Where You Can Use Your Sam's Club Credit Card

Sam's Club Credit Card works at Sam's Club locations and online, plus thousands of other retailers through Visa

The Sam's Club Mastercard (also called the Sam's Club Credit Card) works in two separate ways depending on which version you have. If you have the Sam's Club Mastercard, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — that includes most stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online retailers across the United States and internationally. If you have the older Sam's Club Discover card, it works only at Sam's Club warehouse locations and on Sam's Club's website.

Most new cardholders receive the Mastercard version. The card itself shows which network it belongs to — look for the Mastercard logo or Discover logo in the bottom right corner. This matters because it determines where your card will be accepted and what rewards you earn at different places.

Key Takeaways

• The Sam's Club Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including most retailers, restaurants, and online stores worldwide.
• The older Sam's Club Discover card only works at Sam's Club warehouses and Sam's Club's website, not at other merchants.
• You can check which card you have by looking at the logo on the front or back of your physical card.
• Rewards rates differ depending on where you use the card — Sam's Club purchases earn higher rewards than purchases elsewhere.

Using your Sam's Club Mastercard at retailers and restaurants

If your card displays the Mastercard logo, you can swipe or insert it at any store, restaurant, gas station, or other business that accepts Mastercard. This includes major chains like Walmart, Target, Amazon, Costco (though you won't get Sam's Club member discounts there), and thousands of smaller retailers. You can also use it for online shopping on any website that accepts Mastercard.

The card works the same way as any other Mastercard — the cashier or website will process it through the Mastercard network. You'll earn cash back or rewards points on these purchases, though the rate is typically lower than what you earn at Sam's Club itself. Most Sam's Club Mastercard holders earn between 1% and 2% cash back on non-Sam's Club purchases, depending on the specific card tier.

Using your card at Sam's Club warehouses and online

At Sam's Club warehouse locations, your card works like a regular payment method at checkout. You can use it to pay for groceries, household items, electronics, and anything else the warehouse carries. You'll also need a valid Sam's Club membership to enter the warehouse — the credit card alone does not grant membership.

On Sam's Club's website (samsclub.com), you can use your card to pay for online orders. The card works for both regular purchases and for Sam's Club Plus member benefits if you have that tier of membership. Purchases at Sam's Club — whether in warehouse or online — typically earn higher rewards rates than purchases elsewhere, often 5% cash back or more depending on your card version.

International use and currency exchange

If you have the Mastercard version, you can use it in most countries where Mastercard is accepted. This includes Europe, Asia, Latin America, and most other regions. When you use the card abroad, Mastercard handles the currency conversion automatically, and you'll see the converted amount on your statement.

Mastercard charges a foreign transaction fee on most purchases made outside the United States — this is typically 1% to 3% of the purchase amount, though the exact rate depends on your specific card agreement. Check your cardholder agreement or call the customer service number on the back of your card to confirm the foreign transaction fee before traveling.

Gas stations and ATM withdrawals

You can use your Sam's Club Mastercard at any gas station that accepts Mastercard, including major brands like Shell, Chevron, BP, and Exxon, as well as independent stations. The card works at both the pump and inside the station. Some gas stations offer bonus rewards for fuel purchases, though this varies by location and card agreement.

You can also withdraw cash from ATMs using your Sam's Club credit card, though this is treated as a cash advance rather than a regular purchase. Cash advances typically come with higher interest rates and fees — often starting immediately without a grace period — so this should be a last resort rather than a regular way to get cash. Check your card agreement for the specific cash advance fee and interest rate.

Contactless and mobile payment options

If your Sam's Club Mastercard has a contactless chip (a small curved symbol on the card), you can tap it at checkout instead of swiping or inserting it. This works at most modern retailers and is faster than traditional payment methods. Contactless payment is optional — you can still swipe or insert the card if you prefer.

You can also add your Sam's Club card to mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Once added, you can pay by holding your phone or smartwatch near the payment terminal. This works anywhere that accepts contactless Mastercard payments. To add your card, open your payment app, select "Add Card," and follow the prompts to scan or manually enter your card information.

Restrictions and places where your card won't work

Some businesses don't accept Mastercard, though this is rare in the United States. You may encounter this at small independent stores, some gas stations, or certain online retailers that only accept specific payment methods. Government agencies, utilities, and some subscription services may also have restrictions on which cards they accept.

If you have the older Sam's Club Discover card (not the Mastercard), it will only work at Sam's Club locations and on samsclub.com. It will not work at other retailers, restaurants, or online stores outside of Sam's Club. If you're unsure which card you have, check the logo on your card or log into your Sam's Club account online to see your card details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Sam's Club credit card without a Sam's Club membership?

Yes, you can use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted without a membership. However, you need an active membership to shop at Sam's Club warehouses. The credit card and the membership are separate — having one does not automatically give you the other.

Do I earn the same rewards everywhere I use my card?

No. Purchases at Sam's Club typically earn higher rewards rates (often 5% or more) than purchases at other retailers (usually 1% to 2%). Check your specific card agreement for the exact rewards rates at different types of merchants.

What should I do if a store won't accept my Sam's Club Mastercard?

This is uncommon, but if it happens, ask if they accept Mastercard in general. If they do, there may be a temporary issue with their payment system. If they don't accept Mastercard at all, you'll need to use a different payment method. Keep another card or cash on hand as a backup.

Can I use my card internationally?

Yes, if you have the Mastercard version. It works in most countries where Mastercard is accepted. Be aware that foreign transaction fees (typically 1% to 3%) will be added to your purchases. Contact Sam's Club customer service before traveling to confirm your card will work in your destination.

How do I add my Sam's Club card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Open your payment app, select the option to add a card, and either scan your card with your phone's camera or enter the card number, expiration date, and security code manually. The app will verify your card with Sam's Club, and you'll be able to use it for contactless payments within minutes.