“Not enforced at all,” says Sam’s Club fan, as circumvention of little-known membership rule allows friends to shop

June 30, 2024

A SAM’S Club customer complained that membership rules are not enforced as desired.

Members can add a free membership for free, but this rule has a limitation that not all businesses care about.

Sam’s Club members can gift a free membership to a family member or friendPhoto credit: Getty

Sam’s Club offers members the opportunity to add a free membership “for a family member or friend.”

According to the regulations, this family member or friend should live in the same household as the main member.

But a customer recently claimed on Reddit that the company doesn’t always enforce this rule.

“It honestly depends on your local club whether they enforce this rule or not,” they wrote.

“In my club the rule is not enforced at all, while other clubs are very strict and require that the license on your accomplice’s address matches yours.”

“You can compliment anyone you want,” said another.

“As long as he has a valid ID, nothing will happen… even then it’s vague.”

A cashier from Sam’s Club also participated in the discussion.

“We too have not enforced this rule for years,” they wrote.

“In addition, the new policy requiring all cashiers to work at a desk has not helped enforce the regulations.”

I’m canceling my Costco membership and switching to Sam’s Club – and not because of the cheaper membership prices

However, someone else had a completely different perspective.

“We strictly enforce this in my club,” they wrote.

“The person writing the letter must provide proof of address.

“By not adhering to this policy, you will only compromise your own Sam’s share for your club.”

Membership and loyalty card offers from major retailers

Here you will find an overview of the loyalty cards of various retailers and their benefits

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Costco:

Gold Star Membership: $60 per year, shop at all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
Executive Membership: $120 per year, 2% annual rewards, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, online and store purchases, and two additional cards for home use.
Sign up for a Costco membership here.

Sam’s Club:

Club membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, free membership and add-on memberships.
Plus membership: $110 per year, all the benefits of club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and discounts at the pharmacy and optician.
Sign up for Sam’s Club membership here

Goal:

Target group: A free rewards program where users earn 1% of Target Circle rewards on an eligible purchase, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and have their say in how Target helps your community.
Target area map: A credit, debit or reloadable account card that offers users 5% off in-store and online, plus exclusive offers, free two-day shipping and an additional 30-day return policy. Formerly Target RedCard.
Sign up for Target Circle here

Walmart:

Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum purchase, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and take in-store, and early access to deals and new products.
Sign up for Walmart+ here

Check out Sam’s Club’s modified hours for July 4th.

And find out why a Sam’s Club customer called for a boycott after an issue with the store’s cooler.