Sam’s Club Business Credit Card: Deciding for Your Business

What is the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

The Sam’s Club® business credit card can be a great financial tool for businesses of all sizes. Whether starting a new small business or managing an established big company, it has powerful perks that can give you a competitive edge. It differs from the consumer credit card in that it’s designed specifically for businesses.

Sam’s Club offers this card in partnership with Synchrony Bank. Designed to support small businesses, this card helps owners streamline expenses while enjoying cash rewards and exclusive perks.

This card is particularly valuable for businesses in retail, hospitality, or services that regularly purchase household essentials, restaurant supplies, or auto tires in bulk. Companies can track expenses and optimize cash flow by centralizing spending into a dedicated business credit account.

How does the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card work?

The Sam’s Club credit card for business is a standard credit card with added benefits tailored to Sam’s Club. Once your account opening is approved, you can use it for in-store or online purchases, depending on the card type.

Cardholders can manage their accounts through the online account portal, where they can review the account summary page, make payments, and set up paperless statements.

This card also supports open-to-buy management, allowing businesses to set limits and track usage efficiently. The Mastercard option earns cash rewards on eligible net purchases, while the Store Card focuses on loyalty benefits exclusive to Sam’s Club members.

Card Features

The Sam’s Club business credit card offers several features, including:

• Flexible Spending Options: Use the Mastercard anywhere or focus on Sam’s Club and Walmart with the Store Card.
• Employee Cards: Issue additional cards for employees and control spending limits to protect your business.
• Earn & Redeem Cash Rewards: Earn Sam’s Cash on eligible purchases, such as fuel, dining, and other purchases.
• Expense Management: Track and manage transactions on your account summary and billing statement through the online account portal.
• Convenience: Simplify shipping, delivery, and shopping with ease using exclusive Sam’s Club features.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Sam’s Club Business credit card has no foreign transaction fees for new accounts.
• Sign-up Bonus: The Sam’s Club Business credit card offers a $30 statement credit when you open an account and make $30 in eligible purchases within 30 days.

Interest Rates & Fees

The interest rates and fees associated with the Sam’s Club business credit card include:

• APR: Variable rates range from 17.99% to 26.99% based on creditworthiness.
• Annual Fee: No additional fee for the card itself; however, maintaining a Sam’s Club membership is mandatory. Membership fees range from $50 for basic club members to $110 for Plus memberships.
• Late Fees: Up to $39 for missed payments.
• Auto Renewal: Membership and card renewal fees are handled automatically to ensure uninterrupted access.

Rewards

One of the most appealing aspects of the Sam’s Club business credit card is its rewards program:

• 5% cash back on gas for up to $6,000 annually (then 1%).
• 3% cash back on dining and travel.
• 1% cash back on other purchases.

Rewards are issued as Sam’s Cash, which can be redeemed for Sam’s Club purchases or converted into actual cash at the membership desk. These rewards are available for eligible purchases made during the calendar year as long as the account remains in good standing.

Sam’s Club Features

Sam’s Club memberships complement the business credit card with several perks:

• Member’s Mark Products: Access high-quality private-label goods, from clothing, shoes, and accessories to health and wellness supplies.
• Savings Events & Special Offers: Exclusive discounts on household essentials and restaurant supplies during periodic promotions.
• Early Shopping Hours: For club members and business owners, shopping early ensures convenience.
• Free Shipping: Available on many items for Plus members.
• Auto Renewal & Paperless Statements: Simplify account management with seamless billing.

Sam’s Club Business Credit Card Comparison

Here’s how the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card compares to some other popular options.

What are the benefits of the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

The Sam’s Club business credit card provides substantial benefits to businesses that frequently shop at Sam’s Club or Walmart. One of its most valuable features is the ability to earn Sam’s Cash rewards on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for Sam’s Club purchases or converted to cash at the membership desk. These rewards offer financial flexibility, allowing businesses to reinvest savings into other needs. The card simplifies expense management through an easy-to-navigate account summary page and electronic statements, enabling business owners to track transactions and manage payments efficiently.

Additional benefits include the option to issue employee cards with spending limits, making it easier to control business-related purchases while enhancing accountability. For Sam’s Club Plus members, perks like free shipping, savings events, and exclusive offers add extra value. These features, combined with the absence of an annual card fee and the convenience of purchasing household essentials and restaurant supplies, make this card a practical tool for businesses focused on operational savings.

What are the drawbacks of the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

While the Sam’s Club business credit card has many advantages, it has notable drawbacks that may not suit all businesses. The high APR, which can exceed 26%, makes it costly to carry a balance, reinforcing the importance of paying billing statements in full each month. Additionally, the card is restrictive: the Sam’s Club Store Card can only be used at Sam’s Club or Walmart locations, limiting its flexibility. Even the Mastercard version, though more versatile, doesn’t compete with other business credit cards that offer more expansive rewards categories or higher cash-back rates.

Another limitation is the Sam’s Club membership requirement, which incurs an annual fee ranging from $50 to $110. This extra cost may not be worthwhile if a business doesn’t frequently shop at Sam’s Club. For those with diverse purchasing needs, the card’s reward structure might feel limited compared to alternatives that provide higher rewards on broader categories of eligible purchases.

