What the Sam's Club Credit Card is and who can use it
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a rewards credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, designed for Sam's Club members. It works like any other credit card — you charge purchases, receive a statement, and pay a balance — but it offers rewards specifically on Sam's Club and Walmart purchases, plus some benefits tied to membership.
You do not need to be a Sam's Club member to open the card, but you will get better rewards rates if you are. The card is available to people with fair credit and above; Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval typically requires a score in the mid-600s or higher. You can open the card online, in a Sam's Club warehouse, or by phone.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard. The business version has different rewards rates and is designed for business owners, though both function as regular credit cards with monthly statements and interest charges if you carry a balance.
Key Takeaways
- The Sam's Club Mastercard earns 5% cash back on Sam's Club and Walmart.com purchases, 1% on all other purchases, with no annual fee for members.
- Non-members pay a $45 annual fee but still earn rewards; the card is not restricted to members only.
- You build a credit history with this card like any other, and late payments or high balances will affect your credit score.
- The card offers extended return windows and roadside information, but these are standard cardholder perks, not unique benefits.
- Interest rates and terms are set by Synchrony and vary based on your credit profile; there is no introductory 0% APR period.
Rewards rates and how they work
Sam's Club members earn 5% cash back on purchases at Sam's Club warehouses and on Walmart.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases, and no annual fee. Non-members earn the same rewards rates but pay a $45 annual fee. The rewards are paid as cash back, which appears as a credit on your statement or can be redeemed as a Sam's Club gift card.
Cash back is not automatic — you must redeem it. You can redeem through your Synchrony account online, by phone, or in a Sam's Club warehouse. There is no minimum redemption amount, though some redemption methods may have small thresholds. Cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
The 5% rate applies only to Sam's Club and Walmart.com purchases. Sam's Club warehouse fuel, Sam's Club Plus membership fees, and purchases at Walmart physical stores earn 1%. This distinction matters if you split shopping between the warehouse and Walmart locations.
Annual fees and membership requirements
Sam's Club members pay no annual fee for the card. Non-members pay $45 per year. The membership itself — either Gold Star ($60 per year) or Plus ($110 per year) — is separate from the credit card and must be purchased independently. The card does not include a membership; it is a payment method for people who already have one or are willing to buy one.
If you are not a member and do not plan to become one, the $45 card fee plus the lower rewards rate on non-Sam's Club purchases means this card makes sense only if you spend heavily on Walmart.com or have another reason to keep the account open. For most non-members, a general cash back card with no annual fee is a better choice.
Interest rates, fees, and what happens if you carry a balance
The Sam's Club Mastercard charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month. The APR (annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and credit history; Synchrony does not publish a standard rate, but cardholders typically see rates between 18% and 27%. There is no introductory 0% APR period, so interest begins accruing when ready on any unpaid balance.
Late payment fees start at $35 for the first late payment and can increase to $39 for subsequent late payments within six billing cycles. If your payment is 60 days late, Synchrony may report the delinquency to credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. Paying at least the minimum due on time is essential to avoid these consequences.
The card also charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the United States. If you travel internationally or shop from foreign websites, this cost adds up quickly. Cash advances carry a higher APR and an upfront fee of 3% of the amount withdrawn.
How this card affects your credit score
Opening the Sam's Club Mastercard will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily. Once the account is open, your credit score is affected by two main factors: your payment history (whether you pay on time) and your credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you use).
Paying your full statement balance on time each month helps your credit score. Carrying a balance, especially a high one relative to your credit limit, signals risk to lenders and can lower your score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, that mark stays on your credit report for seven years and significantly damages your score.
The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so your activity is visible to any lender checking your credit. This is useful if you are building credit, because on-time payments help, but it also means missed payments have broad consequences.
Other cardholder benefits and protections
The Sam's Club Mastercard includes an extended return window: items purchased with the card can be returned to Sam's Club for up to 90 days, compared to the standard 30-day window for cash purchases. This applies only to Sam's Club warehouse purchases, not Walmart.com orders.
The card also offers roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery) at no extra cost, though you pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement. Purchase protection covers items damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, up to $500 per item and $50,000 per claim. These are standard benefits on many credit cards and are not unique to Sam's Club.
The card does not include travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, or concierge services. If those benefits matter to you, a premium rewards card or travel card may be a better fit, though those typically charge annual fees.
Comparing the Sam's Club card to other options
If you are a Sam's Club member and shop there regularly, the 5% cash back with no annual fee is competitive. A general 2% cash back card with no annual fee would earn you half as much on Sam's Club purchases, so the Sam's Club card wins if you spend $1,200 or more per year at Sam's Club.
If you do not have a Sam's Club membership, the $45 annual fee makes this card less attractive. The Walmart+ card (issued by Capital One) offers 2% cash back at Walmart and Walmart.com with no annual fee and no membership requirement, which is simpler if Walmart is your primary retailer.
For non-members who want 5% cash back, a general rewards card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% cash back, no annual fee) or the Citi Double Cash (2% cash back, no annual fee) will earn more on purchases outside Sam's Club and Walmart, offsetting the lower rate on those specific retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Sam's Club membership to open the card?
No. Non-members can open the card and use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you will pay a $45 annual fee and earn only 1% cash back on Sam's Club warehouse purchases instead of 5%. Most non-members find the fee and lower rewards rate not worth it unless they plan to join.
What happens to my rewards if I cancel my membership?
Your cash back rewards do not disappear if you cancel your Sam's Club membership. However, you will lose the 5% rate on future Sam's Club purchases and will pay the $45 annual fee if you keep the card open. You can redeem any accumulated cash back before canceling.
Can I use this card outside Sam's Club and Walmart?
Yes. The card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Sam's Club and non-Walmart.com purchases. The 5% rate applies only to Sam's Club warehouses and Walmart.com, not Walmart physical stores or other retailers.
Is there a sign-up bonus?
Synchrony does not currently offer a sign-up bonus for the Sam's Club Mastercard. Some promotions may run periodically, so check the Sam's Club website or call Synchrony directly to see if a bonus is available when you explore.
What should I do if I am denied?
If Synchrony denies your process, you can call their reconsideration line to discuss your credit profile. You can also wait a few months, build your credit score, and explore again. In the meantime, a secured credit card (which requires a cash deposit) can help you build credit history if your score is very low.