No need to wait in line or juggle your cart at checkout when you’ve got the Scan & Go app. It makes Sam’s Club runs way quicker, and once you get used to it, going back to the old way feels like a hassle. While the basics are simple, there are a few small details and rules that most people don’t realize at first. Some features are super helpful, others come with limits, and a couple might surprise you. Whether you’ve used the app once or a hundred times, there’s probably something on this list you didn’t know.
Contents
- 1 Scan & Go Returns Work the Same as Regular Ones
- 2 Look for the Green Rectangle When You Scan
- 3 There’s a Daily Spending Limit With Scan & Go
- 4 Scan & Go Is Actually Pretty Simple to Use
- 5 You Can Use Gift Cards and Sam’s Cash in the App
- 6 Scan & Go Has Been Around Since 2016
- 7 You Can Track Your Total as You Shop
- 8 Tablets Won’t Work With Scan & Go Payments
- 9 You Really Can Walk Out After Paying in the App
- 10 Alcohol Might Be Available in Some Locations
- 11 More From RetailShout
- 12 The 12 Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s This June
- 13 15 Trader Joe’s Products That Don’t Get Enough Love
Scan & Go Returns Work the Same as Regular Ones
If you buy something using Scan & Go and it doesn’t work out, the return process is just like any other in-store purchase. Open the Sam’s Club app, tap “Account,” then head to “Purchase History” to find your digital receipt. From there, you can take your item to the Member Services desk for a return. The staff will scan your digital receipt, and your refund will be processed like normal. You don’t need a physical receipt, which makes the process quicker. It’s especially helpful if you misplace receipts or shop paperless.
Look for the Green Rectangle When You Scan
When scanning products, a green rectangle will pop up in the app to show that the item has been recognized correctly. This is a visual confirmation that your scan was successful, so you don’t accidentally miss an item. If the green box doesn’t appear, try scanning again or double-check that you scanned the actual barcode, not a shelf tag or QR code. This small detail helps avoid confusion at checkout. It’s a simple visual cue that keeps your shopping smooth from start to finish.
There’s a Daily Spending Limit With Scan & Go
You can’t go on an unlimited shopping spree using the Scan & Go feature. There’s a daily spending limit of $1,000 when using the app to pay. That amount is more than enough for most shopping trips, especially for groceries or household items. However, if you’re planning a major stock-up or buying high-ticket electronics, you might need to check out the traditional way. Keep this in mind to avoid hiccups at checkout.
Scan & Go Is Actually Pretty Simple to Use
After downloading the Sam’s Club app, using Scan & Go is as easy as pointing your phone camera. You just scan the barcode of each product while you shop, and it’s instantly added to your virtual cart. You can also use the app’s “Find an Item” feature if you’re having trouble locating something in-store. Once you’re done, you pay through the app using your preferred payment method. Just show your digital receipt to a staff member at the exit, and you’re good to go.
You Can Use Gift Cards and Sam’s Cash in the App
Sam’s Club lets you apply gift cards and Sam’s Cash directly in the Scan & Go checkout screen. That means you don’t need to wait in line just to use rewards or store credit. Your Sam’s Cash automatically appears in your account if you’ve earned it, and you can choose to apply it during payment. Gift cards work the same way, giving you more flexibility while shopping. It’s a great way to make use of rewards without the extra steps.
Scan & Go Has Been Around Since 2016
Although many shoppers started using Scan & Go during the height of contactless shopping in 2020, it was actually launched back in 2016. It quietly built a following among members who liked skipping long lines. The feature gained a lot more popularity during the pandemic when contact-free options became more important. Since then, it’s become a regular part of the shopping routine for many members. It’s been tested and refined over time, so it runs smoothly today.
You Can Track Your Total as You Shop
One of the most helpful parts of using Scan & Go is being able to see your running total. As you add items to your cart, your app automatically updates the cost. This is a great way to stay on budget and avoid surprises at checkout. The total reflects any discounts or offers, so you get a real-time view of what you’re spending. It’s especially handy during big hauls or party planning.
Tablets Won’t Work With Scan & Go Payments
If you’re trying to check out with a tablet, you’ll run into issues. Sam’s Club doesn’t support Scan & Go payments on tablets, even if the app works for scanning. Only smartphones are currently supported for in-app checkout. That means you’ll need a phone to complete your purchase. It’s a small limitation to remember before heading out to shop.
You Really Can Walk Out After Paying in the App
After you finish shopping and pay through the app, you don’t need to stop at a register. Instead, just head toward the exit and show your digital receipt to the staff. They’ll scan your screen and glance at your cart before letting you go. It saves a lot of time, especially during busy hours or weekends. This feature alone makes Scan & Go worth using regularly.
Alcohol Might Be Available in Some Locations
In certain states, you may be able to buy alcohol using Scan & Go, but it comes with a few extra steps. A Sam’s Club employee has to check your ID and confirm your age within the app before you’re allowed to pay. Once verified, you can complete the transaction like usual. This option depends on local laws and may not be available everywhere. Always check with your store if you plan to pick up beer, wine, or liquor using the app.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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