Walmart Rewards Mastercard vs. Sam's Club Mastercard: Key Differences Explained

Choosing the right credit card for your shopping needs can be a daunting task, especially when you're faced with options like the Walmart Rewards Mastercard and the Sam’s Club Mastercard. Both offer unique rewards that cater to different types of shoppers, but how exactly do they differ? Read on to find out key differences that will help you make an informed decision.

How Do the Walmart Rewards Mastercard and Sam’s Club Mastercard Compare?

When looking at Walmart Rewards Mastercard vs. Sam’s Club Mastercard, it's important to consider your shopping habits. The Walmart Rewards Mastercard, despite being discontinued, favored online purchases with higher cashback rates on Walmart.com. Conversely, Sam's Club Mastercard users enjoy significant returns on gas and dining expenses.

The Walmart Rewards Mastercard was associated with Capital One, offering customers the chance to earn cashback on a tiered basis, with the most significant rewards on online purchases. In-store buyers also benefited, albeit at a lower rate. Another advantage was the absence of an annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for Walmart loyalists.

On the other hand, the Sam's Club Mastercard, managed by Synchrony Bank, requires an active Sam's Club membership. Its rewards structure is heavily inclined towards savings on fuel and dining, reflecting the lifestyle of its typical cardholder. The card's utility extends beyond Sam's Club locations, with appealing travel rewards included in its program.

What Are the Key Differences Between the Walmart Rewards Mastercard and Sam’s Club Mastercard?

The most prominent difference lies in the rewards structure. The Walmart card was designed to optimize savings on online shopping, while the Sam's Club card is tailored towards maximizing rewards on travel-related expenses and dining. Here are the specifics:

• Walmart Rewards Mastercard: 5% back on Walmart.com, 2% in-store, 1% elsewhere.
• Sam's Club Mastercard: 5% back on gas, 3% on dining and travel, 1% on other purchases.

The Walmart card's alignment with Capital One also meant access to features like identity theft protection services, while the Sam's Club card offered price protection benefits.

Can I Use My Walmart Credit Card At Sam's Club Online?

Understanding where you can use your credit card is crucial. While the Walmart Rewards Mastercard was primarily targeted at Walmart stores and its online platform, its discontinuation makes it a moot point. However, for Sam's Club Mastercard holders, the added flexibility of being able to use the card across different platforms, including online, is a boon.

What Are the Benefits Of The Walmart Rewards Mastercard?

Despite its discontinuation, the Walmart Rewards Mastercard's benefits were clear for Walmart enthusiasts. Its zero annual fee and tiered cashback system made it particularly attractive for those who frequently shopped online at Walmart.com.

How Does The Sam's Club Mastercard Work?

The Sam's Club Mastercard operates with a straightforward rewards system, incentivizing cardholders to spend on categories like gas and dining. It's an ideal card for those who are already invested in the Sam's Club ecosystem and want to make the most out of their membership.

What Are The Cash Back Opportunities Of Each Card?

Each card offers distinct cash back opportunities. The Walmart card was best for online Walmart purchases, while the Sam's Club card shines in the gas and dining categories. Both cards provided some form of cash back on all other purchases, albeit at a lower percentage.

Is It Worth Having Both The Walmart Rewards Mastercard And The Sam's Club Mastercard?

With the Walmart Rewards Mastercard no longer in the running, the question of holding both cards is no longer applicable. However, for those who held the Walmart card, transitioning to the Sam's Club Mastercard could offer a broader spectrum of rewards, especially if their spending habits align with the Sam's Club rewards categories.

Related Questions on Walmart and Sam's Club Mastercards

Can a Walmart rewards card be used at Sam's Club?

While the physical Walmart Rewards card is no longer operational, when it was active, it provided a level of interoperability within Walmart-owned properties, including Sam's Club. For consistency, Sam's Club Mastercard holders still enjoy this benefit.

What's the difference between Walmart Rewards Card and MasterCard?

The Walmart Rewards Card was exclusive to Walmart stores and its website, offering rewards specifically for Walmart purchases. The Mastercard version offered broader utility, allowing purchases outside Walmart with varying cash back rates.

Is Walmart Rewards Mastercard a good credit card?

The Walmart Rewards Mastercard was a strong contender in the retail credit card market, particularly for those who frequently shopped with Walmart online, thanks to its generous cash back rates on Walmart.com purchases.

What is the highest credit limit for Sam's Club Mastercard?

Sam's Club Mastercard credit limits vary based on individual creditworthiness, with some cardholders reporting high limits that reflect Synchrony Bank's confidence in their spending and repayment patterns.

For a closer look into the benefits of shopping with these cards, check out this video:

In conclusion, the right credit card for you depends on where you shop and what you buy. The Walmart Rewards Mastercard and the Sam's Club Mastercard are both strong options, each with unique benefits. Consider your shopping habits, where you spend the most, and what rewards are most important to you before making a decision.