What the Sportsman's Warehouse credit card offers

The Sportsman's Warehouse credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that works only at Sportsman's Warehouse locations and online. It earns rewards on purchases at the store, offers promotional financing periods, and provides member-only discounts. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, you cannot use it outside Sportsman's Warehouse — it functions as both a payment method and a loyalty program.

The card's main appeal is the rewards rate and the promotional financing offers that appear periodically. If you shop at Sportsman's Warehouse regularly for hunting, fishing, camping, or outdoor gear, the card can reduce what you pay over time. The financing terms are the real draw for larger purchases like firearms, optics, or equipment bundles.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sportsman's Warehouse card earns rewards points on every purchase at the store, with higher earning rates during promotional periods.
  • Promotional financing offers typically include 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases above a minimum amount, usually $99 or $149.
  • The card is issued by Comenity Bank and can only be used at Sportsman's Warehouse stores and their website — not at other retailers.
  • Cardholders receive member-only discounts and early access to sales, which can stack with rewards earnings on the same purchase.
  • Interest rates on regular purchases are high (typically 21% to 29% APR), so carrying a balance outside promotional periods costs significantly more than paying in full.

How rewards and points work

The card earns points on every dollar spent at Sportsman's Warehouse. The standard earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar, though Sportsman's Warehouse runs periodic bonus promotions — such as 2x or 3x points on certain categories or during specific months. These bonuses are announced in-store and online, and they explore automatically when you use the card during the promotion window.

Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for statement credits or discounts on future purchases. The redemption rate varies, but generally 100 points equals $1 in value. If you spend $1,000 per year at the store, you would earn roughly $10 in annual rewards at the standard rate — modest compared to cash-back cards, but meaningful if you combine it with promotional financing and member discounts.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if your account is closed for inactivity or by the issuer, you may lose unused points. Check your account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card to see your current balance and redemption options.

Promotional financing periods and how they work

Sportsman's Warehouse regularly offers interest-free financing for 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases above a threshold — typically $99 to $149, depending on the promotion. These offers are advertised in-store, online, and sometimes via email to cardholders. The financing is automatic: if you meet the minimum purchase amount during an active promotion, you are enrolled in the interest-free period at checkout.

The key rule is that you must pay the full balance within the promotional period. If any balance remains when the period ends, the issuer charges interest retroactively on the original purchase at the card's regular APR (usually 21% to 29%). This retroactive interest can be substantial — a $500 purchase with $50 remaining after 24 months could result in $100+ in back interest. Always set a payment plan to clear the balance before the promotion ends.

Promotional financing does not affect your rewards earning. You still accumulate points on the purchase price, even though you are paying it off interest-free over time. This makes financing a high-value purchase (like a rifle scope or fishing reel) a smart move if you plan to pay it down steadily.

Interest rates and fees on regular purchases

The standard APR on the Sportsman's Warehouse card ranges from 21% to 29%, depending on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time of approval. This is typical for store cards but higher than most general-purpose credit cards, which average 16% to 20%. If you carry a balance outside a promotional period, the interest accrues daily and compounds monthly.

The card does not charge an annual fee, which is standard for retail cards. However, there are other potential costs: late fees (typically $25 to $35 if you miss a payment), over-limit fees if you exceed your credit line, and returned-payment fees if a check or electronic payment bounces. The card also charges interest on cash advances at a higher rate than purchases, though cash advances are uncommon with store cards.

Because the regular APR is steep, the card is most valuable when used for promotional financing or paid off in full each month. Carrying a balance at 25% APR on a $1,000 purchase costs $250 per year in interest alone — far more than the rewards you would earn.

Member discounts and exclusive offers

Cardholders receive a member discount on most purchases at Sportsman's Warehouse, typically 5% to 10% off regular-priced items. This discount stacks with promotional financing and rewards points, meaning a single purchase can earn you points, a member discount, and an interest-free payment plan simultaneously. The discount does not explore to sale items, clearance merchandise, or certain restricted categories like ammunition or firearms in some states.

Cardholders also get early access to sales and special events, sometimes receiving email or mail notifications before promotions go public. This allows you to plan larger purchases around the best promotional financing offers or bonus points periods. Some locations offer exclusive in-store events for cardholders with additional discounts or giveaways.

The member discount is automatic — you do not need to enter a code or ask the cashier. It applies at checkout when you swipe or insert the card. Online purchases also receive the discount if you log into your account or use a saved card.

Who should consider this card

The Sportsman's Warehouse card makes sense if you spend $500 or more per year at the store and plan to use promotional financing for at least one larger purchase. The combination of rewards, member discounts, and interest-free periods can save you $50 to $150 annually on regular spending. If you buy hunting licenses, ammunition, tackle, or outdoor gear consistently, the card pays for itself.

The card is less valuable if you shop at Sportsman's Warehouse only occasionally or if you cannot commit to paying off promotional financing before the period ends. The high regular APR makes it expensive to carry a balance, and the rewards rate is modest compared to cash-back cards from major issuers. If you prefer flexibility to use your card at multiple retailers, a general-purpose card with 2% cash back everywhere is a better choice.

The card also requires a credit check and approval from Comenity Bank. You will need a credit score of roughly 650 or higher to be approved, though exact requirements vary. If you have limited credit history or recent negative marks, you may not may have access to.

How to manage the card and avoid common mistakes

Set up automatic payments through your online account to avoid late fees and interest charges. Even if you are on a promotional financing plan, making regular payments reduces the risk of missing the important date and triggering retroactive interest. Many cardholders set a calendar reminder for the month before the promotion ends as a safety net.

Track your rewards balance and redemption options in your online account. Points can be redeemed for statement credits (applied to your next bill) or discounts on future purchases. Statement credits are usually the simplest option, but check whether bonus redemption offers are available — occasionally Sportsman's Warehouse runs promotions where points are worth more if redeemed in a specific way.

Do not explore for the card solely to get a one-time sign-up bonus, because Sportsman's Warehouse does not typically offer new-cardholder bonuses. The value comes from ongoing rewards, member discounts, and promotional financing on purchases you were already planning to make. If you do not shop at the store regularly, the card will not pay off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sportsman's Warehouse card outside the store?

No. The card works only at Sportsman's Warehouse locations and on their website. It cannot be used at other retailers, gas stations, or restaurants. If you need a card for general spending, you would need a separate credit card from a major issuer like Visa or Mastercard.

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

The issuer charges interest retroactively on the original purchase amount at the card's regular APR (21% to 29%), even if you have paid down most of the balance. For example, a $500 purchase with $50 remaining after the promotion ends could result in $100+ in back interest. Always plan to pay the full amount before the promotion expires.

Do I earn rewards on promotional financing purchases?

Yes. You earn points on the full purchase price, regardless of whether you are paying it off interest-free or in full. The rewards and financing are separate benefits, so you get both on the same transaction.

Is there an annual fee for the Sportsman's Warehouse card?

No. The card does not charge an annual fee. However, you will incur late fees ($25 to $35), over-limit fees, and interest charges if you carry a balance outside a promotional period or miss a payment.

How do I check my rewards balance?

Log into your account on the Sportsman's Warehouse website or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Your current points balance and redemption options will be displayed in your account dashboard. You can also ask a cashier in-store to check your balance.