Do you need a membership to shop at Sam's club? (2023)

Do you need a membership to shop at Sam's club?

If you're new to the membership warehouse stores, you may be asking, “Can you go to Sam's Club without a membership?” The answer is yes, you do need a membership to make most purchases at Sam's Club. However, Sam's Club is legally required to offer certain specialty departments to anyone, with or without a membership.

The guest pass allows you to shop at Sam's Club without a membership, but you'll be charged a 10% service fee. California, South Carolina, and Elmsford, NY are exempt from the fee.

The easiest way to get into Sam's Club and shop without a membership is to Print This One-Day Pass for free. Be aware that you'll be charged a 10% fee on all purchases and the 1-day pass cannot be used on Black Friday. If you live in California or South Carolina you won't have to pay the 10% surcharge.

Sam's Club's $8 membership is actually a returning deal the chain debuted in January 2022. Regularly priced, the annual Sam's Club membership is $45, which makes this about an 82% savings, so yeah, it's safe to say people were hype about it.

Sam's Club Membership Fees

A basic Sam's Club membership costs $45 per year, and new members who sign up online by Jan. 31, 2022, will receive a $45 Sam's Club gift card as a thank you.

Membership cards are non-transferable and are inclusive to card and household cardholders 18 years old and older. For security purposes, ONLY YOU, the member on record, may use your Membership card.

Add a "Complimentary cardholder". This complimentary card is free of charge and grants an additional membership and benefits to a household family member who is 18 years of age or older. You can associate business information with a membership or visit the Membership Desk at any club to provide your business details.

Does Costco or Sam's Club Have Better Prices? Overall, the prices at Costco tend to be cheaper. However, Sam's Club has a greater selection of name-brand products and a cheaper membership fee.

Add a "Complimentary cardholder". This complimentary card is free of charge and grants an additional membership and benefits to a household family member who is 18 years of age or older. You can associate business information with a membership or visit the Membership Desk at any club to provide your business details.

Club - $45/year

Instant Savings - get additional offers on top of members-only pricing. Sam's Club Mastercard - get 5% back on gas, 3% on dining and travel and 1% on other purchases. Fuel savings - get member-exclusive prices on fuel at select clubs.

Can I use someone else's Sams card?

Membership cards are non-transferable and are inclusive to card and household cardholders 18 years old and older. For security purposes, ONLY YOU, the member on record, may use your Membership card.