Apple Pay has quickly become one of the most popular mobile payment methods, offering fast, contactless transactions using your iPhone or Apple Watch. But not all retailers accept it yet — especially warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club. If you’re wondering, “Does Sam’s Club take Apple Pay?”, this guide has all the answers.
We’ll cover where and how you can pay at Sam’s Club, explore whether Apple Pay is supported, and suggest the best alternatives if it isn’t.
What Is Apple Pay and Why Do Shoppers Prefer It?
Apple Pay is a mobile wallet and digital payment system built into Apple devices. With just a tap of your iPhone or a double-press on your Apple Watch, you can pay securely at millions of NFC-enabled terminals around the world.
Why shoppers love Apple Pay:
- No need to carry physical cards or cash
- Transactions are protected with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode
- Reduces contact — perfect for hygiene-conscious consumers
- Works online and in apps, not just in-store
- Tracks payment history for easier budgeting
Given its ease of use, many consumers expect major retailers — including Sam’s Club — to support it.
Does Sam’s Club Take Apple Pay In-Store?
No, Sam’s Club does not accept Apple Pay at its physical store locations.
Despite the growing popularity of contactless payment systems, Sam’s Club registers and self-checkout terminals are not equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology required for Apple Pay.
That means you can’t simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at checkout like you would at Target, Walgreens, or Costco.
Why Doesn’t Sam’s Club Accept Apple Pay?
There’s no official explanation from Sam’s Club or its parent company Walmart, but there are several likely reasons:
- Focus on Their Own App (Scan & Go)
Sam’s Club promotes its own digital solution — the Sam’s Club Scan & Go app, which lets you scan items as you shop and pay through the app. Accepting Apple Pay may reduce the incentive to use their in-house solution. - Avoiding Apple’s Processing Fees
Apple charges a small fee to banks for each transaction processed via Apple Pay. Some retailers opt out of Apple Pay to avoid these costs. - Data Control
Using their own payment platforms allows Sam’s Club to collect shopping data, track customer behavior, and customize promotions — something that Apple Pay, with its privacy-first design, doesn’t allow.
Can You Use Apple Pay on the Sam’s Club App or Website?
Yes, Apple Pay is accepted for online orders placed through the Sam’s Club iOS app and website — but with limitations.
Where it works:
- When shopping through the Sam’s Club iOS mobile app
- On Safari browser when using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
This means you can use Apple Pay to place orders for delivery or curbside pickup — just not in-store.
Note: Availability may vary depending on your region, device, and payment settings.
Best Payment Methods Accepted at Sam’s Club
Here are the current payment options accepted by Sam’s Club in-store and online:
In-store:
- Sam’s Club Credit and Gift Cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Walmart Rewards Card
- EBT/SNAP (on eligible items)
- Sam’s Club Scan & Go (via app)
- Cash and checks
Online/App Orders:
- All major debit and credit cards
- Sam’s Club gift cards
- Digital wallets: Apple Pay (app only), Google Pay (Android only), Samsung Pay
- PayPal (online checkout)
What Is Scan & Go, and Is It an Alternative to Apple Pay?
Yes. Scan & Go is Sam’s Club’s proprietary contactless checkout system designed to compete with options like Apple Pay.
How it works:
- Download the Sam’s Club app on your iPhone
- Log into your membership account
- While shopping, use your phone’s camera to scan each item’s barcode
- Pay directly through the app using your saved card
- Show your digital receipt to the exit associate on your way out
Benefits:
- Avoids lines and checkout altogether
- Contact-free
- Stores digital receipts
- Works with your stored debit or credit card (not Apple Pay directly)
Can You Use Apple Pay at Sam’s Club Gas Stations?
No, Sam’s Club gas stations do not accept Apple Pay at the pump. Just like in-store, the fuel pumps are not equipped with NFC payment capabilities.
However, you can use:
- Sam’s Club Credit Card
- Major debit/credit cards
- Walmart-branded cards
- The Sam’s Club app (Scan & Go Fuel) in select areas
What Retailers Like Sam’s Club Do Accept Apple Pay?
If you’re committed to using Apple Pay and want a similar warehouse experience, you may consider:
Costco – Accepts Apple Pay at all U.S. locations (with Visa cards only)
BJ’s Wholesale Club – Accepts Apple Pay at many locations
Target – Offers Apple Pay in-store and online
Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s – Fully NFC-compatible
CVS, Walgreens, Aldi – All accept Apple Pay
So while Sam’s Club doesn’t offer Apple Pay in-store, plenty of other big-name retailers do.
How to Use Apple Pay for Sam’s Club Purchases
While Apple Pay doesn’t work at the register, here’s how you can still use it with Sam’s Club:
Step 1: Download the Sam’s Club App (iOS only)
Available on the App Store.
Step 2: Shop In-App
Add items to your cart for pickup or delivery.
Step 3: Proceed to Checkout
Choose Apple Pay as your payment method when prompted.
Step 4: Confirm with Face ID or Touch ID
Securely complete your order using your Apple device.
FAQs About Sam’s Club and Apple Pay
Does Sam’s Club accept Apple Pay at self-checkout?
No. Apple Pay is not supported at self-checkout kiosks or traditional checkout lines.
Can I use Apple Pay with Sam’s Club Scan & Go?
Not directly. Scan & Go works with cards stored in the app but does not currently support Apple Pay.
Can I add my Sam’s Club card to Apple Wallet?
Yes, but it will act as a membership card, not a payment method.
Does Sam’s Club accept Apple Pay on Safari?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay via Safari when checking out from the Sam’s Club website on supported Apple devices.
Why doesn’t Sam’s Club add Apple Pay support?
They prioritize their own payment system (Scan & Go) and may avoid third-party fees and data restrictions.
Sam’s Club does not currently accept Apple Pay for in-store or gas station purchases, but you can use it on the mobile app or website for online orders and pickup. While it may be disappointing for Apple Pay users, the retailer offers alternatives like Scan & Go for a fast and contactless checkout experience.