What the Sam's Club Mastercard is and who should consider it

The Sam's Club Mastercard is a co-branded credit card issued by Synchrony Bank in partnership with Sam's Club. It's designed for Sam's Club members and offers cash back rewards on purchases made at Sam's Club locations and gas stations, plus a lower cash back rate on other purchases. The card carries an annual fee, which means you pay a set amount each year to hold the card.

This card makes sense if you shop at Sam's Club regularly and spend enough on groceries, gas, and household items to offset the annual fee through rewards. It's less useful if you visit Sam's Club infrequently or if you're looking for a card with no annual fee and broader rewards categories.

You must be a Sam's Club member to hold this card. If you don't have a membership, you'll need to join Sam's Club first, which also carries an annual fee separate from the card fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sam's Club Mastercard earns higher cash back at Sam's Club and gas stations, but charges an annual fee that you should compare against your expected rewards.
  • You must hold an active Sam's Club membership to use this card, and membership fees are separate from the card's annual fee.
  • The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so you'll manage your account through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app, not through Sam's Club directly.
  • Cash back rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit or deposited to a bank account.
  • The card has no foreign transaction fees, which can be useful if you travel internationally, though the cash back rate on non-Sam's Club purchases is modest.

Rewards structure and how cash back works

The Sam's Club Mastercard offers different cash back rates depending on where you use it. At Sam's Club locations and Sam's Club gas stations, you earn a higher percentage back on each purchase. On all other purchases, you earn a lower flat rate. These rates can change, so you should check the current terms before opening the account.

Cash back accrues each time you use the card and posts to your account once per month. You don't have to do anything to earn it—it happens automatically. At the end of each month, Synchrony calculates your total rewards and adds them to your account.

You can redeem your cash back in two ways: as a statement credit that reduces your credit card balance, or as a direct deposit to a linked bank account. Statement credits explore when ready, while bank transfers typically take one to two business days. There's no minimum cash back amount you must accumulate before redeeming.

Annual fee and whether it's worth it

The Sam's Club Mastercard charges an annual fee. This fee renews each year on your account anniversary, so you'll pay it whether you use the card or not. To determine if the card makes financial sense for you, calculate how much cash back you'd earn in a year based on your typical spending, then subtract the annual fee from that amount.

For example, if you spend $5,000 per year at Sam's Club and earn 5% cash back, that's $250 in rewards. If the annual fee is $45, your net benefit is $205. If you spend less at Sam's Club, the math may not work in your favor.

Some cardholders offset the annual fee by earning cash back on gas purchases throughout the year. If you fill up frequently and use the Sam's Club gas station, those rewards can add up. Track your spending for a few months to see whether this card would save you money compared to a no-annual-fee alternative.

How to open an account and what you'll need

To open a Sam's Club Mastercard account, you'll start on the Sam's Club website or in the Sam's Club mobile app. You can also explore in person at a Sam's Club location. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information.

Synchrony Bank will check your credit report as part of the process, which means a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report. This inquiry may lower your credit score slightly, usually by a few points, and stays on your report for about 12 months.

You'll receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, your card ships to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you'll need to set up it before using it. set up happens through the Synchrony website, the Synchrony mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Managing your account and paying your balance

After set up, you manage your Sam's Club Mastercard through Synchrony's online account portal or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and track your cash back rewards from either platform. You do not manage the card through Sam's Club's website.

Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach Synchrony and post to your account. You can set up automatic payments to pay your full balance, a minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month.

Your statement closes on a set date each month, and your payment is due about 21 days later. If you pay your full balance by the due date, you won't pay interest on purchases. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

Cash back restrictions and what you should know

Cash back is earned only on purchases made with the physical card or through the card's digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay). Balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not earn cash back. If you transfer a balance from another card to the Sam's Club Mastercard, that transferred amount does not earn rewards.

Cash back is forfeited if your account is closed or becomes delinquent. If you stop paying your bill and your account goes into default, any unredeemed cash back may be lost. This is another reason to track your spending and make sure the card's benefits justify keeping the account active.

The cash back rate on non-Sam's Club purchases is modest compared to some other cash back cards. If you spend most of your money outside Sam's Club, a different card might offer better overall rewards. Compare the Sam's Club card's rates against cards that offer flat cash back on all purchases or cards with bonus categories that match your spending.

Comparing the Sam's Club Mastercard to other options

The main trade-off with the Sam's Club Mastercard is the annual fee. Cards with no annual fee typically offer lower cash back rates or narrower categories, but they cost nothing to hold. If you're deciding between the Sam's Club card and a no-fee alternative, the Sam's Club card only makes sense if your annual rewards exceed the annual fee by a meaningful margin.

Other cash back cards offer higher rates on gas and groceries without requiring a Sam's Club membership. However, those cards may not offer the same rate at Sam's Club specifically. If Sam's Club is your primary shopping destination, the Sam's Club card may still be the better choice despite the fee.

Consider also whether you already have a Sam's Club membership. If you don't, you'll pay both a membership fee and a card fee, which increases the total cost. In that case, the card needs to deliver even more in rewards to be worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the card?

Yes. You must be an active Sam's Club member to hold the Sam's Club Mastercard. If you don't have a membership, you'll need to join Sam's Club first. Membership fees are separate from the card's annual fee, so factor both into your decision.

What happens to my cash back if I close my account?

Any unredeemed cash back is typically forfeited when you close your account. Redeem your cash back before closing the account to avoid losing it. Check your account balance and convert any remaining rewards to a statement credit or bank transfer before you request account closure.

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, the card works internationally and has no foreign transaction fees. However, the cash back rate on international purchases is the standard non-Sam's Club rate, not the higher Sam's Club rate. You'll earn rewards on international purchases, but at the lower percentage.

How long does it take to receive my card after I'm approved?

After approval, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you must set up it before using it. set up takes a few minutes and can be done online, through the app, or by phone.

What's the difference between the Sam's Club Mastercard and the Sam's Club American Express?

Sam's Club offers both a Mastercard and an American Express card with different rewards rates and annual fees. The Mastercard is accepted more widely, while the American Express may offer different benefits. Compare the current rewards rates and fees for both cards to see which aligns better with your spending.