If you’ve ever driven past a Sam’s Club and wondered what bargains are hiding behind those massive warehouse doors, you’re definitely not alone. Known for selling everything from bulk groceries to high-end electronics, Sam’s Club also offers perks like discounted prescriptions, fresh produce, and cheap gas.
But here’s the twist — you don’t always need a Sam’s Club membership to enjoy the savings. Whether you want to test the waters or just score a few great deals, here are four easy and legal ways to shop without flashing a membership card.
1. Tag Along With a Member
The simplest way to shop at Sam’s Club without a membership? Go with someone who already has one.
Members are allowed to bring their kids and up to two guests per visit. That means you can easily join a friend or family member on their shopping trip. They’ll have to handle the checkout themselves, but you can settle up afterward — just don’t forget to bring your own bags.
🎯 Best for: Trying out Sam’s Club before committing, or joining a friend who’s happy to share the perks.
2. Shop Online as a “Guest” — With a Small Catch
Sam’s Club lets non-members shop online by creating a guest account, no membership card required. The trade-off? You’ll pay a 10% service fee on all your purchases.
Non-members also miss out on member-exclusive prices and features like curbside pickup or the popular Scan & Go app, which lets members skip the checkout line entirely.
🎯 Best for: One-time online splurges or limited-time deals. Just keep in mind that the 10% guest fee adds up if you shop often.
3. Ask a Member to Order for You
Don’t want to pay the extra guest fee? Here’s a clever workaround. Ask a member to place an online pickup order for you. At checkout, they can list you as the “pickup person,” so you can collect the order yourself with a photo ID and the order number.
Send them the payment digitally (Venmo, Zelle, etc.), and you’re set — no membership card needed.
🎯 Best for: Occasional purchases when you need something specific. Just use this trick sparingly — constant favors can wear out even the most generous friends.
4. Take Advantage of the “Free Zones”
Certain areas inside Sam’s Club are open to everyone — member or not. These include:
- Sam’s Club Pharmacy: Federal law allows non-members to fill prescriptions at any of Sam’s 550+ pharmacy locations, with no 10% surcharge.
- Sam’s Club Liquor Stores: Thanks to state liquor laws, anyone can buy alcohol at Sam’s Club. You can stock up on Member’s Mark spirits, wine, or beer — but you’ll need to shop in person, as curbside pickup isn’t allowed for alcohol.
- Sam’s Club Optical: Eye exams are available to walk-ins without a membership. You’ll need a card to buy glasses, lenses, or frames, but the exam itself is fair game.
- Sam’s Club Café: Hungry? Grab pizza, nachos, or a fountain drink at warehouse prices — no membership card needed.
🎯 Best for: Non-members who want Sam’s Club benefits like prescriptions, liquor, or optical exams without signing up.
What You Miss Without a Membership
These hacks are great for occasional shoppers, but they don’t unlock the full Sam’s Club experience. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, such as:
- Discounted medications starting at just $4 for select generics.
- Scan & Go checkout — pay in the app and skip the line entirely.
- Fuel discounts at hundreds of stations nationwide.
- Affordable tires and auto services with member pricing.
If you upgrade to Sam’s Club Plus, you’ll also get:
- Free generic prescriptions.
- 2%–5% cash back on everyday purchases.
- Early shopping hours (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.).
- Free shipping on online orders over $50.
So, Are the Workarounds Worth It?
These loopholes are handy for quick trips or occasional buys, but they can only take you so far. Paying extra fees or relying on friends can get old fast. If you find yourself visiting often, a membership is the smarter move.
The good news? Sam’s Club memberships often pay for themselves — especially when discounted by up to 50% off in seasonal promotions. And if you’re not satisfied, the retailer offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all memberships.
Personally? I signed up while researching this article — and the savings on paper towels, detergent, and snacks practically covered the cost in one trip.
💡 Bottom line: These tricks are great for testing the waters, but if you love bulk shopping, go ahead and grab your own membership. It’s one of the few subscriptions that can genuinely save you money.