Sam’s Club just rolled out 10 major changes—here’s what shoppers need to know
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If you haven’t been to Sam’s Club in a while, your next visit might look a little different.
The retailer has made a series of updates that touch nearly every part of the shopping experience—from how you check out, to how you get gas, to how you order a slice of pizza.
While some of these changes may take a bit of getting used to, others are being welcomed as convenient upgrades that could save time and streamline your visit.
Sam’s Club is clearly leaning into digital tools and app-based services in 2025.
Here’s a full look at the ten updates members are now seeing in stores across the country.
Sam’s Club has removed self-checkout stations from all of its more than 600 locations.
Instead, customers are encouraged to use Scan & Go, a feature within the Sam’s Club app that allows you to scan items as you shop and pay from your phone.
No waiting in line or fumbling with machines—just grab your items and go!
Not only are the old self-checkout stations gone, but traditional staffed registers are being removed, too.
Sam’s Club is betting big that most shoppers will embrace app-based shopping.
For those who prefer the personal touch of a cashier, this may take some adjustment.
In a move not yet seen at Costco, Sam’s Club has introduced AI-powered exits at select stores.
These smart systems use cameras and sensors to scan your cart as you leave, confirming your purchase matches your digital receipt—no more paper receipts at the door.
According to Chief Merchant Megan Crozier, “eliminating even the few seconds it takes to scan a receipt at the exit door is well worth it.”
If you use curbside pickup, you’ll now need to check in using the app instead of via text message.
This update pushes more customers toward using the Sam’s Club app for an all-in-one experience.
It’s a good idea to download or update the app before heading to the store to avoid any delays in the parking lot.
Some Sam’s Club food courts no longer accept in-person payments.
Instead, customers must place and pay for their food using the app.
If you're craving a post-shopping hot dog or slice of pizza, make sure your phone is charged and ready.
Membership pricing has stayed the same in 2025:
Both include access to Scan & Go, fuel savings, and curbside pickup.
Plus members also receive 2% Sam’s Cash back, early shopping hours, free delivery, and extra savings at the pharmacy and optical departments.
Source: Facebook / Kriss Rivera
Sam’s Club has revamped its Member’s Mark products under the new “Made Without” program, removing more than 40 artificial ingredients, including colors and sweeteners like aspartame.
The goal is to offer cleaner, more transparent food options without raising prices.
Most Sam’s Club fuel stations now open at 6 a.m. and stay open an hour later than before, making it easier to fill up whether you’re heading to work early or making a late-night shopping run.
The food court is now open whenever the store is, giving members more flexibility to grab a bite whenever they visit.
Full-sized pizzas are also now available to-go, a new offering that’s ideal for families or gatherings.
A welcome update for many readers—Sam’s Club has lowered its senior membership discount age from 55 to 50.
First-time members age 50 and up can now enjoy a special discount when signing up.
These ten updates reflect Sam’s Club’s focus on a faster, more app-centered shopping experience.
While tech-savvy members may find the changes helpful, others may prefer more traditional options.
Staff are available to help, and many services are still designed to be intuitive—even for those who are less comfortable with mobile apps.
If you're a longtime member or thinking about joining, now’s a good time to explore what’s new.
And if you're 50 or older, that senior discount could make signing up even more worthwhile.
Read next: Skip the takeout—Sam’s Club meals could be a game-changer for your budget
Have you tried using Scan & Go, picked up food using the app, or noticed the new AI-powered exits? Are these updates making your visits easier—or are they adding more steps than you’d like? Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear how The GrayVine community is adapting!
The retailer has made a series of updates that touch nearly every part of the shopping experience—from how you check out, to how you get gas, to how you order a slice of pizza.
While some of these changes may take a bit of getting used to, others are being welcomed as convenient upgrades that could save time and streamline your visit.
Sam’s Club is clearly leaning into digital tools and app-based services in 2025.
Here’s a full look at the ten updates members are now seeing in stores across the country.
