Sam's Club Credit Card vs Mastercard: Comparison and Review

If you're a frequent shopper at Sam's Club, you might be considering applying for their credit card, but how does it stack up against the classic Mastercard? The Sam's Club credit card offers 5% cashback on gas purchases, which can be a significant perk for those who fill up regularly.

The Sam's Club credit card also offers 3% cashback on purchases at restaurants, which is a great incentive for foodies and business owners who frequently entertain clients. However, the rewards rate drops to 1% on all other purchases.

In contrast, Mastercard offers a more straightforward rewards structure, with 1% cashback on all purchases, but with no rotating categories or spending limits. This can be a more predictable and hassle-free option for those who want to earn rewards without keeping track of specific categories.

The Sam's Club credit card offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to your wallet. One notable benefit is the lack of foreign transaction fees, which means you can use the card abroad without incurring extra charges.

For Sam's Club Plus members, the card also offers potentially superior rewards, earning up to 5% back on eligible Sam's Club shopping. This is a stellar rate that rivals some of the best store cards on the market.

The Sam's Club Mastercard has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage for those who want to use the card regularly. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the card without having to pay a yearly fee.

Sam's Club Plus members can earn 5% cash back for shopping at Sam's Club, 3% back with the card and 2% back on eligible in-club purchases (up to $500 in rewards annually). This provides a valuable incentive to shop within the Sam’s Club brand.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Sam's Club Mastercard:

The Sam's Club Mastercard is a solid choice for those who want a low-cost cash back credit card. It has a $0 annual fee, but you'll need to pay a membership fee of $50 for basic membership or $110 for Sam's Club Plus.

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One of the key benefits of this card is its flexibility. You can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which is a big plus. This means you can earn cashback rewards faster, especially if you're a frequent shopper at Walmart.

Here are the key rewards and fees associated with the card:

The Sam's Club Mastercard offers more flexibility than the other card, as it can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which can help you earn cashback rewards faster.

If you're a frequent Walmart shopper, you might want to consider the Walmart credit cards as well, as they could be a better option.

The Sam's Club Mastercard has a $0-annual-fee, making it a low-cost cash back credit card.

However, to use this card, you'll first need to pay a membership fee of $50 for basic membership or $110 for Sam's Club Plus.

Only Sam's Club Plus members get extra cash back on Sam's Club purchases, making it worth considering only if you already receive value from your membership and plan on keeping it.

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The Sam's Club Mastercard is a convenient option for those who are already part of the Sam's Club membership. The card has a $0 annual fee, which is a great perk for those who want to avoid extra charges.

Here are some quick facts about the card's rewards and fees:

The card's APR is a bit higher at 20.40% or 28.40% Variable, which is something to keep in mind when carrying a balance. The foreign transaction fee is 3%, which is relatively standard for credit cards.

On the other hand, there are some cons to consider: Must be a Sam’s Club memberLow sign-up bonusBest rewards rate is only available to Sam’s Club Plus members

You can apply for the Sam's Club credit cards in two ways: by visiting a Sam's Club register to fill out an application or by applying online. If you want to access the $45 welcome bonus, it's best to apply online.

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These credit cards have some unique perks, especially for frequent Sam's Club shoppers, but there are also some caveats to consider. Consider how you'll use these cards to determine if they're a good option for you.

It's super easy to manage your account and pay your bill online, but you can also pay by phone or at a Sam's Club register if you prefer to keep things old school.

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Let's weigh the pros and cons of a particular credit card. One of the main advantages is the elevated rewards for Sam's Club Plus members. These rewards can add up quickly, especially for frequent shoppers.

Another perk is the excellent cash back rewards on gas and restaurant purchases. This can be a huge money-saver for those who regularly fuel up or dine out.

This credit card is also accepted nationwide, making it a convenient option for travel. And, the $0 annual fee is a nice bonus.

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However, there are some downsides to consider. To use this credit card, you must be a Sam's Club member. This may not be a problem for those who already shop at Sam's Club, but it could be a barrier for others.

Additionally, the sign-up bonus is relatively low, which may not be as enticing as other credit cards. And, the best rewards rate is only available to Sam's Club Plus members, which may not be worth the extra cost for some users.

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The Sam's Club Mastercard has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider.

One of the biggest advantages of the Sam's Club Mastercard is that it offers elevated rewards for Sam's Club Plus members.

Another pro is that it has excellent cash back rewards on gas and restaurant purchases. In fact, you can earn 5% back on gas (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after) and 3% on dining and takeout.

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The card is also accepted nationwide, making it a convenient option for those who shop at Sam's Club frequently.

One of the downsides of the Sam's Club Mastercard is that you must be a Sam's Club member to apply for the card.

Additionally, the sign-up bonus is relatively low compared to other credit cards on the market.

Another con is that the best rewards rate is only available to Sam's Club Plus members, which requires a more expensive membership fee of $110.

Here are the pros and cons of the Sam's Club Mastercard in a concise list:

If you're considering the Sam's Club Mastercard, it's worth looking at similar cards to see how they compare. The Citi Custom Cash Card, for example, earns 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, making it a strong contender for those who frequent grocery stores.

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Another option is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which allows you to choose your rewards category and earn 3% cash back in that category, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Here's a brief comparison of these cards:

These cards offer competitive rewards and welcome offers, but it's essential to consider your spending habits and needs before choosing the best card for you.

The Sam's Club credit card offers 5% cashback on gas purchases at Sam's Club fuel centers, which can add up quickly if you're a frequent shopper.

One of the most significant differences between the Sam's Club credit card and Mastercard is the rewards structure. The Sam's Club credit card offers 3% cashback on Sam's Club purchases, 2% cashback on dining and gas purchases, and 1% cashback on all other purchases.

To maximize your rewards, it's essential to understand how the Sam's Club credit card works. You earn 5% cashback on gas purchases at Sam's Club fuel centers, 3% cashback on Sam's Club purchases, 2% cashback on dining and gas purchases, and 1% cashback on all other purchases.

If you're a frequent traveler, you might appreciate the travel benefits of the Sam's Club credit card, which includes no foreign transaction fees.

You can earn a maximum of $5,000 of Sam's Cash per year with your card.

Sam's Cash is automatically issued within one to two billing cycles of being earned and loaded onto your Sam's Club membership account. Then, you can use this cash back at Sam's Club for in-club, online and app purchases.

You can also use Sam's Cash toward renewing or upgrading your membership, or you can cash it out by requesting cash back at a staffed register or Member Services.

However, you won't get any cash back — or your available cash-back balance will be forfeited — in the following cases: your card account isn't in good standing, your Sam's Club membership is terminated, canceled or revoked by Sam's Club, or your card account is canceled or closed (either by you or Synchrony Bank).

Sam's Cash does not expire as long as you remain an active Sam's Club member.

The Sam's Club credit card and Mastercard are both worth considering if you're a frequent Sam's Club shopper, but it's essential to understand their differences.

The Sam's Club Mastercard offers 5% back on gas, but only on the first $6,000 per year, and 3% on dining and takeout.

For everyday purchases, the earning rates are relatively low on the Sam's Club Mastercard. This might be a drawback for those who don't shop at Sam's Club frequently.

However, the card provides quality earning rates for gas and restaurant purchases, making it a solid choice for those who regularly use these services.

To get approved for the Sam's Club Mastercard, applicants should have a credit score of at least 700.

The card's $0-annual-fee is a significant advantage, but it's essential to factor in the cost of Sam's Club membership, which ranges from $50 to $110 per year.

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