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Sam's Club Just Raised Their Prices - Here's How To Offset The Increased Cost

Here's how to make the recent membership fee change work for you.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated May 6, 2026

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Sam's Club just announced a major price increase, and customers aren't thrilled by the change. Effective May 1, 2026, the annual fee jumps from $50 to $60 for basic Club Members and from $110 to $120 for Plus Members.

Whether you're on a fixed income and can't afford extra expenses or you just want to maximize your family's savings, paying more to this retailer could throw your budget off track. So if you're looking for an easy way to offset the added cost, we can help you get the most out of your Sam's Club membership.

Take advantage of the increased Sam's Cash rewards cap

Members recently got an email detailing the new Sam's Club membership prices. Along with the $10 increase, the notification also provided customers with a helpful tip to offset the added cost: Use the Sam's Cash rewards program.

The warehouse club just increased the 2% cap from $500 to $750 annually, allowing you to earn more while you shop. But there is one caveat. The increase is only for Plus members.

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Use the Scan & Go app

Scan & Go makes it easy to save time and money. And don't worry if you're not the techy type. This app is easy to use. Simply download it to your smartphone, scan barcodes as you shop (with your phone's camera), and pay for your haul. Members receive instant discounts on select items at checkout.

What items qualify for Scan & Go discounts? Get info about current promotions at your local club or in the app.

The running total as you go keeps your spending on track, making it easier to wrangle your budget. You can even use your Sam's Cash as a method of payment.

Visit the Savings Center on the Sam's Club website

Not sure what's on sale? If you need help finding monthly savings, clearance items, or special Sam's Cash promotions, visit the online "Savings Center." This page includes deals from every department across the warehouse club, giving you a direct line to the best bargains. Shop by a savings category (like April Savings) or browse all available discounts.

Choose store-brand generics over brand names

Member's Mark is Sam's Club's generic line of … well, just about everything. Brand-name buys aren't the best bargains at this club. While you can occasionally get a decent deal, savvy shoppers know that they're only paying for a fancy package.

What do Sam's customers really think about the private-label items? Redditor ElleGee5152 raved, "I haven't found anything by Member's Mark that I don't like. Everything has been comparable to brand-name products."

Use the curbside pickup service

Will curbside directly or instantly save you cash? Maybe not. But that doesn't mean this perk can't help offset the cost of the membership increase.

There's no fee for curbside pickup, making it a convenient option for anyone who doesn't want to get out of their car to shop. Order online, choose your pickup time (you can even designate someone else to pick up your items), and park in one of the special "Curbside Pickup" spots. After you check in, a team member will bring your order out and load it into your car.

Not only does this service save you time, but it can also keep your spending in check. Instead of wasting money on unnecessary items you happen to spot while you're browsing the aisles, you can stick to your list.

Get Sam's Club travel deals

Score serious savings on travel when you book through Sam's Club. Members can snag discounts on hotels/resorts, theme parks, car rentals, and more.

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Use the pharmacy to save on medications

Plus members get a slew of special discounts that can more than offset the club's annual $10 increase. This includes a 30-day supply of over 600 common generic meds for $10.

But wait, there's more. If you choose the pricier membership tier, you can also get 10 popular prescription drugs for $0, including lisinopril, metformin, and amiodipine. Check your local Sam's Club pharmacy for specific discounts and updated medication lists.

Buy glasses or contacts at the optical center

Save 20% on two or more pairs of glasses at Sam's Optical Center (Plus members only). While this doesn't include the price of an eye exam, you can use the discount to cut costs on both eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses.

Shop for hearing aids

Hearing aids are notoriously expensive. That's why shoppers who are in-the-know choose Sam's for this healthcare product. And you won't have to pay for a professional consultation. Anyone 19 or older can get a free hearing exam with a licensed specialist.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Pay less for gas

The rising cost of gas has just about everyone feeling down. Keep in mind, the price per gallon constantly changes. But club members typically spend less than they would elsewhere, making the increased annual fee well worth the extra $10.

Along with paying less at the pump, Plus members who use a Sam's Club credit card can earn 5% back in Sam's Cash on the first $6,000 they spend. After reaching the $ 6,000 annual limit, club members earn 1% back.

Cut cell phone and home internet costs

Members who use T-Mobile can save money on the latest iPhones and Android models from top brands like Samsung.

Not already on T-Mobile's network? Switch to this cell phone or home Internet service provider, and you may qualify for cash back and special discounted offers.

Bottom line

When it comes down to it, the added $10 per year doesn't have to throw your shopping budget off course. And that's why we put together this list of simple money-saving Sam's Club tips.

Are you looking for another option that makes bulk buying affordable? Here's an easy way to keep more cash in your wallet: While members-only warehouse clubs charge an annual fee, traditional big-box retailers are free to shop and often have comparable (or sometimes better) deals.

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