What the Synchrony Sam's Club Credit Card is and who issues it
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a co-branded credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Sam's Club itself. Synchrony is a financial services company that specializes in retail credit cards. When you use this card, you're borrowing money from Synchrony, not from Sam's Club — though the rewards and benefits are tied to your Sam's Club membership.
The card comes in two versions: one for Sam's Club members and one for Sam's Club Plus members. The Plus version offers higher cash back rates and additional perks, but requires a higher membership tier. Both versions work only at Sam's Club locations and on the Sam's Club website.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony Bank issues the card, but rewards are earned only when you shop at Sam's Club with an active membership.
- The card offers cash back on Sam's Club purchases — the exact rate depends on whether you have a standard or Plus membership.
- You can carry a balance and pay interest, or pay in full each month; Synchrony sets the interest rate based on your credit history.
- The card requires you to be a Sam's Club member to open it, and membership fees are separate from the card itself.
- You can manage your account online through Synchrony's portal or the Sam's Club app, and set up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Cash back rates and how rewards are earned
With a standard Sam's Club membership, the Mastercard earns 2% cash back on all Sam's Club purchases (in-warehouse and online), 1% cash back at gas stations, and 1% cash back everywhere else. With a Sam's Club Plus membership, you earn 3% cash back on Sam's Club purchases, 2% at gas stations, and 1% everywhere else.
Cash back is posted to your account as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a Sam's Club gift card. You do not earn rewards on purchases made with a different payment method, and rewards do not carry over if your membership lapses. The cash back rate can change, so check your card agreement or the Sam's Club website for the current terms.
Interest rates, fees, and how to avoid them
Synchrony charges an annual percentage rate (APR) on any balance you carry from month to month. The APR varies based on your credit score and credit history — there is no single rate for all cardholders. You can find your current APR on your Synchrony statement or by logging into your online account.
The card has no annual fee. However, if you miss a payment, Synchrony will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones). If your payment is more than 60 days late, Synchrony may increase your APR to a penalty rate. To avoid these charges, set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account so at least the minimum payment is made on time each month.
Synchrony also offers promotional financing periods — for example, 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases over a certain amount. These promotions change throughout the year, so check your statement or the Sam's Club website to see what is currently available.
How to open an account and what you need
To open a Sam's Club Mastercard, you must already have an active Sam's Club membership. You can start the process process online at the Sam's Club website, in a Sam's Club warehouse, or through the Sam's Club mobile app. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
Synchrony will pull your credit report to make a lending decision. This is called a hard inquiry and may lower your credit score slightly. You will receive a decision within minutes to a few days. If approved, your physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use the card number when ready for online purchases.
If you do not have a Sam's Club membership yet, you will need to join first. Membership fees vary by location and membership tier (standard or Plus), and are paid separately from the credit card process.
Managing your account online and making payments
You can view your balance, make payments, and update your information through the Synchrony website (mysynchrony.com) or the Sam's Club mobile app. To log in, you will need the email address and password you created when you opened the account. If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number.
Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is online — payments made before 8 p.m. ET on a business day are typically posted the same day. You can set up automatic payments so your minimum payment or full balance is paid each month without you having to remember. This reduces the risk of late fees and interest charges.
Your statement is available online and by mail. The statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, payment due date, and all transactions from the past month. Review it carefully to catch any unauthorized charges and to track your cash back earnings.
What happens if you close your membership or the card
If you cancel your Sam's Club membership, your credit card account will be closed by Synchrony. Any remaining balance must still be paid, and you will no longer earn cash back on purchases. If you want to keep the card active, you must maintain your Sam's Club membership.
If you close the card yourself but keep your Sam's Club membership, you can still shop at Sam's Club — you will just pay with a different payment method. Closing the card does not affect your membership status.
If your account is closed due to non-payment or violation of the card agreement, Synchrony will report this to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow money in the future.
How this card compares to other warehouse and grocery cards
The Sam's Club Mastercard is designed specifically for Sam's Club shoppers and offers no rewards outside Sam's Club (except 1% to 2% at gas stations). If you shop at multiple warehouse clubs or grocery stores, a general cash back card or a card tied to a different retailer may earn more rewards overall.
Other warehouse clubs like Costco offer their own credit cards with different reward structures. Costco's card is issued by Visa and earns cash back at Costco and other merchants. Warehouse club cards typically have lower cash back rates than general-purpose cards but are worth holding if you spend a lot at that specific retailer.
The main advantage of the Sam's Club card is that it stacks with your membership — you earn both the member discount on items and cash back on the purchase. If you are already a Sam's Club member and shop there regularly, the card can add up to meaningful savings over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sam's Club Mastercard outside of Sam's Club?
Yes, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you only earn the higher cash back rate at Sam's Club. Outside Sam's Club, you earn 1% cash back (or 1% to 2% at gas stations, depending on your membership tier). Most cardholders use it primarily at Sam's Club to maximize rewards.
What is the difference between the standard and Plus membership card?
The Plus version earns 3% cash back on Sam's Club purchases instead of 2%, and 2% at gas stations instead of 1%. The Plus membership itself costs more per year than standard membership. If you shop at Sam's Club frequently, the higher cash back rate may offset the higher membership fee.
Do I earn cash back on Sam's Club membership fees?
No. Membership fees are not considered purchases and do not earn cash back. Only items you buy at Sam's Club or on the Sam's Club website earn rewards.
What happens to my cash back if my membership expires?
Any cash back you have already earned stays in your account and can be redeemed. However, you will not earn new cash back on purchases made after your membership expires, even if you use the card. You must renew your membership to continue earning rewards.
Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Sam's Club Mastercard?
Synchrony does not offer balance transfers on this card. You can only carry a balance on purchases you make with the Sam's Club Mastercard itself. If you want to move debt from another card, you would need to pay it off separately or transfer it to a different card that offers balance transfers.