How Much is Sam’s Club Membership Fee for Seniors?
According to Sam’s Club official membership page, the retailer charges $50 annually for a standard Club membership and $110 annually for a Plus membership as of 2025. While many seniors ask whether there’s a “senior discount,” the truth is Sam’s Club doesn’t have a separate discounted membership for older adults. Instead, seniors can tap into promotions, cash-back cards, or special offers from AARP and other organizations to save on the membership fee.
Sam’s Club Membership Fee in 2025
- Club Membership: $50 per year
- Plus Membership: $110 per year
That’s it—two tiers, two price points. Both plans allow access to Sam’s Club warehouses, gas stations, and online deals, but Plus members get extra perks like free shipping, free curbside pickup, and additional discounts on prescriptions and vision services.
In 2022, Sam’s Club raised its membership fees for the first time in nearly a decade. Club went from $45 → $50, and Plus jumped from $100 → $110.
Do Seniors Get a Discount at Sam’s Club?
Here’s the short answer: No, Sam’s Club does not currently offer a dedicated senior discount.
Unlike restaurants or movie theaters that slash prices for adults 55+, warehouse clubs keep fees flat for everyone. Whether you’re 30 or 70, you’ll pay the same $50 or $110 annually.
But—and it’s a big but—seniors can still find creative ways to save on membership fees through:
- Promotional sign-up offers – e.g., “Join today and get a $40 gift card.”
- AARP partner discounts – Some years, AARP has run promotions with Sam’s Club offering reduced membership costs.
- Third-party deals – Groupon, Rakuten, and Sam’s Club’s own seasonal offers sometimes bundle memberships with coupons or eGift cards.
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Benefits of Sam’s Club Membership for Seniors
Even without a senior-specific discount, membership can pay for itself quickly if you know where to look.
1. Prescription Discounts
According to Sam’s Club’s Prescription Savings Program, Plus members can get select medications for as low as $0 and save up to 30% on generics. For seniors on multiple prescriptions, this perk alone could outweigh the membership fee.

2. Vision & Hearing Aid Services
Sam’s Club Optical and Hearing Aid Center offer discounted eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids. Vision benefits are especially valuable for Plus members, who receive 20% off a complete pair of eyeglasses.
3. Free Shipping & Curbside Pickup
Many seniors prefer not to lug heavy items around. With Plus membership, you get free shipping on most online items and free curbside pickup, making it easier to shop without the hassle.
4. Travel & Entertainment Savings
Through Sam’s Club Travel & Entertainment, members can save on:
- Cruises
- Hotel stays
- Rental cars
- Theme park tickets (for grandkids!)
5. Fuel Savings
Gas prices fluctuate, but Sam’s Club members consistently save an average of $0.10 per gallon at Sam’s Club fuel stations. For seniors who drive frequently, this adds up.
Is Sam’s Club Worth It for Seniors?
Let’s put the numbers into perspective:
- A senior who fills 12 prescriptions per year could save an average of $150–$200 annually compared to standard pharmacy prices.
- Fuel savings for a driver who buys 50 gallons of gas per month equals about $60 in annual savings.
- A single pair of prescription eyeglasses can save Plus members $40–$60.
Add that up, and a $50 or $110 membership could pay for itself within 2–3 shopping trips.
Sam’s Club vs Costco vs BJ’s: Best for Seniors?
Seniors often weigh whether Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s is the better deal.
Feature | Sam’s Club | Costco | BJ’s Wholesale |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Fee | $50 | $60 | $55 |
Premium Fee | $110 | $120 | $110 |
Prescription Savings | Yes (strong discounts) | Yes | Yes |
Senior Discount | No | No | Limited AARP offers |
Travel Deals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free Shipping | Plus only | Online only (varies) | Online orders |
If seniors prioritize prescriptions and free shipping, Sam’s Club Plus membership has the edge. Costco, however, often wins for bulk grocery savings. BJ’s sits in between.
How Seniors Can Save on Sam’s Club Membership?
Even though there’s no official senior discount, here are smart ways to cut costs:
- Sign up during promotions – For example, Sam’s often offers a $40 gift card with a new $50 Club membership.
- Use AARP partnerships – Check AARP’s discounts page for seasonal Sam’s Club offers.
- Pay with a cash-back credit card – The Sam’s Club Mastercard gives 5% back on gas, 3% on dining & travel, and 1% everywhere else.
- Split with family – A membership includes a free household card. Seniors can share with a spouse or family member.
- Look for Groupon deals – Groupon has run offers like “$20 for a 1-year membership + free food vouchers.”
Final Thought
There’s no exclusive senior discount, but with prescription savings, free shipping, and travel perks, older adults can still squeeze a lot of value from the membership. The key is knowing how to leverage promotions, cash-back rewards, and healthcare benefits to get the most bang for your buck.
For many seniors, a Sam’s Club membership pays for itself in just a few trips. If prescriptions and convenience matter most, Plus is worth considering. But if you just want access to bulk groceries and fuel discounts, the $50 Club plan is plenty.
FAQs
Does Sam’s Club have a free trial for seniors?
Yes, Sam’s occasionally offers a one-day guest pass. Non-members pay a 10% service fee, though.
Is the Plus membership worth it for older adults?
It’s worth it if you need prescription savings, free shipping, or vision discounts. Otherwise, the $50 Club membership is usually enough.
Does Medicare cover Sam’s Club vision or pharmacy?
No, but Sam’s prescription savings often stack with Medicare Part D, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Can seniors shop at Sam’s Club without a membership?
You can order from Sam’s Club online without membership, but you’ll pay a 10% surcharge.
Which is cheaper for seniors—Sam’s or Costco?
Sam’s is slightly cheaper at the entry level ($50 vs $60), but the better option depends on what you buy most often (groceries vs prescriptions vs travel).