Sam's Club Plus membership costs $110 per year and includes free shipping on most online orders, fuel discounts, and access to Sam's Club's full warehouse inventory
Sam's Club Plus is the higher tier of the two main membership options. The base membership (called Sam's Club) costs $60 per year and gets you into the warehouse and online shopping. Plus adds $50 to that annual cost and removes shipping fees on most items ordered through the website, gives you a 2% cash back reward on may have access to purchases, and provides some additional perks like discounts on services and travel.
The real question is whether the extra $50 per year pays for itself through the benefits you'll actually use. That depends on how often you shop online, how much you spend on fuel, and whether you use the other discounts the membership includes.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club Plus costs $110 per year and includes free shipping on most online orders, while the base membership ($60) charges shipping fees.
- Plus members earn 2% cash back on may have access to purchases made at the warehouse and online, which can add up if you spend $2,500 or more per year.
- Fuel discounts at Sam's Club gas stations are available to both membership levels, but Plus members typically see slightly better pricing.
- The membership also includes discounts on services like tire installation, optical exams, and pharmacy purchases, though these vary by location.
- Sam's Club offers a 100-day money-back may provide on the membership fee if you decide it is not worth it.
Free shipping and the 2% cash back reward
The two biggest financial benefits of Plus are the free shipping on online orders and the 2% cash back. Free shipping applies to most items on samsclub.com, though some oversized or heavy items may still charge a fee. The cash back is earned on purchases made both in the warehouse and online, and it appears as a credit on your membership card that you can use on future purchases or request as a check.
To break even on the $50 annual difference between Plus and the base membership, you need the cash back and shipping savings to add up to at least $50 per year. If you spend $2,500 per year at Sam's Club, the 2% cash back alone ($50) covers the upgrade cost. If you also save money on shipping, you come out ahead. If you spend less than $2,000 per year or rarely order online, the base membership may be the better choice.
Fuel discounts and warehouse perks
Both membership levels get access to Sam's Club fuel stations, which typically offer prices 10 to 20 cents per gallon lower than nearby gas stations. Plus members sometimes see an additional small discount on top of that, though the difference is usually just a few cents. If you fill up once a week, the fuel savings alone can add $50 to $100 per year to your pocket.
The warehouse also offers discounts on services like tire installation, battery replacement, optical exams, and pharmacy purchases. These are available to all members, but the specific discounts and services vary by location. Some warehouses have a tire center and optical department; others do not. Call your local Sam's Club or check the website to see what services are available near you.
What the Plus membership does not include
Sam's Club Plus does not include a household card (an extra membership card for someone in your home), travel discounts beyond what the base membership offers, or priority access to limited-quantity items. The base membership includes one household card; Plus members can add one for an additional fee. Travel discounts like hotel and rental car deals are available to both membership levels through the same partner sites.
The membership also does not cover purchases at Sam's Club pharmacies beyond the standard member discount, and it does not waive the delivery fees for items ordered through third-party services like Instacart. If you order groceries through a delivery app, you will still pay the app's fees and markups on top of the item price.
How the 100-day money-back may provide works
Sam's Club offers a 100-day money-back may provide on the membership fee. If you join and decide within 100 days that the membership is not worth it, you can return to the warehouse or call customer service and request a refund of the full annual fee. You keep any cash back rewards you earned during that time. This gives you a real window to test whether the benefits are worth the cost before you are locked in.
To request the refund, bring your membership card to the warehouse and speak to customer service, or call Sam's Club customer service and provide your membership number. They will process the refund to the original payment method within a few business days. The may provide applies to both the Plus and base membership levels.
Comparing Plus to the base membership
| Feature | Base Membership ($60/year) | Plus Membership ($110/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Warehouse access | Yes | Yes |
| Online shopping | Yes (with shipping fees) | Yes (free shipping on most items) |
| Cash back rewards | No | 2% on may have access to purchases |
| Fuel discounts | Yes | Yes (slightly better pricing) |
| Service discounts (tire, optical, pharmacy) | Yes | Yes |
| Household card included | Yes | No (available for additional fee) |
| 100-day money-back may provide | Yes | Yes |
When Plus makes financial sense
Plus is worth the extra $50 per year if you spend more than $2,500 annually at Sam's Club, order online regularly, or fill up at the fuel station at least twice a month. The cash back and free shipping add up quickly if you are already a heavy Sam's Club shopper. If you buy groceries, household items, and gas all at Sam's Club, the math usually works in Plus's favor.
Plus is less valuable if you shop at Sam's Club only occasionally, rarely order online, or get your fuel elsewhere. In that case, the base membership gives you access to the warehouse and services without the extra cost. You can always upgrade to Plus later if your shopping habits change, and Sam's Club will prorate the difference if you switch mid-year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2% cash back explore to everything I buy?
The 2% cash back applies to most purchases made at the warehouse and online, but there are some exceptions. Fuel, stamps, and certain services like tire installation may earn a different percentage or no cash back at all. Check your receipt or the Sam's Club website for the full list of categories that earn the 2% rate.
Can I use my Plus membership at other warehouse clubs?
No. Sam's Club membership is only valid at Sam's Club locations. Other warehouse clubs like Costco and BJ's Wholesale have their own separate membership programs and do not recognize Sam's Club cards.
What happens if I downgrade from Plus to the base membership?
You can downgrade at any time by contacting Sam's Club customer service or visiting your local warehouse. If you downgrade before your annual renewal date, Sam's Club will refund the difference between the two membership levels on a prorated basis. Any cash back rewards you earned remain on your account and can be used or cashed out.
Is there a family or household discount on Plus membership?
The Plus membership covers one person, but you can add a household card for an additional fee (usually around $35 to $45 per year). The household cardholder gets the same benefits as the primary member, including free shipping and the 2% cash back.
Do I have to renew my Plus membership every year?
Yes, Sam's Club memberships are annual and renew automatically on the anniversary of your join date unless you cancel. You can cancel anytime by contacting customer service, and if you cancel before the renewal date, you will not be charged again.