What the BJ's Capital One Credit Card Is
The BJ's Capital One Credit Card is a rewards card designed for members of BJ's Wholesale Club. You earn cash back on purchases at BJ's and at gas stations, and a lower rate on everything else. The card is issued by Capital One, and you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — not just at BJ's.
This card is built around the BJ's membership model: you get more value the more you shop there. If you already have a BJ's membership and spend regularly at the warehouse, the cash back structure may offset some of your membership cost. If you don't have a BJ's membership, you'll need one to open the card.
The card has no annual fee, which is unusual for a warehouse-branded card. That means the only cost to you is the BJ's membership itself, which runs about $55 per year for the basic tier (prices vary by region and membership level).
Key Takeaways
- The BJ's Capital One Credit Card earns cash back at BJ's and gas stations, with a lower rate on other purchases, and carries no annual fee.
- You must be a BJ's Wholesale Club member to open this card, and the membership fee is separate from the card itself.
- Cash back is deposited as a statement credit each month, not as a separate payment or account.
- The card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build or improve your credit history.
- Capital One offers tools to track your spending and rewards through the cardholder portal and mobile app.
How Cash Back Works on This Card
The BJ's Capital One card earns cash back in tiers. At BJ's itself, you earn a set percentage back on purchases. At gas stations, you earn a different percentage. On all other purchases — restaurants, online shopping, utilities — you earn a lower percentage.
The exact percentages depend on which version of the card you hold. Capital One offers multiple tiers of this card, and the rewards structure changes between them. You can find the current rates on the Capital One website or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Cash back is not paid to you as a check or transfer. Instead, it appears as a statement credit on your monthly bill. If you owe $500 and earn $15 in cash back that month, your new balance becomes $485. This happens automatically — you don't have to request it or redeem it separately.
Building Credit With This Card
Capital One reports your payment history, credit limit, and balance to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means every on-time payment you make helps build your credit history, and every late payment or missed payment hurts it.
If you're new to credit or rebuilding after past problems, this card can work in your favor. Capital One is known for working with people who have limited or damaged credit histories. Making your payments on time and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit will show up on your credit report within 30 to 45 days.
Your credit score is not determined by this card alone — it's based on your entire credit history across all accounts. But consistent, responsible use of this card will contribute positively to your overall score over time.
Fees and Interest Rates
The card itself has no annual fee. You pay only the BJ's membership cost, which is separate. However, the card does charge interest if you carry a balance from month to month.
The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your creditworthiness at the time you open the card. Capital One will tell you the rate when you receive your card. This rate can change over time — Capital One may raise or lower it based on how you use the account and changes in the market.
If you miss a payment, Capital One charges a late fee. The amount depends on how late you are and your account history. You also pay interest on any balance you don't pay in full by the due date. The best way to avoid these costs is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month.
How to Open the Card
You start by confirming you have an active BJ's Wholesale Club membership. If you don't, you'll need to join BJ's first — you can do this online or in a warehouse location.
Once you're a member, you can request the card through the BJ's website, in a warehouse, or by phone. Capital One will review your credit history and income to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. This review usually takes a few minutes to a few days.
If you're approved, the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Capital One mobile app. After set up, you can use it when ready at BJ's, at gas stations, and anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Managing Your Account Online and by Phone
Capital One provides a free online portal and mobile app where you can view your balance, make payments, track your cash back, and set up automatic payments. You can log in anytime to see your current rewards total and how much cash back you've earned in the current month.
You can make a payment online, through the app, or by phone. Capital One also lets you set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month — this removes the risk of forgetting and paying late.
If you have questions about your account, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Capital One's phone lines are open during business hours, and you can also reach support through the mobile app or online chat.
When This Card Makes Sense for You
This card works best if you already shop at BJ's regularly and plan to keep your membership. The cash back at BJ's and gas stations can add up over a year, especially if you buy gas frequently. For someone who spends $200 a month at BJ's and $100 a month on gas, the rewards can total $50 to $100 per year depending on the card tier.
The card is also useful if you're building credit and need a card that reports to the credit bureaus. Capital One's willingness to work with people new to credit or with lower scores makes this a realistic option when other cards might decline you.
The card is less useful if you rarely shop at BJ's or don't have a membership. The cash back on other purchases is low, and you'd be paying for a membership you don't use. In that case, a general-purpose rewards card with no annual fee might serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a BJ's member to use this card?
Yes. You must have an active BJ's Wholesale Club membership to open the card, and you need to stay a member to keep using it. If your membership expires, you can renew it online or in a warehouse.
Can I use this card outside of BJ's?
Yes. The card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — restaurants, online stores, utilities, and everywhere else. You just earn a lower cash back rate on non-BJ's, non-gas purchases.
What happens to my cash back if I don't use my card one month?
Cash back only accumulates when you make purchases. If you don't use the card, you don't earn cash back that month. Cash back you've already earned stays on your account as a statement credit until you use it or your account closes.
Can I transfer my cash back to another account or get it as cash?
No. Cash back is applied only as a statement credit on your bill each month. You cannot transfer it to a bank account, redeem it for cash, or move it to another card.
What if I pay late or miss a payment?
A late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will hurt your credit score. You'll also owe a late fee and interest on any balance you carry. If you miss a payment, contact Capital One as soon as possible — they may be able to work with you depending on your account history.