Buying in bulk from a warehouse club is a shopping strategy that could potentially help you save money and time. Purchasing bulk quantities may be cheaper per unit than buying single items, lead to less frequent shopping trips and reduce the amount of packaging waste you generate.
And while shopping at wholesale clubs isn’t right for everyone, it can be a great choice if you live in a big household or want to save on products that you use often.
What is Sam’s Club?
Sam’s Club is a membership-based wholesale retailer, similar to other stores like Costco and BJ’s. Customers have access to discounted prices on groceries, clothing and household items.
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What is the price of a Sam’s Club membership?
The Sam’s Club membership program consists of two tiers, with different prices for each. Keep in mind that some states collect taxes on Sam’s Club membership fees.
Club Membership: $50 per year.
Plus Membership: $110 per year.
Is there a Sam’s Club Membership discount?
Sam’s Club offers membership discounts to military personnel, teachers, first responders, students, health care providers and seniors. The membership discount for these groups ranges from 50% to 60% off the price of a Club membership.
What is the difference between Sam’s Club memberships?
The Club membership is the cheaper option and grants you access to Sam’s Club prices. The Plus membership is more expensive and offers additional benefits, such as free shipping, free curbside pickup and early shopping hours.
Both memberships provide one card for the primary account holder and a complimentary card for a second household member. All memberships are also eligible for the loyalty rewards currency known as Sam’s Cash, but Plus members are given more opportunities to earn rewards. Club members are occasionally eligible to earn rewards points on their purchases.
Here are the perks of a Sam’s Club membership:
Club Membership
Add up to eight additional members at a reduced rate of $45 each.
See AlsoCan I share my membership card?Avoid the checkout line by scanning items and paying using the Sam’s Club app; also place direct-to-home orders when you scan eligible items.
Access members-only prices.
If you’re unsatisfied, cancel anytime and receive a refund of the amount paid toward your current year membership.
Plus Membership
Add up to 16 Club-level members at a reduced rate of $45 each.
Get free shipping on eligible online items for primary and household/complimentary card holders.
Access additional optical and pharmacy discounts.
Get 2% in Sam’s Cash back on qualifying purchases, which can be used on purchases in-store, online or in the app. You can also cash out your Cash in the club.
If you’re unsatisfied, cancel anytime and receive a refund of the amount paid toward your current year membership.
How do you sign up for a Sam’s Club membership?
To sign up, visit the membership desk at any Sam’s Club location. You can also sign up online. When you create an account online, you’ll be asked for your name, mailing address, phone number and payment information. You’ll also need to create a password.
If you join online, you can download the Sam’s Club app and receive a digital membership card to shop instantly. You can request a physical membership card in-store by bringing a valid government-issued ID and your membership number. Find your membership number in your confirmation email, your online account and on your digital membership card.
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Is a Sam’s Club membership worth it?
If you have the space and need to shop for items in bulk — and live relatively close to a location — then a Sam’s Club membership may be worth it. Thanks to the discounts and promotions offered, you may be able to snag a membership for less than full price.
Upgrading to a Plus membership may be worth it if you want to save on medication and optical needs, or take advantage of free shipping and curbside pickup. These perks could be beneficial for business owners or those with large families.
However, a Sam’s Club membership may not be worth the cost if you don’t plan to shop there consistently, or if bulk shopping doesn’t fit in your living arrangement.
