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The 8 Best Credit Cards for Shopping at Sam’s Club [2021]

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: August 18, 2021   |    2

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Shopping at wholesale club retailers like Sam’s Club can save you a bunch of money if you’re able to accommodate the purchase of items in bulk. And while savings are great, buying in bulk could also result in leaving the store having spent a great deal of money.

You can count on the team at Upgraded Points to embrace an opportunity to earn rewards on any purchase, especially large purchases. Additionally, we’re always up for the challenge of determining the best ways to accomplish this objective.

That’s where we’re headed today. We’re going to take a look at how Sam’s Club works, review which credit cards can help you earn the most rewards for your Sam’s Club purchases, whether in-store or online, and compare the options.

Let’s get started as we look at some of the best credit cards for earning rewards when shopping at Sam’s Club.

How Does Sam’s Club Work?

In 1983, Sam Walton, an already successful retail entrepreneur, opened the first Sam’s Club to provide products and services for small businesses. Sam’s Club now has over 600 locations worldwide offering discounted wholesale pricing for both consumers and businesses at its retail warehouse properties and online at samsclub.com.

You must purchase an annual membership to shop in-store or online at samsclub.com. Depending on how much you utilize the club, however, the opportunity to save by purchasing in bulk may well offset the cost of membership. If you own a business or have a large family, the savings of purchasing wholesale and in bulk could end up being significant.

Before we explore which credit cards are best for shopping at Sam’s Club, let’s talk about the benefits of membership, the cost, and how Sam’s Club’s Rewards program works.

Comparing Sam’s Club Memberships

Sam’s Club offers 2 levels of memberships, each offering its own collection of benefits for Sam’s Club shoppers. Let’s look at the different perks offered by each type of membership.

If you own a business, the Sam’s Plus membership with 2% cash-back rewards, free shipping, early shopping, and the ability to add up to 16 memberships may provide value.

Sam’s Club Rewards Program — How it Works

Sam’s Club has its own rewards program for Sam’s Plus members only. Each qualifying purchase made at Sam’s Club or samsclub.com earns 2% cash-back, up to a maximum of $500 in cash-back each year.

Cash rewards are accumulated throughout the year and loaded to your membership card by the end of February. Once the rewards are loaded to your card, the funds are available for use.

Redemption options include purchasing items at Sam’s Club or cashing out the funds at a sales register. You can also allow the funds to accumulate in your account or use the funds to make a payment on a Sam’s Club credit card.

Rewards do not expire but a maximum of $2,000 is allowed to accumulate in your account.

Payment Options Accepted at Sam’s Club

Unlike its competitor Costco, Sam’s Club in-store and online accepts most major credit cards, including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Forms of payment accepted at Sam’s Club and samsclub.com:

• Sam’s Club credit cards
• Walmart and Sam’s Club gift cards
• American Express
• Mastercard
• Visa
• Discover
• Debit cards
• Prepaid credit cards

Sam’s Club in-store accepts these additional forms of payment:

• Cash or check
• SNAP electronic benefits transfer cards or food stamps
• Walmart credit cards

Samsclub.com also accepts Visa Checkout digital wallet service.

Bottom Line: Sam’s Club has 2 levels of memberships. The Sam’s Plus membership that costs $100 per year has additional benefits over the base Sam’s Club Membership ($45), including cash-back rewards earning, free shipping, early shopping hours, free select prescriptions, and the ability to add up to 16 additional memberships at $40 each. Both Sam’s Club in-store and online accept most major credit, debit, and prepaid cards. 

Best Overall Credit Cards for Shopping at Sam’s Club

While you’ll be able to use just about any credit card at Sam’s Club in-store and online, several cards earn more rewards than others. The cards in this collection will ensure that you’re earning well on those purchases and more.

Sam’s Club® Mastercard®

To be eligible for the Sam’s Club card, you must have either a Sam’s Plus or Sam’s Club membership.

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

First, elevated earnings on the Sam’s Club card are restricted to only Plus Members. They’ll earn an impressive total of 5% cash-back at Sam’s Club gas stations and other U.S. gas stations, including Puerto Rico, up to $6,000 in purchases each year. Purchases made at restaurants also earn 3% cash-back.

