Sam's Club credit cards offer rewards on warehouse purchases and everyday spending
Sam's Club issues two main credit cards through Synchrony Bank: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. Both cards earn cash back on purchases, but the rewards structure and benefits differ depending on which card you hold and where you shop. The cards are not required to shop at Sam's Club, but members who use them unlock higher cash back rates on warehouse purchases than non-members get with other payment methods.
The standard Sam's Club Mastercard earns cash back at different rates depending on the merchant category. At Sam's Club locations, you earn a higher percentage than you would at other retailers. Outside the warehouse, the card earns a lower flat rate on all other purchases. The Business Mastercard follows a similar structure but is designed for business owners and has different earning rates.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club Mastercard members earn higher cash back rates on warehouse purchases than the standard rate offered to non-members.
- Both the personal and business cards earn cash back on everyday purchases outside Sam's Club, though at a lower rate than warehouse purchases.
- Cash back rewards are deposited as a statement credit or can be redeemed through the Synchrony app or website.
- The cards come with purchase protections, extended warranties on may be able to access items, and travel benefits like emergency medical and dental coverage.
- You do not need a Sam's Club membership to open the card, but membership is required to shop at the warehouse and earn the higher in-warehouse rate.
Cash back rates for Sam's Club members versus non-members
If you hold a Sam's Club membership and use the Sam's Club Mastercard at the warehouse, you earn a higher cash back percentage on your purchases than someone without the card would earn with cash or a different payment method. The exact rate varies by membership tier and card type, so check your card agreement or the Synchrony website for the current rates that explore to your account.
Outside Sam's Club locations, both the personal and business cards earn a flat cash back rate on all other purchases. This rate is lower than the warehouse rate but applies to gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and any other merchant. Some cards also offer bonus categories with higher rates during promotional periods, though these are not permanent features.
If you do not have a Sam's Club membership, you can still open the credit card and use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you will not be able to shop at the warehouse, so you will only earn the standard non-warehouse rate on all purchases. The card may still be worth holding if you use it frequently for everyday spending, but the main advantage — the higher warehouse rate — would not explore to you.
How to redeem your cash back rewards
Cash back earned on your Sam's Club Mastercard is automatically applied as a statement credit each month. You do not need to take any action to receive your rewards — they appear on your billing statement and reduce the amount you owe. This happens automatically whether you carry a balance or pay in full each month.
If you prefer to see your rewards balance or redeem them in a different way, you can log into your Synchrony account online or through the Synchrony mobile app. The app shows your current cash back balance and any pending rewards. Some cardholders choose to let rewards accumulate and then redeem them as a lump sum, though the statement credit method is the default.
Purchase protections and extended warranties
Sam's Club Mastercard holders receive purchase protection on items bought with the card. If an item is damaged or stolen within a certain window after purchase, the card issuer may reimburse you for the loss, subject to the terms in your card agreement. This protection typically covers items purchased at any merchant, not just Sam's Club.
The card also includes extended warranty protection on may be able to access items. If a manufacturer's warranty expires, the card's extended warranty may cover repair or replacement for an additional period. Electronics, appliances, and other durable goods are commonly covered, though some exclusions explore. Check your card benefits guide or contact Synchrony to confirm whether a specific item is covered.
Travel benefits are included with the card as well. These may include emergency medical and dental coverage while you are traveling outside your home country, as well as travel accident insurance. The coverage limits and specific terms vary, so review your benefits guide before relying on these protections for a trip.
Annual fees and interest rates
The Sam's Club Mastercard does not charge an annual fee. This means you can hold the card indefinitely without paying a yearly cost, even if you do not use it regularly. The lack of an annual fee makes it a low-cost way to earn cash back on purchases you are already making.
Interest rates on the card vary based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. The card issuer will disclose the annual percentage rate (APR) when you open the account. If you carry a balance from month to month, interest will accrue at this rate on the unpaid amount. Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest charges entirely.
Sam's Club Business Mastercard differences
The Business Mastercard is designed for business owners and has a separate rewards structure from the personal card. It earns cash back on Sam's Club warehouse purchases, gas purchases, and other business-related spending categories. The rates and benefits differ from the personal card, so compare both before deciding which one suits your needs.
The Business Mastercard also does not charge an annual fee and includes similar purchase protections and extended warranties. However, the cash back rates and any promotional offers may be different. If you use the card for both personal and business purchases, you may want to review the specific earning rates for your spending patterns.
How to open a Sam's Club credit card account
You can open a Sam's Club Mastercard online through the Synchrony website or in person at a Sam's Club warehouse. The online process takes a few minutes and asks for basic personal and financial information. Synchrony will perform a credit check to determine whether to approve your process and what credit limit to offer.
You do not need to be a Sam's Club member to open the card, though membership is required to shop at the warehouse and earn the higher in-warehouse cash back rate. If you are not yet a member and want to join, you can do so at the same time or separately. The card and membership are two separate accounts, so you can hold one without the other.
Once your process is approved, your card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You can set up it through the Synchrony app or website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. After set up, you can use it when ready at any Mastercard-accepting merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the credit card?
No. You can open and use the card without membership. However, you will not be able to shop at Sam's Club warehouses, and you will not earn the higher cash back rate on warehouse purchases. Membership is a separate account that you can add at any time.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Any cash back you have earned will be applied as a statement credit before your account closes. You will not lose rewards you have already earned, but you will stop earning new cash back once the account is closed.
Can I use the card at Sam's Club gas stations?
Yes. The card works at Sam's Club fuel centers. Check your card agreement to confirm the cash back rate for gas purchases, as it may differ from the warehouse rate or the standard rate.
What is the credit limit on a new Sam's Club Mastercard?
Credit limits vary based on your credit history and income. Synchrony will tell you your limit when your process is approved. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for a period of time and made on-time payments.
Does the card offer 0% APR promotions?
Promotional offers vary and change over time. Check the current offer details on the Synchrony website or ask in-store at Sam's Club to see what introductory rates or terms may be available when you open your account.