KEY POINTS

• A Sam’s Club Plus membership is priced at $100 annually, which is $55 more than the standard membership fee.
• With a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you get free shipping on qualifying online purchases, 2% Sam’s Cash up to $500, early access to shopping hours, complimentary select prescriptions, and additional discounts.
• If you frequently shop at Sam’s Club, the benefits of a Plus membership can quickly accumulate, making it a valuable option.

Sam’s Club is a renowned wholesale store that provides various membership options for its customers. Membership at Sam’s Club allows access to exclusive deals and substantial savings. There are two membership levels: Sam’s Club and Sam’s Club Plus.

The Sam’s Club Plus Membership is the premium option, offering additional perks like free shipping for online orders, extended shopping hours, and special financing deals. A basic Sam’s Club membership is $50 annually, whereas a Plus membership costs $110 per year, a $60 increase. So, is it worth the additional cost?

Benefits of Plus Membership

Here are some of the advantages of upgrading to a Plus membership.

Free Shipping One of the major benefits of the Sam’s Club Plus membership is free shipping on eligible online items. This can result in significant savings, especially for larger purchases, similar to Amazon Prime’s free shipping feature. Plus members also get access to same-day delivery for orders placed before 2 p.m.

Earn 2% Sam’s Cash Plus members earn 2% back in Sam’s Cash on qualifying in-club purchases, up to a maximum of $500 per year. Sam’s Cash is awarded monthly and can be used in-store or online at SamsClub.com. It can also be redeemed for cash.

Free Curbside Pickup Curbside pickup allows you to place an order online and pick it up without leaving your car. Simply head to the store when your order is ready and check in via text or app. A Sam’s Club Associate will load your order into your car, saving you both time and money. This service is free for Plus members and starts as early as 7 a.m. Regular members can also use curbside pickup but must pay a $4 fee per order, and the service starts at 10 a.m.

Early Shopping Hours Plus members can enjoy earlier shopping hours, which is a significant advantage for those looking to avoid crowds, particularly during peak shopping periods like the holiday season. Plus members can start shopping at 8 a.m., two hours earlier than regular members. Early shopping is available at select locations, so check if this service is offered at your nearest Sam’s Club.

Pharmacy Savings Plus members receive additional discounts on certain prescription drugs, leading to substantial savings on healthcare costs. They can get a 30-day supply of over 600 generic drugs for $10 or less, and 10 select generic prescriptions for $0 at participating Sam’s Club Pharmacy locations. However, the free drug benefit is not available in Arizona, California, or Minnesota. In these states, the same medications can be purchased for $2 for a 30-day supply. Plus, the 8% discount on pet medications is another great benefit.

Optical Savings Plus membership also offers optical savings. Members can save 20% on a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses, and get free shipping on contacts. This can result in significant savings for anyone who needs glasses or contacts.

Is It Worth It?

For those who frequently shop at Sam’s Club and spend considerable amounts, the Plus membership could lead to substantial savings over the year. The $500 in Sam’s Cash that can be earned is about 4.5 times the membership cost, though it requires spending $25,000 annually at Sam’s Club to reach this amount.

A Sam’s Club Plus membership might be a good investment depending on your shopping habits. If you shop online often, prefer early shopping hours, and enjoy the convenience of free curbside pickup, a Plus membership could be ideal. The potential to earn Sam’s Cash and save on prescriptions and eyewear adds to the appeal.

However, if you do not shop at Sam’s Club frequently or do not utilize these benefits, a regular membership may be sufficient. It’s essential to balance the membership cost with the savings from its perks.

Overall, the Plus membership can be a valuable investment for regular Sam’s Club shoppers. The decision to upgrade should be based on individual needs and shopping habits.