This Clever Sam's Club Purchase Will Save You Money At Restaurants

You've likely noticed eating out has gotten more expensive. Quick lunches, a cake pop from Starbucks, and taking the entire family for a sit-down meal can put your household budget in the negative. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports prices for food eaten outside the home rose nearly 3½% from August 2025 to August 2026. Dining out prices are higher than eating at home, making it harder for families to afford meals out.

Fortunately, you don't have to give up your favorite restaurants to stick to your spending goals. Sam's Club members can buy discounted restaurant gift cards to make dining out less expensive. You will need to strategize where you'll eat and have the cards on hand, but the Sam's Club website says you can save as much as 25% on select gift cards.

Although the selection varies, Sam's Club offers gift cards for both fast food and casual dining chains. Examples include Burger King, Ruby Tuesday and Logan's Roadhouse. The savings can add up over time, especially if you regularly eat out and order takeout. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that the average American household spent $3,945 on food away from home in 2024, including restaurant meals, takeout, and delivery.

How much money you can save depends on where you choose to eat. Sam's Club currently offers a $75 Cheesecake Factory gift card for $71.98, saving you only $3.02. However, it also offers a $50 Outback Steakhouse gift card for only $39.98, which saves you $10.02.

Sam's Club offers a wide variety of gift card options and multipack offers. You can purchase cards for places like Bob Evans and Wendy's, giving you options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It pays to check the website and physical cards at your local store to compare the difference in savings. Prices and availability change frequently. Costco also offers discounted gift cards and may have additional selections not available at Sam's Club.

To get the best value, buy cards only for places you enjoy eating. The discount won't save you money if it encourages you to spend more than you normally would. You may also be able to pair your gift card with restaurant loyalty rewards for more money-saving perks. Another thing you should check is whether the card is a physical card or a digital one, particularly when buying online. Sam's Club offers cards it delivers via email, which can save you a trip to the brick-and-mortar store. Other online purchases must be shipped and can take time to arrive. 

Making some small adjustments to your usual dining plans can help you catch the best deals. Saving $10 or $20 on a meal you were buying anyway leaves more money in your pocket and gives your budget flexibility for those nights you're too tired to cook.