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Imagine scoring exclusive discounts on everything from snacks to electronics, filling up your gas tank for less, and getting cash back on your shopping—all just because you’re a member. Sounds awesome, right?
That’s the power of a Sam’s Club membership, and here’s the best part: if you’re part of a Sam’s Club household, you might qualify for a complimentary Sam’s Club membership—a golden ticket to all those perks, absolutely free.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what a complimentary membership is, how it works, and—most importantly—how you or your family can activate it and get shopping in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned savings hunter, a parent feeding a hungry household, or a student prepping for dorm life, this guide will break down the steps in simple, easy-to-follow language. Let’s get you inside Sam’s Club and unlocking those instant savings.
Before we dive into complimentary memberships, it’s important to know what Sam’s Club offers, because every complimentary membership depends on another paid account. Think of Sam’s Club memberships as coming in two main flavors: Club and Plus. Both types let you access all the warehouse deals, but there are differences in perks and price.
This is the basic option—$50 per year. With it, you (and one more person, via a complimentary card) get the ability to shop all Sam’s Club stores and online, use the Scan & Go app for speedy checkouts, get members-only gas prices, and enjoy curbside pickup when you buy at least $50. There’s also access to the members-only Instant Savings and seasonal deals, cheaper fuel, and, of course, that complimentary card for someone else in your household.
At $110 per year, Plus gives you everything Club does, plus free shipping on most online orders, 2% Sam’s Cash cash back on in-club and curbside purchases (up to $500/year), early shopping hours, extra pharmacy and optical savings, and more. Plus, you still get that free complimentary household membership, and the ability to add even more members for an extra fee.
Tailored for those purchasing for a company, this option includes access to tax-exempt buying, early hours, and more cardholders (for a fee), but shares much of the Club-level benefits.
The table below gives a quick side-by-side comparison.
| Benefit | Club Membership ($50) | Club Membership ($50) |
| Complimentary Household Card | Yes | Yes |
| Members-Only Fuel Savings | Yes | Yes |
| Scan & Go App | Yes | Yes |
| Curbside Pickup | Yes (with $4 fee under $50) | Yes (always free) |
| Free Shipping | No (fee applies) | Yes (on $50+ orders) |
| 2% Sam’s Cash | No | Yes (up to $500/yr) |
| Early Shopping Hours | No | Yes |
| Extra Pharmacy & Optical | No | Yes |
both Club and Plus memberships come with a complimentary card for one household member or friend.
A complimentary Sam’s Club membership is a free membership card included with the main, paid membership. If you’re the “primary” account owner (the person who pays the annual Club or Plus fee), you can give one other person (age 18+, in your household or someone you trust) a free membership that lets them shop independently and get almost all the same perks as you.
Important: There’s only one complimentary card allowed per paid membership. If you want more people on your account, you’ll need “add-on” cards, which cost extra ($45 per add-on).
Looking for more helpful Sam’s Club activation guides? Check out How to Activate Sam’s Club Membership
Eligibility is simple but important.
Tip: Complimentary cards can be assigned or changed at any point by the primary member, so if you move out or want to swap who has the card, it’s quick and easy to update online or in-club.
Here’s the heart of the guide: making sure you (or a friend/family member) actually activate and can use the complimentary membership. Good news: it’s easy, and you have several options!
Note: If you already have the app, you can use your digital card instantly—no waiting for a mailed card! Sam’s Club has moved to digital cards for both convenience and sustainability.
You may also be interested in: How to Activate Sam’s Club Credit Card
Like any sign-up process, things sometimes go sideways. Here’s how to handle the most common problems when activating your complimentary Sam’s Club membership
Make sure the name you enter for registration matches exactly what was input by the primary member. If there’s a typo, registration will fail. Double-check the 17-digit membership number—don’t mix it up with the main primary member’s number.
If the email was previously used with another Sam’s Club account or expired membership, you may need to “reclaim” it or contact Member Services. Use the reclaim link in the prompt or ask for help in-store.
If the app won’t let you register, try:
Check your spam or promotions folder for the welcome email. If you never receive it, you can use the 17-digit number to register manually.
Primary members can find this on their online account. Complimentary members can ask the primary for it, or show an ID in club to retrieve it from staff.
If you do not have a smartphone or prefer a physical card, simply visit the club with your ID and membership number for immediate printing.
For persistent problems, visit the Member Desk—they can fix issues with name, number, or account setup on the spot.
New for 2025: Sam’s Club is phasing out physical membership cards nationwide. Members now use the Sam’s Club mobile app as their digital card for club entry, shopping, and rewards tracking.
You’ll need a smartphone and the free Sam’s Club app installed to enter most clubs and check out.
