Sams Club Membership Free Trials Discounted Sign-Up Offers And Benefits Overview

Sam's Club operates as a membership-based warehouse retailer, offering consumers access to bulk goods, groceries, and services at discounted prices. The membership model is central to its operation, with two primary tiers—Club and Plus—each providing distinct benefits and cost structures. For consumers interested in exploring Sam's Club's offerings without an immediate long-term financial commitment, the retailer has historically provided promotional access, including free trials and significantly reduced membership fees for new members. These options allow potential customers to evaluate the value proposition before committing to a full-price annual subscription. The available information details the structure of these promotions, their eligibility requirements, and the specific benefits associated with each membership level.

Membership Tiers and Core Benefits

Sam's Club offers two primary membership tiers: Club Membership and Plus Membership. The Club Membership is the entry-level option, priced at $50 per year. It grants members access to members-only pricing on products in-store and online, fuel savings at Sam's Club gas stations, and the ability to use Curbside Pickup (though a $4 fee applies for this service under a Club Membership). Club members also gain access to the Bonus Offers Program, which provides additional savings and Sam's Cash on dining, shopping, and subscriptions. Furthermore, a Club Membership includes free tire and battery center services and the ability to use the Scan & Go feature in the Sam's Club app to skip checkout lines.

The Plus Membership is the premium tier, costing $110 per year. It includes all Club Membership benefits and adds several enhancements. Plus members receive free shipping on most items when shopping online or via the app, a key differentiator from the Club tier, which only offers free shipping on items specifically marked with a "Free Shipping" label. Curbside Pickup is also free for Plus members with no order minimum, whereas Club members pay a $4 fee. Plus members earn 2% back of Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases, up to $500 per year, and receive 20% more on any Sam's Cash earned through other means. Additional Plus benefits include savings at the pharmacy and optical departments and a 3% cash back rate with the Sam's Club MasterCard, compared to 1% for Club members.

Promotional Access for New Members

For consumers looking to try Sam's Club, the retailer has offered various promotional structures to lower the barrier to entry. These promotions are primarily targeted at new members, defined as individuals who have not been a member within the past six months.

3-Month Free Trial Membership

A Sam's Club 3-Month Free Trial membership was available, allowing new members to experience a Club Membership for 90 days at no cost. This offer was limited to one per household and was set to auto-renew into a paid Club Membership at the end of the trial period. Members could cancel at any time during the trial by calling a designated customer service number. According to the source material, this specific 3-month free trial offer has expired. The documentation advises that the post will be updated if the offer becomes available again.

Discounted Membership with Gift Card Incentives

Sam's Club has frequently promoted membership through a discounted rate paired with a gift card or instant savings offer. A common promotion structure involved joining for a reduced price (e.g., $55) and receiving a gift card (e.g., $45), effectively reducing the net cost of a Club Membership to approximately $5 for the first year. The source material notes that this promotion varies in its presentation; it may appear as "Join for $55, Get a $45 Gift Card," "$50 in Freebies at Sam's Club," or "Sam’s Club Membership for $35 + $30 in Free eGift Cards." These promotions are time-sensitive and not always available. A specific offer mentioned in the source data is valid from October 3, 2025, to October 31, 2025, allowing new members to join for $15 instead of the standard $50 annual fee, representing a 70% discount. This offer is contingent on joining through a specific link and includes a complete refund policy if the member is not satisfied, which can be processed at a Membership Desk or via phone.

1-Day Shopping Pass (Historical)

Sam's Club historically offered a 1-Day Shopping Pass, also known as a Guest Membership or Invitation to Shop. This allowed non-members to shop at Sam's Club for 24 hours without an annual membership. However, it came with a 10% service fee added to all purchases and restrictions on certain member-exclusive services like Curbside Pickup and Scan & Go. The source material states that these 1-Day Shopping Passes are "long gone and haven’t been offered in ages," indicating they are no longer a current option for accessing the store.

Eligibility and Requirements for Promotions

Eligibility for Sam's Club promotional offers is clearly defined. The free trial and discounted membership offers are exclusively for new members. The source material defines a new member as someone who has not held a Sam's Club membership within the past six months. The 3-month free trial was limited to one per household. For the discounted membership offers, the terms specify that the promotion is valid for new members and must be accessed through the provided promotional link to qualify. There is no mention of geographic restrictions within the United States for these promotions, but the source material advises that consumers should verify there is a Sam's Club location in their area before becoming a member.

Understanding Sam's Cash and Additional Perks

A core benefit of membership is the accumulation of Sam's Cash, the store's loyalty reward currency. Sam's Cash is automatically accrued with each eligible purchase and can be tracked via the online account or mobile app. It can be redeemed on a monthly basis to generate savings on future orders. The Plus Membership enhances Sam's Cash earnings by providing 2% back on qualifying purchases (up to $500 per year) and a 20% bonus on other Sam's Cash earned. Club Members do not earn the 2% back but can still earn Sam's Cash through the Bonus Offers Program and by using the Sam's Club MasterCard.

Additional benefits available to both membership tiers include fuel savings at Sam's Club gas stations, which are reported to be 10% to 20% lower than average local gas station prices. Both tiers also offer access to the Tire & Battery Center for free services. The Plus Membership adds significant value for online shoppers through free shipping on most items, a benefit not included in the standard Club Membership.

Sam's Club Product Offerings

While the primary focus is on membership benefits, the source material briefly describes Sam's Club's product selection. The retailer offers fresh produce and meat, including traceable seafood, Sashimi-grade salmon, and premium USDA Prime Beef hand-cut by expert butchers. They also provide freshly made homemade meal solutions and baked goods. This information underscores the variety of products available to members beyond typical bulk items.

Conclusion

Sam's Club provides multiple pathways for new consumers to access its warehouse services at a reduced cost or through a trial period. The primary current offer for significant savings is a discounted membership fee, which can lower the first-year cost to as little as $5 or $15, depending on the specific promotion. A 3-month free trial was a past option but is currently expired. All promotional offers are strictly for new members, defined as those without a membership in the preceding six months. Consumers must evaluate the membership tiers—Club versus Plus—based on their shopping habits, particularly considering the value of free shipping, enhanced Sam's Cash earnings, and free Curbside Pickup offered with the Plus Membership. The available promotional materials emphasize that these offers are time-limited and subject to change, requiring interested consumers to check for current availability through official Sam's Club channels.

Sources

1. Reviewed.com - Sam's Club Membership Guide
2. The Money Ninja - Sam's Club Free Membership Offers