Can You Use Scan & Go for Alcohol at Sam's Club? Policy, Tips, and Alternatives

can you use scan and go for alcohol at sam's club: policy overview

This topic drives our policy overview and practical advice. For can you use scan and go for alcohol at sam's club, the answer varies by location and policy. According to Scanner Check, alcohol purchases are heavily regulated, and many clubs require in-person ID verification at the final checkout. The Scanner Check team found that in practice, Scan & Go may exclude alcohol in some states or require a cashier for the alcohol portion of the sale. Some clubs list alcohol as eligible in the app, while others clearly indicate it is not. Always check the app's item pages and the checkout flow to confirm eligibility before you start scanning; if you encounter alcohol that isn’t eligible, switch to the traditional register to avoid delays. This approach helps ensure a smooth, compliant experience at Sam's Club.

How to check eligibility in the Sam's Club app

To determine whether alcohol can be scanned with Scan & Go, start in the Sam's Club app. Open the app and select Scan & Go, then search for the alcohol product you want. Look for an eligibility badge or a note that the item is Scan & Go eligible. If the alcohol item is not eligible, the app will prompt you to proceed to a cashier at the register. For best results, confirm the item’s eligibility before you begin scanning, and be prepared to switch to traditional checkout if needed. Using the app’s live flow helps you avoid surprises at the register and keeps your purchase compliant with local rules.

State, local, and club variations you should know

Alcohol policy for Scan & Go isn't uniform across Sam's Club locations. Some states or counties strictly regulate age verification at the point of sale and require a human cashier for alcohol, while others may permit limited self-checkout with ID captured by the clerk. According to Scanner Check Analysis, 2026, policy and enforcement can vary by club operating rules and by state laws, which you should verify before shopping. Always check the club’s signage and the app's eligibility indicators, and if in doubt, assume you’ll need to complete the purchase at a staffed register. Being aware of variation helps you plan your visit more effectively.

Practical steps for a smooth checkout with alcohol

• Before arriving, update the Sam's Club app and ensure your store supports Scan & Go for alcohol, if possible.
• When you pick up alcohol items, scan the code with the app and monitor the on-screen prompts for eligibility.
• If the app shows the item is eligible, continue with the Scan & Go flow; if not, head to a cashier line for age verification.
• Have your ID and membership card ready at checkout to speed up validation.
• After scanning all items, review your total and complete payment in-app; if alcohol requires a cashier, proceed there and present ID at the register.
• Double-check receipts for accuracy and keep digital copies of your receipt as proof of purchase, if needed.

Alternatives and tips to speed up checkout

If alcohol isn’t eligible for Scan & Go at your club, use standard checkouts with a cashier to verify age. Some clubs offer curbside or pickup options that still require in-person verification for alcohol; in those cases, place your alcohol items in the pickup lane and have ID ready. You can also add alcohol items to a separate order in advance if your club allows, reducing friction at the register. Finally, consider shopping for non-alcoholic substitutes using Scan & Go to keep the overall shopping experience quick and convenient.

Safety, ID verification, and privacy considerations

Age-restricted sales laws require ID checks and careful handling of personal data. When purchasing alcohol, you must present a valid government-issued ID at the final sale, even if you used Scan & Go for other items. Sam's Club stores implement privacy controls around ID capture and knowledge-based verification; you should review the app’s privacy settings to understand how your data is used during scanning and checkout. In general, keep your phone secure and avoid sharing your login credentials, and report any suspicious activity to store staff or Sam's Club support.

Real-world scenarios: common club experiences

Scenario A: You grab a bottle of wine and a few groceries. The app shows one item eligible and one not; you proceed with a cashier for the wine, but scan the rest. Scenario B: You’re at a club that allows alcohol via Scan & Go; you scan, verify your age in-app or at the register, then pay and exit. Scenario C: A club has a strict policy: all alcohol purchases must be completed at a staffed register; you plan accordingly by finishing the alcohol purchase first.