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Wholesale clubs can help shoppers save money on groceries and other necessities. But do their store-branded credit cards offer savings? What benefits do they offer, and are they worth it? This in-depth review examines the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®, considering its rewards, fees, APR, features, and more. Table of contents
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Sam’s Club Card at a GlanceSam’s Club CardBenefits
22.90% variable (account type 2)Late FeeUp to $40 * For this program, “cash-back” comes in the form of Cash Rewards, not true cash-back. This rewards-earning card is issued by Synchrony Bank, and while there is no annual fee, cardholders must be a Sam’s Club member to apply. It costs $45 for an annual Sam’s Club membership and $100 for an annual Sam’s Club Plus membership. Sign-Up Bonus OfferThe Sam’s Club card typically offers a sign-up bonus. An example of a bonus is that if you open a Sam’s Club card and use your new account to make Sam’s Club purchases totaling $30 or more (excluding cash advances, gift card sales, alcohol, tobacco, and pharmacy purchases) within 30 days of the date of account opening, you will receive a 1-time $30 credit within 90 days after the qualifying purchases are made. Benefits of the Sam’s Club Card With the Sam’s Club card, cardholders can earn several benefits:
The 5% Cash Rewards for gas exclude purchases made at fuel stations of wholesale clubs other than Sam’s Club, certain supercenters, and supermarkets. Cash-back on dining and all other purchases excludes purchases made at any wholesale clubs other than Sam’s Club. You’ll only earn 1% cash-back on all in-store purchases at Sam’s Club and Walmart, though upgraded Plus members can earn 5% (2% for Plus membership and 3% with the card). With minimal in-store rewards value, there are better credit cards available to maximize rewards for in-store purchases (see the Alternative Rewards Credit Cards section below). Also notable: the maximum cash-back amount you can earn per calendar year is $5,000. Hot Tip: Cash Rewards are issued starting in February of the following year and are automatically loaded onto the primary Sam’s Club member’s membership account. Rewards can be used for in-club or online purchases or exchanged for cash-back. Cash Rewards that aren’t redeemed will expire as of the date listed on the reward notification. Additionally, rewards are forfeited if the member’s account is not in “good standing,” if the member is more than 2 months delinquent on the minimum payment, or if the Sam’s Club membership has lapsed or terminated. Accelerated Earning for Plus MembersClub members who upgrade from the $45 base membership to the $100 Plus membership will see a 4% increase in Cash Rewards on their Sam’s Club purchases, but is the upgrade worth it? If we evaluate a breakeven solely based on Sam’s Club purchases (not including other earning categories):
If you are frequent Sam’s Club shopper, upgrading to Plus membership could accelerate your earnings and offer enhanced benefits like:
The 2% Cash Rewards have a maximum reward of $500 per 12-month membership period and a membership can accumulate a maximum balance of $2,000 on a membership card. Earned rewards are loaded to the membership account at the end of each membership year (12-month period) and can be redeemed as cash or store credit at Sam’s Club locations. Hot Tip: It is worth noting that for the Cash Rewards managed by the Plus membership program and the Cash Rewards managed by the Sam’s Club card, each program is independently operated and managed. Additional Sam’s Club Card FeaturesThe Sam’s Club card offers special features including:
A Note About Special FinancingThe Sam’s Club card has specific terms and conditions related to special financing. As a cardholder, if you’re going to utilize this benefit you want to pay close attention to the terminology used. There is a significant difference between “no interest for 6 months” and “no interest if paid in full within 6 months.” No interest for 6/12/18/24/36/48 months:
No interest if paid in full within 6/12/18/24/36/48 months:
Fees and Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club CardWhile there are many benefits to the Sam’s Club card, including the lofty Cash Rewards offers, it’s important to remember all credit cards come with fees and drawbacks. The easiest way to avoid these is to be a consistently responsible cardholder. You should pay your balance in full every month. If you can’t pay it in full, the next best option is to pay as much as you can, leaving as small a balance as possible. You should always make at least the minimum payment. Sam’s Club CardAnnual Fee$0Purchase and Quick Cash Advance APR14.90% variable (account type 1)22.90% variable (account type 2)Cash Advance APR19.9% variable (account type 1) 25.9% variable (account type 2)Cash Advance Fee$5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance (whichever is greater)Late FeeUp to $40 With the Sam’s Club card, your given APR percentage depends on which account type you receive:
The APRs range from pretty average for a rewards card (for account type 1) to high (for account type 2). However, the APRs can add up, especially if you often carry a balance. As mentioned previously, the Cash Rewards from the Sam’s Club card are not true cash-back. The rewards come in the form of an automatic credit to the member’s account and can only be used for Sam’s Club purchases — both in-store and online. Alternatively, other cash-back credit cards typically give you your cash-back every month. Applying for a Sam’s Club CardThere are several ways to apply for the Sam’s Club card. Members can either apply digitally (online, via the Sam’s Club app, or via text message) or in-store at their local club (at the member service desk, at a register (including Scan & Go), or at specific self-checkouts). Members must sign in or create an online account with their Sam’s Club membership to apply online. Some applicants may be approved instantly (there are many other instant approval cards as well). However, other applications may require further review, resulting in a waiting period of 7 to 10 days. Generally, a “good” credit score is necessary to secure a Sam’s Club card. Some individuals have reported approval with scores in the upper “fair” range. Sam’s Club Log-in and Online Account ManagementCardholders have the option to manage their credit card account online by logging in at the Sam’s Club online account portal or via the Sam’s Club mobile app (iOS, Android). Once logged in, members have the opportunity to:
Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)You can maximize your cash-back by using the Sam’s Club card for gas and dining purchases to earn bonus cash-back and, if you are not a Plus member earning 5% for in-store purchases, select a different credit card that offers a cash-back earning rate higher than 1% for in-store purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases and is a no annual fee card. Alternatively, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has a $0 annual fee and allows you to earn 5% cash-back/5x Ultimate Rewards points on quarterly rotating bonus categories on up to $1,500 in purchases. These categories have a history of including wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club. Bottom Line: If you’d like some other suggestions, check out our list of the best credit cards to use at Sam’s Club. Final ThoughtsThe Sam’s Club card provides generous cash-back benefits. With 5% on gas, 3% on dining, and 1% on most other purchases, it could be a decent option for your wallet if you’re going the cash-back route. However, keep in mind that you must be a Sam’s Club member (with a $45 annual membership fee) to apply for a card and retain your benefits. You can only get your Cash Rewards once per calendar year, and the program doesn’t offer true cash-back. This is a big drawback for those who want to take advantage of their rewards quickly or utilize their cash-back in any way they choose. Lastly, if you’re looking for a travel rewards credit card or a card to help you earn more points and miles, this is not the card for you. The information regarding the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. How do I check my Sam's Club card balance?Q: How do I check my Sam's Cash balance? A: Your Sam's Cash balance is available at the register when you make a purchase using your Sam's Club Mastercard or by logging into your account at SamsClub.com. Go to “Your Account,” and then “Account Information.”
How do I check my credit card balance?Your credit card balance will appear on your monthly statement. You can find your most up-to-date balance by logging in to your credit card company's portal, checking their mobile app or calling customer service.
Is there an app for Sam's Club credit card?Mobile first: Sam's Club cardholders can easily make purchases, track spending, check and pay balances, and securely manage and freeze accounts via the Sam's Club mobile app enabled by the Synchrony plug-in ('SyPi'). Digitized rewards: No more paper checks!
Can I access my Sam's Club card online?Download the Sam's Club app for instant access to your digital membership card.
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How do i check my sams club credit card balance
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