The Sam’s Club Business credit card reports to personal credit reporting agencies only. This means that while it can help with building credit, you cannot use the card to build business credit.

Sam’s Club Business Credit Card Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn Sam’s Cash on eligible purchases, offering financial flexibility.
• Streamlined expense management with online account tools.
• Employee cards are available with spending limit controls.
• No annual fee for the card itself.
• Additional benefits for Sam’s Club Plus members.

Cons

• High APR makes it unsuitable for carrying balances.
• The Store Card version is limited to Sam’s Club and Walmart locations.
• Sam’s Club membership is required, adding to annual costs.
• The rewards structure may be less competitive compared to other business credit cards.
• Limited versatility for businesses with diverse purchasing needs.

How do I apply for a Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

Signing up for the Sam’s Club business credit card is straightforward. The application process gets you a decision in seconds after submitting your information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Sign Up for a Sam’s Club Membership: Visit a membership desk or go online to enter and enroll.
2. Select Your Card: Decide between the Mastercard and Store Card.
3. Submit an Application: You can apply in-club or online through the login portal, providing your business details and financial information.
4. Wait for Approval: Applications are processed quickly, and approved accounts are ready for immediate use.
5. Manage Your Card: Set up online account access to review your account summary and track payments. To manage your Sam’s Club Business Credit Card account online, you need a User ID and password.

Is the Sam’s Club Business Credit right for my Business?

The Sam’s Club business credit card is tailored for businesses that frequently shop at Sam’s Club or Walmart. This card is particularly valuable for operations that rely on bulk purchasing of household essentials, restaurant supplies, or items like auto tires and Member’s Mark products. The rewards structure, including cash back on fuel, dining, and other eligible purchases, allows businesses to save on everyday expenses while enjoying the convenience of centralized expense tracking through the online account portal.

For businesses that purchase regularly at Sam’s Club, earning and redeeming Sam’s Cash rewards can significantly enhance cash flow. These rewards can be reinvested into business operations, providing flexibility for managing costs. Additionally, features like employee card management and expense controls make it easy for larger teams to coordinate spending within the company.

However, if your business rarely shops at Sam’s Club or Walmart, the card’s value diminishes. The requirement to maintain a Sam’s Club membership, which costs $50 to $110 annually, may not align with your budget or spending patterns. Similarly, businesses needing a more versatile card for purchases beyond Sam’s Club locations might find the Mastercard version more suitable, or they may need to explore alternative cards with broader rewards categories.

Ultimately, choosing this card depends on how closely your business needs align with the benefits offered. Consider your monthly spending habits, preferred suppliers, and how rewards like Sam’s Cash can impact your bottom line. Contact Synchrony Bank or visit Sam’s Club for further details to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about the Sam’s Club business credit card.

What are the costs of the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

While the card itself has no annual fee, a valid Sam’s Club membership ($50-$110 annually) is necessary. The real cost lies in potential interest charges from carrying a balance, reaching up to 26.99%. Businesses should aim to pay off balances monthly to avoid these fees. Managing paperless statements and monitoring the account summary page can help ensure timely payments.

Do I have to be a Sam’s Club Member for the Business Credit Card?

Yes, a Sam’s Club membership is required. This membership provides additional perks, such as access to savings events, special offers, and free shipping for Plus members. While beneficial for regular shoppers, businesses that don’t frequent Sam’s Club may find the membership fee restrictive.

What are my alternatives to the Sam’s Club Business Credit Card?

If the Sam’s Club business credit card doesn’t meet your business needs, several alternatives may offer better value, depending on your spending patterns and financial priorities.

Let’s review some of the leading options available.

Business Credit Cards

Here are some of the most popular business credit cards to consider.

• Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: No annual fee; up to 5% cash back on office supplies, utilities, and more.
• American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: No annual fee; 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus: $150 annual fee; 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase.
• Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card: No annual fee; 3% cash back in a category of your choice plus 2% on dining.
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: $99 annual fee (first year waived); 2 miles per $1 on select categories and American Airlines perks.

Small Business Loans

While business credit cards represent an accessible financing option, they often carry high interest, creating a significant risk of high debt and credit utilization. You may be interested in one of the following small business loans, which typically provide lower-cost and more stable financing:

• Bad credit business loan
• Business line of credit
• Business loans for women
• Business term loans
• Equipment financing
• Accounts receivable factoring
• Merchant cash advance
• Revenue-based loan
• SBA loans
• Working capital loans
• ERTC advance

Sam’s Club Business Credit Card – Final Thoughts

The Sam’s Club business credit card can be an accessible way to access business credit. However, it might only be practical if your company regularly shops at Sam’s Club and Walmart.

Consider comparing the Sam’s Club business card with other dedicated business credit cards to ensure it‘s the best option for your company. You may also want to consider other small business financing options, as business credit cards can become expensive if you cannot pay off the entire balance each month.

Contact us if you have more questions about business credit cards or to apply for a small business loan. Our alternative financing experts can help you find the most advantageous financing options for your small business goals.