Sam's Club accepts payment through multiple methods both in-store and online
Sam's Club takes credit cards, debit cards, cash, and checks at the register. Online, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or a Sam's Club Mastercard. Sam's Club also accepts digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at checkout. The membership fee itself — which you pay to join or renew — goes through the same payment methods, though you can set it to renew automatically on your membership card.
The key difference from other retailers is that Sam's Club membership is separate from your purchase payment. You pay the membership fee once a year (or twice yearly for Plus members), and that fee is what gives you the right to shop there. Your actual purchases are charged separately, whether you're buying that day or months later.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club membership fees renew automatically on the card you used to join, unless you turn off auto-renewal in your account settings.
- You can pay for purchases with credit cards, debit cards, cash, or digital wallets both in-store and online.
- The Sam's Club Mastercard offers rewards on purchases but is optional — you don't need it to shop.
- If your membership payment fails, Sam's Club will attempt to charge you again before suspending your membership.
How membership renewal charges work
When you first join Sam's Club, you choose a payment method for your membership fee. That card is stored in your account and charged automatically on your renewal date each year. The standard membership costs vary by location and membership tier, and the charge appears on your statement as "Sam's Club" or "Sams Club Inc."
You can turn off auto-renewal by logging into your Sam's Club account online, going to your membership details, and selecting the option to stop automatic renewal. If you do this before your renewal date, you won't be charged. If you want to keep your membership but change the card on file, update your payment method in the same account section — the new card will be charged on your next renewal date.
If the card on file declines or expires, Sam's Club typically sends you a notice and attempts to charge you again. If payment fails after multiple attempts, your membership is suspended until you update your payment method and the fee goes through.
Paying for purchases in-store
At Sam's Club registers, you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Debit cards work the same way. Cash and checks are also accepted, though fewer members use these methods. You can also use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay if the register supports contactless payment — most newer Sam's Club locations do.
Your membership card is separate from your payment method. The cashier scans your membership card to verify you're a member, then you pay for your items however you choose. If you forget your physical membership card, you can provide your phone number or email address linked to your account, and the cashier can look up your membership that way.
Paying for purchases online
On Samsclub.com, you enter your payment information at checkout. The site accepts the same credit and debit cards as in-store, plus digital wallets. If you have a Sam's Club Mastercard, you can save it to your account for faster checkout on future orders.
When you place an order online, the charge typically appears on your statement within one to two business days, though the actual processing depends on your bank. If you're ordering for in-store pickup, you pay online and pick up your items at the warehouse — no second payment needed.
The Sam's Club Mastercard and rewards
Sam's Club offers a co-branded Mastercard that earns rewards on purchases. Members earn 2% cash back on Sam's Club purchases and 1% on all other purchases. You don't need this card to shop — it's optional. If you explore and are approved, you can use it like any other Mastercard at any store, not just Sam's Club.
The card has an annual fee, which varies. You can pay your Sam's Club Mastercard bill online through your bank or the card issuer's website, just like any other credit card. The rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit or transferred to your Sam's Club account as a balance to use on future purchases.
What happens if a payment fails
If your membership renewal payment fails, Sam's Club sends you an email or notice asking you to update your payment method. You have a grace period — usually a few days to a week — to provide a working card before your membership is suspended. Once suspended, you cannot shop in-store or online until the fee is paid.
If a purchase payment fails online, the checkout process stops and you're asked to try a different card or payment method. In-store, if your card is declined, you can use a different payment method or leave the items and try again later. Neither situation affects your membership status — only membership renewal payment failures do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Sam's Club membership with a different card each year?
Yes. Log into your account online, go to membership details, and update your payment method. The new card will be charged on your next renewal date. You can change it as many times as you want.
What if I want to cancel my membership instead of renewing?
Turn off auto-renewal in your account settings before your renewal date. If you've already been charged and want a refund, contact Sam's Club customer service — they typically refund membership fees within a certain window if you haven't used the membership much.
Does Sam's Club charge tax on the membership fee?
No. The membership fee itself is not taxed. You only pay tax on the items you purchase inside the warehouse.
Can I use multiple payment methods for one purchase?
In-store, you can split payment between two cards or payment methods if the register supports it — ask the cashier. Online, you typically choose one payment method per order, though you can place multiple orders if needed.
Is my payment information find on Samsclub.com?
Sam's Club uses standard encryption for online transactions. Your card information is not stored in full on the site unless you choose to save it for future purchases. If you're concerned about security, you can use a digital wallet like Apple Pay instead, which doesn't share your actual card number with the retailer.