You know that feeling when you pull into a parking lot, ready to tackle your grocery list, only to realize you’re sitting there like a goober for forty-five minutes because the doors are locked? It’s the worst. Honestly, it's even worse at a warehouse club because you've probably driven across town specifically for that 30-pack of paper towels and the rotisserie chicken that smells like heaven.
If you're paying for the higher-tier membership, you're likely doing it for the perks. But there is a ton of confusion about what time does Sam’s club open for plus members, especially since they overhauled their schedule recently.
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Basically, as of early 2026, the rules have shifted to make things more uniform, but that actually tripped up a lot of long-time shoppers.
The Current Schedule: 8:00 AM is the Magic Number
Most Sam's Club locations across the country now open their doors at 8:00 AM local time for Plus members. This applies every single day of the week, including Sundays.
Wait, Sundays? Yeah.
Historically, Sam’s Club had these weird, clunky Sunday hours where they wouldn't open until 10:00 AM. It was a nightmare if you wanted to get your shopping done before church or before the afternoon football games started. In late 2025, they finally listened to the "overwhelming feedback" (retail speak for "people were complaining") and moved Sunday opening times to match the rest of the week.
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So, if you have that $110 Plus card in your wallet, you get a full hour of "Early Shopping" from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
At 9:00 AM, they let the "Club" level members in. That’s when the peace and quiet usually evaporates.
Why That One Hour Actually Matters
You might think, "Is getting there an hour early really worth the extra membership cost?"
It depends on how much you hate crowds. Honestly, the 8:00 AM crowd is a different breed. It’s mostly small business owners grabbing supplies and people who want to be in and out before the samples start coming out and the aisles get clogged with giant carts.
If you show up at 8:05 AM, the floors are usually still shiny from the overnight scrub, the produce is stacked perfectly, and—this is the big one—the meat department has just put out the freshest cuts.
The Scan & Go Factor
If you aren't using the Scan & Go feature in the app during these early hours, you're kinda doing it wrong. Plus members who use Scan & Go between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM can basically ghost the entire staff. You scan your own stuff, pay on your phone, and the person at the door just scans your QR code.
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I’ve seen people do a full two-week grocery run and be back in their car by 8:40 AM. That’s impossible at 11:00 AM on a Saturday when the line for the cafe is stretching into the clothing section.
Curbside Pickup: The 7:00 AM Secret
Here is something many people overlook: the store opens for shopping at 8:00 AM, but the Curbside Pickup starts even earlier.
For Plus members, you can actually schedule a pickup as early as 7:00 AM.
If you’re a regular "Club" member (the $50 tier), you can’t get your groceries brought to your car until 9:00 AM. That two-hour head start is a massive win for parents who need to drop the kids at school and grab the week's groceries without ever unbuckling a car seat.
Keep in mind that while pickup is free for Plus members on orders over $50, there’s usually a small fee if you’re buying less than that. But let's be real—who goes to Sam's Club and spends less than $50? I went in for a gallon of milk once and left with a kayak and a year's supply of cashews.
What About the Gas Station and Pharmacy?
Don't assume the whole building operates on the same clock. It’s a common trap.
- Fuel Stations: These usually open much earlier, often at 6:00 AM. You don't need to be a Plus member to get gas early, but you do need your membership card.
- The Pharmacy: This is where it gets tricky. Most Sam's Club pharmacies don't open until 9:00 AM, even if the store is open for Plus members at 8:00 AM.
- The Cafe: Don't expect a hot slice of pizza or a soda at 8:00 AM. The cafe usually fires up around 10:00 AM.
Is the Plus Membership Actually Worth It in 2026?
Since the membership fee for Plus is $110 compared to the $50 for the basic level, you have to find $60 worth of value to break even.
Beyond the early hours, the 2% Sam’s Cash is the heavy hitter. You get 2% back on most things you buy in the club, up to $500 a year. If you spend $3,000 a year at Sam's (which is only $250 a month), the upgrade basically pays for itself in cash back alone.
Then there’s the free shipping. In 2026, Sam's has gotten way better at competing with Amazon. Plus members get free shipping on most items with a $50 minimum. If you live far from a club, this is a game-changer.
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
I’ve heard people say that Plus members can go in at 7:00 AM on Saturdays. That is not true anymore. There was a time, years ago, when hours were more fragmented. Now, the company has pushed for a "Simplified Schedule." Whether it's Tuesday or Sunday, 8:00 AM is your start time.
Also, don't think you can "sneak in" at 8:30 AM with a basic membership. The scanners they use at the entrance now are pretty high-tech. When you scan your physical card or the app at the door, it’ll flag if you’re a regular Club member, and the greeter will politely (usually) ask you to wait until 9:00 AM. It's a bit awkward, so just check your app status before you head out.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Check the App First: While most clubs follow the 8:00 AM rule, a few "flagship" or high-volume locations might have slight variations. Open the Sam's Club app, click on "Find a Club," and it will show you the exact "Plus Hours" for your specific location.
- Sync Your Pickup: If you want the ultimate "pro" move, schedule a Curbside Pickup for 7:30 AM. Get your groceries loaded, then walk into the store at 8:00 AM to grab the fresh items (like sushi or rotisserie chicken) that you prefer to pick out yourself.
- Update Your Membership: If you're still on the $50 tier and realize you're spending $500+ a month there, go to the member services desk. They usually prorate the upgrade fee, so you don't have to pay the full $60 if you're halfway through your year.
Getting to the store at 8:00 AM might feel early, but once you experience a warehouse club with empty aisles and no screaming toddlers, it’s really hard to go back to the mid-day chaos. Just make sure you have your digital card ready on your phone so you can breeze through the door the second the clock hits eight.