The Sam’s Club Mastercard is a rewards credit card designed exclusively for Sam’s Club members.
Issued by Synchrony Bank, it offers high cashback rewards on gas, dining, and travel, making it a great option for those who spend heavily in these categories.
Unlike a typical store card, which is restricted to in-store purchases, this is a Mastercard, meaning it can be used worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Key Benefits of the Sam’s Club Mastercard
One of the primary advantages of the Sam’s Club Mastercard is its generous cashback program, which enables users to earn up to 5% cashback on gas purchases (up to a yearly limit), 3% on dining and travel, and 1% on all other purchases.
The 5% cashback on gas makes it one of the most attractive gas rewards credit cards, especially for those who commute frequently.
Additionally, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for international travelers.
The enhanced security features include fraud protection, contactless payments, and real-time transaction alerts via the Synchrony Bank mobile app.
To apply for this card, applicants must be Sam’s Club members, which requires an annual membership fee ranging from $50 to $110, depending on the membership level chosen.
Reasons to Choose the Sam’s Club Mastercard
1. High Cashback Rates
The Sam’s Club Mastercard provides one of the most attractive cashback structures for gas, dining, and travel:
- 5% cashback on gas purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter)
- 3% cashback on dining and travel
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
For frequent drivers, this 5% gas cashback rate can lead to significant savings over time.
2. No Annual Fee (With Sam’s Club Membership)
While the card itself does not have an annual fee, a Sam’s Club membership is required. Membership options include:
- Club Membership: $50 per year
- Plus Membership: $110 per year
3. Global Acceptance and No Foreign Transaction Fees
Since it’s a Mastercard, the Sam’s Club Mastercard is accepted worldwide, making it a great travel companion.
Additionally, it charges no foreign transaction fees, which is a rare feature for a store-branded credit card.
4. Special Member Promotions
Cardholders enjoy exclusive promotions and discounts within Sam’s Club stores, leading to additional savings on various products and services.
5. Enhanced Security Features
Security is a top priority with the Sam’s Club Mastercard, offering:
- Fraud monitoring and protection against unauthorized transactions
- Zero liability policy, ensuring users aren’t responsible for fraudulent charges
- Real-time transaction alerts via the Synchrony Bank app
- Contactless payment technology for fast and secure transactions
6. Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection
Purchases made using the Sam’s Club Mastercard may qualify for extended warranty coverage and purchase protection, safeguarding against theft or accidental damage.
7. Credit Building Opportunities
For individuals aiming to build or improve their credit history, this card reports payments to major credit bureaus, assisting cardholders in maintaining a strong credit score when used responsibly.
Potential Drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Mastercard
1. Requires a Sam’s Club Membership
Unlike other cashback credit cards, the Sam’s Club Mastercard is exclusive to members, requiring an annual membership fee to maintain the card.
2. Cashback Redemption Limitations
A major drawback is that cashback rewards can only be redeemed once per year and must be used at Sam’s Club stores.
Many other cashback credit cards offer more flexible redemption options, such as monthly statement credits or direct deposits.
3. High APR
The card’s APR (Annual Percentage Rate) can be relatively high, ranging from 20.90% to 28.90%, depending on the applicant’s creditworthiness.
Carrying a balance can quickly result in high-interest charges.
4. No Introductory APR Offers
Unlike some competing credit cards, the Sam’s Club Mastercard does not offer a 0% APR introductory period, meaning purchases and balance transfers accrue interest immediately if not paid in full.
5. Lower Cashback on Non-Category Purchases
Although the card offers excellent cashback on gas, dining, and travel, all other purchases only earn 1% cashback, which is lower compared to some other cashback cards.
Application Requirements for the Sam’s Club Mastercard
To apply for the Sam’s Club Mastercard, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an active Sam’s Club member
- Must have a good to excellent credit score (recommended 700+)
- Be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident
- Provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- Demonstrate proof of stable income
Fees and Costs
- Annual Fee: $0 (requires a Sam’s Club membership)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- APR: 20.90% – 28.90%, depending on credit score
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the transferred amount
- Cash Advance Fee: 5% (minimum $10 per transaction)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use my Sam’s Club Mastercard anywhere?
Yes! Since it’s a Mastercard, it can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, both in the U.S. and internationally.
2. How do I redeem my cashback rewards?
Cashback rewards are issued once a year in February as a rewards certificate, which can only be used at Sam’s Club locations.
3. Does the card offer any travel benefits?
Yes! In addition to 3% cashback on travel, the card provides standard Mastercard benefits, such as travel accident insurance and rental car coverage.
4. Are there any limits on the 5% cashback on gas?
Yes. The 5% cashback on gas applies only to the first $6,000 spent per year. After reaching this limit, the cashback rate drops to 1%.
5. Does the card offer purchase protection?
Yes, the card includes purchase protection against theft and accidental damage on eligible items.
Final Thoughts: Is the Sam’s Club Mastercard Worth It?
The Sam’s Club Mastercard is an excellent choice for Sam’s Club members who frequently spend on gas, dining, and travel.
With high cashback rates, no annual fee, and global acceptance, it provides exceptional value for those who already shop at Sam’s Club.
However, the requirement to maintain a membership and the once-a-year cashback redemption policy may be inconvenient for some users.
Additionally, those who carry a balance should be cautious of the high APR.
For frequent Sam’s Club shoppers, this card is a solid choice, but for those seeking more flexible cashback redemption options, other cashback credit cards may be worth considering.
In addition to cashback rewards, the Sam’s Club Mastercard provides extended warranty protection on select purchases, offering peace of mind.
Sam’s Club Plus members may receive additional perks, such as early shopping hours and exclusive discounts, further enhancing the value of membership.
