Sam’s Club Plus: Free Shipping Perk

Sam’s Club Plus membership offers premium perks like

free shipping

on most online orders over $50, making it a game-changer for frequent online shoppers. For just $60 more than the basic Club membership, Plus members also enjoy 2% Sam’s Cash back, early store access, and exclusive discounts—but is the upgrade worth it for you?

What Is Sam’s Club Plus Membership?

Sam’s Club, a membership-only warehouse club, provides two main tiers: Club ($50/year) and Plus ($110/year). The Plus upgrade unlocks enhanced benefits tailored for heavy users, including

free shipping

on eligible online items—a feature absent in the basic plan. This perk alone can save dozens of dollars annually on delivery fees, especially for those who prefer doorstep convenience over curbside pickup.

Launched to compete with rivals like Costco’s Executive membership, Sam’s Club Plus emphasizes value through cash rewards and time-saving features. With over 600 locations across 44 states, it’s accessible to millions, but the real question is whether the extra $60 justifies the perks based on your shopping habits.

Club vs. Plus Membership: Key Differences

Both memberships grant access to Sam’s Club warehouses and online shopping, but Plus elevates the experience. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Club ($50/year)	Plus ($110/year)
Access to Locations & Online	Yes	Yes
Scan & Go Checkout	Yes	Yes
Free Curbside Pickup ($50+)	Yes	Yes
Additional Members	Up to 8 at $45 each	Up to 16 at $45 each
Sam’s Cash Back	None	2% on qualifying purchases (up to $500/year)
Early Shopping Hours	10 a.m.	8 a.m.
Free Shipping	Limited/higher minimums	Most orders $50+
Pharmacy/Optical Discounts	Standard	Exclusive additional savings

This table highlights how Plus builds on Club basics with high-value add-ons. The $60 upgrade cost can be recouped quickly through rewards and savings.

The Free Shipping Benefit: How Much Can You Save?

**Free shipping** on most online orders over $50 is one of the standout Plus perks. Basic Club members pay $8.99–$15 per order for delivery (unless meeting higher thresholds), while Plus waives this entirely for eligible items. If you place just 12 online orders yearly at an average $9 shipping savings, that’s

$108 saved

—more than covering the upgrade fee.

For families ordering bulk groceries, household essentials, or holiday gifts, this convenience adds up. Online sales often feature exclusives not in stores, and avoiding curbside trips saves gas and time. Note exclusions like perishables or oversized items, but most non-perishable goods qualify.

2% Sam’s Cash Back: The Math Behind the Rewards

Plus members earn

2% Sam’s Cash

on qualifying in-club and online purchases (up to $500/year cap). Qualifying items exclude fuel, tobacco, and some services, but cover groceries, electronics, and more. To break even on the $60 upgrade via cash back alone:

• Spend $3,000/year: $60 Sam’s Cash
• Spend $5,000/year: $100 Sam’s Cash (net $40 after upgrade)
• Spend $6,000–$9,000/year: $84–$130 Sam’s Cash

Sam’s Cash never expires (while membership is active) and redeems like cash in-club, online, or toward renewal. For a household spending $250/month ($3,000/year) on groceries and supplies, it pays for itself effortlessly.

Early Shopping Hours: Beat the Crowds

Plus members enter at

8 a.m.

(vs. 10 a.m. for Club), ideal for snagging limited-stock items during sales, back-to-school rushes, or holidays. Valuing time at $25/hour, saving 30 minutes weekly equals

$650/year

in convenience. Even monthly use (20 minutes saved x 12) yields $100+ value—perfect for parents or shift workers.

Combined with Scan & Go (scan-as-you-shop, phone checkout), early access means zero lines, maximizing efficiency.

Exclusive Pharmacy and Optical Savings

Plus offers

additional discounts

on pharmacy prescriptions and optical services (e.g., glasses, contacts). Savings vary by location but can reach 10–20% extra off standard rates—valuable for households with ongoing needs. A family filling 10 prescriptions yearly might save $50–$150.

Is Sam’s Club Plus Worth the Upgrade? Breakeven Analysis

For most regular shoppers,

yes

—especially if spending $3,000+ annually. Beyond cash back:

• Free shipping: +$100 (10+ orders/year)
• Early hours: +$200–$650 (time saved)
• Pharmacy/optical: +$50–$150
• Total extra value: $350–$900/year

Low-spenders ($100–$150/month) may stick with Club. High-volume buyers (families, commuters) see outsized returns. Competitors like Costco Executive ($130) lack Sam’s free shipping breadth and lower fee.

Pro Tip: Upgrade risk-free—cancel anytime for a full refund. Track spending to confirm value.

Discounted Memberships and Offers

Club is 60% off ($20) for military, teachers, first responders, students, seniors via ID.me—not available for Plus, but upgrade from discounted Club costs $60. New member deals often bundle savings; check official offers.

How to Maximize Your Sam’s Club Plus Membership

– Shop early for deals

– Use online for free shipping

– Stack with credit card rewards (accepts Visa/MC/Discover/Amex)

– Add household members strategically

– Redeem Sam’s Cash on big buys

Fuel discounts apply separately, but gas purchases earn card rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Sam’s Club Plus membership worth it?

Yes if you spend $3,000+/year in-store for 2% cash back to cover the $60 upgrade, plus free shipping and early access add more value.

Does Sam’s Club Plus include free shipping?

Yes, free on most online orders $50+ (exclusions apply).

What is the Sam’s Cash cap?

2% up to $500/year on qualifying purchases.

Can I get a discounted Plus membership?

No direct discount, but upgrade from discounted Club ($20 for eligible groups) for $60.

Does Sam’s Club Plus have early shopping hours?

Yes, 8 a.m. vs. 10 a.m. for Club (varies by location).

Can I share Plus benefits?

One free household card; add up to 16 at $45 each (same address). Only primary earns full Sam’s Cash.

Is there a free trial for Plus?

No, but full refund if canceled within year.

What doesn’t qualify for Sam’s Cash?

Fuel, tobacco, some services.