Do i need a sams card to shop at sams

Did you know that you actually don't have to be a member in order to shop at Sam's Club? There are some things that you can take advantage at the large discount warehouse without having to pay the membership fees. This means that not only can you shop, but you can also take advantage of some of the services you may have thought were for members only.

Shop Online at SamsClub.com

Just like the guest pass, you will still be subject to the 10% service fees, however, you don't have to leave the house.

Join A Friend or Family Member's Account

If you have a friend or family member who belongs to the club, you can be added to their account as a complimentary add-on member. Each Sam's Club membership comes with a free household card which is meant to be used for others in your house. However, as long as you are 18, you should be able to use the card.

Shop For Your Favorite Adult Beverages

Texas laws state that for-profit businesses, such as Sam's Club, can not hold a liquor license that restricts sales to members only. Those types of licenses can most the time only be held by non-profit organizations. This means that if you want to go to the club just to buy alcohol, you can. Be prepared, though, to have to ask for a manager as this is a rule that sometimes employees might not be aware of. A manager may also have to be involved in your pay transaction since they will need to issue an override code for membership at the register.

Prescription Drugs and Pharmacy

Just like the rule on alcohol sales, there are rules that do not allow pharmacies to be member only entities. This means, that as long as you have a legit prescription, it can be filled at Sam's Club without a membership. In most cases, this even applies to over the counter medication. This rule is nationwide unlike the alcohol rule, so chances are everyone that is checking memberships already knows they have to let you in.

Grab A Bite To Eat At The Food Court

Have you ever had Sam's Club pizza? It is awesome and cheap! You do not need to be a member to enjoy the pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and more. Just let the attendant at the door know that you are just there to eat and they will let you in. You can get a big hot dog and soda for just $1.50. A large pizza is only $8.99 and fountain sodas are $0.89.

Sam's Club Gift Cards

Sam's Club offers two types of gift cards: a regular card that you can use at the register to pay, or a membership card. If you have a normal gift card you must be a member to use it at the store, however your card is good at Walmart too. So you could pocket it until next time you are in a Walmart. The other type of card, the membership card, is a gift membership to the store. If you got one of these, you have been gifted a year membership.

Now, if you do want to take full advantage, yearly memberships start at only $45 which is still a bargain. Think of it this way, that is just $3.75 a month for the basic membership.

Sam's Club, like Costco, is a wholesale retailer in which customers must pay an annual membership pass in order purchase the store's large quantities of products. Often these low rates can be attractive to large families or small business owners; however, finding the right membership plan can be difficult. 

In order to avoid buyer's remorse, Fox News has taken a look at the best options for customers looking to buy in-bulk. 

SAM'S CLUB CUTS COST OF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TO $8 FOR LIMITED TIME

Can you shop at Sam’s Club without a membership?

If you're going to regularly shop at Sam's Club, an annual membership would be more financially efficient. However, you are able to shop at the store if you purchase a guest pass with a 10% service fee charged on your items.

Moreover, the membership pass will only be active for 24 hours, it does not include curbside pickup or Scan & Go, and is not available online. Access to the café and liquor is not exclusive to individuals with a Sam's Club membership. 

Sam's Club gives exclusive discounts to members who pay the annual fee.  (Getty Images)

MORE SHOPPERS TURN TO DISCOUNT STORES TO ‘CUT THE COSTS’ OF INFLATION

What is the best membership option? 

A typical membership cost $45 annually with access exclusive benefits such as the Sam Club's credit card, tire and battery services, and the ability to add on an extra membership for $40 a year. Moreover, members get a discount of $45 off their first in-club purchase of $45 or more. Other membership options include the student and military memberships that cost $45 a year but comes with gift cards upon sign up.

Sam's Club is a wholesale retail company that allows their customers to buy products in bulk.  (Getty Images)

The Sam's Club Plus membership includes additional perks such as free shipping, 2% cash rewards on certain purchases up to $500 a year, early shopping, and 20% off all glasses. This membership is better for long-term customers who plan to shop at the warehouse every week. Additionally, the Sam's Club credit card offers 5% cash back on gas.

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