9 Ways To Get the Most Value From Your Sam’s Club MembershipÂ
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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A Sam’s Club membership comes with its share of money-saving perks and members-only benefits. But if you don’t have a membership or if you do but don’t feel like you’re getting the most value from it, you’re in the right place.
So, whether you frequent your favorite Sam’s Club location or are looking to join Sam’s Club as a new customer, here’s how to get the most value from your Sam’s Club membership this year.
Quick Take: How Much Is a Sam’s Club Membership?
When it comes to membership fees, you have a few options to choose from at different tiers. For example, Sam’s Club Plus members get additional perks like free shipping, 2% back on qualifying purchases and early shopping hours.Â
However, both the regular and plus memberships include a complimentary card for a household member, and you may be able to find introductory deals or discounts, such as the $25 introductory offer for a Club membership. Here is what you can expect to pay annually:
- Club Membership: $50 per year
- Plus Membership: $110 per year
Get Instant Savings
Sam’s Club offers low prices on everyday bulk items like toilet paper, paper towels and diapers in store or if you visit Samsclub.com. You can also buy multipacks of chips, snacks and more for less than the per-unit price you’d find elsewhere.
Note that Sam’s Club doesn’t typically accept manufacturer coupons. If you have coupons, you might be better off shopping at places that do — or splitting your time between Sam’s Club and other stores.
Use the Protection Plan
At Sam’s Club, you can get a protection plan on everything from jewelry to laptops to appliances to everyday merchandise. If you’re purchasing electronics, you’ll also get tech support. This means you could save money on repairs and damaged goods.
These protection plans are offered through Allstate. You can file a claim at any time online — often with instant approval. Allstate will either repair your item, replace it or reimburse you.
Get Cheaper Gas
Like Costco, a Sam’s Club membership can get you a great deal on gas prices. Check GasBuddy to find the nearest gas stations and the best prices. Chances are, Sam’s Club will be among them.
Get Cheaper Healthcare
Use your Sam’s Club membership to buy discounted prescription medication at the retailer’s pharmacy. On average, members save about 65% on their prescriptions compared to other pharmacies, according to Sam’s Club’s website.
As a Plus member, you can get more than 600 generic medications for $10 or less. You can also save up to 8% on your pet’s medication.
Don’t forget about the optical services. Sam’s Club members get 20% off their prescription eyewear (before considering vision insurance). They also get 40% off each additional pair of glasses.
Take Advantage of Cash Back Rewards
As a Sam’s Club member, you’re eligible for a Sam’s Club Mastercard. Using this card lets you earn cash back rewards on most purchases. This includes:
- 5% on gas purchases
- 3% on travel and dining
- 3% on Sam’s Club purchases
- 1% on nearly everything else
You can earn up to $5,000 in cash back per year.
If you upgrade to Plus, you’ll also earn $10 per $500 you spend (up to $500 a year). This is through the retailer’s Cash Rewards program. Rewards don’t expire, so you can use Sam’s Cash at any time.
Get Cheaper Vehicular Services
Though hours may vary by club and terms and conditions could apply, through Sam’s Club’s auto services, members get many perks, like:
- Free flat tire repair
- Free wiper blade installation
- Free battery testing
- $20 installation per tire
- Road hazard protection
- Free tire rotation, balancing and tire disposal
- Three years of emergency roadside assistance (from the installation date)
Get Free Shipping and Pickup
Why pay for delivery fees when you can get your things for free? Sam’s Club members get free ground shipping on most online orders. There’s a minimum purchase requirement of $50. Members also get free curbside pickup.
Use the Scan & Go App
Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go app lets you skip the lines. While you’re shopping in the store, simply scan each item as you put it in your cart and pay on your phone. You’ll get a digital receipt or code, which you can show the attendant at the door.
Shop Earlier Than Most
If you’re a Plus member, take advantage of Sam’s Club’s early shopping hours. The doors normally open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., but for Plus members, you can shop an entire two hours earlier and stay two hours later. Avoiding crowds may just be enough incentive for that membership renewal.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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