A Sam’s Club membership might seem like just a fancy way to buy in bulk, but it actually comes with a lot more than giant packs of snacks. From cheaper gas to early shopping hours and pharmacy savings, there are plenty of perks hiding behind that membership card. The thing is, you’ve got to know what’s available and actually use it. Otherwise, it’s easy to pay the yearly fee and forget why you signed up in the first place. So before your next trip to the club, take a minute to check out all the ways you can really make your membership count.
Contents
- 1 Fill Your Tank for Less
- 2 Skip the Checkout Line with Scan & Go
- 3 Get More for Your Money with Sam’s Cash
- 4 Score Early Shopping Hours with a Plus Membership
- 5 Use the Free Pharmacy Perks
- 6 Take Advantage of Free Curbside Pickup and Shipping
- 7 Don’t Miss the Optical Discounts
- 8 Get Extra Help with Car Care
- 9 More From RetailShout
- 10 9 Fan-Favorite Summer Aldi Finds We Want Back
- 11 13 Kosher-Friendly Foods You Can Grab at Aldi
Fill Your Tank for Less
One of the fastest ways to see value from your Sam’s Club membership is at the gas pump. Fuel prices at Sam’s Club are often lower than what you’ll find at regular gas stations in the same area. While the price difference might look small at first glance, it adds up fast over a few weeks of fill-ups. Before heading out, you can use GasBuddy to compare prices and confirm whether it’s worth the trip that day. It’s worth noting that some locations allow non-members to buy gas, but you’ll miss out on the lowest prices and can’t stack other benefits. To get the full discount, you’ll need to scan your membership card or use the Sam’s Club app at the pump.
Skip the Checkout Line with Scan & Go
Waiting in long lines at warehouse stores can feel like the price you pay for bulk deals, but Sam’s Club makes it easy to avoid that altogether. The Scan & Go app lets you scan items as you shop, pay directly from your phone, and show your digital receipt at the exit. You don’t need to go through the register at all. It even works at the gas station, where you can scan the pump’s QR code and pay in the app. Alcohol purchases do require an ID check at the door, and you’ll need to be verified before the transaction is completed. You can spend up to $750 per day using this feature, which should easily cover most shopping trips.
Get More for Your Money with Sam’s Cash
Using a Sam’s Club Mastercard is one of the easiest ways to get extra value from your membership. Cardholders earn 5% in Sam’s Cash on gas purchases, which stacks on top of Sam’s already low fuel prices. The card also offers 3% back on dining and travel, and up to 3% back at Sam’s Club depending on your membership level. Those rewards are automatically added to your account each month and can be used toward purchases, membership renewal, or even cashed out. Plus members get an extra perk, $10 back for every $500 spent, up to $500 annually. If you regularly spend at the club and gas station, the savings really add up.
Score Early Shopping Hours with a Plus Membership
If you prefer to shop without the crowds, a Plus membership gives you early access to the store. You can start shopping at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturdays. That’s a two-hour head start on regular members, which means less waiting, easier parking, and a better chance of grabbing popular items before they’re gone. Early hours apply to curbside pickup too, with Plus members able to schedule as early as 7 a.m. during the week. These hours also extend to select holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, which can make a big difference when planning last-minute gatherings.
Use the Free Pharmacy Perks
If you take prescription meds, the pharmacy benefits alone could justify the cost of a Plus membership. Eligible members can get up to five free 30-day supplies of select generic medications. Over 600 generics are priced at $10 or less, and there are even discounts of 8% to 30% on some brand-name drugs. The pharmacy also fills pet prescriptions and offers an 8% discount on those as well. These benefits are only available to Plus members, so it’s worth considering the upgrade if you or your family fills prescriptions regularly. Even a couple of refills a month can make the membership fee worth it.
Take Advantage of Free Curbside Pickup and Shipping
Shopping online or doing a quick curbside order is easier when you’re a Plus member. You get free shipping on most items with no minimum purchase, which is perfect for small essentials you don’t want to hunt down in-store. Plus members also enjoy free curbside pickup, while Club members pay a small fee per order. Curbside pickup is available at most locations and can be scheduled in the early hours if you’re a Plus member. Some locations even offer same-day delivery, with Plus members paying less for the service than standard members. It’s a great way to save time while still getting all your groceries and household supplies.
Don’t Miss the Optical Discounts
Sam’s Club optical centers offer eye exams at competitive prices, making it a helpful stop if you don’t have vision insurance. Members also get 20% off a full pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses when bought at regular price. That discount applies even if you’re paying out of pocket, so it’s a solid deal for anyone who needs new eyewear. The savings apply only in-store and don’t require a separate vision plan. Whether you’re replacing old glasses or grabbing a backup pair, it’s an easy way to cut down your eye care costs. Be sure to call ahead to check if your local club has an on-site optometrist.
Get Extra Help with Car Care
Some Sam’s Club locations offer a surprising range of car care perks for members. You can get flat tires repaired for free, even if you didn’t buy them at Sam’s. Wiper blade installation and battery testing are also included at no extra cost. If you buy your tires at Sam’s, installation runs $20 per tire and includes perks like free balancing, tire rotation, and road hazard protection. You’ll also get emergency roadside service for up to three years from your installation date. These benefits can really come in handy when unexpected car issues pop up, especially if you’re trying to avoid surprise repair bills.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
More From RetailShout
Top 13 New Finds at Aldi This Week
Aldi came through again this week with a lineup that’s worth checking out while it’s still on shelves. From toddler shoes and summer sandals to kitchen must-haves and playful garden lights, the aisles are packed with things you didn’t know you needed until now. Read More.
9 Fan-Favorite Summer Aldi Finds We Want Back
Some Aldi finds just hit different in the summertime. Whether it was a cookie kit that saved the day at your last BBQ or a sangria that made backyard nights extra chill, certain seasonal items had us checking the aisles week after week. Read More.
13 Kosher-Friendly Foods You Can Grab at Aldi
Finding kosher groceries doesn’t have to feel like a scavenger hunt. Aldi actually has a solid selection of kosher-friendly items that are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Read More.
