Top 15 Sam's Club Hacks to Save More in 2025

Learn how to save on memberships, find the best in-store deals, utilize instant savings, and enjoy exclusive perks like travel discounts and free generic medications.

sams club hacks
 I’ve gathered tips to help you maximize your membership, including savvy spending strategies and finding the best deals every time you shop. While Sam’s Club doesn’t accept coupons, there are still plenty of ways to save when you have a Sam's Club membership. Explore everything about shopping at Sam’s Club, online and in-store, along with our top Sam's Club hacks to save you even more! Also, check out our Best Things To Buy At Sam's Club guide and our comparison review of Costco vs. Sam's Club vs. BJ's.

 

1. Don’t Pay Full Price For A Sam’s Club Membership

Right now get a Sam's Club membership for ONLY $25!  Sam's Club is giving $25 off the regular membership cost of $50. This is a no-brainer deal to take advantage of all their awesome in-store and online sales. This membership gives you access to the best Sam's Club sales with this amazing deal, like big money off groceries, home goods, toys, electronics, and more. You can also order online for curbside pickup, and delivery or scan and go in-store!

Get the Sam's Club Membership for Only $25!


2. Coupons Aren't Permitted: BUT Look For Instant Savings With Your Membership Card


Are you familiar with Sam’s Club's Instant Savings program? It’s highly popular among members who frequent this shopping club. Here are some key advantages of this program:

  • Direct application of special discounts is made to your membership card.
  • Exclusive offers on a diverse selection of products.
  • Convenient tracking of savings via the Sam’s Club app or through email alerts.

Whenever you make a purchase, either in-store or online, Instant Savings are automatically subtracted from your total bill.  These discounts are available as fixed dollar amounts and percentages, allowing you to enjoy better prices on a wide range of products, from groceries to tech items.

You can obtain these discounts via SamsClub.com, the Sam’s Club app, or by collecting an Instant Savings Book from your nearby warehouse.

PRO Tip: Although coupons aren't accepted, you can also save with Ibotta and other free coupon apps. Just upload your Sam’s Club receipt to the app to earn cash back on select products.
 

Sign Up for Ibotta Cash Back


3. Skip the Checkout Line with Scan & Go

The Sam’s Club app features a handy Scan & Go option that enables you to:

  • Conserve time and effort by effortlessly skipping the checkout queue
  • Instantly scan the barcode of a product and make a payment through the app
  • Monitor your spending with a total that updates based on your selections

Upon payment, the app generates a QR code for you to use as a digital receipt when exiting the store. The whole procedure is remarkably simple!


4. Prices Are The Same Online or In-Store BUT Markdowns Are Better In-Store

Whether you're shopping online, through the app, or in-store, you'll receive the same price as a member. However, depending on inventory availability, price reductions or in-store specials often offer better deals.

It's important to note that discounts vary by location and are affected by the amount of inventory that needs to be moved at each location. Therefore, we recommend checking with your local Sam's Club for inventory information.


5. Pay Less for Groceries and Household Goods with Member's Mark

Sam’s Club's private label is the Member’s Mark brand.  The quality of these products is on par with that of their pricier counterparts, and the value is unmatched.  For less, you can find a range of products, including frozen meat and meals, household goods, and baby care items.


6. Check out Sam’s Club Travel Deals

Sam's Club members can access travel deals and services, giving them the opportunity to enjoy discounted vacations and experiences. Some of the travel deals and services Sam's Club offers include:

  • Vacation Packages: Sam's Club has vacation packages, like beach resorts, theme parks, and international attractions. These packages can include hotel, transportation, and additional benefits like restaurant credits or attraction tickets.
  • Zoo and Museum Attractions: Members can access up to 65% at the mentioned attractions.
  • Rental Cars: Sam's Club offers 25% discount on car rentals from major rental agencies.
  • Hotels: Access to discounted hotel rates through Sam's Club, allowing them to save at hotels and resorts around the world.
  • Theme Parks: These offers can change; save up to $100 on Disney tickets and 40% on Legoland tickets.
  • Ski Resorts: Enjoy up to 50% at ski resorts in Colorado, Massachusetts, Utah, and more

7. Get Affordable Eyewear At The Optical Center


Sam’s Club members can also enjoy significant savings on eyewear at the Optical Center. Here are some of the benefits and services offered:

  • Competitive Pricing: Members can find a wide selection of eyeglass frames and lenses at competitive prices, including designer brands and the latest styles.
  • Complimentary Services: Free adjustments and cleanings for your glasses are available, ensuring they fit comfortably and remain in top condition.
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Additional discounts on eyewear and accessories are often available exclusively for Sam’s Club members.
  • Professional Eye Exams: Licensed optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams to check your vision and eye health. While there is a fee for the exam, members may find the rates more affordable compared to other providers.
  • Specialized Lenses: If you wear or need single-vision or progressive lenses, this optician can help.
  • Free Services: Get free adjustments and cleanings for your glasses.
  • Exclusive Member Discounts: Get additional discounts on glasses and accessories.
  • Expert Eye Exams: You can receive comprehensive eye exams; the exam is not free. Members can check if this expense is within their budget compared to other providers.

