Your Free One-Day Pass to Sam's Club

Sam’s Club is a US retail chain owned by Walmart. It serves 47 million Americans, making it the country’s 8th largest retailer. Its closest rival is Costco. However, even if you prefer Costco, Sam’s Club has more locations (about 600). This post shows how to get a free one-day pass for Sam’s Club – and also whether or not you should use it. This pass gives you access to the entire store for one day. It does have an expiration date: January 31, 2016. You also cannot use this pass on Black Friday or on members-only events. Oh, but don’t overlook the biggest limitation – you’re charged an extra 10% on everything you buy (this is waived for those who live in California, South Carolina, or Elmsford, NY).

If you still want to use this pass, simply present it to the Customer Service desk at your local Sam’s Club. You can probably just use the image in this post. But if they want something slightly more official, go to the official Sam’s Club Pass coupon page.

“How can I shop at Sam’s Club for free without the 10% fee?”

I’m glad you asked. There are actually much smarter ways to try out Sam’s Club than by using this pass.

Wait for an Open House

The regularity of these is a mystery. There’s no pattern I can clue you in on. Signup for Sam’s Club emails to be notified when the next one rolls around. They usually last an entire weekend.

Shop SamsClub.com

Unfortunately, you still get charged the 10% surcharge for shopping at SamsClub.com without a membership. But everyone is free to shop the site.

Buy Items That Are Available for Purchase by Non-members

Not everything at Sam’s Club requires a membership for purchase. Some areas of the store are open to anyone – with no 10% surcharge. Sam’s Club is free to anyone wanting alcohol, eyeglass prescriptions, medications, and more.

Become a Free Add-on Member

If someone within your household is a card member, they can add you on as a user. This is similar to bringing on a user to your credit card. New and add-on members must be at least 18-years-of-age.

Consider if Warehouse Stores Are Worth the Hassle

Before you get too wrapped up in finding free passes, consider if it’s worth the cost. Consider the extra time of going to a warehouse store on top of your usual trip to the grocery store. Because, after all, you’ll probably still need your local grocer. It’s hard to buy fresh food at Sam’s that won’t go bad before you use it all. And Sam’s Club won’t likely have the sheer selection you require.

As of last year, the average grocery store stocks 42,214 items. Sam’s Club doesn’t stock anywhere near the selection. For instance, they will likely only have one kind of refried bean to choose from or 2 types of macaroni and cheese.

If you’re single, it’s hard to justify the expense. Plus, your house probably doesn’t have the capacity for a 10lb. jar of sweet pickles.

Becoming a free member can work but it’s tricky. Is it worth it for you? Maybe. If so, which approach works best for you? It’s probably wise to avoid the 10% fee.