Sam's Club accepts multiple payment methods both in-warehouse and online, including credit cards, debit cards, cash, and Sam's Club gift cards
Sam's Club takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at checkout. You can also pay with a debit card, cash, or a Sam's Club gift card. If you're shopping online, you'll need a credit or debit card — cash and gift cards work only in-warehouse. Your membership fee itself must be paid with a card or cash when you renew, either at the register or through your Sam's Club account online.
The payment method you choose doesn't affect your membership status or shopping privileges. What matters is that you pay your membership renewal before it expires, or you won't be able to enter the warehouse. Online orders process immediately when you complete checkout, so your card is charged right away.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club membership fees are paid separately from your purchases and must be renewed before expiration to maintain warehouse access.
- In-warehouse shopping accepts cash, all major credit cards, debit cards, and Sam's Club gift cards at the register.
- Online shopping requires a credit or debit card; cash and gift cards cannot be used for web orders.
- You can renew your membership online through your account, by phone, or at the warehouse register without visiting customer service.
Paying your membership fee
Your Sam's Club membership renewal fee is separate from what you spend on products. When your membership is about to expire, you'll receive a notice in the mail or see a prompt in your Sam's Club app. You can renew online by logging into your account, calling the membership line, or walking up to the register at any warehouse.
The membership fee varies depending on the tier you choose — Sam's Club offers a basic membership and a Plus membership with additional benefits. You pay the full fee upfront, not monthly. If you pay online, the charge appears on your card immediately. If you renew at the warehouse, you can use cash or card.
Paying for purchases in the warehouse
At the checkout register, you can hand over cash, a credit card, a debit card, or a Sam's Club gift card. The cashier will process your payment and you'll be on your way. There's no special step or approval process — it works like any other retail store. If you're using a gift card, the cashier will swipe it and apply the balance to your total.
Sam's Club does not accept personal checks, and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay are not currently accepted at the register, though this can vary by location. If you're unsure whether your warehouse accepts a specific payment method, ask the cashier before you reach the front of the line.
Paying for online orders
When you shop on Samsclub.com or the Sam's Club app, you must enter a credit or debit card at checkout. Cash and gift cards don't work for online orders. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV, then confirm your billing address. Your card is charged as soon as you complete the order, not when the item ships.
If your order is may be able to access for same-day or next-day delivery, the charge still happens immediately. If you need to cancel the order, you'll see a refund back to your card within a few business days, depending on your bank. Some orders may require a signature upon delivery, but payment is always processed online before the package leaves the warehouse.
Using Sam's Club gift cards
A Sam's Club gift card can be used for purchases in the warehouse but not online. You can buy gift cards at the register, through the website, or by phone. When you use a gift card at checkout, the cashier swipes it and deducts the amount from your total. If your purchase is more than the card's balance, you'll pay the difference with another payment method.
Gift cards don't expire and have no fees. If you lose a gift card, you can contact Sam's Club with the card number and they may be able to help, though this depends on whether the card was registered to your account. For this reason, it's worth registering any gift card you receive or purchase.
What to do if your payment is declined
If your card is declined at the register, the cashier will let you know and you can try a different payment method. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an expired card, or a fraud alert from your bank. If you're using a debit card, make sure you have enough money in your account. If you're using a credit card, check that it hasn't expired and that you haven't hit your credit limit.
If you believe the decline is an error, contact your bank directly — they can tell you why the card was rejected and whether there's a hold on your account. Once the issue is resolved, you can return to Sam's Club and try again. For online orders, you'll see an error message and can update your payment information before resubmitting.
Updating payment information in your account
If you want to change the default payment method for your online orders, log into your Sam's Club account on the website or app. Go to your account settings or payment methods section and add or update a card. You can save multiple cards and choose which one to use at checkout. Removing an old card won't affect past orders — it only changes what's available for future purchases.
If you're renewing your membership online and your saved card has expired, you'll need to update it before the renewal can process. The system will prompt you to enter new card details if the one on file is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my membership fee with a gift card?
No. Membership fees must be paid with cash or a credit or debit card. Gift cards can only be used for merchandise purchases in the warehouse, not for membership renewals.
Does Sam's Club charge a fee for paying with a credit card?
No. There is no surcharge for using a credit card, debit card, or any other accepted payment method. The price you see is the price you pay.
What happens if my membership expires while I'm shopping?
You won't be able to enter the warehouse once your membership expires. You'll need to renew at the membership desk or online before you can shop again. If you're already inside and your membership expires that day, you can usually complete your purchase, but confirm with a manager.
Can I use multiple payment methods for one purchase?
Yes. If you're paying with a gift card and it doesn't cover the full amount, you can pay the remainder with a credit card, debit card, or cash. The cashier will process both payments together.
Is my payment information secure when I shop online?
Sam's Club uses encryption to protect your card details during online checkout. Your information is not stored in full on the website — only the last four digits appear in your account history. If you have concerns about a specific charge, contact Sam's Club customer service or your bank.