Travel purchases, excluding Sam’s Club travel services, also earn 3% cash-back. Travel services offered by other wholesale clubs are excluded. Purchases made at Sam’s Club and samsclub.com, earn 3% cash-back.

Sam’s Club also offers a Sam’s Club® Store Credit Card that does not earn rewards. Both cards qualify the cardholder for special no-interest financing options on larger Sam’s Club purchases.

Neither card charges an annual fee.

Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Card

While the Sam’s Club card does offer stellar earnings at gas stations, restaurants, and travel purchases, earnings of 3% on Sam’s Club purchases are restricted to Sam’s Club Plus members only. All other members will earn just 1% on Sam’s Club purchases. If you have not paid for the upgraded membership, you could receive better earnings using an alternative credit card for Sam’s Club shopping. Additionally, the card comes with high interest rates, late fees, and cash advance fees. 

To learn more about the Sam’s Club card and the Sam’s Club Store card, see our detailed article.

Bottom Line: If you shop a lot at Sam’s Club gas stations and want a card that additionally rewards dining and travel, the Sam’s Club card could work for you. It is not, however, the best card for shopping at Sam’s Club in-store or online if you have not paid for the upgraded Plus membership, due to just 1% earnings on those purchases. 

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Freedom Unlimited® card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%. No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. Annual Fee: $0 Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Freedom Unlimited, see our thoughts on its benefits and our full review.

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

The card earns 5% back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and every other purchase, including your purchases at Sam’s Club in-store and online, earns 1.5% cash-back. We also like that the card comes with an introductory 0% APR period for purchases, making it an excellent card choice for a major purchase, or purchases, at Sam’s Club. This 0% APR period is valid for 15 months from card approval and allows you to pay back the purchase over that period of time without interest charges.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• Earns cash-back in the form of Ultimate Rewards points which can be transferred to premium Chase credit cards and redeemed for up to 50% more in value using the Chase travel portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially greater value
• 5% cash-back on Lyft purchases through March 2022
• DoorDash DashPass membership complimentary for 3 months with an option to purchase 9 additional months for 50% off
• Shopping benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%. No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. Good to Excellent Credit Recommendation (670-850) Annual Fee: $0

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

Each quarter, the Freedom Flex card offers bonus earnings for specific merchant categories. Cardholders earn 5% cash-back when warehouse clubs are a quarterly bonus category merchant and registration is required.

The card could also be beneficial if you need to make a large purchase at Sam’s Club such as appliances or office furniture. The card comes with an introductory 0% APR period for 15 months from card approval that allows you to pay back the purchase over time without incurring interest charges.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• Earns cash-back in the form of Ultimate Rewards points which can be transferred to premium Chase credit cards, then redeemed for up to 50% more in value using the Chase travel portal, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for potentially even greater value.
• 5% cash-back on Lyft rides, good through March 2022
• Free 3-month subscription to DoorDash DashPass and the option to purchase 9 additional months for 50% discount
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

The Bank of America Cash Rewards card offers 3 ways to earn at Sam’s Club. First, you can earn 3% cash-back at all U.S. gas stations, including Sam’s Club, when selecting that category as your quarter bonus earning choice. You could also select online purchases as your bonus category and earn 3% for samsclub.com purchases. Additionally, you will earn 2% cash-back at wholesale clubs which includes Sam’s Club in-store and online purchases, up to $2,500 in purchases per quarter.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• Additional 3% cash-back category options include dining, travel, drug store, and home improvement or furnishings
• 2% cash-back at grocery stores
• 1% cash-back on every other purchase
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards members receive additional bonus earnings

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Capital One Venture Rewards card Learn More (at our partner's secure site)

Earn 60,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck No Foreign Transaction Fees Excellent Credit Recommended (740-850) Annual Fee: $95 Must Reads: For more info on the CapOne Venture card, see our thoughts on its benefits and our full review.

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

Every purchase you make, including Sam’s Club purchases, will earn 2 miles per dollar spent.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus
• Simple earnings structure
• Use Purchase Eraser to wipe out previous travel purchases with a statement credit
• Transfer miles to travel partners or redeem for travel with Capital One
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

Learn more about Capital One rewards-earning cards in our article on the best Capital One cards for travel and cash-back.

