How to Add a Spouse to Sam’s Club Membership – Quick Guide

Adding your spouse to your Sam’s Club membership is a fantastic way to maximize your household’s savings, streamline your shopping, and ensure both you and your partner enjoy all the exclusive benefits that come with membership.

Whether you’re revisiting Sam’s Club for the first time in years or you’re a loyal Plus member who craves even more perks, this guide offers step-by-step instructions, eligibility rules, important limitations, and all the updated policies for 2025.

Why Add Your Spouse to Your Sam’s Club Membership?

Adding your spouse to your Sam’s Club membership allows you both to shop independently, access exclusive discounts, utilize time-saving tools, and enjoy a seamless family shopping experience.

With your spouse designated as a household cardholder, you can split shopping trips, manage large purchases with ease, and share digital or physical membership cards. Best of all, this almost always comes at no additional cost to you, regardless of whether you’ve opted for the traditional Club Membership or the upgraded Plus Membership.

Not only does this maximize the value of your investment, but it also helps set your household up for efficient, low-stress shopping and offers both partners access to savings on fuel, prescriptions, and more.

Eligibility Criteria for Adding a Spouse

Sam’s Club makes it straightforward for primary members to add a spouse as a complimentary household cardholder

Residence

Your spouse should share the same household and physical address as you.

Age

The spouse must be at least 18 years old.

Relationship

While described as “spouse or household member,” it’s primarily designed for married/partnered cohabitants.

Identification

Valid government-issued photo ID required to claim a physical card in-club.

Contact Information

Some personal details (name, address, email, phone) are needed for digital or physical card activation.

Household Card vs Add-on Member

Household (Complimentary) Card

Free for one other adult in your household—typically reserved for a spouse.

Add-on Members

Optional for a fee ($45 each per year; up to 8 for Club, 16 for Plus), these do not receive full Plus perks unless they get their own Plus account. Add-on accounts are best for extended family, adult children, or friends (rules around address enforcement can be variable by location).

Limitations and Restrictions

It’s important to understand the limitations Sam’s Club enforces for complementary household (spouse) and add-on members

Membership cards are non-transferable and may not be loaned—even to close friends or family.
Complimentary household club cards are free, limited to one per primary account.
Add-on memberships require an extra fee, may not have access to all Plus member benefits, and enforcement on household address matching can vary across locations.
Each member (primary, spouse) is issued their own card and unique membership number.
Both digital and physical cards are available; a government-issued ID is necessary to pick up the card in-store; digital cards can be activated immediately in the app.
Some locations may enforce the same-address rule strictly, while others are laxer; staff may request matching IDs when adding a spouse or household member.
Add-on members cannot “upgrade” to enjoy full Plus status—they must start a separate Plus account.

Step-by-Step – How to Add Your Spouse Online

Adding your spouse is quick and easy with Sam’s Club’s upgraded digital systems

Instructions (Online/Desktop)

Sign In to your Sam’s Club account at samsclub.com.
Navigate to the ‘Account’ page (look for your profile icon or name in the top-right corner).
Under the Membership section, select ‘Manage Memberships’ (wording may vary: “Membership”, “Manage Membership”, or “Cardholders”).
Choose ‘Add’ or ‘Edit’ under the “Complimentary Household Cardholder” area. Enter your spouse’s full name, address (must match yours), email, and phone number.
Click ‘Save’. Review changes on the summary screen.

Your spouse can now claim their membership card

Visually in the Sam’s Club mobile app (digital).
Physically at any club’s Membership Desk, with valid state/federal ID.

Key Tips

Only the primary account holder can add, remove, or swap a household (spouse) cardholder.
Info takes effect immediately for digital access but may require a visit for a physical card.
Your spouse must set up their own Sam’s Club online/app account with their unique membership number for full digital card access.
Customer service can resolve app or member-number setup issues.

You May Also Interested in; How to Activate Sam’s Club Membership

Adding a Spouse via the Sam’s Club Mobile App

In 2025, the fastest way to manage your household card is through the Sam’s Club app, which now includes advanced features such as “Scan & Go” and digital card management

Download the Sam’s Club app (iOS: App Store, Android: Google Play).
Sign in with your primary account credentials.
Tap the Account or “Membership” tab.
Locate the ‘Manage Membership’ or “Cardholders” option.
Select ‘Add Household Member’.
Provide your spouse’s details, as prompted.
Confirm and submit.

Your spouse’s digital card is ready instantly for curbside pickup, in-club shopping, and Scan & Go. For a physical card, they can visit any Sam’s Club Member Services desk with ID.

If there are trouble issues (e.g., previous membership history, email conflicts), use the app’s chat feature or visit the Membership Desk in person.

Adding a Spouse at the Membership Desk (In-Club)

Prefer the in-person approach or having trouble online? The club’s Member Services team is happy to help

Both you (the primary account holder) and your spouse should visit your local Sam’s Club.
Go straight to the Membership Desk (usually at the front entrance).
Tell the attendant you wish to add your spouse as a complimentary household member.
Show your membership card and provide both your spouse’s and your photo IDs for address verification.
The desk attendant will update your membership file and issue a new card for your spouse on the spot.

This method is particularly helpful if you require the physical card right away, need technical assistance, or if address or eligibility questions pop up.

Troubleshooting – What If You Encounter Issues?

