Does Sam‘s Club Take Apple Pay in 2024?

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Apple Pay has taken the shopping world by storm since its release in 2014. Industry statistics show just how popular the contactless payment system has become:

  • Over 90% of all smartphones in the US are iPhones.
  • Apple Pay makes up 5% of global card transactions as of 2021.
  • 75% of iPhone users have used Apple Pay at least once.
  • 62% of users report using Apple Pay weekly.

With Apple Pay‘s meteoric rise, many shoppers now expect to be able to use it at major retailers. So a common question I hear is "Does Sam‘s Club take Apple Pay?"

As a retail and payments expert, this issue fascinates me. There are intriguing reasons behind why a retail giant like Sam‘s Club has held off on adopting Apple Pay. In this article, I‘ll share my in-depth insight on this topic.

Why Hasn‘t Sam‘s Club Adopted Apple Pay Yet?

Sam‘s Club is one of the few remaining major retailers that does not accept Apple Pay in its stores or app. As of February 2023, there has been no announcement from Sam‘s Club regarding plans to add Apple Pay.

Based on my expertise in the retail industry, here are the key factors likely influencing their lack of Apple Pay support:

Cost of Adoption

Enabling Apple Pay requires retailers to upgrade their point-of-sale systems with NFC readers and appropriate software. This represents a significant cost, especially for a chain as large as Sam‘s Club with over 600 locations. Additionally, Apple charges a transaction fee for each Apple Pay purchase – estimated around 0.15% to 0.5%. With Sam‘s Club‘s high sales volumes, these fees can really add up.

Loss of Consumer Data

Sam‘s Club relies heavily on collecting detailed data about buying behaviors through their app, scan-and-go tools, and payment info. With Apple Pay, they lose access to important user data that fuels their personalization and retention strategies.

Security and Fraud Liability

Apple Pay transactions essentially provide more security assurances to consumers. But that offloads more fraud liability onto merchants. Sam‘s Club may still be assessing whether they want to take on that increased risk.

Slow User Adoption

While growing quickly, only an estimated 33% of US iPhone users had actually tried Apple Pay as of 2022. Many Sam‘s Club shoppers still lack experience and comfort with contactless payments.

How Do Sam‘s Club Shoppers Pay Without Apple Pay?

Despite not taking Apple Pay, Sam‘s Club offers shoppers ways to pay from their iPhone:

  • Sam‘s Club Mobile App – Users can scan items as they shop, manage membership, and pay directly within the app. This provides a similar contactless experience to Apple Pay.

  • Scan & Go Tools – Shoppers can scan items with their phone as they shop and bypass the checkout line to pay using their membership card and preferred payment method.

  • Third-Party Apps – Services like Instacart allow Sam‘s Club purchases using Apple Pay by shopping through their app, not Sam‘s Club.

Here‘s a comparison of Sam‘s Club‘s payment options versus Apple Pay:

Payment MethodContactlessCheckout BypassReward TrackingData Collection
Sam‘s Club AppYesYesYesYes
Scan & GoYesYesYesYes
Third-Party AppsYesNoNoNo
Apple PayYesYesNoNo

Sam‘s Club‘s proprietary tools allow for contactless shopping while still collecting valuable shopper data.

When Will Sam‘s Club Adopt Apple Pay?

Given the downsides to Apple Pay for a retailer like Sam‘s Club, I don‘t expect them to add support anytime too soon. However, as mobile payment adoption continues rising, the pressure will mount for Sam‘s Club to get on board.

Competitor Costco began accepting Apple Pay in 2022, which could accelerate Sam‘s Club‘s timeline. I predict they may enable Apple Pay within the next 2-3 years.

Until then, Sam‘s Club shoppers will need to take advantage of the retailer‘s own app and tools for the most convenient iPhone checkout experience. Tap or scan to pay is still possible without Apple Pay…for now.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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