The Gander Mountain Credit Card no longer exists

Gander Mountain, the outdoor retailer that issued this card, closed all its stores in 2017 and ceased operations. If you still hold a Gander Mountain credit card, it is no longer active and cannot be used for purchases. If you have an outstanding balance, you may still owe it — the card issuer (which was Synchrony Bank) continues to service closed accounts.

If you're looking for a credit card to use at outdoor retailers today, you'll need to explore current options from active stores like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, or REI, each of which offers their own branded cards with different rewards structures and terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Gander Mountain ceased operations in 2017, and its credit card is no longer issued or accepted anywhere.
  • If you still owe a balance on a Gander Mountain card, Synchrony Bank continues to manage the account and you remain responsible for payment.
  • Outdoor retailers that are currently operating — Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and REI — each offer their own credit cards with different benefits and rewards.
  • If you're interested in a store card for outdoor purchases, comparing current options based on your spending habits will help you choose the best fit.

What happened to Gander Mountain and its card program

Gander Mountain filed for bankruptcy in March 2017 and liquidated all 158 stores by the end of that year. The company had been struggling with competition from larger retailers and online sellers. When the stores closed, the credit card program ended — no new cards were issued, and existing cardholders could no longer use their cards at any merchant.

Synchrony Bank, which issued the Gander Mountain card, did not close existing accounts when ready. If you had an unpaid balance when the stores shut down, that debt remained active. Synchrony continued to send statements and accept payments on those accounts for several years. Depending on when your account was opened and how long ago you last used it, your account may now be closed or transferred to a collections agency if the balance went unpaid.

What to do if you still have a Gander Mountain card

First, check whether your account is still active. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, or search online for "Synchrony Bank Gander Mountain" to find the current contact information. A representative can tell you whether the account is open, what your balance is (if any), and what your payment options are.

If you have a balance, you have three possible situations: the account is still open and you can pay it down; the account has been closed but the debt is still valid and you can settle it; or the account has been sold to a third-party collector. In any case, you are responsible for the debt unless it has been legally discharged through bankruptcy. If you cannot pay the full balance, contact Synchrony directly to discuss a payment plan or settlement offer before the account goes to collections.

If your account shows a zero balance and is marked closed, you can disregard the card. Do not attempt to use it — it will be declined. You may want to shred it to avoid any confusion.

Store credit cards from outdoor retailers that are still operating

If you're interested in a credit card for outdoor purchases, several major retailers still offer branded cards. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's (which are now owned by the same parent company) offer a co-branded Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted, not just in their stores. REI offers a card that earns rewards specifically on REI purchases and select outdoor brands. Each card has different interest rates, annual fees, and reward structures.

Before opening a new store card, compare what you actually spend. Store cards often offer a higher rewards rate on purchases at that retailer, but a lower rate (or no rewards) everywhere else. If you shop at one store frequently, a branded card may save you money. If you shop across multiple retailers, a general rewards card from a bank might be more valuable.

How store credit cards differ from regular credit cards

A store credit card is issued by a bank (in these cases, usually Synchrony or another financial institution) but branded by the retailer. The card can sometimes be used only at that store, or it can be a Visa or Mastercard that works anywhere. The terms — interest rate, annual fee, credit limit — are set by the bank, not the store.

Store cards often come with perks like a discount on your first purchase, special financing offers (like "12 months no interest" on purchases over a certain amount), or bonus rewards points during certain seasons. These offers are designed to encourage you to open the account and spend money. However, store cards typically charge higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards if you carry a balance, so the rewards only make financial sense if you pay off the card in full each month.

Checking your credit report for old Gander Mountain accounts

If you're unsure whether you ever had a Gander Mountain card, or whether an old account is still showing on your credit report, you can check for free through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site for the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You are may have access to to one free report from each bureau every 12 months.

Look for any accounts listed under Gander Mountain or Synchrony Bank that you don't recognize or that show a balance you thought was paid. If you find an account that should not be there, or if the balance is incorrect, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau. The bureau has 30 days to investigate and respond. If the account is legitimate but you believe it's been paid, contact Synchrony directly with proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Gander Mountain card anywhere?

No. The card is no longer active and will be declined at any merchant. Gander Mountain stores no longer exist, and the card program ended when the company closed in 2017.

Do I still owe money on my Gander Mountain card if I haven't paid in years?

That depends on your state's statute of limitations for debt collection, which typically ranges from three to six years. Even if the debt is old, you may still owe it legally. Contact Synchrony Bank to find out the current status of your account before assuming it's gone.

What should I do if a debt collector contacts me about an old Gander Mountain balance?

Ask the collector to provide written proof that you owe the debt and that they have the legal right to collect it. Do not make a payment or promise to pay until you've verified the debt is real and hasn't been discharged. You can also request that they stop contacting you, though this does not erase the debt.

Will closing a Gander Mountain account hurt my credit score?

The account is already closed. If it's still showing on your credit report, it will gradually have less impact as time passes — accounts older than seven years typically stop appearing on your report. Paying off any remaining balance will help your credit more than leaving it unpaid.

Which outdoor store credit card is best for me?

That depends on where you shop most often and whether you pay your balance in full each month. If you shop primarily at one store, a branded card with rewards on that store's purchases makes sense. If you shop across multiple retailers, a general rewards card from a bank will likely give you better overall value.