What the Sportsman's Credit Card Is
The Sportsman's Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Cabela's (now owned by Bass Pro Shops) that gives cash back or points on purchases at outdoor and sporting goods retailers. The card is designed for people who spend regularly at Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and partner outdoor retailers. You earn rewards on those purchases and can redeem them for discounts, merchandise, or statement credits.
This is a store card, not a general-purpose card you can use everywhere. Your rewards and benefits are strongest when you shop at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops locations or their websites. You can use the card at other merchants, but you earn fewer or no rewards outside the partner network.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Sportsman's Card and the Sportsman's Rewards Mastercard. The Mastercard version works at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, while the standard card is limited to Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. Your choice depends on whether you want a card that works everywhere or one focused on outdoor retail.
Key Takeaways
- The Sportsman's Card earns rewards points or cash back at Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and select outdoor retailers, but offers little or no reward value outside those stores.
- You need to meet the card issuer's credit requirements to open an account, and approval depends on your credit history and current debt levels.
- The card typically has an annual fee, though some versions waive the fee for the first year or for cardholders who meet spending thresholds.
- Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, merchandise discounts, or points toward future purchases, depending on the current program terms.
- Interest rates and fees vary based on your creditworthiness, so your actual cost depends on how you use the card and whether you carry a balance.
Rewards Structure and How Points Work
The Sportsman's Card rewards you with points for every dollar spent at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. The exact earning rate changes based on the card version and current promotions, but typically ranges from 1 to 5 points per dollar depending on the merchant and purchase category. Outdoor gear, hunting equipment, and fishing supplies often earn at higher rates than general merchandise.
Points accumulate in your account and do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You can redeem points for a statement credit (usually at a fixed conversion rate), merchandise from the Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops catalog, or discounts on future purchases. Some promotions let you earn bonus points during specific periods or on certain product categories.
Outside Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, the card typically earns no rewards or a flat 1 point per dollar, making it less valuable for everyday spending. If you use the card primarily for groceries, gas, or other retailers, you will earn far fewer rewards than with a general-purpose cash-back card. The card's value depends on how much of your spending happens at the partner retailers.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
Most versions of the Sportsman's Card carry an annual fee, though the amount and whether it applies to you depends on the specific card version. Some versions waive the first-year fee to encourage new cardholders to open an account. Others waive the fee if you spend a certain amount in the first year or make a may have access to purchase.
Beyond the annual fee, you pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (APR) is not fixed and depends on your credit score, credit history, and current debt levels at the time you open the account. Rates typically range from 16% to 24%, though your actual rate could be higher or lower based on your creditworthiness.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the card issuer may report the delinquency to credit bureaus and increase your APR. Cash advances (withdrawing money against your credit line) usually carry a separate, higher interest rate and an upfront fee. Read the card's terms and conditions before opening an account to understand all fees that may explore.
How to Open a Sportsman's Card Account
You can open an account online through the Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops website, by phone, or in person at a store location. The online process is fastest: you enter your personal information, Social Security number, and income, and you receive a decision within minutes in most cases.
The card issuer will check your credit report and credit score to decide whether to approve you and what interest rate to offer. If you have fair or poor credit, you may still be approved but at a higher interest rate. If you are denied, you can ask the issuer why and whether you can reapply after improving your credit.
Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You must set up it before using it, either by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your online account. After set up, you can use it when ready at Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and partner retailers.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Balance
You can manage your Sportsman's Card account online or through the mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, track rewards, and update your personal information. Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. The minimum payment is due by the due date shown on your statement, usually 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.
Paying only the minimum leaves the rest of your balance to accrue interest at your card's APR. To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you carry a balance, the interest compounds daily, so the longer you carry it, the more you pay.
You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to may support you never miss a due date. Automatic payments reduce the risk of late fees and credit damage. Many cardholders set up automatic payments for the full balance each month to avoid interest entirely.
Comparing the Sportsman's Card to Other Rewards Cards
The Sportsman's Card makes sense if you spend heavily at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops and want rewards focused on those retailers. If most of your spending happens elsewhere—groceries, gas, restaurants, travel—a general-purpose cash-back card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne typically offers better value. Those cards earn 1.5% to 2% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee.
Store cards like the Sportsman's Card often have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance costs more. They also offer fewer protections and benefits outside their partner network. However, if you shop at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops regularly, the rewards can offset the annual fee and higher APR, provided you pay your balance in full each month.
Consider your actual spending patterns before opening the account. If you shop at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops fewer than four or five times a year, the annual fee and higher interest rate likely outweigh any rewards you earn. If you shop there monthly or more, the card may be worth the cost.
What Happens If You Close Your Account
If you close your Sportsman's Card account, any remaining rewards points may be forfeited, depending on the card's terms. Check your cardholder agreement to see whether points expire when you close the account or whether you have a grace period to redeem them. Some cards let you redeem points for 30 to 90 days after closing; others expire when ready.
Closing a credit card account can affect your credit score in two ways: it reduces your total available credit (which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards), and it removes an account from your credit history. If the Sportsman's Card is one of your oldest accounts, closing it may lower your average account age, which also affects your score.
If you want to keep the account open but stop using it, you can do so without paying the annual fee in some cases, though this depends on the card's terms. Contact the issuer to ask whether inactive accounts are charged fees or whether the fee is waived if you do not use the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sportsman's Card outside Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops?
Yes, if you have the Sportsman's Rewards Mastercard version. The standard Sportsman's Card works only at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. The Mastercard version works at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, but you earn no rewards or minimal rewards outside the partner retailers.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
The card issuer does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval is easier with a score of 650 or higher. If your score is below 650, you may still be approved but at a higher interest rate. If you are denied, you can reapply after six months or after improving your credit.
Do I have to pay an annual fee?
Most versions of the Sportsman's Card charge an annual fee, though some waive it for the first year or if you spend a certain amount. Check the specific card's terms before opening an account. If the fee applies and you do not use the card enough to earn rewards that exceed the fee, closing the account may save you money.
Can I redeem my points for cash?
Redemption options vary by card version and current program terms. Most versions let you redeem points for a statement credit, merchandise from the Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops catalog, or discounts on future purchases. Some versions may offer cash redemption, but this is less common. Check your account or the card's website to see what options are available to you.
What happens to my rewards if I close my account?
Rewards points may expire when you close your account, though some cards give you 30 to 90 days to redeem them after closing. Read your cardholder agreement or contact customer service to confirm the policy before closing your account. If you have a large balance of points, redeem them before closing to avoid losing them.