Wondering if Sam's Club Plus is worth the extra $60 a year? You’re not alone. The short answer: it depends on how much you spend in-store — and a few perks you might not be factoring in. Before you do the math, check out Groupon's Sam's Club discount codes for easy savings on top of your membership fee.
The numbers are surprisingly simple, but the perks can shift the equation. Here’s the real breakeven point — and how to know if upgrading makes sense for you.
Plus vs. Basic Membership: Quick Reference
| Feature |
Basic ($50/year) |
Plus ($110/year) |
| Sam’s Cash Rewards |
None |
2% on in-club purchases |
| Free Shipping |
Higher minimums |
Free on $50+ orders |
| Early Shopping |
No |
Yes |
| Pharmacy/Optical Savings |
Standard |
Exclusive discounts |
| Breakeven Spending |
N/A |
$3,000 annually |
What You Need to Spend to Break Even
A standard Sam’s Club membership is $50/year; Plus membership is $110/year. That $60 difference is the gap your Sam’s Cash rewards and benefits need to cover.
The $3,000 Magic Number
Plus members earn 2% back in Sam’s Cash on qualifying in-club purchases (up to $500/year). To earn back the $60 upgrade purely in rewards, you’d need to spend $3,000 annually in-store — because $3,000 × 2% = $60.
Important: Online purchases don’t earn Sam’s Cash. If your cart lives mostly on the internet, your breakeven point changes fast.
Monthly Shopping Reality Check
$3,000 per year breaks down to roughly $250 per month in in-store spending. A family stocking up on groceries and bulk essentials can hit that easily. Occasional shoppers? Not so much.
- $1,500/year = $30 Sam’s Cash (you’re $30 short)
- $3,000/year = $60 Sam’s Cash (breakeven)
- $4,500/year = $90 Sam’s Cash (you’re $30 ahead)
- $6,000/year = $120 Sam’s Cash (you’re $60 ahead)
Sam’s Club Plus Benefits Breakdown
The 2% Sam’s Cash is the headline benefit, but the upgrade includes a few underrated perks too.
2% Sam’s Cash Rewards
Sam’s Cash doesn’t expire (as long as your membership is active), and you can use it in-club, online, or even apply it to your renewal fee. It’s basically cashback you can spend immediately.
The $500 rewards cap only applies if you’re spending over $25,000 a year — not a worry for most households.
Free Shipping on $50+ Orders
Plus members get free shipping on most online orders over $50. Regular members usually face shipping fees unless they place larger orders. Since shipping often runs $8–$15 per order, even a handful of online purchases each year can add real value.
Early Shopping Hours
Plus members can shop before the store opens to regular members — a clutch perk during busy seasons or big sales. If you’ve ever tried to grab school snacks or holiday gifts in a crowd, you already know what this is worth.
We break down more perks in our Sam’s Club membership guide.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Upgrade
Best for Families and Bulk Buyers
If you’re feeding a family or stocking a household, you may already be close to that $250/month threshold. Groceries, cleaning supplies, pet food — they add up fast. For most families, Plus membership pays for itself without much effort.
The early shopping hours also help parents get in and out before the crowds hit.
Skip It If You’re a Light Shopper
If you only stop by for occasional deals or seasonal runs, the basic $50 membership is plenty. Someone spending $100–$150/month earns just $24–$36 in Sam’s Cash — not enough to make Plus worth it.
And if you're mostly an online shopper, remember: Sam’s Cash only applies to in-store buys.
Business Owners: Usually Worth It
Small businesses often reach the $3,000 annual threshold quickly through office snacks, paper goods, cleaning supplies, or resale items. Early hours are another big win for restocking before the day gets busy.
Get the Most From Your Plus Membership
Maximize Sam’s Cash Rewards
Keep your in-store buys focused on things you’d buy anyway — groceries, essentials, and bulk items. No need to shop differently; just funnel the big categories through Sam’s Club when it makes sense.
For higher-ticket items, choose in-store pickup instead of delivery so those purchases count toward your rewards. And yes — Sam’s Club gas earns Sam’s Cash too, which adds up fast for commuters.
Smart Shopping Strategies
Use early shopping hours to beat the crowds and snag popular items before they sell out — especially helpful around holidays and big sale weekends.
Because Sam’s Cash doesn’t expire, you can save it for bigger purchases or stack it with seasonal sales. For more ways to save, try these Sam’s Club savings tips.
FAQs
How much do you have to spend at Sam’s Club to make Plus worth it?
Plan on spending $3,000 annually — around $250 per month — in-store to break even based on Sam’s Cash rewards alone.
Can you use Sam’s Cash for anything?
Yes. You can use Sam’s Cash in-club, online, or toward your membership fees, and it doesn’t expire as long as your membership stays active.
What are the early shopping hours for Plus members?
Plus members can shop before standard store hours. Times vary by location, so check your local Sam’s Club for exact hours.
Is the free shipping benefit worth it?
If you place even 5–6 online orders per year, the free shipping perk can cover a big chunk of the upgrade cost on its own.
Do pharmacy and optical discounts add value?
Yes — Plus members get extra savings on pharmacy and optical services. The exact discounts vary, but they’re especially helpful if your household uses these services regularly.
Ready to Save at Sam’s Club?
If you’re spending $250+ per month in-store, Sam’s Club Plus can pay for itself through Sam’s Cash alone. Add early shopping hours and free shipping, and it becomes a solid value for regular shoppers.
Before upgrading or renewing, browse Groupon’s latest Sam’s Club discount codes. It’s an easy way to stack extra savings whether you stay with Basic or go Plus.
