Do u need a membership to shop at sams club

Sam's Club, like Costco, is a wholesale retailer in which customers must pay an annual membership pass in order purchase the store's large quantities of products. Often these low rates can be attractive to large families or small business owners; however, finding the right membership plan can be difficult. 

In order to avoid buyer's remorse, Fox News has taken a look at the best options for customers looking to buy in-bulk. 

SAM'S CLUB CUTS COST OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TO $8 FOR LIMITED TIME

Can you shop at Sam’s Club without a membership?

If you're going to regularly shop at Sam's Club, an annual membership would be more financially efficient. However, you are able to shop at the store if you purchase a guest pass with a 10% service fee charged on your items.

Moreover, the membership pass will only be active for 24 hours, it does not include curbside pickup or Scan & Go, and is not available online. Access to the café and liquor is not exclusive to individuals with a Sam's Club membership. 

Sam's Club gives exclusive discounts to members who pay the annual fee.  (Getty Images)

MORE SHOPPERS TURN TO DISCOUNT STORES TO ‘CUT THE COSTS’ OF INFLATION

What is the best membership option? 

A typical membership cost $45 annually with access exclusive benefits such as the Sam Club's credit card, tire and battery services, and the ability to add on an extra membership for $40 a year. Moreover, members get a discount of $45 off their first in-club purchase of $45 or more. Other membership options include the student and military memberships that cost $45 a year but comes with gift cards upon sign up.

Sam's Club is a wholesale retail company that allows their customers to buy products in bulk.  (Getty Images)

The Sam's Club Plus membership includes additional perks such as free shipping, 2% cash rewards on certain purchases up to $500 a year, early shopping, and 20% off all glasses. This membership is better for long-term customers who plan to shop at the warehouse every week. Additionally, the Sam's Club credit card offers 5% cash back on gas.

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A while back I talked about the clever ways you can shop at Costco without a membership. The article was very popular and made me realize I should write the same article for Sam’s Club. Maybe you’re on the fence about dropping $45 for a standard membership, or you know you won’t buy enough in a year to make it worth it. Whatever the case may be, there are clever ways to get free access to the Sam’s Club warehouse throughout the year. Here is what you need to know to make it happen.

1. Use a Free 1-Day Pass

The easiest way to get into Sam’s Club and shop without a membership is to Print This One-Day Pass for free.

Be aware that you’ll be charged a 10% fee on all purchases and the 1-day pass cannot be used on Black Friday. If you live in California or South Carolina you won’t have to pay the 10% surcharge.

This 1-day pass expires on 12/31/21.

This is a great way to get in and check out Sam’s and not have to shell out $45 or $100 for an annual membership.

See Also: Sam’s Club Return Policy: Your 12 Burning Questions Answered

2. Shop Items That Don’t Require a Membership

Here are the items at Sam’s Club that you can buy without an active membership:

Alcohol: According to Glamour Living, “Because of a law that prohibits the sale of alcohol through members-only arrangements, all Sam’s Club stores will sell beer, wine, and the hard stuff to nonmembers.”

Prescription Drugs: From the Sam’s site, “You do not have to be a Member to buy your prescription medications from Sam’s Club. For pharmaceuticals with a script there is no fee for non-members.”

Optical Services: Also from the Sam’s Club site, “A Sam’s Club Membership will be required to purchase optical products.

However, a Membership is not required to see the doctor of optometry.”

Do you know of any other items you can buy at Sam’s without a membership? Let me know if you do.

3. Shop During an Open House

Several times throughout the year, Sam’s Club hosts an open house event where all non-members are invited to shop the warehouse.

The best way to be kept in-the-know of upcoming open houses is to sign up for email alerts (look at bottom of page) from Sam’s or follow them on Facebook as they always let folks know in advance when an open house is in the works.

4. Have a Member Add You

If you have a family member who has a Sam’s membership and is the only person on the account, they can add you to their account for free.

You’ll get a separate membership card in the mail and be good to go (and save).

Important note: You must be the primary account holder to add a complimentary cardholder.

Another smart way to take advantage of Sam’s Club pricing and selection is by shopping their website.

You DO NOT have to be an active member to shop on SamsClub.com, BUT you’ll be charged a 10% surcharge on your online purchases.

If you’re making a significant purchase from their site, and you’re not a member, consider asking a friend or family member (who is a member) to make the purchase for you.

6. Shop With a Friend

Avoid the 10% fee you’ll get charged with a 1-day pass, and simply shop with a friend or family member that is a paying member.

They’ll use their card at checkout and you can simply repay them for your purchases. This tip seems fairly obvious but is often an overlooked way to shop at Sam’s without paying for a membership.

7. Earn Cash Rewards That’ll Pay for Your Membership

Okay, before you holler at me, this final tip does require you to buy a membership, but….it could easily allow you to get if for free in the end.

It works by you signing up for the Sam’s Club Plus membership ($100/year) which earns you 2% cashback on all purchases. The 2% back can easily pay for your membership if you spend $420/month on average.

While that number might seem big, if you’re buying all your groceries and household items for your family at Sam’s that number is fairly easy to reach.

Bonus Tip #1

Similar to Costco, you’re annual membership is completely refundable.

So you can always buy it, then decide later if the saving the warehouse club provides is worth the annual fee.

They’ll actually let you get a full refund on day 364 of your membership. You can request a refund in-store at the customer service desk, or call them at 1-888-746-7726.

Bonus Tip #2

While not a free option, you can join the Sam’s Collegiate Membership and get a free $15 eGift card when you sign up for the $45 annual membership.

Also, if you’re active or former U.S. military, you qualify for their Military Membership which scores you a free $10 eGift card when you renew or join for the first time.

This offer is good for the spouses as well and expires on 12/31/20.

Happy savings!

Photo by Walmart.