What the Scheels Credit Card is and who issues it
The Scheels Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Scheels, a sporting goods and outdoor retailer with locations across the United States. Unlike a general-purpose credit card from Visa or Mastercard, a store card works only at that retailer — you cannot use it at other stores or online merchants outside the Scheels ecosystem.
Synchrony Bank handles the account behind the scenes: they approve your request, set your credit limit, charge interest if you carry a balance, and send your monthly statement. Scheels handles the rewards program and decides which purchases earn bonus points. Understanding this split matters because if you have a question about your interest rate or payment, you contact Synchrony; if you want to know whether a specific item earns bonus points, you contact Scheels.
Key Takeaways
- The Scheels Credit Card is a store card that works only at Scheels locations and on their website, issued by Synchrony Bank.
- You earn rewards points on purchases, with bonus points on certain categories like sporting goods and outdoor gear, though the exact bonus structure varies by promotion.
- The card offers special financing options — typically 0% APR for a set period on purchases over a certain amount — but interest kicks in when ready if you miss a payment or the promotional period ends.
- Your credit limit, interest rate, and approval depend on your credit history, and Synchrony reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus.
- Carrying a balance on a store card usually costs more in interest than a general-purpose credit card, so paying in full each month is the strongest financial move.
How rewards points work on the Scheels card
When you use the Scheels Credit Card, you earn points on your purchases. The base earning rate and bonus categories change periodically, so the exact structure you see may differ from what another cardholder sees. Scheels typically offers higher point earning on sporting goods, outdoor equipment, and apparel — the core of their inventory — and lower earning on other purchases.
Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Some cardholders can redeem points directly at checkout; others receive a certificate or code to use online or in-store. The redemption value varies: sometimes 100 points equals $5 off, sometimes the ratio is different. Check your cardholder materials or log into your account to see the current redemption rate and what options are available to you right now.
Rewards are not the same as cash back. You cannot withdraw points as money or transfer them to another account. If you do not use the points before they expire — and some programs do impose expiration dates — you lose them. Read the terms that come with your card to understand how long points stay active.
Special financing offers and how they work
Scheels frequently runs promotional financing offers, typically structured as 0% APR for 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases above a minimum amount. This means if you buy $500 or more in sporting equipment, for example, you might pay no interest on that purchase for 18 months as long as you make your minimum monthly payment on time.
The catch is strict: if you miss even one payment during the promotional period, the 0% offer ends when ready and interest charges explore retroactively to the original purchase date. The interest rate that kicks in is the card's standard APR, which varies based on your credit history but is typically in the range of 18% to 29%. A single late payment can turn a $500 purchase into hundreds of dollars in unexpected interest charges.
If the promotional period ends and you still owe a balance, the remaining amount converts to the standard APR. If you financed a $1,000 purchase over 24 months and paid it off in 20 months, you owe nothing more. If you still owe $200 when month 25 arrives, that $200 now accrues interest at the full rate. Plan to pay off promotional purchases before the period ends, or budget for the interest that will follow.
Interest rates and how they are determined
Synchrony sets your APR based on your credit score, payment history, and income at the time you open the account. Two people approved for the Scheels card on the same day may receive different interest rates. Your rate appears on your first statement and in your online account.
The APR applies to purchases you do not pay off in full by the due date, and to any balance transfers (if the card allows them). If you carry a $500 balance at 24% APR, you pay roughly $10 in interest that month. Carry it for a year and you pay over $120 in interest alone, on top of the original $500.
Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards from major issuers. If you have access to a Visa or Mastercard with a lower rate, using that card and paying the Scheels bill in full each month costs you less money over time. The rewards points are valuable only if they outweigh the interest you would pay by carrying a balance.
Credit reporting and how this card affects your credit score
Synchrony reports your Scheels card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means your payment history, credit limit, and current balance all show up on your credit report and factor into your credit score.
Paying on time every month helps your score. Missing a payment or paying late hurts it. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit — say, $800 on a $1,000 limit — also lowers your score, even if you pay on time. The best approach is to keep your balance low and pay in full each month.
When you first open the account, Synchrony performs a hard inquiry into your credit, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. This inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after roughly six months. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, opening a new store card in the weeks before you explore can work against you.
When a Scheels card makes sense and when it does not
A Scheels card is most useful if you shop at Scheels regularly and can pay your full balance every month. The rewards points add up faster when you buy sporting goods and outdoor gear — the categories where Scheels offers bonus earning — and you avoid interest charges entirely by paying in full. If you spend $2,000 a year at Scheels and earn an average of 2 points per dollar, you accumulate 4,000 points, which might equal $40 to $80 in discounts depending on the redemption rate.
A Scheels card makes less sense if you shop there only occasionally, if you tend to carry a balance, or if you have access to a general-purpose rewards card with a lower interest rate. Store cards are designed to encourage loyalty and repeat visits; they are not designed to be cheaper than alternatives. The interest rate is the real cost, and it almost always outweighs the rewards unless you pay in full.
If you are rebuilding credit after a missed payment or a period of no credit activity, a store card can be easier to open than a general-purpose card. The approval standards are often less strict. However, the higher interest rate means you should treat it as a stepping stone, not a permanent solution. Use it responsibly for six to twelve months, then explore for a card with better terms.
How to manage your account and avoid common mistakes
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due each month. This prevents late payments, which trigger interest charges and damage your credit score. Better yet, set up automatic full-balance payments so you never carry interest.
Log into your Synchrony account online or through the mobile app to check your balance, see your rewards points, and review your statement before the due date. Catching an error early — a duplicate charge, an unauthorized purchase — gives you time to dispute it. Synchrony has a dispute process, and federal law protects you against unauthorized charges.
Do not treat promotional 0% financing as permission to overspend. A $2,000 purchase at 0% for 18 months still requires a payment of roughly $111 per month to be paid off before interest kicks in. If that payment strains your budget, the purchase is too large, regardless of the promotional rate.
Keep your credit limit low if you are prone to overspending. You can request a lower limit from Synchrony at any time. A lower limit means less temptation and a lower credit utilization ratio, which helps your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Scheels card anywhere besides Scheels?
No. A store card works only at that retailer. You cannot use the Scheels card at other sporting goods stores, online retailers, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express from a bank or credit union.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee (usually $25 to $40), raises your interest rate, and damages your credit score. If you are enrolled in a 0% promotional offer, the promotion ends when ready and interest charges explore retroactively. Contact Synchrony as soon as you realize you will miss a payment; they may offer a one-time courtesy waiver or a payment plan.
How do I redeem my rewards points?
Log into your Synchrony account to see your current points balance and redemption options. You may be able to redeem points at checkout in-store, online, or through the mail. The exact process depends on your account and current promotions. Your statement or account dashboard will show you how to proceed.
Does carrying a balance on this card hurt my credit score?
Yes. A high balance relative to your credit limit lowers your score, even if you pay on time. Paying your full balance each month keeps your utilization at 0% and protects your score. If you must carry a balance, try to keep it below 30% of your credit limit.
What is the difference between this card and a regular credit card?
A store card works only at one retailer and usually has a higher interest rate, but may offer stronger rewards at that retailer. A general-purpose credit card works everywhere and typically has a lower interest rate and more flexible rewards. Store cards are best for frequent shoppers at that store who pay in full each month.