Short answer: yes, you can shop at Sam's Club without a membership — but whether you should depends on how much that 10% surcharge stings. Let's break down your options and do the math so you can decide if these workarounds actually save you money or if you're better off just joining.

Here's the thing nobody tells you upfront: most of these "membership-free" methods come with fees, restrictions, or both. We'll walk through each option honestly, so you know exactly what you're getting into.

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Three Ways to Shop Sam's Club Without Membership

You've got three main options, each with its own trade-offs. Let's see which one makes sense for your situation.

Online Guest Shopping (10% Fee)

Sam's Club lets you shop online as a "guest member" — but they tack on a 10% service fee to your entire order. You'll create a guest account during checkout, and boom, you're shopping without a membership card.

Here's what you need to know:

• The 10% fee applies to your whole order, not individual items
• Some member-exclusive products won't be available to you
• You can't use the Scan & Go app (members only)
• Free shipping thresholds are the same as for members

Tag Along with a Member Friend

Members can bring up to two guests into any Sam's Club location. The catch? Only the member can actually make purchases and pay for items.

This works great if you've got a family member or close friend who doesn't mind being your Sam's Club shopping buddy. Just remember:

• The member has to be present for the entire shopping trip
• All purchases go on the member's payment method
• You'll need to settle up with them separately

Use Services That Don't Require Membership

Some Sam's Club services are open to everyone, membership or not. These are legitimate ways to access parts of the store without any fees or workarounds.

The Math That Actually Matters

Let's do the calculation that really counts. A basic Sam's Club membership costs $55 per year. Here's when the 10% online fee makes financial sense versus just joining:

The break-even point is crystal clear: if you're planning to spend more than $550 per year at Sam's Club, just get the membership. You'll save money and get access to member-only deals that can save you even more.

What's Available vs. What's Off-Limits

Not all Sam's Club services treat non-members the same way. Here's the real scoop on what's available and what's not.

Pharmacy and Optical (Open to Everyone)

Good news here — you can fill prescriptions and get eye exams at most Sam's Club locations without a membership. Federal regulations require pharmacies to serve everyone, and Sam's Club follows this rule.

What you can access:

• Prescription medications (no 10% fee)
• Over-the-counter drugs and health products
• Eye exams and optical services
• Some locations offer hearing aid services

Just walk in and head straight to the pharmacy or optical center. You might get asked about membership at the door, but explaining you're going to the pharmacy usually gets you through.

Gas Stations (Members-Only)

Here's where it gets tricky. Most Sam's Club fuel stations require a membership to pump gas. A few locations have pumps open to the public, but they're rare and not clearly marked on the website.

Your gas options as a non-member:

• Very limited public pumps at select locations
• Tag along with a member (they'll need to pay)
• Use a Sam's Club gift card at member-only pumps (sometimes works)

Café and Food Court (It's Complicated)

The café situation is honestly a mess. Some locations let anyone grab a slice of pizza, while others now require membership. There's no consistent policy, so it's basically a location-by-location gamble.

Your best bet is to ask at the entrance or just walk in and see if anyone stops you.

Workarounds That Sometimes Work

Beyond the obvious methods, there are a couple of legitimate strategies that might help you access Sam's Club benefits without the full membership commitment.

Sam's Club Credit Card Strategy

Here's something most people don't know: you might be able to apply for a Sam's Club credit card without having a membership first. The card comes with some member-like benefits, but it's not a complete replacement for membership.

What the credit card might get you:

• Potential access to member pricing (varies by location)
• Cash back on Sam's Club purchases
• Special financing offers on large purchases

The reality check: This isn't a guaranteed workaround. Sam's Club's policies on credit card applications without membership aren't clearly documented, and benefits vary by location.

Gift Card Strategy (When It Works)

Sam's Club gift cards can sometimes get you through the door and let you shop without a membership. This works better for online shopping than in-store, but it's not foolproof.

How it typically works:

• Someone with a membership buys you a gift card
• You use the gift card for online purchases (no 10% fee)
• In-store use varies by location and staff knowledge

The catch: You're still dependent on a member to get the gift card in the first place, and there's no guarantee every location will honor this approach.

When to Stop the Workarounds and Just Join

Let's be real — sometimes the workarounds just aren't worth the hassle. Here's when you should stop trying to game the system and just join:

• You're spending more than $550 annually: The math is simple. Above this threshold, the 10% fees cost more than membership.
• You want the convenience: No calculating fees, no coordinating with member friends, no wondering if you can access certain services.
• You're missing out on member-only deals: Sam's Club saves their best promotions for members. You might be paying more even before the 10% fee kicks in.
• You need regular access: If you're shopping monthly or more, the membership pays for itself in convenience alone.

The bottom line? These workarounds are legitimate options for light, occasional shopping. But if Sam's Club is becoming a regular part of your shopping routine, the membership will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Ready to explore your options? Check out Groupon's Sam's Club discount codes to see if there are any current membership deals or shopping promotions that might tip the scales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a Sam's Club gift card without membership?

Yes, but with limitations. Gift cards work reliably for online purchases without the 10% guest fee. For in-store shopping, success varies by location — some stores allow it, others don't. It's not an official policy, so your mileage may vary.

Do you need membership for Sam's Club gas?

Yes, most Sam's Club fuel stations require a membership to purchase gas. A small number of locations have pumps open to the public, but these aren't clearly identified and are increasingly rare. Don't count on getting gas at Sam's Club without a membership.

What's the 10% non-member fee on online orders?

Sam's Club charges a 10% service fee on your entire order when you shop online as a guest member. This fee applies to the subtotal before taxes and shipping. There's no way to avoid this fee when shopping online without a membership.

Can you get a Sam's Club credit card without membership?

This is unclear from official sources. Some people report successfully applying for Sam's Club credit cards without membership, but it's not a documented policy. The card may provide some member-like benefits, but it's not a guaranteed membership replacement.