8. Get Exclusive Access to Pharmacy Services & Free Generic Medication

One of the best features of having a Plus membership is being able to get these 10 generic medications for completely free:

  • Amlodipine
  • Donepezil
  • Escitalopram
  • Finasteride
  • Lisinopril
  • Metformin
  • Montelukast
  • Pioglitazone
  • Sertraline
  • Vitamin D2 50,000 IU

Plus Members at Sam’s Club can enjoy substantial savings on prescriptions, offering more than 600 generic medications for a supply of up to 30 days at $10 or less, along with an additional saving of 8% on pet prescriptions.


9. Birthday Coming Up? Sam’s Club Custom Birthday Cakes Are LEGIT & Affordable

At Sam's Club, you can order a beautiful and affordable personalized cake. Personalized birthday cakes are the best:

  • Designs for everyone: Sam's Club offers a variety of cake designs for children, teens, and adults.
  • Personalize it: You can choose flavors, fillings, frosting, and a personal message.
  • Exceptional flavor, quality ingredients: These are delicious and beautiful.
  • Sizes for any party: No matter the size of your event, they have a cake to fit your needs.
  • Easy to order: Just go to the store's bakery area to place your order.
  • Affordable: Get a custom cake without the high cost.

10. Learn How to Read Sam's Club Price Tags Codes


Sam's Club price tags have a code in the lower left corner. It's a letter near the serial number and the barcode. Here's how it works:

  • "N" indicates the item is permanently in the store's inventory. It will always be available for purchase.
  • "A" indicates it's an active item; it won't be discontinued or discounted in the near future.
  • "S" indicates a seasonal item. It's recommended to purchase it before the season ends.
  • "O" indicates a one-time purchase. Available stock is limited, and its availability afterward is not guaranteed.
  • "C" means "cancelled," meaning the item won't be restocked and the store wants to remove it.

11. Score Free Samples Without the Wait at The Freeosk Machine

Access free samples anytime with the Freeosk machine by scanning your membership card, no waiting necessary. The machines are available daily, but for a wider variety of samples, visit on weekends between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.


12. The Sam’s Club Credit MAY Not Be Worth It... You Decide

Not sure if you want the Sam's Club credit card? Here are some details to help you decide:

  • No annual fee: The card has no annual fee, which offers savings.
  • Standard Club members: 1% cash back on purchases made with the card.
  • Plus members: 3% cash back on eligible purchases at Sam's Club and Walmart, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Everyone receives 5% with Gas Rewards: All cardholders get 5% cash back on gas purchases at Sam's Club gas stations.

13. Shop In October to Save Even More

You can find ways to save at Sam's Club in October. Look for new Instant Savings offers on the Sam's Club website or app. These include Halloween candy and fall clothing. You can also look for seasonal promotions, new product offerings and much more.


14. Save up to 25% on Discounted Gift Cards

You can purchase gift cards with up to 25% off, available for restaurants, movie theaters, and more.


15. Non-members Can Shop with a 24-hour Guest Pass

If you don't want to pay for an annual membership, consider a free Guest Membership for online purchases only, valid for 24 hours. Please note that purchases will incur a 10% service charge, and this trial membership does not allow in-store purchases.



And if Sam's Club just isn't your jam, no worries. We've also got the Top 7 BJ's Hacks for BJ's Wholesale Members. 
 

Sam's Club Hacks: FAQs

What Items Are Must Buys At Sam’s Club?
Frozen salmon, frozen berries, maxi pads, inflatable pools, candy, and dog food are always among the best deals at Sam’s Club.

Do Students & Military Get Membership Discounts?
Sam’s Club extends exclusive benefits to both military personnel and students upon joining as new members. Former or active duty military members can validate their status online to enjoy a 60% discount on a new Club membership, along with a $5 reduction on their inaugural in-club purchase. Similarly, students are entitled to a 30% discount on a new Club membership or a $40 deduction on a new Plus membership.

What does .91 mean at Sam's Club? 
Keep an eye out for items with prices ending in.91 at Sam’s Club, as this signifies that the product is a final sale offer and once it sells out, it will not be replenished. These deals are time-sensitive and won’t last indefinitely.

- Vanessa