Sam's Club accepts multiple payment methods both in-store and online, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and their own Sam's Club Mastercard

Sam's Club takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at checkout. You can also pay with a debit card, cash, or checks at warehouse locations. If you have a Sam's Club Mastercard, using it gives you rewards on purchases — typically 2% back on gas and groceries, 1% on other items — though the card itself requires a separate application through their credit partner.

For your membership fee specifically, Sam's Club charges it to whichever payment method you used when you signed up, then renews it automatically each year on your membership anniversary. You can update your payment method in your online account or ask a membership desk associate to change it in-warehouse.

Online purchases through samsclub.com work the same way: credit card, debit card, or Sam's Club Mastercard. If you use Sam's Club+ (their paid delivery membership), that subscription renews on the same schedule as your warehouse membership unless you cancel it separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Sam's Club accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, and checks at warehouse locations, plus credit and debit cards online.
  • Your membership fee renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary date using the payment method on file.
  • The Sam's Club Mastercard offers rewards but is a separate credit product you must request; it is not required to shop.
  • You can change your payment method anytime through your online account or at the membership desk without affecting your membership status.
  • Sam's Club+ (delivery membership) renews separately from your warehouse membership and can be canceled independently.

How membership renewal charges work

Your membership fee is charged automatically on the same date each year — the date you originally joined or renewed. Sam's Club does not send a reminder before charging; the charge simply appears on your statement. If the payment method on file declines or expires, Sam's Club will attempt to charge a backup method if you have one on file, or your membership will lapse until you update your payment information.

If you want to change when your membership renews, you cannot shift the date itself, but you can cancel and rejoin on a date of your choosing. Canceling before renewal prevents the automatic charge. If you have already been charged and want a refund, Sam's Club offers refunds within 45 days of the charge date if you cancel your membership.

Paying for purchases in the warehouse

At checkout, you can use any major credit card, debit card, or cash. Sam's Club also takes checks at most locations, though you will need to show a valid ID. The warehouse does not accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay at this time, so you must have a physical card or cash.

If your payment is declined, the cashier will ask you to provide a different method. If you do not have another way to pay, you can leave your items at the register and return later with a working payment method — the warehouse will hold them briefly, though policies vary by location.

Paying for online orders

Samsclub.com accepts credit cards, debit cards, and the Sam's Club Mastercard. You enter your payment information at checkout, and the order is charged when you place it, not when it ships. If you use a debit card, the funds are held immediately; if you use a credit card, the charge appears on your statement within one to three business days.

For same-day delivery or club pickup orders, payment is still processed at checkout. If your payment fails, you will receive an email asking you to update your payment method before the order can be fulfilled.

The Sam's Club Mastercard and rewards

The Sam's Club Mastercard is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. It offers 2% cash back on gas (at Sam's Club and other stations) and groceries, 1% on all other purchases, and an annual $45 fee (waived the first year for new cardholders). You do not need this card to shop at Sam's Club — it is optional and separate from your membership.

To request the card, you can apply in-warehouse at the membership desk or online through samsclub.com. The application takes a few minutes, and you will know immediately whether you are approved. If approved, you receive a temporary digital card number you can use right away, and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, a check, or a Sam's Club digital gift card. You do not have to redeem them — they accumulate in your account until you choose to use them.

What to do if a payment is declined

If your card is declined at checkout, ask the cashier or customer service desk to try again — sometimes a temporary network issue causes a decline. If it declines a second time, use a different payment method if you have one available.

If your membership renewal charge is declined, Sam's Club will attempt to charge a backup payment method if you have one saved. If all payment methods fail, your membership will be suspended. You can restore it by updating your payment information online or at the membership desk and authorizing the charge again.

If you believe a charge was made in error or you were charged twice, contact Sam's Club customer service with your membership number and the transaction date. They can review the charge and issue a refund if warranted.

Updating your payment method

Log into your Sam's Club account online and go to "Account Settings" or "Payment Methods." You can add a new card, remove an old one, or set a different card as your primary payment method for membership renewal. Changes take effect immediately for online purchases and membership renewal.

If you prefer not to use the website, visit the membership desk at any Sam's Club warehouse with your membership card and a valid ID. An associate can update your payment information in the system on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my membership fee with a different payment method each year?

Yes. You can change your payment method anytime through your online account or at the membership desk. The new method will be used for your next renewal charge. You do not need to do anything else — the change takes effect automatically.

What happens if my credit card expires before my membership renews?

If your card expires, Sam's Club will attempt to charge a backup payment method if you have one on file. If no backup exists, your membership will lapse. Update your payment information before your renewal date to avoid this. You can check your renewal date in your online account.

Does Sam's Club accept PayPal or digital wallets?

Sam's Club does not currently accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets in-warehouse or online. You must use a credit card, debit card, or cash. The Sam's Club Mastercard is their only branded payment option.

Can I get a refund if I was charged for my membership but did not use it?

Yes. Sam's Club offers refunds within 45 days of the charge date if you cancel your membership. Contact customer service with your membership number and request a refund. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5 to 7 business days.

Is the Sam's Club Mastercard required to shop?

No. The Mastercard is optional. You can shop using any major credit card, debit card, or cash. The card is only worth getting if you shop frequently and want the rewards — the $45 annual fee means you need to earn at least that much in cash back for it to pay for itself.