Sam's Club takes cash, debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, and its own membership card
Sam's Club accepts most common payment methods both in stores and online. You can pay with cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. If you have a Sam's Club membership card with a linked payment method, you can use that too. The specific options available may vary slightly between in-store checkout, self-checkout, and online orders.
The one significant restriction: Sam's Club does not take personal checks at any location. If you've paid by check at other retailers, you'll need to use a different method at Sam's Club.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards at checkout.
- Digital payment apps including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work both in-store and online.
- Cash is accepted in-store, but personal checks are not accepted anywhere at Sam's Club.
- Your Sam's Club membership card can be linked to a payment method for faster checkout.
Credit and debit cards at the register
Any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card works at Sam's Club checkout. This includes both credit cards and debit cards bearing these logos. You can use them at the traditional checkout lanes, self-checkout stations, and when ordering online through the Sam's Club website or mobile app.
If you're using a debit card, the transaction processes the same way as a credit card—you don't need to enter a PIN at most locations, though some self-checkout terminals may ask for one. Check with your bank about any fees they charge for debit card transactions, as that's separate from Sam's Club's policies.
Digital wallets and phone payments
Sam's Club checkout accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at in-store terminals and online. These digital wallets link to your credit or debit card and let you pay by holding your phone or smartwatch near the card reader. The transaction is just as fast as swiping a physical card.
To use a digital wallet, you'll need to set it up on your phone first—this usually takes a few minutes and requires adding a card to the wallet app. Once it's set up, you can use it at any Sam's Club location that has a contactless payment reader, which includes most modern checkout terminals.
Cash payments in-store
Sam's Club accepts cash at all in-store checkout lanes. You can pay with bills and coins, and the cashier will give you change. Cash is only available as a payment method in physical stores—you cannot pay cash for online orders, which require a card or digital wallet.
If you prefer to use cash, bring enough to cover your purchase plus any applicable sales tax, which varies by state and location.
Sam's Club membership card as payment
Your Sam's Club membership card itself is not a payment method—it's a membership card that gets you into the warehouse and lets you shop. However, you can link a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to your membership account, and some locations allow you to use the membership card number at checkout if you've set this up in advance.
Check your Sam's Club account online or ask at the membership desk about linking a payment method to your card for faster checkout. This is optional and separate from your membership fee.
Online and mobile app payments
When you order through Sam's Club's website or mobile app, you can pay with any major credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. You'll enter your payment information during checkout, and the order is processed when ready. Sam's Club does not accept cash or checks for online orders.
If you're a member, you can save your payment information to your account so you don't have to enter it every time you order. This is optional—you can also enter a different payment method for each order if you prefer.
What Sam's Club does not accept
Sam's Club does not accept personal checks at any location, whether in-store or online. If you've used checks to pay for groceries or other purchases elsewhere, you'll need to switch to a card, digital wallet, or cash at Sam's Club.
Sam's Club also does not accept store credit or gift cards as a payment method in the traditional sense—you can purchase Sam's Club gift cards, but you cannot use another retailer's gift card to pay at Sam's Club. Some locations may have special payment arrangements for government information programs, so ask at the customer service desk if you have questions about a specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's credit card to pay at Sam's Club?
Yes, you can use anyone's card at checkout. The card doesn't have to be in your name. However, if you're using a card that isn't yours, make sure you have permission from the cardholder, as they will be charged for the purchase.
Does Sam's Club take American Express?
Yes, American Express is accepted at all Sam's Club locations and online. It works the same as Visa, Mastercard, or Discover at checkout.
What if my card is declined at checkout?
If your card is declined, try a different payment method—cash, another card, or a digital wallet. If all your cards are declined, contact your bank to check your account status. The cashier can also help you troubleshoot, but they cannot override a declined transaction.
Can I split my payment between two cards?
Most Sam's Club locations do not allow split payments at checkout. You'll need to pay the full amount with one payment method. If you need to split a payment, ask the cashier or customer service desk—some locations may have workarounds, but it's not a standard option.
Is there a minimum purchase amount to use a credit card?
Sam's Club does not have a minimum purchase requirement for credit or debit cards. You can buy a single item and pay with a card if you choose, though most shoppers buy in bulk since membership is required.