Sam’s Club to Start Taking Visa Credit Cards

Sam's Club customers will soon no longer have to make sure they bring the right card with them to shop. The retailer has announced that it will begin accepting Visa credit cards in its stores on Feb. 1, 2016.

Previously, Sam's Club accepted Visa credit cards only for online purchases. The physical stores took Visa debit cards, but not Visa credit.

The move comes on the heels of a similar announcement in October that Sam's Club would begin accepting American Express. Once Visa acceptance is implemented, the retailer will take all major credit cards. The retailer will also begin supporting Visa Checkout on its website later this year.

Good news for consumers

Sam's Club and rival Costco had been rare cases among major retailers by opting not to accept Visa credit cards in their stores. The decision by Sam's Club follows Costco's move to end its exclusive agreement with American Express and instead accept only Visa credit cards.

Whatever the reason for the changes, it's good news for consumers, especially those who do most of their shopping — and reward earning — with Visa credit cards. For those who spend a lot on groceries and household items at Sam's Club, reward points can add up quickly.