Sam’s Club Credit Card: Want one card that doubles as your Sam’s Club membership card, rewards you for gas and dining, and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted? This guide walks you through everything about the Sam’s Club® credit card (the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® and related Sam’s Club consumer/business credit products), from who issues it, how rewards work, fees and APRs, how to apply, redemption rules, comparisons, and practical tips to squeeze the most value out of it.
What is the Sam’s Club Credit Card?
Sam’s Club offers two main credit-product families: a retail/store credit (tied to your Sam’s Club membership) and the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® (a Synchrony-issued Mastercard). Synchrony handles account servicing, online management, and customer support for these products. There are also business versions (Sam’s Club Business Mastercard/credit) with similar reward structures for business spending. You’ll see the Mastercard branding on the card that can be used outside the club; the store credit/card may have slightly different terms but is still serviced under the Sam’s Club/Synchrony program.
How to Activate Sam’s Club Credit Card: Steps, Benefits, Payments, and Alternatives
How Sam’s Cash works and the earning rates?
The card’s rewards are issued as Sam’s Cash, a store-credit style cash-back you can use at Sam’s Club or on SamsClub.com. Key reward rates to remember:
5% back on gas (applies to purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted; capped at the first $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter).
3% back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members (regular Club members earn 1% on in-club purchases).
- 3% back on dining and takeout.
- 1% back on all other purchases.
Fees and interest
The card advertises no annual fee, which makes it low-cost to hold. However, like most retail cards, the APR on balances is variable and depends on your creditworthiness, and Synchrony’s legal pricing documents show multiple APR tiers.
Applicants may be placed in different account types with different APR spreads above the prime rate, and the card agreement lists penalty fees (late payment, returned payment) and cash advance fees. Always check the APR disclosure you’re given at approval, because the exact APR you receive will vary. If you plan to carry a balance, factor that variable APR into your decision.
Who should get the Sam’s Club card?
This card typically makes sense for:
Frequent Sam’s Club shoppers, especially Plus members who get the 3% in-club rate (or for people who would value Sam’s Cash redemptions).
Drivers who spend a lot on gasoline because the 5% back on gas (on the first $6,000) is unusually strong for a store card and applies at most gas stations.
People who eat out or order takeout frequently (3% dining).
If you’re looking for flexible cash back redeemable anywhere as statement credit, this card is less ideal because rewards are Sam’s Cash (redeemable at Sam’s Club only). If most of your spending is outside Sam’s Club and you prefer totally unrestricted cash back, compare general-purpose cash-back cards.
How to apply for Sam’s Club Credit Card?
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
- You must be an active Sam’s Club member.
- You must have a valid U.S. (physical) address.
Have your personal/business income information ready (depending on whether you apply for a consumer or business version).
Step 2: Go to the online application
To apply online for the consumer card, visit the “Credit” page on Sam’s Club’s website: Sam’s Club Credit Page
If you’d like to check if you might pre-qualify (without impacting your credit score), you can go through the issuer Synchrony Bank’s portal: Synchrony Pre-Qualify/Apply
If the business version is what you’re after (for a company), there’s a separate business credit page: Sam’s Club Business Credit Center
Step 3: Complete the application form
When you click to apply, you’ll typically need to fill out:
Personal details (name, date of birth, SSN or ITIN, address)
Income/employment details (or business revenue if applying for business version)
Consent for a credit check (a “hard pull”) meaning your credit score may be used in the decision.
You’ll also be presented with the account disclosure (APR, fees, terms), review it carefully.
Step 4: Wait for the decision
Many times, the decision on the application is conveyed right after the submission. In many instances, it is done instantly or within a few minutes.
However, there are situations where it may take from 7 to 10 business days for the issuer to review the application and respond to it.
In case of an approval, the card will be delivered to you by mail. The activation and other instructions will be there in the kit.
Step 5: Activate and start using the card
When the card comes to your hand:
- Visit the activation webpage: Activate Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Complete the activation by providing information as required by the prompts (card number, security code, etc.).
- Once the card is activated, the account can be handled online through Synchrony’s website.
How to manage your account and make payments?
You can manage the Sam’s Club credit account online through Synchrony’s Sam’s Club account portal (sign in at the Sam’s Club credit login), set up autopay, view statements, add authorized users, and check Sam’s Cash balances. You can also make payments in-club at Sam’s Club or Walmart registers (check terms for Direct Credit accounts and other exceptions). The card can be added to digital wallets like Google Pay and Samsung Pay for contactless use.
Redeeming Sam’s Cash
Sam’s Cash posts to your Sam’s Club membership and can be redeemed at checkout in club or online. Sam’s Cash earned through the Mastercard rewards program generally posts within a billing period or within 1–2 billing cycles, subject to the program terms. Keep in mind Sam’s Cash may be forfeited if your card account is delinquent or your Sam’s Club membership lapses. There are also category exclusions for earning Sam’s Cash (gift cards, some prepaid purchases, tobacco, prescriptions, etc.).
Tips to maximize value of Sam’s Club Credit Card
If you’re not a Plus member, run the math: the extra 2 percentage points in-club (3% vs 1%) may justify a Plus upgrade depending on your annual Sam’s Club spend.
Use the card for gas and dining, those categories are the highest earners for this program.
Plan redemptions: Sam’s Cash is valuable if you shop at Sam’s Club regularly; don’t stockpile rewards you won’t use.
Pay on time as no annual fee is great, but carrying a balance with a variable APR can quickly erase rewards value.
Check the fine print: exclusions and caps exist; review your Sam’s Club Mastercard account agreement for up-to-date limits and excluded merchant types.
Kohl’s Credit Card: Complete 2025 Guide, Benefits, Rewards & How to Apply
Comparison
Compared with other club cards (for example Costco’s co-brand Visa), Sam’s Club’s Mastercard is especially attractive for gasback and for Plus members who spend heavily at Sam’s Club.
But Costco’s Citi Visa or other general cash-back cards may offer more broadly redeemable reward structures (e.g., statement credit or flexible travel points).
The “best” choice depends on where you shop, whether you value in-club redemption, and whether you’ll carry a balance. Consumer finance sites and comparison reviews give scenario-based recommendations. Check multiple reviews to match the card to your habits.
Sam’s Club Credit Card: Common FAQs
Do I need a Sam’s Club membership to apply?
Yes, an active Sam’s Club membership is required.
Can I use the Sam’s Club Mastercard anywhere?
Yes, the Mastercard is accepted wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Is there an annual fee?
No annual fee for the card itself, but you must pay your Sam’s Club membership fee.
How do I check Sam’s Cash balance?
You can see Sam’s Cash at checkout, in your Sam’s Club online account, or in your membership account online.
What APR will I get?
APRs are variable and assigned based on creditworthiness; Synchrony’s account agreement shows multiple APR tiers and a maximum APR cap. You’ll be told the APR when you are approved. Always read the account disclosure before using the card.
