Sam's Club takes credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and cash at checkout
Sam's Club accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards at all warehouse locations and online. You can also pay with digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at the register. Cash payments work in-warehouse only. Sam's Club does not accept personal checks, and their own branded credit card (the Sam's Club Mastercard) is a credit card option, not a separate payment method.
Online purchases require a credit or debit card—you cannot pay with cash or check for web orders. If you're buying a Sam's Club membership itself, you'll need a card or digital wallet; cash alone won't cover membership fees at the register.
Key Takeaways
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) and debit cards work both in-warehouse and online.
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work at the register but not for online orders at all Sam's Club locations.
- Cash is accepted only in-warehouse, not online or for membership purchases.
- Sam's Club does not accept personal checks, money orders, or third-party payment services like PayPal or Venmo.
Digital wallet payments at Sam's Club registers
At the warehouse checkout, you can tap or scan your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These work the same way as tapping a contactless credit card—the transaction processes instantly and appears on your linked card's statement. Digital wallets are faster than entering a PIN and reduce the time you spend at the register.
Digital wallet support varies slightly by location and payment terminal, so if your phone doesn't register on the first attempt, ask the cashier whether that specific register supports the wallet you're using. Older warehouse locations may have older terminals that don't yet support all digital wallet brands.
Sam's Club Mastercard and other branded cards
Sam's Club offers its own Mastercard, which is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. Using it at Sam's Club earns rewards (usually cash back or points), but it is still a Mastercard and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You don't need the Sam's Club card to shop there—regular Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Discover cards work just fine.
If you carry the Sam's Club Mastercard, it functions like any other credit card at checkout. The rewards structure and interest rate depend on your specific card agreement, so check your cardholder materials or log into your Synchrony account to see what you're earning on purchases.
Online checkout payment options
Sam's Club's website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card details during checkout, and the transaction processes immediately. Your order confirmation appears in your email and in your Sam's Club account dashboard.
Some Sam's Club locations are testing digital wallet checkout online, but this is not yet available everywhere. If you want to use Apple Pay or Google Pay for an online order, check whether your region supports it during the payment step—if the option doesn't appear, a traditional card is your only choice.
What Sam's Club does not accept
Sam's Club does not take personal checks, money orders, or payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash. Wire transfers and bank transfers are not payment options at checkout. If you're trying to pay for a membership renewal or a large purchase, you must use a card, digital wallet, or cash (in-warehouse only).
Some third-party sellers on Sam's Club's marketplace may have different payment rules, so if you're buying from a marketplace vendor rather than Sam's Club directly, check their payment terms before checkout.
Membership payment and renewal
Sam's Club membership fees must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet—cash is not accepted for membership purchases. You can buy or renew a membership online or at the warehouse. Online, you'll enter your card details. In-warehouse, you can pay at the membership desk with any accepted card or digital wallet.
Membership renewals can be set to automatic payment using the card on file in your Sam's Club account. If you want to change the card used for renewal, log into your account online or ask at the membership desk during your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PayPal or Venmo to pay at Sam's Club?
No. Sam's Club does not accept PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, or other payment apps. You must use a credit card, debit card, digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), or cash in-warehouse.
Does Sam's Club take American Express?
Yes. American Express credit and debit cards are accepted both in-warehouse and online at Sam's Club.
Can I pay for my membership with cash?
No. Membership purchases and renewals require a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet. Cash cannot be used for membership fees, though it can be used for regular purchases once you're inside the warehouse.
What if my card is declined at checkout?
Ask the cashier to try again—sometimes a temporary network issue causes a decline. If it declines a second time, contact your card issuer to check whether there's a fraud hold or insufficient funds. You can also pay with a different card or, if you're in-warehouse, with cash.
Does Sam's Club accept contactless payment?
Yes, through digital wallets and contactless credit or debit cards. Tap your phone or card on the terminal to pay without entering a PIN. Not all warehouse locations have contactless-enabled terminals yet, so ask the cashier if yours does.