Is a Sam's Club Plus Membership Worth It?

Is it worth it to spring for the upgraded membership?

Sam's Club is a popular wholesale store that offers multiple membership options for shoppers. Sam's Club members get exclusive deals and enormous savings. Sam's Club offers two different types of membership: Sam's Club and Sam's Club Plus.

The Sam's Club Plus Membership is the highest level of membership offered and includes additional benefits, such as free shipping for online orders, extended shopping hours, and special financing options. A Sam's Club basic membership costs $50 a year, while a Sam's Club Plus membership costs $110 per year, an extra $60. So, is it worth the bigger hit to your budget?

Plus membership benefits

Here are some of the benefits that come with a Plus membership.

Free shipping

The biggest benefit of the Sam's Club Plus membership is free shipping on eligible online items. This can save shoppers a significant amount of money on larger purchases. This is similar to Amazon Prime's free shipping. In addition, Plus members can get access to same-day delivery for orders placed before 2 p.m.

Earn 2% Sam's Cash

Sam's Cash is for Plus members only. You get 2% back on qualifying in-club purchases. You can receive a maximum of $500 Sam's Cash per 12 months of membership. Sam's Cash is awarded monthly and loaded onto your membership card for use in-store or at SamsClub.com. It can also be redeemed for cash.

Free curbside pickup

With curbside pickup, you can place an order online and pick it up without even leaving your car. When your order is ready, just head to the store and check in via text or app. A Sam’s Club Associate will even load your order in your car for you, saving you both time and money. Curbside pickup is free for Plus members and starts as early as 7 a.m. Curbside pickup is also available for regular Sam's Club members, but there is a $4 fee per order, and the pickup window starts at 10 a.m.

Early shopping

Sam's Club Plus members get to enjoy earlier shopping hours, which is a huge advantage for those who prefer to avoid crowds. This is especially beneficial during peak shopping periods (like the holiday season), when stores can get quite busy.

Plus members can enjoy these benefits starting at 8 a.m., which is two hours earlier than regular members. Early shopping is available at select locations, so ensure that the Sam’s Club nearest you offers this service.

Pharmacy savings

Sam's Club Plus Members receive extra discounts on certain prescription drugs, which can be significant savings on their healthcare costs. As a Plus Member, you can get a 30-day supply of more than 600 generic drugs for $10 or less, and 10 select generic prescriptions for $0 at select Sam’s Club Pharmacy locations.

The free drug benefit is not applicable in Arizona, California, or Minnesota. However, in states where free prescriptions are not allowed, these products can still be purchased for a reasonable cost of $2 for a 30-day supply.

Spouses and dependents of the Sam's Club cardholder can take advantage of the Sam's Club Plus Member benefit at the pharmacy. In addition, Sam's Plus Members receive an 8% discount on pet medications.

Optical savings

Another great benefit of Sam's Club Plus Membership is optical savings. Members can save 20% off a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses and get free shipping on contacts. This can provide significant savings for anyone who needs glasses or contacts.

Is it worth it?

If you're someone who shops at Sam's Club frequently and spends a lot of money there, then the Plus membership could help you save a significant amount of money over the course of a year. The $500 in Sam's Cash you can earn is about 4.5 times the membership cost. However, you need to spend $25,000 at Sam's Club in one year to qualify for it.

A Sam's Club Plus membership can be worth the extra money, depending on your shopping habits and preferences. If you frequently shop online, enjoy early shopping hours, and prefer the convenience of free curbside pickup, then a Plus membership may be the perfect fit for you. The ability to earn Sam's Cash and save money on prescriptions and eyewear can make the investment even more appealing.

However, if you do not shop at Sam's Club frequently or do not take advantage of these benefits, then a regular membership may be sufficient. It's important to weigh the cost of the membership against the amount of money saved by using its benefits.

Overall, the Plus membership can be a worthwhile investment for those who regularly shop at Sam's Club. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to a Sam's Club Plus membership is a personal one that should be based on your individual needs and shopping habits.