Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Sam’s Club Mastercard vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?
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Sam’s Club Mastercard vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?

If you do all your grocery and fuel shopping at either Target or Sam's Club, the cashback you get from both credit cards is pretty similar.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

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Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update: July 21, 2024
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

See full bio
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
  • Article update:July 21, 2024

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Sam's Club Mastercard and Target Red Card are both retail credit cards that offer unique benefits to their respective cardholders. Let's compare them side by side:

General Comparison

The Sam's Club Mastercard has a cool rewards program, especially if you're a Sam's Club Plus member. But here's the catch – you need a Sam's Club membership, and that starts at $50 a year for the basic one and $110 a year for the fancier Plus version.

The good part is, if you spend a lot on gas, the cash-back you get is one of the best out there.

Now, let's talk about the Target Red Card. It gives you a 5% discount on almost everything you buy at Target, whether in the store or online shopping. This discount covers a lot of stuff, making it awesome for people who love shopping at Target.

Target Circle card discount
Target Circle card discount (Screenshot taken by our team from Target app)

Plus, if you like shopping from your couch, you'll love that the card offers free shipping for your online orders. It's like a cherry on top for the home shoppers out there.

target red card

Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Target RedCard Credit Card
Sam's Club Mastercard
Annual Fee
$0
$0 ($50/$110 for Club/Plus membership – MUST)
Rewards
5% off at Target and target.com, 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target
5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining and takeout and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
$30 statement credit after making $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within the first 30 days
0% Intro APR
None
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
N/A
Purchase APR
29.95% (Variable)
20.40% or 28.40% Variable
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold
Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards
Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review
Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Sam's Club vs. Target Cashback: Which Card Gives More?

If you do all your grocery and fuel shopping at either Target or Sam's Club, the cashback you get from both cards is pretty similar. However, there's a slight edge with Target.

Both cards give you some cool cashback perks, but when it comes to the cashback rate at their respective stores, Sam's Club's higher rate (for Plus members) is a bit lower than what Target offers:

target red card

Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Spend Per Category
Target RedCard Credit Card
Sam's Club Mastercard
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$750
$450
$5,000 – Restaurants
$100
$150
$4,000 – Travel
$40
$40
$4,000 – Gas
$80
$200
Estimated Annual Cashback
$970
$840

* Assuming all supermarkets/gas purchases made via Target/Sam's Club

Additional Retail Shopping Benefits: Comparison

When it comes to extra benefits, both cards offer retail shopping benefits for cardholders. here's what you can get with each card:

Target RedCard Credit Card

target red card

  • Swift Shipping Convenience: Experience the ease of rapid delivery with complimentary 2-day shipping on a wide array of items when making purchases on Target.com.

  • Exclusive RedCard Offers: Access special products and exclusive deals reserved solely for RedCard holders, elevating your shopping experience with distinctive advantages.

  • Extended Return Period: Enjoy an additional 30 days for returns and exchanges at Target, offering flexibility and peace of mind for your purchases.

  • Starbucks Savings: Trim 5% off your expenses at any in-store Starbucks location by utilizing your Target Red Card, providing an additional perk for aficionados of quality coffee.

  • Savings on Specialty Gift Cards: Garner a 5% discount on specialty gift cards encompassing travel, restaurants, movie tickets, and more, enabling savings on a diverse range of experiences and purchases extending beyond the confines of Target.

Sam's Club Mastercard

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

The Sam's club MasterCard doesn't offer extra benefits unless you have a Plus member – which costs $110 annually. Only cardholders with a plus membership can also get the following:

  • Early Shopping: Gain exclusive access to select online events before the crowds.
  • 20% Off a Pair of Glasses: Enjoy a significant discount on eyewear, coupled with complimentary shipping on contact lenses.
  • Free Shipping: Benefit from free shipping on the majority of items when shopping online or through the Sam’s Club app.
  • Free Curbside Pickup: Simplify your shopping experience with the convenience of curbside pickup, including assistance in loading your car.
  • Free Select Generic Prescriptions: Access over 600 generic prescriptions at $10 or less and enjoy discounts on brand-name drugs.
  • Earn 2% Sam’s Cash™: Receive cashback on in-club purchases, with the opportunity to earn up to $500 a year.
  • Same-Day Delivery: Opt for same-day delivery at a minimal cost of $8 with Sam's Club Plus, available when you order by 1 pm.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold
Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards
Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review
Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

target red card

Apple card

amazon prime visa
Target Red Card
Apple Credit Card
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
$0 ($139 Amazon Prime subscription required)
Rewards
1% – 5% 5% off at Target and target.com, 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target
1% – 3% 3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
1-5% 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh , Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back on gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None
N/A
$100 $100 Amazon gift card upon approval
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
$0
Purchase APR
29.95% (Variable)
15.99% – 26.99% Variable
19.49% – 27.49% Variable
Read Review
Learn More
Read Review
Learn More
Read Review
Learn More

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Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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The Smart Investor (this website) is an independent financial website. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The Smart Investor does not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete.

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