You can use your Sam's Club credit card at Sam's Club warehouses, on their website, and at gas stations inside Sam's Club locations — but not at other retailers
The Sam's Club Mastercard works only within the Sam's Club ecosystem. You can swipe it at any Sam's Club warehouse during checkout, order online at samsclub.com and pay with the card, and fill up at the fuel station in your Sam's Club parking lot. You cannot use it at grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations outside Sam's Club, or any other merchant that accepts Mastercard.
This limitation exists because Sam's Club issues the card themselves rather than through a bank. It is a closed-loop card, meaning it only functions within their own system. If you need a card that works everywhere Mastercard is accepted, you would need a different credit card — Sam's Club does not offer that option through their own branded card.
Key Takeaways
- The Sam's Club Mastercard only works at Sam's Club warehouses, samsclub.com, and Sam's Club gas stations.
- You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations outside of Sam's Club locations.
- The card earns rewards only on purchases made within Sam's Club, not on outside purchases.
- If you need a card that works everywhere, you will need to carry a separate credit card from another issuer.
What you can buy with the card at Sam's Club
At the warehouse itself, you can use the card for any item sold there — groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, furniture, and bulk items. The card works the same way as cash or a debit card at checkout. You still need a valid Sam's Club membership to enter the warehouse and shop, regardless of whether you use the Sam's Club card or another payment method.
Online at samsclub.com, the card is one payment option at checkout. You can order items for delivery or in-store pickup and pay with your Sam's Club Mastercard. The card also works for Sam's Club Plus membership renewals and upgrades if you choose to pay that way.
At the fuel pumps inside Sam's Club locations, you can use the card just as you would at any gas pump — insert or tap the card and select your grade of fuel. Some Sam's Club locations also have diesel pumps for members with trucks or larger vehicles.
Rewards you earn on Sam's Club card purchases
The Sam's Club Mastercard earns cash back on purchases made within Sam's Club. The exact rate depends on which version of the card you hold — the standard Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club Business Mastercard have different reward structures. You earn rewards only on purchases made at Sam's Club locations, on samsclub.com, and at Sam's Club fuel stations. Purchases outside Sam's Club earn no rewards.
Rewards are typically deposited into your Sam's Club account as a certificate or credit that you can use toward future purchases. Some versions of the card may offer bonus categories or higher rates during promotional periods. Check your cardholder agreement or log into your Sam's Club account online to see your current rewards rate and any active promotions.
How to pay your Sam's Club credit card bill
You can pay your Sam's Club Mastercard bill online through your Sam's Club account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Sam's Club warehouse. To pay online, log into samsclub.com, go to your account settings, and look for the credit card payment section. You can set up automatic monthly payments so the full balance or a minimum payment is deducted from your bank account on a date you choose.
By phone, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a one-time payment using your bank account information. By mail, send a check to the address listed on your monthly statement. In person, you can pay at the membership desk inside any Sam's Club warehouse during business hours.
Your monthly statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and payment due date. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
What happens if you try to use it outside Sam's Club
If you attempt to use your Sam's Club Mastercard at a retailer outside the Sam's Club system — a grocery store, gas station, restaurant, or online retailer — the transaction will be declined. The card will not process because it is not connected to the Mastercard network for general use. You will need to use a different payment method to complete the purchase.
This is different from a regular Mastercard, which works at millions of merchants worldwide. The Sam's Club card's limitation to Sam's Club locations is by design and cannot be overridden by calling customer service or requesting an exception.
Alternatives if you need a card that works everywhere
If you need a credit card that works at any merchant accepting Mastercard or Visa, you will need to open a separate account with a bank or credit card issuer. Many people carry both a Sam's Club card for warehouse purchases and a general-purpose credit card for everyday spending elsewhere. This approach lets you earn Sam's Club rewards on warehouse purchases while still having payment flexibility for other situations.
Some cardholders use a cash-back card from a bank for non-Sam's Club purchases and reserve the Sam's Club card for warehouse trips. Others use a rewards card that offers cash back on groceries or gas to maximize rewards across different spending categories. The best approach depends on where you spend most of your money and which rewards structure benefits you most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Sam's Club card at Walmart or other retailers?
No. The Sam's Club Mastercard only works at Sam's Club locations, samsclub.com, and Sam's Club gas stations. It will not work at Walmart, grocery stores, or any other retailer, even though Sam's Club is owned by Walmart. You need a separate credit card for purchases outside Sam's Club.
What if I lose my Sam's Club credit card?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your Sam's Club account online to report it lost or stolen. Sam's Club will cancel the card when ready and mail you a replacement. You can request expedited shipping for a faster replacement. Until the new card arrives, you can still shop at Sam's Club using your membership card and another payment method.
Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the credit card?
Yes. You must have an active Sam's Club membership to shop at the warehouse and use the card there. The membership and the credit card are separate — you pay membership fees annually, and the credit card has its own terms and potential interest charges. You cannot use the card to bypass the membership requirement.
Can I use the Sam's Club card for online purchases outside samsclub.com?
No. The card only works on samsclub.com for online shopping. It will not work on Amazon, other retail websites, or any merchant outside the Sam's Club system. You will need a different credit card for online purchases elsewhere.
Does the Sam's Club card earn rewards on gas purchases?
Yes, but only at Sam's Club fuel stations. Rewards earned on fuel depend on your card version and any active promotions. Gas purchased at other stations will not process on the Sam's Club card at all, so you cannot earn rewards there even if you wanted to.