No, Sam's Club credit cards don't work at Walmart
The Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club store card are both issued specifically for use at Sam's Club and Sam's Club.com. You cannot use either one at Walmart, Walmart.com, or any other retailer. They are closed-loop cards, meaning they only function within the Sam's Club ecosystem.
This is a deliberate choice by both companies. Walmart and Sam's Club are separate retail operations owned by the same parent company, but they maintain distinct payment systems and membership structures. Sam's Club cards are tied to your Sam's Club membership, and the rewards you earn are designed around Sam's Club purchases.
If you need a card that works at both retailers, you would need to carry a separate general-purpose credit card — a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express issued by a bank or credit union that has no restrictions on where you shop.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club credit cards work only at Sam's Club locations and Sam's Club.com, not at Walmart or other stores.
- Both the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club store card are closed-loop cards tied to your membership.
- Rewards earned on Sam's Club cards can only be redeemed at Sam's Club.
- To shop at both Sam's Club and Walmart with a single credit card, you need a general-purpose card from a bank or credit union.
Why Sam's Club and Walmart have separate card systems
Even though Walmart Inc. owns both Sam's Club and Walmart, the two operate as distinct businesses with different membership models and pricing structures. Sam's Club is a membership warehouse — you pay an annual fee to shop there and receive bulk pricing. Walmart is an open-to-the-public retailer with everyday pricing.
The card systems reflect this difference. A Sam's Club card is part of your membership benefits package. The rewards you earn — typically a percentage back on purchases — are calibrated to Sam's Club's business model. Walmart has its own credit card products (the Walmart credit card and the Walmart Mastercard) that work at Walmart locations and online.
Keeping the cards separate also protects each company's data and customer insights. Sam's Club can track what members buy in bulk, and Walmart can track what general shoppers purchase. This separation is standard across retail companies that own multiple brands.
What you can use a Sam's Club card for
Your Sam's Club credit card works at any Sam's Club warehouse location in the United States, including gas stations at Sam's Club. It also works on Sam's Club.com for online orders, including same-day delivery and curbside pickup where available.
Some Sam's Club cards offer additional benefits beyond the warehouse itself. For example, the Sam's Club Mastercard may offer cash back on purchases made outside Sam's Club — at gas stations, restaurants, or other merchants — but only if you use it as a general Mastercard. However, you earn higher rewards rates on Sam's Club purchases specifically.
Check your card's terms to see what rewards you earn in each category. The structure varies depending on which Sam's Club card you hold.
The difference between Sam's Club's two card options
Sam's Club offers two main credit cards: the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club store card. Both require a Sam's Club membership to open, but they work differently.
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a Mastercard that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — at other retailers, restaurants, gas stations, and online. However, you earn a higher cash back rate on Sam's Club purchases than you do elsewhere. This card gives you flexibility to use it outside the warehouse while still rewarding you for shopping at Sam's Club.
The Sam's Club store card works only at Sam's Club locations and Sam's Club.com. It offers rewards only on Sam's Club purchases. This card has no use outside the warehouse.
If you want a single card that works at multiple retailers, the Mastercard version is your option. If you only shop at Sam's Club and want to maximize rewards there, the store card may offer a higher cash back rate on warehouse purchases.
What to do if you shop at both Sam's Club and Walmart
If you have a Sam's Club membership and also shop at Walmart, you have a few options. You can carry both a Sam's Club card and a Walmart card — the Walmart credit card or Walmart Mastercard — and use each at its respective retailer. This lets you earn rewards at both places.
Alternatively, if you have the Sam's Club Mastercard, you can use it at Walmart as a regular Mastercard. You won't earn Sam's Club rewards on Walmart purchases, but you'll still have a working payment method. You would earn whatever cash back or rewards your Mastercard offers on general retail purchases, which is typically lower than what you'd earn with a Walmart-specific card.
A third option is to use a general-purpose credit card from a bank or credit union at both retailers. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Capital One Venture card work everywhere and may offer rewards that apply across all your spending, though they typically don't offer the high rewards rates that store-specific cards do.
How Sam's Club card rewards work
Sam's Club credit cards earn cash back on your purchases, but the rate depends on where you shop and which card you hold. On Sam's Club purchases, you typically earn between 2% and 5% cash back, depending on the card and the category (groceries, gas, or general merchandise earn at different rates). Outside Sam's Club, the Sam's Club Mastercard usually earns a lower rate — often 1% or less.
Cash back rewards are deposited into your Sam's Club account and can be redeemed at checkout or used to pay your credit card bill. You cannot transfer rewards to another retailer or cash them out directly to your bank account in most cases.
Check your specific card's rewards structure, as rates and redemption rules vary. Sam's Club updates its card offerings periodically, so what you earn may differ from what a new member earns today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Sam's Club Mastercard at Walmart?
Yes, the Sam's Club Mastercard works at Walmart as a regular Mastercard. However, you won't earn Sam's Club rewards on the purchase. You'll earn whatever cash back rate the Mastercard offers on general retail purchases, which is typically lower than Sam's Club rewards rates. For better rewards at Walmart, use a Walmart-specific card.
What happens if I try to use a Sam's Club store card at Walmart?
The transaction will be declined. The Sam's Club store card only works at Sam's Club locations and Sam's Club.com. It has no Mastercard or Visa network affiliation, so it cannot be used anywhere else.
Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the Sam's Club credit card?
Yes. Both Sam's Club credit cards require an active Sam's Club membership. If your membership expires, you can no longer use the card, even if the card itself hasn't expired.
Can I earn Sam's Club rewards on purchases made outside Sam's Club?
Only if you have the Sam's Club Mastercard and it offers cash back on non-warehouse purchases. The Sam's Club store card earns rewards only at Sam's Club. Check your card's terms for the exact rewards structure on purchases outside the warehouse.
What's the best card to use if I shop at both Sam's Club and Walmart?
Carry both a Sam's Club card and a Walmart card to maximize rewards at each retailer. If you prefer one card, the Sam's Club Mastercard works at both places, but you'll earn higher rewards at Sam's Club and lower rewards at Walmart compared to using a Walmart-specific card.