Sam's Club accepts credit cards, debit cards, cash, and its own membership card for payment
Sam's Club takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all locations and on its website. You can also pay with a debit card, cash, or a Sam's Club membership card that has a cash advance feature. The membership card itself is not a credit card — it's a physical card that proves you've paid your membership fee — but some membership tiers come with a co-branded Mastercard that functions as a credit card.
What Sam's Club does not take varies slightly by location and payment channel. Most stores do not accept personal checks, and the website does not accept cash or checks. Some warehouse locations may have regional payment options, so if you use an uncommon payment method, it's worth asking a cashier before you reach the register.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club accepts all four major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) plus debit cards and cash at warehouse locations.
- The Sam's Club membership card itself is not a payment method, but the Sam's Club Mastercard (available with some membership tiers) is a credit card you can use anywhere.
- Online purchases at samsclub.com do not accept cash or checks, only credit cards and debit cards.
- Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Sam's Club if your linked card is one of the four major brands.
Credit and debit cards at the warehouse
Any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card works at Sam's Club checkout. This includes both credit cards and debit cards branded with these logos. You insert, tap, or swipe the card depending on the terminal and your card's capabilities.
If you have a Sam's Club Mastercard, it works the same way as any other Mastercard. The Sam's Club Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank and comes with the Plus or Elite membership tiers. It offers cash back on Sam's Club purchases and can be used outside Sam's Club anywhere Mastercard is accepted. A basic membership does not come with a co-branded card.
Cash and membership card payments
Sam's Club warehouses accept cash at checkout. You can pay your entire purchase in cash, or use cash as part of a split payment if you're also using a card. The membership card itself — the physical card you show to enter the warehouse — is not a payment method for your purchase.
Some older membership cards had a cash advance feature that allowed you to withdraw cash at the register, but this is no longer standard. If you have questions about your specific membership card, ask at the membership desk when you enter.
Online and mobile payments
On samsclub.com, you can pay with any of the four major credit or debit cards. The website does not accept cash, checks, or PayPal. You enter your card details at checkout, and the site uses standard encryption to protect that information.
Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at Sam's Club warehouse registers if your linked card is Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You hold your phone or watch near the contactless reader, and the payment goes through using the card information stored in the app. This is the same technology as tapping a physical card.
What Sam's Club does not accept
Sam's Club does not accept personal checks at any warehouse location. Some members ask whether they can write a check, but the answer is no across all U.S. locations. The website also does not accept checks or cash.
Sam's Club does not accept other payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash. It does not accept cryptocurrency or gift cards from other retailers. If you have a Sam's Club gift card, you can use it at checkout, but it must be a Sam's Club-issued card.
Regional and temporary payment options
A small number of Sam's Club locations may accept additional payment methods due to local partnerships or pilot programs. These are not standard across all warehouses. If you use a payment method that is not listed here and want to confirm whether your local store takes it, call the warehouse directly or ask a cashier before you shop.
During supply chain disruptions or system outages, some locations may temporarily limit payment options. This is rare, but if you encounter a situation where your usual payment method is not working, ask whether an alternative is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Sam's Club membership card to pay for my purchase?
No. Your membership card proves you have paid your membership fee and allows you to enter the warehouse, but it is not a payment method for your items. You need to pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash. If you have a Sam's Club Mastercard (available with Plus or Elite membership), that is a separate credit card you can use to pay.
Does Sam's Club take Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, if your linked card is Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Tap or hold your phone near the contactless reader at checkout. The payment processes using the card information stored in the app, so the same cards that work in person work with mobile payments.
Can I pay with a check at Sam's Club?
No. Sam's Club does not accept personal checks at any warehouse location or on its website. You can pay with credit card, debit card, or cash at the warehouse, or with credit or debit card online.
What if I don't have a credit or debit card?
You can pay with cash at any Sam's Club warehouse. Cash is accepted at checkout for the full amount or as part of a split payment. Online purchases require a credit or debit card.
Is the Sam's Club Mastercard the same as my membership card?
No. They are two separate cards. Your membership card is required to enter the warehouse. The Sam's Club Mastercard is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that comes with Plus or Elite membership tiers. You can use the Mastercard to pay for purchases at Sam's Club or anywhere else Mastercard is accepted.