What the Bass Pro Shops credit card is and who it's for
The Bass Pro Shops credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations, both in stores and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those two retailers — you cannot use it at gas stations, restaurants, or other merchants.
The card is designed for people who shop at Bass Pro or Cabela's regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you shop there occasionally or not at all, a general-purpose rewards card from a bank may serve you better, since it works everywhere and you are not locked into one retailer's ecosystem.
The card requires a credit check when you explore, so your credit score and payment history matter. Synchrony typically approves people with fair credit and above, though approval is not may provide.
Key Takeaways
- The Bass Pro Shops card earns rewards points only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, not at other stores, so it only makes sense if you shop there regularly.
- You earn 5 points per dollar on most purchases at those stores, which converts to a 1% discount when you redeem for merchandise, or sometimes better during promotional periods.
- The card has no annual fee, but it carries a variable interest rate that changes with the prime rate, and late payments trigger a penalty APR that can exceed 29%.
- Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score, but missed payments damage it.
- The card's main advantage over paying cash is the rewards accumulation; its main disadvantage is the temptation to carry a balance and pay interest that erases the rewards value.
How rewards and points work on this card
When you use the Bass Pro Shops card at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's, you earn 5 points per dollar spent. Those points accumulate in your account and you can redeem them for merchandise discounts or gift cards. The redemption rate is typically 100 points equals $1 off, which means you earn about 1% back on your spending — a modest return compared to some general-purpose cards, but only if you pay off the balance each month.
Synchrony periodically runs bonus point promotions, such as "earn 10 points per dollar for 30 days" or "earn double points on outdoor gear." These promotions appear in the mail, on the website, and in the app, and they can meaningfully increase your rewards if you time large purchases to coincide with them.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if your account is closed for inactivity or because of missed payments, Synchrony may forfeit unused points, so check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
Interest rates, fees, and the cost of carrying a balance
The Bass Pro Shops card has no annual fee. However, it carries a variable APR — an interest rate that moves up and down with the prime rate. The exact APR you receive depends on your credit score and credit history; Synchrony typically offers rates ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-20s percent, though the exact range is not published in advance.
If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, Synchrony applies a penalty APR that can reach 29.99%, which is among the highest rates in the credit card industry. This rate applies to your entire balance, not just new purchases, and it can remain in effect for six months or longer depending on your subsequent payment behavior.
The math on carrying a balance is straightforward: if you earn 1% in rewards but pay 18% in interest, you lose money. The card only makes financial sense if you pay the full statement balance by the due date each month. If you think you might carry a balance, a card with a 0% introductory APR period would serve you better.
How the card affects your credit score
Synchrony reports your Bass Pro Shops card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means the card shows up on your credit report and influences your credit score in several ways.
On-time payments build your payment history, which is the single largest factor in your credit score. Missed payments, high balances relative to your credit limit, and accounts sent to collections all damage your score. If you use the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — it can help your score over time.
Opening a new card temporarily lowers your score because Synchrony performs a hard inquiry and because a new account lowers your average account age. These effects fade within a few months if you use the card responsibly. Closing the account later can also lower your score by reducing your total available credit, so keep the account open even if you stop using it actively.
When the Bass Pro Shops card makes sense versus alternatives
The card makes the most sense if you spend at least $500 to $1,000 per year at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's and you can commit to paying the balance in full each month. At that spending level, the 1% rewards add up to $5 to $10 per year, which is modest but real.
If you spend less than that, or if you cannot reliably pay the balance in full, the card costs you more in interest and temptation than it returns in rewards. In that case, paying cash or using a general-purpose rewards card is the better choice.
If you have fair or poor credit and are trying to rebuild, the Bass Pro Shops card can be a stepping stone because Synchrony approves people with lower scores than many banks do. However, only open it if you have a concrete plan to use it responsibly — the high penalty APR makes it risky for people who struggle with credit discipline.
How to manage the card and avoid common mistakes
Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due, or better yet, the full statement balance. This prevents missed payments, which trigger late fees, penalty APR, and credit score damage. Most people who regret store cards do so because they let a balance grow and then cannot pay it down.
Check your statement and rewards balance regularly — at least monthly. Synchrony's website and mobile app both show your current APR, available credit, points balance, and redemption options. Catching errors or unauthorized charges early makes them easier to dispute.
Do not treat the card as a way to spend more than you would otherwise. The rewards are real but small, and they vanish when ready if you carry a balance. Use the card only for purchases you would make anyway, and only if you have the cash on hand to pay it off.
Redeeming points and understanding the rewards value
You redeem points through the Synchrony website, the mobile app, or by calling customer service. The standard redemption is 100 points for $1 off a purchase, which you can explore at checkout in-store or online. Some redemptions offer better rates — for example, during certain promotions you might redeem 80 points for $1 off — so check the redemption menu before you convert your points.
Points can also be redeemed for gift cards, though the conversion rate is typically the same as merchandise discounts. You cannot transfer points to other programs, cash them out, or use them outside Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.
Track when your points are about to expire if your account is at risk of closure, and redeem them before that happens. Once redeemed, the discount applies when ready to your account and you can use it on your next purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Bass Pro Shops card at other outdoor retailers?
No. The card works only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations and their websites. You cannot use it at other outdoor or sporting goods retailers. If you want a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose credit card from a bank or credit union.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A payment 30 days late triggers a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and may be reported to the credit bureaus. A payment 60 days late triggers the penalty APR, which can exceed 29%. Missing payments damages your credit score and makes it harder to borrow money in the future.
Is the Bass Pro Shops card worth it if I only shop there once a year?
Probably not. If you spend $200 once a year, you earn about $2 in rewards — less than the value of your time managing the account. A general-purpose card or cash is simpler. The card makes sense when you shop there regularly enough that the rewards accumulate to $20 or more per year.
Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to this one?
No. The Bass Pro Shops card does not offer balance transfers. It is designed for new purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's only. If you have high-interest debt elsewhere, you would need a different card or loan to move that balance.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score, but it typically approves people with scores in the 600 to 650 range and above. Your actual approval depends on your full credit history, income, and existing debt, not just your score. The only way to know is to explore.