What Scheels credit cards offer

Scheels offers two co-branded credit cards through Synchrony Bank: the Scheels Visa and the Scheels Mastercard. Both cards are designed for customers who shop regularly at Scheels stores or online, and both come with rewards on purchases and promotional financing offers. The main difference between them is the rewards structure and which payment network you prefer to use.

The Scheels Visa earns rewards points on all purchases made at Scheels locations and on the Scheels website. The Scheels Mastercard works the same way but uses the Mastercard network instead. Both cards allow you to carry a balance, and Scheels frequently runs promotional financing periods — typically 0% APR for 12 to 24 months on purchases over a certain amount, depending on the promotion running at the time you open the account.

These are store cards, meaning they can only be used at Scheels. If you shop at other retailers, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card. Scheels accepts both cards at all of its physical locations and on its website.

Key Takeaways

  • Scheels Visa and Mastercard both earn rewards points on purchases at Scheels, with points redeemable for discounts on future purchases.
  • Promotional financing offers typically run 0% APR for 12 to 24 months on purchases above a minimum threshold, though the exact terms change based on current promotions.
  • These are store cards that work only at Scheels locations and online, not at other retailers.
  • Your credit score affects approval odds and the APR you receive if you carry a balance after a promotional period ends.

How rewards points work

Both Scheels cards award points on every dollar spent at Scheels. The exact earning rate varies — you typically earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with bonus points during promotional periods or on specific product categories. Scheels occasionally runs double-points days or category bonuses (for example, 2 points per dollar on outdoor gear during certain months).

Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for statement credits or discounts on future Scheels purchases. The redemption value is usually 1 point equals $0.01 in credit, though Scheels sometimes offers bonus redemption rates during sales events. You can check your points balance online through your Synchrony account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the account, any remaining points may be forfeited, so it is worth checking your balance before closing.

Promotional financing and regular APR

Scheels regularly offers 0% APR promotional periods on purchases over a set amount — commonly $99 or $149, though the threshold changes. These promotions typically last 12 to 24 months. During the promotional period, you pay no interest on the purchase amount as long as you make at least the minimum payment each month.

If you do not pay off the promotional purchase in full before the period ends, the remaining balance reverts to the card's regular APR. That rate depends on your creditworthiness and current market conditions, but typically ranges from 18% to 29%. Missing a payment during the promotional period can also end the 0% offer when ready and explore the regular APR retroactively to the entire purchase.

Purchases made outside of a promotional period accrue interest at the regular APR from the day of purchase. Scheels does not offer a grace period on regular purchases, so interest begins accumulating when ready if you carry a balance.

Annual fees and other costs

Neither the Scheels Visa nor the Scheels Mastercard charges an annual fee. There are no monthly maintenance fees or inactivity fees. You only pay interest if you carry a balance beyond a promotional period or on purchases made outside of a promotion.

Late fees explore if you miss a payment. The fee amount depends on how late the payment is and your account history, but typically ranges from $25 to $39 for the first late payment. Subsequent late payments in the same billing cycle may incur additional fees. A single late payment can also trigger a higher APR on future purchases.

If you use the card for a cash advance (withdrawing cash rather than making a purchase), a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn applies when ready, and interest accrues at a higher rate than purchases.

Who these cards make sense for

Scheels cards work best for customers who shop at Scheels multiple times per year and spend enough to make the rewards meaningful. If you spend $1,000 annually at Scheels, you would earn roughly $10 in rewards value at the standard 1 point per dollar rate. For some shoppers, that justifies having the card; for others, it does not.

The promotional financing is valuable if you plan to make a large purchase — say, a new bike, camping equipment, or winter gear — and can pay it off within the promotional period. If you cannot pay it off in time, the regular APR makes the card expensive compared to a general-purpose card with a lower rate.

If you rarely shop at Scheels or prefer to use a rewards card that works everywhere, a general-purpose card with cash back or travel rewards would likely serve you better. Scheels cards offer no rewards outside of Scheels purchases and no benefits like travel insurance or purchase protection that some premium cards include.

How to compare Scheels cards to other options

The main trade-off with a store card is that rewards and financing only work at one retailer. A general-purpose rewards card earns points or cash back everywhere, which adds up faster if you shop at multiple stores. However, store cards often have lower approval thresholds and higher promotional financing limits than general-purpose cards.

If you are deciding between a Scheels card and a general-purpose card, consider where you spend most of your money. If 50% or more of your annual spending is at Scheels, the store card rewards may outpace a general-purpose card's rewards at other retailers. If your Scheels spending is less than that, a general-purpose card is likely more valuable.

For financing, compare the promotional terms: a Scheels 0% APR for 18 months on a $500 purchase might be better than paying 15% APR on a general-purpose card, but only if you pay off the balance before the promotion ends. If you cannot, the Scheels card's regular APR (often 20%+) becomes very expensive.

How to open a Scheels card and what to expect

You can open a Scheels card in-store at any Scheels location or online through the Scheels website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony Bank pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Approval decisions usually come within minutes if you open the card online or in-store. If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can often use the card when ready online or in-store by requesting a temporary card number during the process process.

If you are denied, you can ask Synchrony for the reason and reapply after addressing the issue (for example, paying down other debts or waiting for negative marks to age). Synchrony must provide you with a reason for denial under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Scheels card outside of Scheels stores?

No. Scheels Visa and Mastercard can only be used at Scheels locations and on the Scheels website. They do not work at other retailers. If you need a card for general shopping, you would need a separate credit card.

What happens if I do not pay off a promotional purchase in time?

The unpaid balance reverts to the regular APR, which is typically 18% to 29%. Interest accrues on the remaining balance from that point forward. You will owe both the principal and the interest charges unless you pay it off later.

Do Scheels cards have an annual fee?

No. Both the Scheels Visa and Mastercard have no annual fee. You only pay interest if you carry a balance or use the card for a cash advance.

How long do rewards points last?

Points do not expire as long as your account is open and active. If you close the account, you may lose any remaining points, so redeem them before closing.

What credit score do I need to open a Scheels card?

Scheels does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Synchrony typically approves applicants with fair credit (scores around 600 and up), though approval is not may provide. A higher score increases your odds of approval and a lower APR if you carry a balance.