Are you a Sam’s Club member curious about Walmart Plus and whether your membership offers access to those benefits? Many shoppers wonder if there’s crossover between Walmart Plus and Sam’s Club memberships, especially since both retailers are owned by Walmart Inc. This step-by-step guide explains what is possible, clarifies common misconceptions, and shows you how to maximize your savings and services if you shop at both stores.
What You’ll Need
- An active Sam’s Club membership (physical card or digital account)
- Access to the internet (for account setup and management)
- A valid email address (for account linking or Walmart Plus sign-up)
- A payment method if you wish to purchase Walmart Plus separately
Step-by-Step
- Understand the Relationship Between Walmart Plus and Sam’s Club
Walmart Plus and Sam’s Club memberships are separate programs. While Walmart owns both, their membership benefits do not automatically transfer between the two. Sam’s Club members do not receive Walmart Plus benefits by default, nor do Walmart Plus members receive Sam’s Club benefits. Each program has its own perks, fees, and terms. - Review Your Current Sam’s Club Membership Benefits
Log in to your Sam’s Club account or review your membership paperwork to confirm your membership level (Club or Plus) and what it includes (e.g., free shipping, pharmacy savings, early shopping hours, etc.). This helps you compare what you already have with potential Walmart Plus offerings. - Compare Walmart Plus and Sam’s Club Benefits
Research Walmart Plus at Walmart.com/plus. Walmart Plus offers free delivery from stores (with minimum order), free shipping with no order minimum, fuel discounts, mobile scan & go, and more. Compare these to Sam’s Club’s own benefits, such as club-only pricing, instant savings, and Sam’s Club Scan & Go. - Decide If You Need Both Memberships
Analyze your shopping habits. If you mainly shop at Sam’s Club, your membership covers warehouse club benefits but not Walmart stores or Walmart.com. If you want free delivery, grocery delivery, and fuel savings at Walmart, you’ll need to subscribe to Walmart Plus separately. - Sign Up for Walmart Plus (If Desired)
If you want to enjoy Walmart Plus benefits, go to Walmart.com/plus and sign up using your email address. Walmart Plus offers a free trial (length may vary; check current offers), after which a monthly or annual fee applies. You’ll need to provide a payment method. - Set Up and Manage Your Accounts
Keep your Sam’s Club and Walmart Plus accounts separate. Both can use the same email address, but they are managed independently. Download both the Walmart and Sam’s Club apps if you want to use mobile features like Scan & Go. - Maximize Your Benefits at Both Retailers
Use your Sam’s Club membership for bulk purchases, club-only deals, and in-club services. Use Walmart Plus for free delivery, online grocery orders, and fuel discounts at participating Walmart, Murphy USA, Exxon, and Mobil stations. Note that fuel discounts from Walmart Plus do not apply at Sam’s Club gas stations, and vice versa. - Watch for Bundled or Promotional Offers
Occasionally, Walmart or Sam’s Club may offer promotions or trials that allow cross-benefit sampling (such as a free Walmart Plus trial for Sam’s Club members), but these are rare and time-limited. Always read the terms.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming Memberships Are Interchangeable: Many believe a Sam’s Club membership automatically grants Walmart Plus benefits, or vice versa. This is not the case; they are separate programs.
- Overlooking Account Management: Trying to use the same login or expecting automatic benefit sharing can cause confusion. Manage each account individually.
- Missing Out on Promotions: Not checking for occasional bundled offers or trials can mean missing out on extra value.
- Expecting Fuel Discounts at All Locations: Walmart Plus fuel discounts don’t apply at Sam’s Club gas stations, and Sam’s Club fuel perks don’t work at Walmart or Murphy stations.
- Not Comparing Benefits: Some shoppers pay for both memberships without fully comparing which perks matter most to them, potentially overpaying for duplicated services.
Tips
- Evaluate Your Shopping Patterns: If you rarely shop at Walmart, you may not need Walmart Plus. If you use grocery delivery or shop online frequently, Walmart Plus can be valuable.
- Stack Savings: Use Sam’s Club for bulk and exclusive items, and Walmart Plus for everyday groceries and household needs.
- Watch for Trials: Both programs occasionally offer free trials or discounts for new members. Take advantage to test which suits your needs.
- Use Mobile Apps: Both Walmart and Sam’s Club have apps with Scan & Go features. These are separate but can speed up checkout and order management.
- Check Fuel Locations: Before counting on fuel discounts, use the respective app or website to find participating gas stations near you.
- Monitor Renewal Dates: Since memberships are separate, keep track of renewal dates and fees for both to avoid unexpected charges.
Troubleshooting
- Benefit Not Applying: If you’re not receiving expected Walmart Plus benefits (like free shipping), ensure you’re logged into the correct Walmart account with an active Walmart Plus subscription. Double-check your payment status and renewal date.
- Account Login Issues: If you can’t access your Walmart Plus or Sam’s Club account, use the respective site’s password recovery tool. Ensure you’re using the right email and password for each.
- Confused About Fuel Discounts: Review which stations are eligible for your membership’s fuel discounts. Walmart Plus works at participating Walmart, Murphy USA, Exxon, and Mobil stations, while Sam’s Club fuel savings apply only at their own stations.
- App Problems: If features like Scan & Go aren’t working, update the app, check your internet connection, and ensure you’re logged into the right account.
- Billing or Renewal Confusion: For questions about charges or renewals, check your account’s billing section or contact customer service for each retailer separately.
- Unclear About Promotions: Always read the fine print on any bundled or trial offers. If you believe you qualified but didn’t receive a benefit, contact customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a Sam’s Club membership include Walmart Plus?
- No, Sam’s Club and Walmart Plus are separate memberships. A Sam’s Club membership does not include Walmart Plus benefits.
- Can I use my Sam’s Club card at Walmart stores?
- No, Sam’s Club membership cards are not accepted for shopping at Walmart stores. You must pay regular Walmart prices unless you have Walmart Plus for certain online benefits.
- Are there any joint membership discounts?
- Currently, Walmart and Sam’s Club do not offer a joint discount for purchasing both memberships together. Offers may occasionally appear, but they are rare and time-limited.
- If I have Walmart Plus, can I shop at Sam’s Club?
- No, Walmart Plus does not grant access to Sam’s Club warehouses or member-only prices. You must have a separate Sam’s Club membership.
- Where can I use fuel discounts from Walmart Plus?
- Walmart Plus fuel discounts work at participating Walmart, Murphy USA, Exxon, and Mobil stations, but not at Sam’s Club gas stations.
- Can I use the same email for both memberships?
- Yes, you can use the same email address for both accounts, but they are managed separately and benefits do not transfer between programs.
Understanding the difference between Walmart Plus and Sam’s Club memberships can help you get the most out of your shopping experience, avoid confusion, and maximize your savings. Always review the latest terms and promotions to ensure you’re getting the best value for your needs.
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