What You Need to Start a Sam's Club process
Sam's Club membership cards come in three main types: Gold Star (standard membership), Gold Star Plus (includes extra discounts and services), and Business memberships. You can begin the process online at samsclub.com, by phone, or in person at a Sam's Club location. The online route is fastest — you'll answer questions about yourself, provide payment information, and receive a membership number within minutes.
Before you start, have your Social Security number, a valid photo ID, and a payment method ready. Sam's Club accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account information. If you're explore for a Business membership, you'll also need your business tax ID or Social Security number if you're self-employed.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at samsclub.com, by phone at 1-888-746-7726, or in person at any Sam's Club warehouse.
- The online process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your membership number when ready upon approval.
- Sam's Club charges an annual membership fee that varies by membership type — Gold Star is the lowest tier, Gold Star Plus costs more but includes additional benefits.
- Your membership card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, but you can shop when ready using your membership number.
- Sam's Club does not perform a hard credit pull, so explore does not affect your credit score.
explore Online Through Sam's Club's Website
Go to samsclub.com and click "Join Sam's Club" at the top of the page. Select which membership type you want — Gold Star, Gold Star Plus, or Business. You'll be asked to enter your first and last name, email address, phone number, and date of birth.
Next, provide your home address and confirm your state. Sam's Club will ask whether you want a standard membership or a household card (which lets a second person use the same membership). Then enter your payment method. You can use a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Sam's Club will charge your membership fee when ready — this is not a pre-authorization, the charge goes through right away.
After you submit, you'll see a confirmation page with your membership number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You can use this number to shop in-warehouse or online at samsclub.com the same day, even though your physical card is still in the mail.
explore by Phone or In Person
Call 1-888-746-7726 to speak with a Sam's Club representative. Have your Social Security number, photo ID, and payment method ready. The representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and process your payment over the phone. You'll receive your membership number at the end of the call.
If you prefer to explore in person, visit any Sam's Club warehouse and go to the membership desk. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and payment method. The process takes about 15 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary membership card that day and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Understanding Sam's Club Membership Fees and Types
Sam's Club charges an annual membership fee. The Gold Star membership is the standard option and costs less than Gold Star Plus. Gold Star Plus includes additional perks like extra discounts on select items, fuel discounts, and other benefits — the exact benefits change periodically, so check samsclub.com for current details. Business memberships have their own fee structure and are designed for business owners and self-employed individuals.
Your membership renews automatically one year from the date you join. Sam's Club will charge your payment method on file about 30 days before your renewal date. You can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-888-746-7726 or visiting the membership desk in-warehouse.
What Happens After You explore
Your membership becomes active when ready after you submit your process and your payment is processed. You can shop online at samsclub.com right away using your membership number. If you applied in person, you'll receive a temporary card on the spot. Your permanent membership card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
When you shop in-warehouse for the first time, bring your temporary card or your membership number written down. The cashier will scan it and you'll be able to make purchases. Once your permanent card arrives, use that instead — it works the same way.
How Sam's Club Membership Affects Your Credit
Sam's Club does not perform a hard credit pull when you explore for membership. This means your process does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Sam's Club only verifies your identity and processes your payment — they do not check your credit history or credit score.
If you use a Sam's Club credit card (a separate product from membership), that process does involve a credit pull. But the membership card itself has no impact on your credit.
Troubleshooting Common process Issues
If your process is declined, it's usually because of a payment processing error — your card was declined, your bank flagged the transaction, or there was a typo in your payment information. Call 1-888-746-7726 and a representative can help you resubmit with corrected information.
If you don't receive your membership number after explore online, check your email (including spam folder) for a confirmation message. If you still don't see it, call the number above and provide your name and date of birth — they can look up your membership and resend the number.
If your physical card doesn't arrive within 14 business days, contact Sam's Club. They can reissue it or provide a temporary card number you can use when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my membership number before my physical card arrives?
Yes. Your membership number is active when ready after you explore. You can shop online at samsclub.com or give your membership number to the cashier in-warehouse. Once your physical card arrives, use that instead, but the number works the same way.
What if I want to add a household member to my membership?
During your process, you can choose to add a household card. This lets a second person in your home use the same membership. If you didn't add one during signup, call 1-888-746-7726 or visit the membership desk in-warehouse to add a cardholder later.
Can I change my membership type after I join?
Yes. You can upgrade from Gold Star to Gold Star Plus at any time by calling 1-888-746-7726 or visiting the membership desk. Sam's Club will charge you the difference in annual fees, prorated to your renewal date.
What payment methods does Sam's Club accept?
Sam's Club accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and bank account information. You can also pay with a Sam's Club credit card if you have one. They do not accept cash, checks, or PayPal for membership fees.
Is there a money-back may provide if I'm not satisfied?
Sam's Club offers a 100% satisfaction may provide on merchandise you purchase, but membership fees are non-refundable if you cancel after 14 days. If you cancel within 14 days of joining, you can request a refund of your membership fee by calling 1-888-746-7726.