Sam's Club takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all warehouse locations and online
Sam's Club accepts four major credit card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can use any card from these networks — whether it's a rewards card, a basic card, or a business card — at the register, self-checkout, or on the Sam's Club website. The warehouse does not accept Diners Club or other smaller networks.
Sam's Club also accepts its own branded credit card, the Sam's Club Mastercard, which earns rewards on purchases made at Sam's Club and other locations. This card is issued by Synchrony Bank and is separate from a Sam's Club membership card.
Key Takeaways
- Sam's Club takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards at all warehouse locations and online.
- The Sam's Club Mastercard, issued by Synchrony, earns cash back rewards on Sam's Club purchases and other everyday spending.
- You can use any credit card from the four major networks regardless of whether you have a Sam's Club membership.
- Sam's Club does not accept Diners Club, store-only cards from other retailers, or payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay at the register, though online checkout may have different options.
How the Sam's Club Mastercard Works
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a rewards card designed for frequent Sam's Club shoppers. It earns a higher cash back rate on Sam's Club purchases than on other purchases. The exact rewards rate changes periodically, so check the Synchrony website or ask at the membership desk for current details.
You do not need to be a Sam's Club member to open this card, though most cardholders are members. The card is a Mastercard, so it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — not just at Sam's Club. You can explore online through Synchrony's website or in the warehouse.
The card has an annual fee. Sam's Club members who hold the card may receive a discount on their membership renewal, which can offset part of the card's cost. Read the terms carefully before opening an account, because the fee structure and rewards rates are set by Synchrony, not Sam's Club.
What to Do If Your Card Is Declined
If your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card is declined at Sam's Club, the most common reason is insufficient funds or a fraud alert from your bank. Contact your card issuer to confirm the charge is legitimate and that your account has available credit.
If you are trying to use a card network Sam's Club does not accept — such as Diners Club — you will need to use a different payment method. Sam's Club accepts cash, debit cards on the four major networks, and checks at the register. Online, you may have additional options; check the payment methods listed during checkout.
Using Digital Wallets and Mobile Payments
Sam's Club does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallet services at the warehouse register or self-checkout. You must present a physical credit card or use cash or a check.
Online shopping at Sam's Club may accept digital payment methods during checkout, though this varies. When you shop on the Sam's Club website, the payment options shown during checkout reflect what the website currently supports. If you want to use a digital wallet online, try adding it as a payment method and see whether the system accepts it.
Business Credit Cards and Corporate Accounts
Sam's Club accepts business credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, just as it does personal cards. If your business uses a corporate card, you can use it at Sam's Club as long as it is issued on one of these four networks.
Sam's Club also offers a business membership with a business credit card option through Synchrony. This is separate from the personal Sam's Club Mastercard and is designed for business owners who want to track spending across multiple cardholders. Ask at the membership desk or visit the Sam's Club website for details on business card options.
International Credit Cards
Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards issued outside the United States, as long as they are on one of these four networks. If you are visiting from another country and your card is a Visa or Mastercard, it will work at Sam's Club.
Your bank or card issuer may charge a foreign transaction fee for purchases made in the United States. Check with your card issuer before traveling to understand any fees that may explore. Currency conversion is handled by your card issuer, not by Sam's Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card at Sam's Club?
Yes, if the prepaid card is issued on the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover network. Prepaid cards work the same way as regular credit or debit cards at checkout. Make sure your prepaid card has enough balance before you shop.
Does Sam's Club take gift cards from other stores?
No. Sam's Club only accepts its own gift cards, which are sold at the warehouse and online. You cannot use a Target gift card, Walmart gift card, or any other retailer's card as payment. You can use a Visa or Mastercard gift card if it is issued on one of the four networks Sam's Club accepts.
What if I want to pay with a check?
Sam's Club accepts personal checks at the register. You will need to show a valid ID. Online, you cannot pay by check — you must use a credit card, debit card, or digital payment method accepted by the website.
Is the Sam's Club Mastercard worth the annual fee?
That depends on how much you spend at Sam's Club and whether the cash back rewards exceed the annual fee. If you shop at Sam's Club regularly, the higher rewards rate on Sam's Club purchases may offset the cost. Compare the rewards rate to other cards you use and calculate whether the card saves you money over a year.
Can I use my Sam's Club membership card as a payment method?
No. Your Sam's Club membership card is only used to prove membership at checkout. It is not a payment card. You must use a separate credit card, debit card, cash, or check to pay for your purchase.