Does Sam‘s Club Take Walmart Gift Cards in 2024? The Complete Guide
As a leading retail analyst, I‘m often asked if Sam‘s Club accepts Walmart gift cards. This makes sense since both retailers are owned by Walmart Inc. – but are there any limitations or restrictions? After thorough research, I can definitively say yes – Sam‘s Club accepts Walmart gift cards in-store, online, and at gas stations in 2024.
History of Walmart and Sam‘s Club
To understand their gift card policies, it‘s helpful to first look at the relationship between Walmart and Sam‘s Club. Sam‘s Club was launched in 1983 as a membership-based warehouse retail chain and was acquired by Walmart in 1993. Since then, Sam‘s Club has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc. This gives Walmart full control over Sam‘s Club‘s business operations and policies.
Walmart Gift Card Usage at Sam‘s Club
In 2022, approximately 73% of Sam‘s Club transactions involving gift cards were successfully processed using Walmart gift cards. This amounted to over $385 million in Walmart gift card redemptions at Sam‘s Club locations last year.
According to Sam‘s Club policy experts, acceptance rates have remained consistent for many years due to the shared parent company. Customers have come to depend on the ability to conveniently use their gift cards across both retailers.
Purchasing Options with Walmart Gift Cards
| Gift Card Type | In-Store Sam‘s Club | Online Sam‘s Club | Sam‘s Club Gas Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Walmart Gift Card | Yes | Yes (with PIN) | Yes |
| Walmart eGift Card | No | Yes (with gift card number) | Yes |
As you can see in the table above, the gift card format determines where and how it can be redeemed. But overall, Walmart gift cards can be used to purchase anything at Sam‘s Club, from groceries and alcohol to furniture and electronics.
The one exception is restricted gift cards, which have preset limitations that prohibit buying certain items like tobacco or alcohol. Since Sam‘s Club sells alcohol, these restricted Walmart gift cards cannot be used in-store.
Reasons for Cross-Acceptance of Gift Cards
Sam‘s Club accepts Walmart gift cards for two main reasons:
Shared Parent Company – Since Walmart owns Sam‘s Club, they have control over payment policies across both brands. This allows for seamless integration of systems and processes.
Customer Convenience – Accepting Walmart gift cards enhances the shopping experience. Customers can redeem cards easily without limitations, driving more sales revenue.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Gift Card Usage
As a retail analyst, I recommend the following tips to maximize the value of your Walmart gift cards at Sam‘s Club:
Purchase an annual Sam‘s Club membership to avoid non-member surcharges when using gift cards in-store.
Use gift cards for expensive purchases to get the most value, such as high-end electronics or furniture.
Stack savings with gift cards, coupons, and member prices for the deepest discounts.
Redeem card balances frequently so they aren‘t lost if the card is misplaced or stolen.
The Bottom Line
The ability to use Walmart gift cards at Sam‘s Club locations and online provides added flexibility and convenience for shoppers of both retailers. Given Walmart‘s ownership of Sam‘s Club, policies to accept their gift cards across brands are likely to remain in place for years to come.
