If you live near a Sam’s Club warehouse, you may be wondering if you should get a membership. Before you pay an annual membership fee, you probably want to be sure it’s a good financial decision.
Most people find that they save money shopping at Sam’s Club. To decide if it’s the right club for you, here are the 10 best perks you get with a Sam’s Club membership.
1. Low prices
Sam’s Club has some of the lowest prices you can find on food and household essentials, even compared to other warehouse clubs. Last year, the AARP compared prices for a shopping cart of 30 sample items at Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Costco. Here’s how much the total was at each warehouse club:
- Sam’s Club: $68.94
- BJ’s: $81.33
- Costco: $81.60
2. Affordable membership fees
Sam’s Club doesn’t charge a lot for a membership: $110 per year for a Plus membership (which offers 2% back in Sam’s Cash — up to $500) or $50 per year for a Club membership. That’s less than what you’d pay at Costco. Through Sept. 30, 2024, there’s also an incredible special offer available: $50 the first year for a Plus membership or $15 for a Club membership.
One of the downsides of shopping at warehouse clubs is they often have long lines. At Sam’s Club, you can skip the checkout line by using Scan & Go. Scan items in the app as you shop, pay through the app (ideally with a cash back credit card) when you’re ready to checkout, and then show your exit code as you leave the store.
4. Free curbside pickup and free delivery on eligible orders
Another way to speed up the shopping process is curbside pickup, which is free on eligible orders of $50 or more. If you’re a Plus member, you also get free delivery from Club on eligible orders of $50 or more.
5. Member’s Mark products
Member’s Mark is the private label brand at Sam’s Club, and if you’re used to lower quality store brands, it’s a pleasant surprise. Member’s Mark products offer high quality at reasonable prices, so they’re one of the best parts of shopping at Sam’s Club.
6. Discounted gift cards
Sam’s Club sells gift cards at up to 25% off, including to restaurants, fast food chains, movie theaters, Disney, and Southwest Airlines. In addition to giving these as gifts, you can also use them yourself to save money on purchases. For example, if you’re going to book holiday flights on Southwest Airlines, buying a $500 gift card for $449.99 is an easy way to save.
7. Members-only gas prices
Filling up your car will probably be cheaper if you have a Sam’s Club membership. Gas prices at warehouse clubs are generally about $0.05 to $0.25 cheaper per gallon, according to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
8. Savings on prescription drugs
Another area where Sam’s Club offers low prices is prescriptions, with over 600 generic medications starting at $4. If you fill prescriptions regularly, you may want to go with a Plus membership. Plus members get lower prices on some medications, including $0 on 10 select generic medications.
9. A generous return policy
If you ever have buyer’s remorse about a Sam’s Club purchase, you’re in luck. The warehouse club has one of the most lenient return policies you’ll find, and most items can be returned at any time. There are limited exceptions that either must be returned within a certain time frame (for example, electronics and major appliances have a 90-day return window) or that can’t be returned at all.
Want to beat the crowds? With a Plus membership, you get access to early shopping at Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club opens at 8 a.m. for Plus members from Monday through Saturday. Everyone else has to wait until 10 a.m. from Monday through Friday and until 9 a.m. on Saturdays.
Memberships have a satisfaction guarantee
It’s also worth mentioning that Sam’s Club offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on your membership. Most members are more than happy to pay the annual fee to shop there. But if you decide it’s not right for you, you can cancel your membership and get a full refund.
