Editorial date: October 14, 2026. First published: November 11, 2026.
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Illustration created for this article; it does not depict a specific Sam’s Club location.
Buying household essentials in larger quantities can be convenient, but a warehouse membership makes the most sense when its benefits match your actual shopping habits. Sam’s Club offers two U.S. membership levels—Club and Plus—with different annual fees and benefits.
This guide compares the main features using Sam’s Club’s published information. We have not independently tested the membership for this article. Fees, offers, eligibility, and benefits can change, so review the current terms before joining.
Compare Sam’s Club membership options
Club and Plus: The Main Difference
As of November 11, 2026, Sam’s Club lists standard annual membership fees of $60 for Club and $120 for Plus, before any applicable taxes or eligible promotions. Check the price and renewal terms shown during signup; an introductory offer, if available, may have separate conditions.
Both memberships provide access to member shopping, member-only prices, Instant Savings, Scan & Go, and a complimentary household card for an eligible household member. Plus includes Club benefits along with additional features, subject to the program’s terms.
| Consideration | Club | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Standard annual membership fee | $60 | $120 |
| Member shopping and Instant Savings | Included | Included |
| Scan & Go and a complimentary household card | Included, subject to terms | Included, subject to terms |
| Curbside Pickup | Free on eligible orders over $50 | Free on eligible orders without a minimum, according to Sam’s Club |
| 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases | Not a Club membership benefit | Available on eligible purchases, subject to exclusions and an annual cap |
| Shipping and delivery | Check applicable fees | Free on eligible $50+ orders, subject to terms and availability |
What Can You Do With a Club Membership?
Club is the lower-cost option for people who mainly want access to warehouse shopping and member pricing. Sam’s Club also lists member-only fuel prices at participating locations and Scan & Go in its app. Availability and exclusions can vary, so check what your local club offers.
If you prefer placing an order before you arrive, Curbside Pickup may be useful. Sam’s Club says Club members receive free pickup on eligible orders over $50; check the current order requirements when placing an order.
When Might Plus Make Sense?
Plus costs $60 more per year at the standard prices listed above. Its additional features may be worth considering if you expect to make eligible purchases regularly, use shipping or delivery, or value early shopping hours.
Eligible Plus members can earn 2% in Sam’s Cash on qualifying pre-tax in-club and Curbside Pickup purchases, up to $750 per membership year. Not every purchase qualifies, and returns and other terms can affect rewards. The benefit is Sam’s Cash, so check the program rules for earning and redeeming it.
Plus members also receive free standard shipping and Delivery from Club on eligible orders of $50 or more, subject to item, location, and other restrictions. Free Curbside Pickup is available on eligible orders without a minimum, according to Sam’s Club.
Sam’s Club says an eligible primary Plus member can link an account to access a Walmart+ Annual membership at no additional membership fee. The accounts and rewards remain separate, and eligibility, linking, and other terms apply.
A Simple Way to Compare the Fees
At the listed standard rates, the difference between Club and Plus is $60 a year. As a simplified illustration, $3,000 in purchases that all qualify for the full 2% benefit would generate $60 in Sam’s Cash. This example ignores taxes, exclusions, returns, promotions, and the value of other benefits; it is not a guarantee of savings.
Use purchases you already expect to make for your comparison. Buying more than you need just to earn a reward can cost more than it saves.
What to Check Before Joining
Consider how close a club is, whether you can use or store larger packages, and how the unit prices compare with the shops you already use. A membership may be less useful if you rarely visit or tend to waste bulk purchases.
Before paying, review the exact price, any promotion’s eligibility, applicable taxes, and renewal settings. Sam’s Club says new memberships purchased with a valid debit or credit card are automatically enrolled in Auto Renew with notice; review the current terms and how to manage renewal in your account.
The Takeaway
Club may be a practical starting point if you mainly want to shop in person and use member prices. Plus is worth comparing if its eligible rewards, shipping or delivery benefits, and included Walmart+ Annual membership match services you would actually use. The better choice depends on your household’s shopping pattern, not simply the number of listed perks.
See Sam’s Club membership options