Despite Sam’s Club’s streamlined tech, issues occasionally arise

Membership not active or recently expired? Renew your membership first before adding cardholders.
Error messages online? Try updating your browser, clearing cookies, or switch to another device—sometimes website compatibility can cause hiccups.
App conflicts (e.g., spouse has prior membership, email already in use)? Use the app’s built-in chat support for instant assistance or request a new unique member number at the club desk.
Address mismatch? Some clubs will require both IDs to show the same address for the complimentary (spouse) card. Policy enforcement varies and may change over time.
Digital card setup? Each cardholder must use their unique membership number, not share logins with the primary account. If the app will not register them, visit the club to obtain a separate member number slip or request tech support.
Time to renewal? Add-ons and changes to cardholders may only be permitted more than 31 days before your renewal date, so plan ahead.

What Benefits Does Your Spouse Receive?

Your spouse, as a complimentary household cardholder, enjoys nearly all the standard Club or Plus member privileges (corresponding to your membership tier). Here’s what they get

Perk	Club (Primary & Spouse)	Plus (Primary & Spouse)
Entry to Sam’s Club	Yes	Yes
Own Physical/Digital Card	Yes	Yes
Scan & Go Access	Yes	Yes
Curbside Pickup	Yes	Yes
Members-Only Gas Savings	Yes	Yes
Pharmacy/Optical Savings	Yes	Bonus discounts for Plus
Early Shopping Hours	No	Yes (Plus only)
Free Shipping (Online)	No/Extra Fee	Yes ($50+ minimum from Aug 2025)
2% Sam’s Cash	No	Yes (on qualifying purchases)
Add On Additional Members	Yes (fee)	Yes, more allowed (fee)

Only the “primary” and “complimentary/household” cardholders get Plus benefits. Paid add-on members (other than the spouse) get only Club-level benefits (even if the main member is Plus).

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Spouse Cardholders

2024/2025 has introduced a few important updates, especially for Plus members

Free Shipping Minimums

Starting August 2025, Plus members now need $50+ in their cart to qualify for free delivery; orders under $50 are subject to an $8 shipping fee, with select exclusions.

More Technology

The company has rolled out digital “Scan & Go” as a requirement at select locations, and AI-optimized checkout/exit systems are now the norm. Digital cards are accepted everywhere, and all members are encouraged to use the app.

Stricter Address Enforcement

Although address “matching” rules have been around for a while, some clubs are now verifying that the household card (spouse) has the same address as the primary member. Some clubs remain relaxed; enforcement may depend on local management or the cashier you encounter.

Is There a Difference Between Club and Plus Tiers for Spouse Add-Ons?

Both Club and Plus members receive one complimentary household card (for a spouse), but the type of benefits differs

A spouse added on a Club account receives regular Club-level perks.
A spouse added on a Plus account receives full Plus-level perks: early hours, pharmacy/optical savings, free shipping on $50+ orders, and 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases.
Add-on members (beyond the one spouse/household card) always get Club-only benefits, regardless of the primary account’s status.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Sam’s Club Membership With Your Spouse

Both partners should download the Sam’s Club app and use Scan & Go for the quickest checkouts.
Regularly update contact and address info in your online account to avoid membership issues down the line.
Renew your membership early: Some add-on and complimentary card changes aren’t allowed within 31 days of renewal.
Share login info wisely: Never share your personal login, but ensure your spouse sets up their own account using their unique member number.
Check for exclusive Plus perks and app-based promotions: Often, offers and instant savings are available only to digital cardholders—and your spouse can opt into all of them.

Final Thoughts – Should You Add Your Spouse to Your Sam’s Club Membership?

Absolutely! As Sam’s Club continues to introduce new technology, member perks, and expansive policies, maximizing your household’s benefits is easier than ever—with the right steps. Adding your spouse is quick, free, and ensures your entire family enjoys exclusive access, whether you prefer shopping in-club, online, or via the cutting-edge mobile app.

Remember: Stay up to date with any changes to Sam’s Club’s policies, always use your own digital or physical card, and don’t hesitate to visit Member Services for hands-on assistance. With transparent procedures and built-in household perks, you and your spouse can enjoy stress-free, budget-friendly shopping all year long.

Ready to get started? Log in to your online account or app, add your spouse in a few taps, and start sharing the best of Sam’s Club today.

FAQs

Can I add my spouse if they don’t live with me?

Technically, Sam’s Club requires both the primary and household cardholder to share the same legal address. Enforcement may vary by club, but most will request matching IDs. Adding a spouse at a different address may require an add-on (paid) membership.

How do I remove or replace my spouse’s card?

Only the primary account holder can remove or swap the complimentary cardholder. Do this online, in the app, or at the club desk. The outgoing cardholder’s access is deactivated immediately.

Can my spouse use the same app login?

No. Each cardholder—including your spouse—should have their own Sam’s Club online account linked to their unique member number.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes, your spouse must be at least 18 years old to be the complimentary cardholder. Minors are not eligible.

What do I need to bring to the club to pick up a new card?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Sam’s Club membership number (or app). The staff quickly issues a physical card with your spouse’s photo and information.

What if my spouse already has their own Sam’s Club membership?

You cannot “merge” memberships. Your spouse would need to let their individual account lapse before becoming your complimentary cardholder, or they can remain an add-on or primary member of their own account.