Sam’s Club is embracing technology with app-based shopping, AI-powered exits, and new perks for members over 50. Image Source: YouTube / CNBC.
1. Scan & Go replaces self-checkout machines
Sam’s Club has removed self-checkout stations from all of its more than 600 locations.
Instead, customers are encouraged to use Scan & Go, a feature within the Sam’s Club app that allows you to scan items as you shop and pay from your phone.
No waiting in line or fumbling with machines—just grab your items and go!
2. Traditional registers are being phased out
Not only are the old self-checkout stations gone, but traditional staffed registers are being removed, too.
Sam’s Club is betting big that most shoppers will embrace app-based shopping.
For those who prefer the personal touch of a cashier, this may take some adjustment.
Also read: Sam’s Club secret code leaked by insider—it predicts discontinued items!
3. AI-powered exits replace receipt checks
In a move not yet seen at Costco, Sam’s Club has introduced AI-powered exits at select stores.
These smart systems use cameras and sensors to scan your cart as you leave, confirming your purchase matches your digital receipt—no more paper receipts at the door.
According to Chief Merchant Megan Crozier, “eliminating even the few seconds it takes to scan a receipt at the exit door is well worth it.”
4. Curbside pickup requires app check-in
If you use curbside pickup, you’ll now need to check in using the app instead of via text message.
This update pushes more customers toward using the Sam’s Club app for an all-in-one experience.
It’s a good idea to download or update the app before heading to the store to avoid any delays in the parking lot.
Also read: 11 groceries worth buying at Sam’s Club for maximum savings
5. Food court orders now digital
Some Sam’s Club food courts no longer accept in-person payments.
Instead, customers must place and pay for their food using the app.
If you're craving a post-shopping hot dog or slice of pizza, make sure your phone is charged and ready.
6. Membership tiers remain the same—plus some perks
Membership pricing has stayed the same in 2025:
- Club membership: $50/year
- Plus membership: $110/year
Both include access to Scan & Go, fuel savings, and curbside pickup.
Plus members also receive 2% Sam’s Cash back, early shopping hours, free delivery, and extra savings at the pharmacy and optical departments.
Source: Facebook / Kriss Rivera
Also read: Sam's Club Fall savings are here—check out these 11 deals to see what you can save on now before they're gone!
7. “Made Without” program improves food options
Sam’s Club has revamped its Member’s Mark products under the new “Made Without” program, removing more than 40 artificial ingredients, including colors and sweeteners like aspartame.
The goal is to offer cleaner, more transparent food options without raising prices.
8. Longer gas station hours
Most Sam’s Club fuel stations now open at 6 a.m. and stay open an hour later than before, making it easier to fill up whether you’re heading to work early or making a late-night shopping run.
9. Food court hours now match store hours
The food court is now open whenever the store is, giving members more flexibility to grab a bite whenever they visit.
Full-sized pizzas are also now available to-go, a new offering that’s ideal for families or gatherings.
10. Senior discount now starts at age 50
A welcome update for many readers—Sam’s Club has lowered its senior membership discount age from 55 to 50.
First-time members age 50 and up can now enjoy a special discount when signing up.
Also read: Sam's Club says goodbye to self-checkout—what it means for your next shopping trip
What this means for members
These ten updates reflect Sam’s Club’s focus on a faster, more app-centered shopping experience.
While tech-savvy members may find the changes helpful, others may prefer more traditional options.
Staff are available to help, and many services are still designed to be intuitive—even for those who are less comfortable with mobile apps.
If you're a longtime member or thinking about joining, now’s a good time to explore what’s new.
And if you're 50 or older, that senior discount could make signing up even more worthwhile.
Read next: Skip the takeout—Sam’s Club meals could be a game-changer for your budget
Have you tried using Scan & Go, picked up food using the app, or noticed the new AI-powered exits? Are these updates making your visits easier—or are they adding more steps than you’d like? Share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear how The GrayVine community is adapting!
