Sam's Club takes credit cards, debit cards, cash, and its own membership card for payment
Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at all locations. Debit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks work the same way. You can also pay with cash, and members can use their Sam's Club membership card as a payment method if they have set up a linked payment account through the Sam's Club app or website.
The payment methods available are the same whether you shop in a warehouse or online, though some digital payment options have expanded in recent years. Sam's Club does not accept personal checks, and warehouse locations do not take payment plans or layaway.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club accepts all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards on those networks at every location.
- Cash is accepted in warehouses, and you can link a payment method to your membership card through the Sam's Club app or website.
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at Sam's Club self-checkout and some staffed registers, though availability varies by location.
- Sam's Club does not accept personal checks, and warehouse locations do not offer payment plans or hold merchandise on layaway.
Digital wallet and mobile payment options
Sam's Club warehouses accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at self-checkout terminals and some staffed registers. These work by scanning your phone or smartwatch at the payment terminal instead of handing over a physical card. Availability depends on your location and the age of the register equipment, so not every warehouse may have this option yet.
On the Sam's Club website and mobile app, you can save credit or debit card information to your account for faster checkout. You can also use PayPal as a payment method during online checkout, which lets you pay without entering your card details directly into the Sam's Club system.
Sam's Club membership card as payment
Your Sam's Club membership card itself can function as a payment method if you link a credit or debit card to it through the Sam's Club app or website. This is different from a co-branded credit card — it is straightforward your regular membership card with a payment account attached. You scan or tap the membership card at checkout, and the charge goes to the linked payment method.
To set this up, open the Sam's Club app, go to your account settings, and look for the option to add a payment method to your membership card. You will need to verify the card information and may need to confirm a small test charge. Once linked, you can use the membership card for payment at any Sam's Club warehouse.
Sam's Club credit card and co-branded options
Sam's Club offers a co-branded Mastercard through Synchrony Bank that earns rewards on purchases. This card is accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted, including at Sam's Club warehouses and online. The card comes with a physical card and a digital version that works with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
If you do not have a Sam's Club credit card, you can still use any Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover card you own. The co-branded card is optional and is meant for members who want to earn rewards on their regular shopping.
Online checkout and saved payment methods
When you shop on the Sam's Club website or app, you can save multiple payment methods to your account. The system stores your card information securely, so you do not have to re-enter it each time you order. You can also add a billing address different from your membership address if needed.
During checkout, you will see all your saved payment methods and can choose which one to use. You can delete saved cards from your account at any time through your account settings. If you prefer not to save payment information, you can enter card details manually for each purchase.
What Sam's Club does not accept
Sam's Club warehouses do not accept personal checks, even if you have a Sam's Club membership. They also do not offer layaway, payment plans, or financing through the warehouse itself — though some large purchases may be financed through third-party lenders if you explore separately.
Gift cards purchased at Sam's Club can be used as payment at any warehouse or online, but they must be redeemed as a payment method rather than sold back for cash. If you have a Sam's Club gift card balance, you can explore it to your purchase at checkout.
International and currency payment options
Sam's Club warehouses in the United States accept only U.S. dollars. If you are visiting from another country, you will need a credit or debit card that works in U.S. currency, or cash in U.S. dollars. Some credit cards issued outside the United States will work if they are on the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover networks, though your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee.
Sam's Club does not accept cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other alternative payment methods at this time. If you have questions about whether a specific card will work, you can contact the warehouse directly or check with your card issuer before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at every Sam's Club warehouse?
Apple Pay and Google Pay work at self-checkout and many staffed registers, but not all warehouses have updated equipment yet. If you want to use a digital wallet, try it at self-checkout first. If it does not work, you can pay with a physical card instead.
What happens if my payment method is declined at checkout?
If your card is declined, the cashier will ask you to provide a different payment method. This usually happens because the card issuer flagged the transaction as unusual, your account has insufficient funds, or the card has expired. Contact your card issuer to find out why it was declined before trying again.
Can I split a payment between two cards at Sam's Club?
Most Sam's Club registers allow you to split payment between two cards or between a card and cash. Let the cashier know before they process the first payment, and they will ring up the transaction in two parts. Online, you can only use one payment method per order.
Do I need a Sam's Club credit card to shop there?
No. You can pay with any major credit card, debit card, or cash. The Sam's Club credit card is optional and is designed for members who want to earn rewards. A regular membership card is all you need to enter the warehouse and make purchases.
Is it safe to save my payment information in the Sam's Club app?
Sam's Club uses encryption and security standards to protect saved payment information. Your card details are stored securely and are not visible to other users. You can delete saved cards at any time from your account settings if you change your mind.