Why you can trust us We may earn money from links on this page, but commission does not influence what we write or the products we recommend. AOL upholds a rigorous editorial process to ensure what we publish is fair, accurate and trustworthy.&xa0; No card? No problem.
Why you can trust us
We may earn money from links on this page, but commission does not influence what we write or the products we recommend. AOL upholds a rigorous editorial process to ensure what we publish is fair, accurate and trustworthy.
No card? No problem. 4 Sam's Club hacks that work without a membership
Kat Aoki September 30, 2025 at 7:39 AM
0
No card? No problem. 4 Sam's Club hacks that work without a membership (slobo via Getty Images)
If you've ever driven past a Sam's Club and wondered what bulk treasures lie inside those warehouse walls, you're in good company. This retail giant has become a go-to destination for stocking up on everything from paper towels to big-ticket electronics, plus perks like discounted (or even free) prescriptions, fresh groceries and cheap gas.
Here's the insider secret: You don't always need a Sam's Club card to shop this warehouse's bulk bargains. We found four legitimate ways in — minus the membership fee.
1. Tag along with a member
The easiest and most obvious way to access Sam's Club prices without a membership is to become another member's shopping buddy. Members can bring their kids and guardians plus up to two guests on each visit.
So, if a friend or family member is making a warehouse run, ask to hitch a ride. They'll need to handle checkout, but you can settle up after. And remember to bring your own shopping bags!
🎯 Best for: Testing the Sam's Club waters before committing to a full membership, or shopping with a buddy who doesn't mind sharing warehouse privileges.
🔍 Read more: Why Sam's Club is quietly beating Costco for retirees
Getty | Sam's Club
Sam's Club Membership$25$50Save $25
AOL readers save 50% with this exclusive limited-time offer — save $25 right now!
Limited-time offer through January 2026.
$25 at Sam's Club2. Shop online as a "guest" (but expect to pay extra)
Sam's Club rolls out the red carpet for nonmembers with a guest account — no membership card necessary. The tradeoff? It tacks a 10% service fee to everything you buy. You're also locked out of members-only pricing and premium conveniences like curbside pickup and the beloved Scan & Go, the checkout-skipping perk that members swear by.
🎯 Best for: One-time hauls when you've spotted an irresistible deal online. Just know that 10% guest fee can add up fast, making this a pricey habit if you're planning to shop regularly.
🔍 Read more: Think your household's too small for Costco or Sam's Club? We did the math
3. Ask a friend to place an online order for you
Don't want to fork over that 10% guest penalty? Here's a craftier workaround: Convince a member to place an online pickup order for you At checkout, they can add you as "pickup person" — which means you can collect the order curbside with just an order number and your ID. Venmo them the cash while you're still in the car.
🎯 Best for: Occasional purchases when you need something specific from Sam's Club online. Just don't make this your regular shopping strategy — asking friends for favors wears thin fast for the both of you.
🔍 Read more: 4 unexpected money lessons hiding in your warehouse membership
4. Hit up the free zones
Here's where Sam's Club is legally required to be open to everyone, membership or not:
Sam's Club Pharmacy. Anyone can buy prescription medications from Sam's Club pharmacies — it says so right on their site. Simply transfer your prescription and skip the 10% non-member surcharge at any of more 550 warehouse pharmacies.
Sam's Club Alcohol. Call it the liquor loophole — thanks to state liquor laws, there's no card required to buy affordable Member's Mark alcohol and name-brand beer, wine and spirits. You will need to go into the store to get your booze — no curbside pickup allowed.
Sam's Club Optical. Walk-ins are welcome for comprehensive eye exams at the optical center, no Sam's Club card needed. Though you will need a membership to buy prescription glasses, contact lenses, Ray-Bans and other eyecare products.
Sam's Club Cafe: Craving a quick bite? The food court is open to anyone. Grab pizza, nachos, snacks and soft drinks at warehouse prices without flashing a membership card.
🎯 Best for: Anyone who only needs Sam's for grabbing prescriptions, loading up on liquor, getting your eyes checked or satisfying a pizza craving without committing to membership.
🔍 Read more: 100 best (and hidden) discounts everyone over 50 should know about
What you're missing without a membership
Of course, these workarounds get you in the door, but they won't unlock the full Sam's Club experience that includes:
Discounted medications starting at just $4 for generics
Scan & Go — just scan your items, pay in the app and skip the checkout line entirely
Wallet-friendly fuel discounts at hundreds of stations nationwide
Tires and auto services without the hefty markups
Upgrade to Sam's Club Plus to enjoy even sweeter perks: free generic prescriptions, 2% to 5% cash back on everyday purchases, early in-store shopping from 8 to 10 a.m. and free shipping on online orders over $50.
🔍 Read more: 20+ clever ways to save money: Earning, spending and boosting your bottom line
Getty | Sam's Club
Sam's Club Plus Membership$70$110Save $40
AOL readers save $40 on Sam's Club Plus. That's just $70 for a year full of savings!
Limited-time offer through January 2026.
$70 at Sam's ClubThe bottom line: Are these workarounds worth it?
These workarounds are clever for one-off trips or purchases, but let's be honest: asking friends for favors and paying 10% surcharges gets old fast. If you find yourself making repeat trips, it could be time to get your own membership.
Right now, AOL members can save 50% off a Sam's Club membership — pay just $25 for a basic membership or $70 for Sam's Club Plus (a whopping $40 off a full year of savings). Deal ends January 31, 2026.
A membership pays for itself fast, especially at 50% off — no tricks needed!
Heck, I bought my own basic membership while writing this article and practically paid for it in one shopping trip with paper towels, laundry detergent and energy bars alone.
Cherry on the warehouse-size sundae? Sam's Club offers a 100% money-back guarantee on memberships. If you're not happy, you get a full refund. Zero risk.
Other stories you might like -
Shipping packages to loved ones? These tips cut costs by up to 87%
As gold hits new records, you can now buy it at Costco — but should you?
7 grocery staples you're wasting money on (and what to buy instead)
Is an AARP membership worth it? Why it just might be (and what to avoid)
Got an hour? 8 weekend money hacks that can really pay off
About the writer
Kat Aoki is a finance writer who's written thousands of articles to empower people to better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
📩 Have thoughts or comments about this story — or ideas on topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to our team at [email protected].
Source: "AOL AOL Money"
Source: ANIO MAG
Full Article on Source: ANIO MAG
#LALifestyle #USCelebrities