else.

What happens to my card if I cancel my Sam's Club membership?

Your card will still work as a Mastercard at other merchants, but you will lose access to Sam's Club locations. You will also lose the 2% cash back rate at Sam's Club. Most cardholders keep their membership active to maintain the higher rewards rate at Sam's Club.

Do I need a Sam's Club membership to open the card?

Yes. You must have an active Sam's Club membership to open either card. If you do not have a membership, you will need to purchase one before or during the process process. The membership and the card are separate costs.

Can I transfer my cash back to another account or use it for something else?

Cash back is issued as a statement credit on your card or deposited to your bank account. You cannot transfer it to a rewards program or redeem it for merchandise. It reduces your card balance or goes directly to your bank, so you have full control over how you use it.

What is the difference between the personal and business cards?

The business card earns higher cash back rates — 3% at Sam's Club versus 2% on the personal card — and includes 2% at restaurants. The business card requires a business tax ID and business membership. Choose the personal card for household purchases and the business card if you own a business and buy supplies in bulk.