Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Review for 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Nancy Fernandez is a Credit Card and Insurance Expert at Fit Small Business, specializing in business credit cards and business insurance.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard is an ideal credit card for business owners who are current members of Sam’s Club. This small business credit card provides cash back on gas, dining, and other purchases made at Sam’s Club. The amount of cash back depends on both the type of card you have and the purchase category. This card doesn’t have an annual fee.
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
5% back on gas at United States gas stations and Sam's Club and Walmart fuel stations
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
15.65% - 23.65%
Annual Fee
$0 except for annual Sam’s Club Plus membership fee of $100
Credit Needed
Good
- Earn 5% back on gas at US gas stations and Sam's Club and Walmart fuel stations, 3% on all Sam’s Club purchases, 3% back at restaurants, and 1% on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Cons
- Businesses must show at least $5 million in annual sales revenue, be operational for at least two years, and have more than 10 employees
- No sign-up bonus
- Need to be a Sam’s Club Plus member to apply
- 600 Sam’s Club locations in the US and Puerto Rico
- Single-card convenience as Mastercard® doubles as your Sam’s Club membership card
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
15.65% - 23.65%
Annual Fee
$0 except for annual Sam’s Club Plus membership fee of $100
Credit Needed
Good
- Earn 5% back on gas at US gas stations and Sam's Club and Walmart fuel stations, 3% on all Sam’s Club purchases, 3% back at restaurants, and 1% on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Cons
- Businesses must show at least $5 million in annual sales revenue, be operational for at least two years, and have more than 10 employees
- No sign-up bonus
- Need to be a Sam’s Club Plus member to apply
- 600 Sam’s Club locations in the US and Puerto Rico
- Single-card convenience as Mastercard® doubles as your Sam’s Club membership card
Who the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Is Best For
- Business owners who are current members of Sam’s Club: The Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard offers multiple benefits for Sam’s Club members—it can even double as your membership card. To qualify for the credit card, businesses must have at least $5 million in annual sales revenue, have been in operation for at least two years, and have more than 10 employees.
- Business owners with fair credit: Business owners with fair credit are eligible to apply for the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard.
- Those who do a lot of business-related driving: If you drive often to meet with your clients or complete jobs, you can get rewards when you use the card at Sam’s Club gas stations.
How We Evaluate Cash Back Business Credit Cards
When grading cash back business credit cards like the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard, we first consider the ongoing and introductory rewards. We also take into account the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and other card benefits.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 19 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 15 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Additional Features | 5 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 8 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 10 | 10 |
Total Score | 72 | 100 |
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Fees
- Introductory APR: 0%
- Ongoing APR: 15.65% for Account Type 1, 23.65% for Account Type 2
- Penalty APR: 29.99%
- Cash advance APR: 20.65% for Account Type 1, 26.65% for Account Type 2
- Minimum finance charge: $2
- Transaction fee for cash advances: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Returned check fee: $15 for balances of less than $100 and $38 for balances of $100 and higher
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on gas anywhere for the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%
- Earn 3% on Sam’s Club® purchases with Plus membership (1% for Club members only)
- Earn 3% cash back on dining and takeout
- Earn 2% in Sam’s Cash on qualifying pretax purchases made directly from Sam’s Club through curbside pickup
- Earn 1% cash back on other purchases
Sam’s Cash is the loyalty rewards currency used by Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard cardholders. You don’t need to opt in—the moment you register for Sam’s Club membership, you’re enrolled in the program automatically.
Sam’s Club members can earn up to $5,000 in Sam’s Cash per calendar year when purchasing qualified products using the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard. Note that the earned value of Sam’s Cash is deducted before the accrual of Sam’s Cash if qualified purchases are returned for a refund.
How to Make Payments on the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard cardholders must pay at least the total minimum payment on or before 5 p.m. Eastern time on the payment due date indicated on the statement. Your total minimum payment is the sum of the following:
- $15, 1/24th of the new balance included in your statement, or the sum of the finance charges, late fee, and 1% of your new balance, whichever is greater
- Any past due amounts
You can make your payments one of three ways:
- Online: When you register for online access, not only can you make your payments online, but you can also increase your credit line and monitor your activities.
- Onsite: You can also make your Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard payment in person at any Sam’s Club or Walmart.
- By phone: You can pay your bill over the phone by calling the number on the back of your card. Note that payments are generally posted to the account on the same banking day and that this feature isn’t available for direct accounts.
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Additional Features
Mobile App
Cardholders can use the Sam’s Club mobile app to monitor their credit card activities, pay their credit card bills, and even apply for an increase in their credit card limit.
Itemized Billing Statements
You’ll get detailed itemized billing statements every month, so you can monitor the kinds of purchases you or authorized users make month after month.
2-in-1 Card
Your Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard can also act as your membership card when you enter Sam’s Club.
Pros & Cons of the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No annual fee: There’s no annual fee, but you will still need to pay your Sam’s Club membership of $45 per year | Need to be a Sam’s Club Plus member to apply: Before applying for the Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard, you need to be a Sam’s Club member |
| No foreign transaction fees: When traveling internationally, there is no foreign transaction fee | No signup bonus: There is no signup bonus associated with this credit card |
| Difficulty to qualify for: Businesses must show at least $5 million in annual sales revenue, be operational for at least two years, and have more than 10 employees to be qualified for the card | |
| Need to upgrade for maximum rewards: To fully maximize cash back rewards, you’ll need to upgrade to Plus membership. | |
Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard Alternatives
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is our choice for best business credit card with no annual fees. You’ll get 3% cash back―with no limits to how much cash back is earned―at eligible gas stations, restaurants/takeout, mobile phone/service providers, and office supply stores.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.74% - 23.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.24% to 23.24%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.74% - 23.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.24% to 23.24%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™Plan.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
We chose the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card as the best overall business credit card for travel for 2022 due to the number of points you can get when booking hotels and rental cars with Capital One Travel. You can also redeem your mileage points for flights or hotels or even transfer your miles to any of Capital One’s 19 travel partners.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
American Express Blue Business CashTM
The American Express Blue Business Cash is our pick for best cash back business credit card for 2022 because it offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that.
In addition, this card offers Expanded Buying Power, which gives business owners a certain amount of freedom to spend beyond their credit limit. It should be noted that the spend amount isn’t unlimited; it is adjusted based on the use of your card, payment history, credit record, and financial resources.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Bottom Line
The Sam’s Club® Business Mastercard offers cash back when you make gas and merchandise purchases at Sam’s Club, and it has no annual fees. This is an excellent credit card for Sam’s Club members. To consider other options, visit our Credit Card Marketplace.
