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.
Overview of Sam’s Club Membership Types
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.
1. Club Membership
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.
2. Plus Membership
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.
3. Business Membership
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.
What is a Complimentary Sam’s Club Membership?
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.
Key Facts About Complimentary Membership
- It’s totally free for the additional cardholder—no extra payment required.
- The complimentary member gets a unique membership number, their own card (usually digital now), and their own Sam’s Club online account access.
- They can shop alone, use Scan & Go, access fuel stations, order online, and more.
- They cannot remove the primary account holder—only the main member can remove or change the complimentary cardholder.
- When the main account is renewed or upgraded, the complimentary card auto-renews or upgrades with it.
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
Who’s Eligible for a Complimentary Card?
Eligibility is simple but important.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Can be a spouse, partner, roommate, friend, or family member. You don’t have to be related, but you do need the account holder’s permission.
- Only one complimentary membership is issued per main paid account.
- The complimentary member must have their own name, email, and phone number to be added.
- The person must create their own Sam’s Club online and mobile account using their unique 17-digit membership number.
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.
How to Activate a Complimentary Sam’s Club Membership
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!
Step-by-Step: Online Activation
Primary Member Action
- Log in at SamsClub.com.
- Go to Account → Membership → Manage additional members/add-ons.
- Click “Add Complimentary Member” and enter their legal first/last name, email, and phone number.
- Submit, and the system will generate a 17-digit unique membership number for your complimentary cardholder.
Complimentary Member Action
- The person you added will receive a welcome email from Sam’s Club (if you entered their email), or you can simply give them the 17-digit membership number.
- Visit SamsClub.com/register or use the Sam’s Club app to “Register Your Membership.”
- Enter the 17-digit number, their first/last name (exactly as entered), and finish the sign-up, setting a password for their account.
- Once completed, they’ll have instant access to their digital membership card in the app, which can be scanned for club entry and in-store purchases.
Pick Up Physical Card (optional)
- Digital cards are now the default—just show your phone at the door or checkout.
- If needed, visit any Sam’s Club Member Services Desk with a government ID and your membership number to get a plastic card printed on the spot.
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.
Activating In-Store
- Visit the Membership Service Desk at any Sam’s Club location.
- The primary member must provide their own membership info and let the associate know they want to add a complimentary household card.
- Provide the additional member’s name, email, and phone.
- Staff can create the card immediately, print a physical card (if desired), and assist with setting up the digital card/app.
Activating via Phone or App
- Call Sam’s Club Member Services (1-888-746-7726) and speak to a representative.
- The process is the same: primary member gives account info and adds the complimentary person by name/email/phone.
- You’ll get instructions to use the app or website for digital activation.
If you prefer, both the primary and complimentary member can do everything through the Sam’s Club app—it’s a fast, contactless process, and lets you use the digital card right away.
Quick Checklist for Activation
- Make sure the person being added is 18+.
- Have their legal first and last name, valid email, and phone number ready.
- If registering online or on the app, have the unique 17-digit membership number.
- Follow prompts step by step; use exact spellings to avoid registration issues.
- For physical cards, bring the 17-digit number and a government-issued ID to any Sam’s Club location.
You may also be interested in: How to Activate Sam’s Club Credit Card
Common Activation Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
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
Name/Number Mismatch
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.
Email Problems
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.
App Issues
If the app won’t let you register, try:
- Closing and reopening the app.
- Deleting and reinstalling the app.
- Registering on the desktop website instead. Still not working? Visit the Member Desk in club or call Member Services.
No Email Receipt
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.
Forgotten or Lost Membership Number
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.
Digital vs. Physical Card
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.
Latest Changes – Digital-First Membership Cards
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.
Why this matters
You’ll need a smartphone and the free Sam’s Club app installed to enter most clubs and check out.
- Scan & Go: The app allows you to scan items as you shop and pay right in the app, skipping the checkout line.
- Digital Receipts: All purchases are tracked and accessible through your account.
- Faster Check-Ins/Fewer Lines: Digital cards are scanned at the door—no more fumbling with plastic cards.
- App-Exclusive Offers: Some deals (like flash sales) are now available only through the app.
Heads up: If you don’t have a smartphone, you must see the Member Desk for accommodations, though options are increasingly limited.