Hot Tip: Combining a Sam’s Plus membership that earns 2% cash-back rewards with a rewards-earning credit card could make for elevated additional earnings on your purchases. 

Best Business Credit Cards for Shopping at Sam’s Club

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. After that, 13.24% - 19.24% variable APR. Good to Excellent Credit Recommendation (670-850) Annual Fee: $0 Must Reads: For more info on the Ink Business Unlimited, see our guide on its benefits and our full review. This is one of several Chase business cards.

Why We Like the Card for Shopping at Sam’s Club

You’ll be earning 1.5% cash-back on every purchase with the Ink Business Unlimited card, including Sam’s Club in-store and online, but that is not where the value ends. Establishing a business banking relationship with Chase is a smart move that can reap future rewards.

The card also comes with an introductory 0% APR period on purchases for 12 months after card approval.

Additional Card Benefits

• Welcome bonus
• Earn rewards on every purchase
• Earn cash-back in the form of Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to premium Chase personal or business credit cards and redeemed for travel for up to 1.5 cents per point. Points can also then be transferred to travel partners for even greater potential value.
• Visa Signature benefits

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase you make, including Sam’s Club in-store and online, with the CapOne Spark Miles card.

Additional Card Benefits

• Generous welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• 5x miles for hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Use Purchase Eraser to wipe out a previous travel purchase using miles
• Transfer miles to travel partners for even greater potential redemption value
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement

If you’d rather earn cash-back, the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business card earns 2% cash-back on every purchase, including Sam’s Club.

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in learning more about earning and redeeming Capital One Miles you’ll find our article quite informative.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Credit Card	Benefits	Best For
New Welcome Offer American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement. From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power. Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors. 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24%-19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840) Annual Fee: $0 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Blue Business Cash Card, click here.	Startups that can benefit from the 0% APR period for initial large purchases and pay off in 12 months Businesses looking for a simple cash-back earning structure

Use your Amex Blue Business Cash card for your Sam’s Club purchase and earn 2% cash-back. The card earns 2% on every eligible purchase you make, up to $50,000 per calendar year; after that, then earn 1%.

The card also comes with an introductory 0% APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of card approval and features purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. Regular APR, as shown in the table above, applies after the introductory period ends.

Bottom Line: If your business spends a lot at Sam’s Club, it makes sense to be earning points, miles, or cash-back using a rewards-earning credit card for those purchases. Rewards can help to add revenue to your bottom line, offset business expenses, or even fund an annual family vacation.

The Best Credit Cards for Shopping at Sam’s Club — Summary

We’ve talked about a lot of credit cards that earn rewards when shopping at Sam’s Club so it’s time to summarize our findings.

Hot Tip: Wholesale warehouse clubs, like Sam’s Club, sell various retail gift cards you can use for other purchases such as gas, dining, streaming services, and more. Use your rewards-earning credit card to maximize earnings by purchasing gift cards you can use for non-bonus earning purchases. 

Final Thoughts

Very few credit cards offer stellar rewards earning for Sam’s Club purchases. The best card for shopping at Sam’s Club, whether in-store or online, could be the card that aligns best with your mix of spending.

If you purchase a lot at Sam’s Club both in-store and online, for example, you might consider the Bank of America Cash Rewards card as it ensures you can earn 2% to 3% cash-back on those purchases.

If you value the ability to redeem points for travel, the Ink Business Unlimited card, Freedom Unlimited card, or the Freedom Flex card allow you to transfer valuable Ultimate Rewards points to premium Chase credit cards where you can receive up to 50% more in value when redeeming for travel. Plus, you would have the option to then transfer to airline and hotel partners.

Our list of cards that earn rewards when shopping at Sam’s Club is not all-inclusive. Any credit card that delivers greater than 1% on your Sam’s Club purchases, matches your tolerance for paying an annual fee, has reward redemption options you can utilize, and other benefits for which you find value, has the potential to be your go-to card for shopping at Sam’s Club.

The information regarding the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®, Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card, Bank of American® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card, and Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.