Sam’s Club Mastercard Review: Bulk Savings and Rewards with No Annual Fee

With its generous free samples and one-stop convenience, Sam’s Club is a favorite among savvy spenders looking for big savings. If you are currently a Sam’s Club member, the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® is a solid rewards credit card that can offer additional rewards and value.

Rewards rates differ based on loyalty program membership levels. Sam’s Club offers a basic Club membership and a higher-level Plus membership. Those enrolled in the Plus membership can earn higher rewards with Sam’s Club Mastercard:

• Earn 5% back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%)

• Earn 3% back on Sam’s Club purchases if you’re a Plus member (or 1% if you’re a Club member)

• Earn 3% on meals and takeout

• Earn 1% on other qualifying purchases

Know that with this card, you are limited to earning a maximum of $5,000 in Sam’s Cash per year. Those who spend more at the pump and/or at Sam’s Club may do better with a card without this earning restriction.

There are three options to redeem Sam’s Cash: online, in-app, or in-store. You can apply your rewards to your Sam’s Club membership or you can pick them up at a Sam’s Club register or Member Services counter.

There are some exclusions when applying your Sam’s Cash to a purchase. For example, gift cards, gas, prescription drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are not eligible.

Your rewards don’t expire, but you’ll need to maintain your Sam’s membership to use them. If your membership expires, you can use your rewards again once you reactivate it.

The Sam’s Club Mastercard is a good option for Sam’s Club members with good credit who want to earn rewards on their gas and Sam’s Club spending and don’t mind earning Sam’s Cash back on dining. If you can combine this card with a 2% cash back card on all your other spending, it could be a winning combination for those who spend a lot in the two highest income categories with this card and prefer cash back over other types of rewards.

Due to limited redemption options, a limited general cash back credit card may be a better all-purpose option. Road warriors who exceed the limit on bonus rewards at the pump might do better with a gas credit card.

• Generous cash back rewards on gas and Sam’s Club purchases

• Works as your membership card

• You can prequalify with no impact on your credit

• Annual rewards limit applies

• Limited redemptions for rewards

• Sam’s Club membership required

You can use Sam’s Club Mastercard anywhere that accepts Mastercards

For example, if your local gas station accepts Mastercard payments, you can purchase gas with your Sam’s Club Mastercard and get 5% back on your purchase. That’s $2 in Sam’s Cash for every $40 refill at the pump. If you fill your tank three times a month, that could equal up to $72 in Sam’s Cash in a given year.

• Online: You can pay your credit card bill online by signing in to your Sam’s Club Mastercard account.

• By phone: Call the number on the back of your card to make a payment.

• By mail– Mail your payment to the address on your monthly statement or call the number on the back of your card to confirm a payment address.

You cannot pay your bill at a physical Sam’s Club location.

If you have questions about your Sam’s Club Mastercard, you can contact a customer service representative by calling (866) 220-0254. Representatives are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call the number on the back of your card to reach someone.

Alternatively, you can log into your Sam’s Club account to review your recent purchases, check your balance, or get general information about your card usage.

If the Sam’s Club Mastercard® doesn’t fit your spending patterns or you want more flexibility in how you redeem your rewards, consider these cards.

Why we like it: With Chase Freedom Unlimited with no annual fee, you can redeem your earnings for cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit to an eligible bank account, toward travel booked through Chase Travel, or use them to purchase gift cards. The card also comes with a generous introductory APR offer. If you normally carry a balance, the low introductory period will likely save you more money than the rewards you’d earn with the Same’s Club Mastercard.

Why we like it: If earning different rates on different types of purchases seems like too much to keep track of, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a simple solution. For a $0 annual fee, the card earns 5% cash back when you book hotels or rental cars through Capital One Travel, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. You can redeem those rewards as a statement credit toward your purchases, a mailed check, or to purchase gift cards through Capital One.

Why we like it: If your credit is closer to good than good, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good alternative to the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers the same rewards structure as its big sister, but its credit score requirements are not as strict. With this card, you’ll earn 5% cash back on hotel and rental car purchases through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying purchases. But there is a $39 annual fee for this card and no introductory APR offer.

If you’re trying to decide between Quicksilver and Quicksilver One cards, your credit situation will determine which is the best option.

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