What the Scheels Visa Credit Card is and who should consider it

The Scheels Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Truist Bank for customers who shop at Scheels, a sporting goods and outdoor retailer with stores across the United States. The card earns rewards points on purchases at Scheels and other retailers, and it comes with a rewards program that lets you redeem points for discounts on future purchases. It is not a store card that only works at Scheels — it is a Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted.

This card makes sense if you shop at Scheels regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It may also appeal to you if you want a general-purpose rewards card and prefer to get it through a retailer you already trust. Like any credit card, it requires you to pay a monthly bill and manage your balance responsibly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scheels Visa earns rewards points at Scheels and at other merchants, with point values that vary by purchase category.
  • You can redeem points for statement credits, merchandise discounts, or other rewards through the Scheels rewards program.
  • The card is issued by Truist Bank and works anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Scheels locations.
  • Annual fees, interest rates, and specific rewards rates depend on the current card terms, which you should review before opening an account.

How rewards points work on the Scheels Visa

When you use the Scheels Visa to make a purchase, you earn points based on where you shop and what you buy. At Scheels stores and on Scheels.com, you typically earn a higher point rate than you do on purchases at other retailers. Outside of Scheels, you earn points at a lower rate on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining.

The exact point rates and categories vary depending on the current card terms. Before you open the card, you should review the rewards structure in the card's terms and conditions or on Scheels' website. This tells you exactly how many points you earn per dollar spent in each category, so you can decide whether the rewards match your spending habits.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card, you may lose any points you have not yet redeemed, so check your card agreement for the specific policy.

Redeeming points and understanding the rewards value

Once you have earned points, you can redeem them through the Scheels rewards program. Common redemption options include statement credits (which reduce your credit card bill), discounts on Scheels merchandise, or other rewards the program offers. You typically redeem points through your online account or by contacting Scheels customer service.

The real value of any rewards card depends on how much you earn versus how much the rewards are actually worth. A card that earns 5 points per dollar at Scheels sounds good until you learn that 1,000 points equals a $5 discount. Before you commit to using the card, calculate the effective return: if you spend $1,000 at Scheels and earn 5,000 points, and those points are worth $25 in rewards, your effective return is 2.5 percent. Compare that to other cards you might use instead.

Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs

Some versions of the Scheels Visa carry an annual fee, while others do not. The fee amount, if one exists, appears in the card's terms and conditions before you open the account. You should factor this fee into your decision — if you earn $50 in rewards per year but pay a $95 annual fee, the card costs you money overall.

The card also has a purchase interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) that applies to any balance you carry from month to month. This rate varies based on your credit history and current market conditions. If you plan to pay your full balance each month, the interest rate does not affect you. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on that amount at the card's APR.

The card may also have other costs, such as a cash advance fee if you withdraw cash using the card, a late payment fee if you miss a due date, or a foreign transaction fee if you use the card outside the United States. Review the full fee schedule in the card's terms before opening the account.

How to open a Scheels Visa account

You can open a Scheels Visa account online through Scheels' website, in a Scheels store, or by phone. The process process asks for personal information including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Truist Bank uses this information to check your credit and decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer.

The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online. If you are approved, you can often use the card when ready for online purchases, and a physical card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you are not approved, Truist will send you a letter explaining why, and you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau they used.

Comparing the Scheels Visa to other rewards cards

Before opening the Scheels Visa, compare it to other rewards cards you might use instead. A general-purpose rewards card from another issuer might earn 2 percent cash back on all purchases, which could be worth more than the Scheels card's point structure depending on where you shop. A card with no annual fee might save you money even if the rewards rate is slightly lower.

The right card for you depends on three things: where you spend the most money, how much you earn in rewards at each place, and what the rewards are actually worth when you redeem them. If you spend $5,000 per year at Scheels and earn rewards worth $100, that is a 2 percent return. If another card earns you $75 on the same $5,000 in non-Scheels spending but costs you a $95 annual fee, the Scheels card is the better choice for your situation.

What happens if you carry a balance or miss a payment

If you do not pay your full balance by the due date, the unpaid amount starts accruing interest at the card's APR. This interest is added to your balance each month until you pay it off. Carrying a balance erases the value of rewards — if you earn $50 in rewards but pay $100 in interest, you have lost money overall.

If you miss a payment entirely, Truist reports the late payment to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. A single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more, making it harder and more expensive to borrow money in the future. Truist also charges a late fee, typically $25 to $35 depending on the card terms. If you are struggling to pay, contact Truist before the due date — they may be able to work out a payment plan or temporarily lower your interest rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Scheels Visa outside of Scheels stores?

Yes. The Scheels Visa is a Visa card, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted — restaurants, gas stations, online retailers, and thousands of other merchants. You earn a lower point rate on non-Scheels purchases than you do at Scheels, so check the card's terms to see the exact rates for different spending categories.

What is the difference between the Scheels Visa and a Scheels store card?

The Scheels Visa is a Visa credit card issued by Truist Bank. A store card, if Scheels offers one, would only work at Scheels locations. The Visa works everywhere and earns rewards both at Scheels and at other merchants, making it more flexible for everyday spending.

Do I lose my points if I close the card?

This depends on the card's terms. Most rewards programs let you redeem points before closing the account, but you should check your card agreement or contact Scheels customer service to confirm the policy. If you plan to close the card, redeem your points first to avoid losing them.

How do I check my points balance?

You can view your points balance by logging into your online account through Scheels' website or the Scheels mobile app, or by calling Scheels customer service. Your points balance also appears on your monthly credit card statement.

What should I do if I am denied for the Scheels Visa?

Truist will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt, or a recent late payment on another account. You can request a free copy of your credit report to see what information Truist reviewed. If there are errors on your report, you can dispute them with the credit bureau.