Yes, but only certain cards—and Sam's Club has its own rules
You can use a credit card at Sam's Club, but not every card works there. Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at the register. However, Sam's Club also runs its own credit card program, and members who carry a Sam's Club Mastercard get extra benefits like cash back and extended warranties. If you show up with a different card—say, a store card from Target or a regional bank card—it will be declined.
The catch is that Sam's Club membership itself is separate from payment method. You need a valid membership card to enter the warehouse and shop, regardless of which credit card you bring to pay. The membership card and the payment card are two different things.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at checkout, but declines store cards from other retailers and some regional bank cards.
- A Sam's Club membership card is required to shop there, and it is separate from your payment method—you need both to complete a purchase.
- The Sam's Club Mastercard offers cash back rewards and other perks, but you do not need it to shop; a regular Visa or Mastercard works just as well for payment.
- Sam's Club gas stations only accept Sam's Club Mastercard, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover—not all credit cards work at the pump.
Which credit cards Sam's Club accepts
Sam's Club takes the four major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. This means any credit card issued under one of those networks will work at the checkout counter. A Chase Sapphire Preferred (Visa), a Bank of America card (Mastercard), an American Express Blue, or a Discover It card will all go through without a problem.
What will not work: store credit cards from other retailers, regional bank cards that are not part of the major networks, and some older or specialty cards. If you try to use a Target RedCard or a local credit union card that is not Visa or Mastercard, the register will decline it. The same applies to Sam's Club's own store card if you are using it for payment—wait, that is not quite right. The Sam's Club Mastercard is a Mastercard, so it works everywhere Mastercard works, including at Sam's Club.
The Sam's Club Mastercard and its rewards
Sam's Club offers its own Mastercard, which is a real credit card you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Sam's Club. The main draw is cash back: you earn a higher percentage on Sam's Club purchases than you do on other purchases. The exact rate changes, so check the current offer before you apply. You also get benefits like extended product warranties and roadside assistance.
You do not need the Sam's Club Mastercard to shop at Sam's Club. A regular Visa or Mastercard from another bank works fine for payment. The Sam's Club card is an option if you shop there frequently and want to earn rewards on those purchases. Keep in mind that like any credit card, it comes with an interest rate and annual fees may apply—read the terms before you sign up.
How membership and payment work together
Sam's Club requires two things to complete a purchase: a valid membership and a payment method. Your membership card gets you through the door and proves you have paid the membership fee. Your credit card (or debit card, or cash) is what you use to pay for the items you buy. These are not the same card.
When you check out, the cashier will scan your membership card first, then ring up your items, then ask for payment. If your membership has expired, you cannot shop, even if you have a valid credit card. If your credit card is declined, you cannot pay, even if your membership is current. Both have to be active and in good standing.
Using a credit card at Sam's Club gas stations
Sam's Club gas stations are more restrictive than the warehouse. At the pump, you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover—the same four networks accepted inside. However, some third-party payment systems or older card readers at the pump may not accept all four. If you have trouble at the pump, go inside and pay the cashier instead; that always works.
The Sam's Club Mastercard works at the gas pump just like it does in the warehouse. You do not get a different rewards rate at the pump versus inside the warehouse, so there is no advantage to using one card over another for fuel.
What to do if your card is declined
If your credit card is declined at Sam's Club, the most common reasons are: the card is expired, you have hit your credit limit, there is a fraud hold on the account, or the card network is having a temporary outage. Call your card issuer (the bank that issued the card) to find out which one it is. Do not assume it is Sam's Club's fault—the store is not rejecting you; your bank is.
If you have a Sam's Club Mastercard and it is declined, contact the bank that issued it. If you have a Visa or Mastercard from another bank and it is declined, contact that bank. Sam's Club cannot override a decline; only your bank can. In the meantime, you can pay with cash, a debit card, or ask if someone else can pay and you can reimburse them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a debit card at Sam's Club instead of a credit card?
Yes. Sam's Club accepts debit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, just as it does credit cards. The payment process is the same—you swipe or insert the card, and the money comes out of your bank account immediately rather than being charged to a credit line.
Does Sam's Club take Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Most Sam's Club locations accept mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at the register, since these services use the same card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). However, policies vary by location, so ask a cashier or check with your local warehouse before you rely on it. Gas pumps are less likely to accept mobile payments.
What if I do not have a Sam's Club membership but want to use a credit card there?
You cannot shop at Sam's Club without a membership. The membership card is required to enter the warehouse and make purchases. You can buy a membership at the entrance or online, then use any accepted credit card to pay for your items.
Is the Sam's Club Mastercard worth getting if I shop there regularly?
That depends on how much you spend and what the current cash back rate is. If you spend several hundred dollars a month at Sam's Club, the rewards can add up. However, read the terms for annual fees and interest rates first. Compare the cash back you would earn to any fees you would pay, and decide if it makes sense for your situation.
Can I use my Sam's Club Mastercard outside of Sam's Club?
Yes. The Sam's Club Mastercard is a real Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted—grocery stores, gas stations, online retailers, and so on. The cash back rate may be lower outside Sam's Club, so check the terms to see how rewards are structured.