Sam's Club Plus gives you a higher tier of membership with lower prices on gas and food, plus extra discounts on select items and services
Sam's Club Plus is the warehouse club's premium membership level. It costs more upfront than a basic Sam's Club membership, but the lower per-unit prices on frequently bought items—especially fuel and groceries—can offset that cost within a few months for regular shoppers. The membership also includes perks like discounted services and early access to sales events.
The main financial difference between Plus and basic membership is the price you pay per gallon at the fuel station and the markup on fresh foods. Plus members also receive additional discounts on services like optical, pharmacy, and tire installation that basic members either don't get or pay full price for.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club Plus membership costs more annually than basic membership but offers lower per-gallon fuel prices and reduced markups on groceries and fresh items.
- Plus members receive discounts on services like eye exams, prescription fills, tire services, and hearing aids that basic members do not.
- The membership includes early access to special sales events and the ability to purchase items in bulk at warehouse prices year-round.
- Plus members can add household members to their card at no extra cost, allowing multiple people to shop under one membership.
Fuel and Grocery Savings
The fuel discount is often the largest financial benefit for Plus members. Sam's Club Plus members pay a lower per-gallon price at the warehouse fuel station compared to basic members. The exact difference varies by location and changes with market conditions, but the savings can add up quickly if you fill up regularly. A household that fills a 15-gallon tank weekly could save $10 to $20 per month on fuel alone, depending on local prices.
Fresh food markups are also lower for Plus members. This applies to items like meat, produce, and bakery goods—the categories where per-unit costs matter most for families buying in bulk. Basic members pay a higher markup on these items to cover the cost of their membership tier. Over a year of regular shopping, the combined fuel and food savings often exceed the annual membership fee difference.
Services and Discounts Included
Sam's Club Plus members receive discounts on several in-warehouse and partner services. These include optical services (eye exams and glasses), pharmacy prescription fills, tire installation and rotation, and hearing aid fittings. Basic members either cannot access these services at Sam's Club or pay higher prices. The optical and pharmacy discounts are particularly valuable for households with regular prescription or vision needs.
Plus members also get discounts on services offered through Sam's Club partners, such as roadside information, travel deals, and insurance products. The value of these perks depends on which services your household actually uses. Someone who never visits the optical center or tire shop will see less benefit from this tier than someone who regularly uses those services.
Membership Card and Household Access
A Sam's Club Plus membership includes one primary card and the ability to add household members at no additional cost. Each cardholder can shop independently and use the fuel station. This means a family of four can all use the membership benefits without paying extra per person, which increases the value for larger households.
The household member card is tied to the primary membership, so if the primary membership ends, all household cards end as well. Household members must live at the same address as the primary cardholder. If someone moves out or the household structure changes, you can update the membership to reflect that.
Early Access to Sales and Special Events
Plus members receive early access to certain sales events and special warehouse sales before basic members. This means you can shop limited-quantity deals before they sell out. The timing advantage varies—sometimes it's a few hours, sometimes a day or two—but for popular items or seasonal deals, being first matters.
Plus members also receive the Sam's Club magazine and email notifications about upcoming sales, which helps you plan purchases around discounts. Basic members receive some notifications, but Plus members typically get earlier notice and more detailed information about what will be on sale and when.
Annual Cost and Break-Even Point
Sam's Club Plus membership costs more per year than basic membership. The exact annual fee varies and changes periodically, so you should check the current rates on Sam's Club's website or by calling your local warehouse. The membership typically renews automatically each year unless you cancel.
Whether Plus pays for itself depends on your shopping habits. If you buy fuel regularly and purchase fresh groceries in bulk, the fuel and food savings alone can cover the membership fee difference within a few months. If you rarely buy fuel or fresh items, the break-even point takes longer or may not happen at all. Households that use the optical, pharmacy, or tire services regularly see additional value beyond fuel and food savings.
How to Upgrade or Join
You can purchase a Sam's Club Plus membership directly at any warehouse location or through the Sam's Club website. If you already have a basic membership, you can upgrade to Plus by paying the difference between the two membership levels. The upgrade takes effect when ready, and you'll receive a new membership card.
When you join or upgrade, you'll need to provide a valid photo ID and address. If you're adding household members, they'll need to be present or you'll need to provide their information. The membership is active as soon as you complete the purchase, and you can start shopping and using fuel prices when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Plus membership at any Sam's Club warehouse?
Yes, your membership works at any Sam's Club location in the United States. You can shop at different warehouses and use the fuel station at any location. If you travel or move, your membership remains valid at all warehouses.
What happens if I downgrade from Plus to basic membership?
You can downgrade at any time by contacting Sam's Club or visiting a warehouse. If you downgrade before your annual renewal, you'll receive a refund for the difference between the two membership levels, prorated for the remaining time on your membership.
Do I need a Plus membership to shop at Sam's Club, or can I use a basic membership?
You can shop with a basic membership. Plus is optional and offers additional discounts and perks. Basic members can still purchase items in bulk and use most warehouse services; they just pay higher prices on fuel, fresh foods, and some services.
Can I add more than one household member to my Plus membership?
Yes, you can add multiple household members who live at your address. Each person receives their own membership card and can shop independently. There is no limit stated, but all household members must reside at the same address as the primary cardholder.
Is the Plus membership worth it if I only shop occasionally?
It depends on what you buy. If you purchase fuel or fresh groceries regularly, Plus likely saves you money even with occasional shopping. If you visit the warehouse only a few times per year and don't buy fuel, basic membership may be more cost-effective. You can always upgrade later if your shopping habits change.