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Sam's Club is a popular wholesale store that offers multiple membership options for shoppers. The Sam's Club Plus Membership is the highest level of membership offered and includes additional benefits such as free shipping for online orders, earlier shopping hours, and special financing options. A Sam's Club basic membership costs $45 a year, while a Sam's Club Plus membership costs $100 per year, an extra $55. So, is it worth the bigger hit to your budget?
Plus membership benefits
Here are some of the benefits that come with a Plus membership:
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Free shipping
The biggest benefit of the Sam's Club Plus membership is free shipping on eligible online items. This can save shoppers a significant amount of money on larger purchases. This is similar to Amazon Prime's free shipping.
Earn 2% Sam's Cash
Sam's Cash is for Plus members only. You get 2% back on qualifying in-club purchases. You can receive a maximum of $500 Sam's Cash per 12 months of membership. Sam's Cash is awarded monthly and loaded onto your membership card for use in-store or at SamsClub.com. It can also be redeemed for cash.
Early shopping
Plus members get to beat the crowds and get early shopping hours as well as early curbside pickup. You can order online or through their mobile app and drive-up to your nearest Sam's Club, and employees will even load your purchases into your car for you. Times vary by location but typically are 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Free select prescriptions and discount on glasses
As a Sam's Club Plus Member you get free select generic prescriptions, up to 30% off on select brands, and over 600 medications for $10 or less. You also get 20% off a complete pair of glasses, plus free shipping on contact lenses.
Is it worth it?
If you're someone who shops at Sam's Club frequently and spends a lot of money there, then the Plus membership could help you save a significant amount of money over the course of a year. The $500 Sam's Cash you can earn is five times the membership cost. However, you need to spend $25,000 at Sam's Club in one year to qualify for it.
If you only shop at Sam's Club occasionally or don't spend much when you do go, then the Plus membership might not be worth the extra cost. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether a Sam's Club Plus membership is worth the extra expense. You can always switch back to the regular membership through their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
For frequent Sam's Club shoppers, the Plus membership can provide significant savings through free shipping and exclusive deals. The early shopping hours may also be beneficial for some customers. Overall, the Plus membership seems like a good value for frequent Sam's Club shoppers.
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