Benefits of a Complimentary Sam’s Club Membership
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
Access to Any Sam’s Club Location
Shop nationwide and at Sam’s Club online.
Members-Only Prices
Get wholesale pricing on groceries, electronics, clothing, and more.
Fuel Savings
Access Sam’s Club gas stations for discounted prices.
Scan & Go
Use the app for speedy, contactless shopping.
Curbside Pickup
Order ahead for free pickup ($50+ orders; $4 fee under $50 for Club members, waived for Plus).
Free Shipping
For Plus members and their complimentary cardholders on eligible orders ($50+).
Pharmacy and Optical Discounts
Save on prescriptions and eyewear, with added perks for Plus.
Tire & Battery Center Perks
Free lifetime tire maintenance when you buy tires, discounted installations, and repairs, plus free battery installation.
Cash Rewards
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).
What’s different?
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.
Complimentary vs. Paid Sam’s Club Membership – What’s the Difference?
| 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) |
The Biggest Differences
Fee
Complimentary membership is truly free, as long as the principal account is active.
Management
Only the primary member can add/remove people or update payment details.
Upgrade
Complimentary members can opt to “upgrade” to their own Plus membership, but this upgrades the entire account, including the primary card.
Special Offers & Complimentary “Free” Membership Promotions
Sam’s Club has aggressively promoted discounted and even free memberships in 2024 and 2025. Here are some current and recent offers
$25 New Member Special
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.
$10 First Year Memberships
Limited-time online promos slash the price even further (often announced ahead of holidays or back-to-school season).
Free Gift Card Deals
Some offers effectively make your membership free—e.g., buy a new membership and get a $45 Sam’s Club eGift Card.
Partner/Bundled Offers
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).
Membership Growth & Trends
Recent statistics highlight the soaring popularity of Sam’s Club, especially among younger shoppers
- In 2024, U.S. membership income grew by over 13%, reaching record highs.
- Gen Z and millennials are driving the growth, with Gen Z membership growing by 63% and millennials by 14% over two years.
- Roughly one in three Sam’s Club members regularly use the Scan & Go app—testament to the chain’s digital-first approach.
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.
The Value of Membership: Why Activate Your Complimentary Card?
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
- Save 5–30% on bulk groceries, snacks, school supplies, and electronics
- Never pay full price at the pump—Sam’s Club fuel stations are often $0.20–$0.30/gallon cheaper than nearby stations.
- Skip the checkout lines with Scan & Go.
- Enjoy exclusive member-only Instant Savings—these deals are only for members, not casual shoppers.
- Get access to Sam’s Club’s Members Mark brand—a high-quality alternative to name brands, often at a lower price.
- Travel and entertainment discounts on vacation packages, rental cars, event tickets, and more.
- Generous return policy and satisfaction guarantee—if you’re not thrilled, get your membership fee refunded.
- Access to pharmacy, optical, tire/battery, and auto services—often at rates lower than traditional providers.
Maximizing Your Complimentary Membership: Extra Tips
Set Up Your App
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.
Link Payment Methods
Add a payment method in the app for seamless checkout.
Use Curbside & Delivery
Order online, select free curbside pickup (over $50), or get free delivery if you’re a Plus member or complimentary Plus cardholder.
Shop at Off-Peak Times
Early hours (for Plus members) and scan-and-go avoid crowds.
Monitor Sam’s Cash
If you’re an upgraded Plus member, track your cash-back accrual every month.
Leverage Bonus Offers
Watch for time-limited “free or nearly free” membership offers, especially around major sales events and holidays.
Travel & Gift Card Discounts
Check regularly for restaurant and retail gift cards, sometimes discounted up to 25%.
Remember—the primary account controls the household
If you need to switch complimentary account holders, only the primary member can initiate this through their online account or by calling customer service.
Conclusive Note
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!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a Sam’s Club membership entirely for free?
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.
Do complimentary members have the same shopping privileges as the primary account holder?
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.
How long does my complimentary card last?
It remains valid as long as the primary membership stays active and is renewed.
Can I switch who is my complimentary member?
Yes. The primary member can remove or add a new complimentary cardholder at any time online or in-club.
What if I have a problem activating my online account?
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.