A Sam’s Club membership can help you save money on groceries, household items, and more, but did you know that Sam’s Club has two types of memberships?
You can get the basic for $50 a year or spend $110 in membership fees to upgrade your card to a Plus membership.
The Plus membership may or may not be right for you, but depending on how you save money at Sam's Club, there are a few reasons why the upgrade could be worth it.
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You get free curbside pick-up
Curbside pick-up is a quick and easy option if you want to swing by and get your items instead of wandering through the aisles of Sam’s Club and dealing with long lines to check out.
Base membership members pay $4 for curbside services, while your Plus membership includes curbside pick-ups for free, saving you money if you use the option regularly.
You can earn 2% Sam’s Club cash
The Plus membership has an added cashback option of up to $500 yearly, depending on your spending.
The upgrade to Plus status costs $60 more than the base membership, so if you spend at least $3,000 annually, you’ll cover the additional cost in cash back alone.
You make big-ticket purchases
You may go to Sam’s Club for bulk groceries or small items for your home and office.
But it could be a good idea to really take advantage of the cashback option from a Plus membership if you routinely purchase big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, jewelry, or other high-priced items.
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You get free shipping
If you ever want items shipped to your home instead of buying them in the store, such as large furniture or bulky items that take up extra space on your cart, like toilet paper, you will want to upgrade.
The Plus membership for Sam’s Club has you covered with free shipping for most items, so you can save on those extra costs when ordering online.
You can shop early
Don’t want to deal with the crowds on the weekends or want to get in and out early on a weekday morning? Your Sam’s Club Plus membership has you covered.
Plus, members can shop early before the store is open to all customers, giving you some extra time to wander the aisles and deal with shorter lines.
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You can add club members
Your Sam’s Club membership may need to cover more than just you.
Consider getting a Plus membership to add up to 16 members who can get a basic membership for $45 instead of $55. This may be a good option if you want to add family members or need a membership for a business with cards to cover other employees.
You can get discounts on generic drugs
A Plus membership can get you extra discounts at the pharmacy counter that you may not have access to with a base membership.
You can choose from 10 generic prescriptions that cost you $0, and there are an additional 600 generic prescriptions that will cost you $10.
Check with a Sam’s Club pharmacist to see if a Plus membership covers the generic drug you need.
You can get discounts on car repair services
Sam’s Club Tire and Battery Center can help you upgrade your car’s batteries and tires. It can also help you save money if you have a Plus membership.
Plus members can get early access to the Tire and Battery Center and 50% off tire installation.
You can save on eyewear
Sam’s Club has an optical department that can help you save extra cash if you’re a Plus member.
You can get 20% off glasses if your location has an Optical Center. If you wear contacts, your Plus membership allows you to get free shipping on your contacts.
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You still get all the Sam’s Club Basic membership perks
Upgrading your membership gives you additional perks, but you also don’t have to let go of the perks you already have.
Both Plus and Basic memberships include perks like members-only discounts on gas, a complimentary membership for your household, and everyday savings at Sam’s Club locations.
You can always downgrade your membership
You may move up to the membership plus level and realize you don’t need all the extra options and discounts you may be paying for.
The good news is that Sam’s Club will let you downgrade your membership back to the base membership if you don’t need or want the extras.
Bottom line
Sam’s Club is a great way to save money on everyday essentials, groceries, and plenty of other items at its stores, so a membership could be a great option for you.
You’ll also want to check your wallet for the best rewards credit cards so you can earn extra perks and points when you shop at Sam’s Club.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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