You’re standing in the middle of a cavernous warehouse, staring at a 30-pack of toilet paper and wondering if your life would be significantly better if you just paid the extra sixty bucks. It’s the classic Sam’s Club dilemma. You already have the $50 basic membership, but the sirens of the "Plus" tier are calling.
Basically, the sam's club plus membership is the high-octane version of the standard club pass. It costs $110 a year. That’s more than double the entry fee, which sounds steep until you start looking at the math. Honestly, for some people, it’s a total waste of money. For others? It's the smartest financial move they'll make all year.
What the Sam's Club Plus Membership Really Gives You
If you're wondering what the sam's club plus membership actually does, it's more than just a shiny card. The "Big Three" perks are what move the needle for most people: 2% cash back, free shipping, and early shopping hours.
Let's talk about that 2% Sam’s Cash. You earn this on "qualifying" in-club purchases. You can use it to pay for your next haul, cover your membership renewal, or—and this is the cool part—just walk up to the member services desk and ask for cold, hard cash. They cap it at $500 per year, which means you’d have to spend $25,000 to hit the ceiling. Most of us aren't doing that, but if you spend at least $3,000 a year at Sam's (that's about $250 a month), the $60 difference between the basic and Plus tiers pays for itself.
Then there’s the Early Shopping perk. Plus members can get in at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The regular "Club" members have to wait until 10 a.m. (or 9 a.m. on Sundays). If you’ve ever tried to navigate a warehouse store at 11 a.m. on a Saturday, you know it's a special kind of chaos. Getting in two hours early is like having the whole place to yourself. It’s quiet. The rotisserie chickens are fresh. The aisles aren't blocked by three-generation families debating the merits of different granola bars.
The Hidden Health and Auto Perks
Most people forget about the pharmacy and optical benefits. Plus members get 10 select generic prescriptions for $0. Yes, free. There are also over 600 other generics available for $4 or $10. If you’re currently paying a $20 copay every month for a common maintenance med, this one benefit alone makes the membership "free" by March.
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- Optical: You get 40% off a second pair of complete glasses.
- Tires: Plus members get 50% off tire installation when they buy a set of four.
- Shipping: Free shipping on most online items for orders over $50. No more "will it fit in my car?" anxiety.
The Math: When to Stay Basic vs. Going Plus
It’s easy to get swept up in "perk fever," but let’s be real. If you only visit the club once a quarter to buy a giant bag of rice and some cheap gas, the Plus membership is a bad deal.
The break-even point is $3,000 in annual spending. If you spend $5,000 a year (which is pretty easy if you have kids or a dog), you’re earning $100 in Sam’s Cash. After you subtract the $60 upgrade cost, you’ve basically "made" $40.
| If You Spend... | You Earn (2% Cash Back) | Membership Value |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 / year | $40 | You lose $20 on the upgrade. |
| **$3,000 / year** | $60 | You break even exactly. |
| **$6,000 / year** | $120 | You profit $60 after the upgrade fee. |
But wait—don't forget the Sam’s Club Mastercard. This is where the stacking gets wild. If you use the Mastercard as a Plus member, you get an additional 3% back on in-club purchases. Combine that with the 2% from the membership itself, and you're looking at 5% back. That’s almost like getting a permanent discount on everything you buy, including those overpriced patio sets and giant TVs.
Early Hours: A Sanity Saver or Just Hype?
I used to think early hours were for people who didn't have hobbies. I was wrong.
Actually, the 8 a.m. slot is the "pro-shopper" hour. You'll see restaurant owners stocking up on supplies and parents trying to beat the morning nap schedule. The lines at the checkout—even if you use the Scan & Go app (which you absolutely should)—are non-existent.
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Plus, the curbside pickup starts even earlier for Plus members—at 7 a.m. If you’re a morning person who wants to get the grocery chore done before the rest of the world is awake, this is a massive win. Regular members can't pick up their orders until 9 a.m. or later.
What Sam's Club Plus Doesn't Cover
It’s not all sunshine and free samples. There are "exclusions" that will trip you up if you aren't careful.
You do not earn the 2% Sam’s Cash on:
- Gas (The fuel discounts are separate).
- Tobacco and alcohol.
- Gift cards.
- Milk (in some states, due to weird dairy laws).
- Pharmacy prescriptions (though you get the lower pricing instead).
Also, while the shipping is "free," it’s only free on items marked "shipping included" or for orders over $50. If you’re buying one tiny item, you might still see a delivery fee.
How to Get the Plus Membership for Cheaper
Sam's Club is notorious for having "join" deals. Seriously, never pay the full $110 if you are a brand-new member. They often run promos where you can get the Plus tier for $70 or even $50 for the first year.
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If you're already a member, you can upgrade mid-year. They'll prorate the cost based on how many months you have left. It’s a low-risk way to test the waters. If you find you aren't using the shipping or the early hours, you can always downgrade back to the "Club" level when your renewal comes up.
Final Verdict on the Sam's Club Plus Membership
Is it worth it?
If you spend $250+ a month at the warehouse, it's a no-brainer. The cash back literally covers the cost. If you use the pharmacy or buy tires once a year, it’s a slam dunk.
However, if you live 40 minutes away and only go there for the cheap hot dog combo and a case of soda, stick to the $50 basic membership. You won't spend enough to trigger the rewards that make the Plus tier valuable.
What you should do next:
Open your Sam’s Club app and look at your "Year in Review" or purchase history. If your total spend for the last 12 months is over $3,000, go to the member services desk on your next trip and upgrade. You’re literally leaving money on the table every time you scan your basic card. If you're a new member, keep an eye on their website during holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Black Friday, as that's when the "Join Plus for $70" deals usually pop up.