Heads up: If you don’t have a smartphone, you must see the Member Desk for accommodations, though options are increasingly limited.
You might be wondering: Does the complimentary card come with all the same perks as a paid membership? The answer is, almost yes! Complimentary members enjoy all the core membership benefits
Shop nationwide and at Sam’s Club online.
Get wholesale pricing on groceries, electronics, clothing, and more.
Access Sam’s Club gas stations for discounted prices.
Use the app for speedy, contactless shopping.
Order ahead for free pickup ($50+ orders; $4 fee under $50 for Club members, waived for Plus).
For Plus members and their complimentary cardholders on eligible orders ($50+).
Save on prescriptions and eyewear, with added perks for Plus.
Free lifetime tire maintenance when you buy tires, discounted installations, and repairs, plus free battery installation.
For Plus members, both main and complimentary members can earn 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying in-club and curbside purchases (up to $500/year).
Complimentary members can manage their own online account, shop independently, return purchases, and use the Membership Satisfaction Guarantee (cancel for a full refund).
The primary account holder controls the membership. The complimentary member cannot remove or add additional members, but otherwise, they shop and save just the same.
| Feature | Paid (Primary) | Complimentary (Household) | Paid Add-On ($45/ea) |
| Annual fee | $50 (Club)/$110 (Plus) | $0 | $45 (each; limit varies) |
| Core shopping perks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Own digital card/account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel savings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scan & Go | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Online ordering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Earn/Use Sam’s Cash | Yes | Yes | No (unless Plus add-on) |
| Can add/remove members | Yes | No | No (but can upgrade on their own) |
Complimentary membership is truly free, as long as the principal account is active.
Only the primary member can add/remove people or update payment details.
Complimentary members can opt to “upgrade” to their own Plus membership, but this upgrades the entire account, including the primary card.
Sam’s Club has aggressively promoted discounted and even free memberships in 2024 and 2025. Here are some current and recent offers
Frequently offered, this gives 50% off your first Club membership (normally $50). Once joined, you can add a complimentary member for free or purchase add-ons at a discount.
Limited-time online promos slash the price even further (often announced ahead of holidays or back-to-school season).
Some offers effectively make your membership free—e.g., buy a new membership and get a $45 Sam’s Club eGift Card.
Occasionally, cellular carriers, banks, or workplaces give free Sam’s Club memberships or substantial eGift Cards for signing up (e.g., T-Mobile has partnered with Sam’s Club for recent bonus card offers).
Recent statistics highlight the soaring popularity of Sam’s Club, especially among younger shoppers
Bottom line: There have never been more ways to get into Sam’s Club for less—or even for free, with the right promo or by joining a household.
With grocery bills rising, gas prices volatile, and deals harder to find, a Sam’s Club membership (even a complimentary one) can save you hundreds a year. Here are just a few reasons activating and using your complimentary card is a smart move
Install the Sam’s Club app, and log in for instant digital card access. The app is your key to Scan & Go, order tracking, digital receipts, and exclusive deals.
Add a payment method in the app for seamless checkout.
Order online, select free curbside pickup (over $50), or get free delivery if you’re a Plus member or complimentary Plus cardholder.
Early hours (for Plus members) and scan-and-go avoid crowds.
If you’re an upgraded Plus member, track your cash-back accrual every month.
Watch for time-limited “free or nearly free” membership offers, especially around major sales events and holidays.
Check regularly for restaurant and retail gift cards, sometimes discounted up to 25%.
If you need to switch complimentary account holders, only the primary member can initiate this through their online account or by calling customer service.
A complimentary Sam’s Club membership is one of retail’s best-kept secrets—unlocking savings, perks, and exclusive deals for you or your family at zero extra cost.
And with Sam’s Club rolling out digital memberships and more offers than ever in 2025, there’s never been a better time to activate your card and get shopping. Don’t let free perks go to waste—ask the primary account holder to add you as their complimentary member, activate online or in-club, and join millions of fellow smart shoppers already living the club life.
Ready for instant savings, gas discounts, and more? Activate your complimentary Sam’s Club membership today and shop smart—because every penny counts!
Yes! If someone in your household has a paid membership, you can be their complimentary member at no cost. Or, use a free trial or sign up during a major promo for nearly free membership.
Almost all the same! You can shop solo, scan and go, and earn rewards (if the account is Plus). Only account management activities (adding/removing cardholders, updating payment) are restricted to the primary.
It remains valid as long as the primary membership stays active and is renewed.
Yes. The primary member can remove or add a new complimentary cardholder at any time online or in-club.
Double-check spelling and numbers, ensure you haven’t used your email for another account, reset your password if needed, or visit the in-club Member Desk for help.
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