Sam's Club Credit Card basics
Sam's Club offers a co-branded credit card through Synchrony Bank that works like any other Visa card — you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Sam's Club. The card comes in two versions: the Sam's Club Mastercard (no annual fee) and the Sam's Club Credit Card (annual fee required). Both cards earn rewards on purchases, but the rewards structure and benefits differ between them.
The no-fee Mastercard earns cash back on Sam's Club purchases and fuel, while the paid version earns higher rewards rates at Sam's Club and on travel and dining. The paid card also includes benefits like travel insurance and roadside information. Which version makes sense depends on how much you spend at Sam's Club and whether the annual fee is worth the higher rewards rate.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club offers two cards: a no-annual-fee Mastercard and a paid card with higher rewards rates and travel benefits.
- The paid card's rewards rates are higher at Sam's Club, on fuel, and on travel and dining, but you must spend enough to offset the annual fee.
- Both cards require a Sam's Club membership to use, and the membership fee is separate from any card fee.
- The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so your billing, payments, and customer service go through Synchrony, not Sam's Club directly.
Rewards rates and earning structure
The Sam's Club Mastercard (no fee) earns 2% cash back on Sam's Club and gas purchases, and 1% on everything else. The rewards post as a statement credit once a year, usually in December. This card is straightforward if you shop at Sam's Club regularly but do not want to pay an annual fee.
The Sam's Club Credit Card (paid annual fee) earns higher rates: 5% cash back on Sam's Club purchases, 5% on fuel (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% on dining and travel, and 1% on everything else. The higher rates at Sam's Club and on fuel can offset the annual fee if you spend enough, but you need to do the math for your household. A household that spends $3,000 per year at Sam's Club would earn $150 in rewards at the 5% rate, which may not cover the annual fee depending on the current amount.
Annual fees and membership requirements
The Sam's Club Mastercard has no annual fee. The Sam's Club Credit Card charges an annual fee; the exact amount varies and changes periodically, so you should confirm the current fee before opening the account. This fee is separate from your Sam's Club membership fee, which you pay to Sam's Club itself, not to the credit card issuer.
You must have an active Sam's Club membership to open either card. If your membership lapses, you can still use the card outside Sam's Club, but you lose the ability to earn rewards on Sam's Club purchases. The card issuer (Synchrony) does not manage your membership — you handle that directly with Sam's Club.
How to pay and manage the account
Payments go to Synchrony Bank, not to Sam's Club. You can pay online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The billing cycle, due date, and payment options are all managed by Synchrony. If you have questions about your bill or need to dispute a charge, you contact Synchrony customer service.
The card reports to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help your credit history and late payments hurt it. Synchrony also offers a mobile app where you can check your balance, view transactions, and make payments.
Interest rates and balance transfers
Like any credit card, the Sam's Club card charges interest if you carry a balance. The interest rate (APR) depends on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time you open the account. Synchrony may offer promotional rates (such as 0% APR for a set period) on purchases or balance transfers, but these are temporary and the regular APR applies after the promotion ends.
If you plan to pay off the card in full each month, the interest rate does not matter. If you carry a balance, the interest rate directly affects how much you pay in addition to the purchase price. You should review the terms before opening the account to understand what APR you are being offered.
Comparing the two cards
| Feature | Sam's Club Mastercard | Sam's Club Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | Yes (amount varies) |
| Cash back at Sam's Club | 2% | 5% |
| Cash back on fuel | 2% | 5% (up to $6,000/year) |
| Cash back on dining and travel | 1% | 3% |
| Cash back on other purchases | 1% | 1% |
| Travel and purchase protections | None | Yes (varies by card version) |
The choice between the two cards comes down to spending. If you spend less than $1,500 per year at Sam's Club, the no-fee Mastercard is almost certainly better. If you spend $3,000 or more per year at Sam's Club and regularly buy fuel, the paid card's higher rewards rates may offset the annual fee. Run the numbers with your own spending patterns before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sam's Club card outside of Sam's Club?
Yes. Both cards are Visa or Mastercard branded and work anywhere those networks are accepted. However, you only earn the higher rewards rates at Sam's Club and on fuel (and dining and travel for the paid card). Outside those categories, the rewards rate drops to 1%.
What happens to my card if my Sam's Club membership expires?
The card itself remains active and you can still use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. You straightforward lose the ability to earn rewards on Sam's Club purchases. You can renew your membership at any time to restore the rewards.
How often do rewards post to my account?
Rewards typically post once per year, usually in December, as a statement credit. You do not receive cash back directly — the credit appears on your bill. Some promotional periods may have different posting schedules, so check your cardholder agreement.
Is there a sign-up bonus?
Sam's Club periodically offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, such as a statement credit after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. These offers change, so check the current offer when you are considering opening the account.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my card or bill?
Contact Synchrony Bank, the card issuer. You can reach them through the Synchrony website, by phone (the number is on the back of your card), or through their mobile app. Sam's Club customer service handles membership issues, not card issues.