What the Dick's Sporting Goods credit card is and who issues it
The Dick's Sporting Goods credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Dick's Sporting Goods locations and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Dick's and its subsidiary brands — which include Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, and Modell's. You cannot use it at other retailers.
The card comes in two versions: a standard card and a rewards card. Both are issued by Synchrony, the same bank that issues store cards for many major retailers. The card reports to the three credit bureaus, so using it responsibly can affect your credit score.
Key Takeaways
- The Dick's card offers promotional financing (usually 0% APR for a set period on purchases over a minimum amount) but charges a standard APR of around 19% to 26% if you carry a balance after the promotional period ends.
- You earn rewards points on purchases — typically 1 point per dollar spent — which you can redeem for Dick's gift cards or discounts, but the rewards rate is lower than many general-purpose cards.
- The card has no annual fee, but you must pay at least the minimum payment each month or you will owe interest and late fees.
- Promotional financing offers require you to pay off the full balance within the promotional window; if you do not, you owe all the interest retroactively from the purchase date.
- The card is easiest to use if you shop at Dick's regularly and plan to pay off purchases within the promotional period rather than carrying a balance.
How rewards and promotional financing work
The rewards structure is straightforward: you earn 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases at Dick's. You can redeem points for Dick's gift cards or explore them as statement credits. The redemption rate varies — typically you need 100 to 150 points for a $5 gift card, depending on current promotions. This works out to roughly 3% to 5% back in value, which is lower than many general-purpose rewards cards that offer 2% cash back across all purchases.
Promotional financing is where the card's appeal lies for larger purchases. Dick's regularly offers 0% APR for 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases above a certain threshold — often $399 or $499, though this varies by promotion. The catch is critical: if you do not pay off the entire balance before the promotional period ends, Synchrony charges you interest retroactively from the original purchase date at the card's standard APR (typically 19% to 26%, depending on your creditworthiness). This means a $500 purchase with 0% for 18 months becomes expensive if you miss the important date by even one payment.
To use promotional financing safely, set a payment plan before you buy. If the promotion is 18 months, divide the purchase price by 18 and pay that amount monthly. This ensures you clear the balance before interest kicks in.
Interest rates and fees you will encounter
The card charges no annual fee, which is standard for store cards. However, the purchase APR — the rate you pay if you carry a balance outside a promotional period — typically ranges from 19% to 26%. This is higher than many general-purpose credit cards, which average 16% to 21%. Your actual rate depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account.
Late payments carry a penalty. If you miss a payment, Synchrony charges a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and may increase your APR. Cash advances are not available on this card — you cannot withdraw cash using it. Balance transfers are also not offered.
If you carry a balance month to month without a promotional offer, the interest compounds daily. A $1,000 balance at 22% APR costs roughly $18 per month in interest alone, meaning your minimum payment mostly covers interest rather than principal.
When the Dick's card makes financial sense
The card is most useful if you shop at Dick's regularly and take advantage of promotional financing for larger purchases. If you buy $400 or more in sporting goods, apparel, or equipment every few months and can pay it off within the promotional window, the 0% financing saves you money compared to paying cash or using a regular credit card.
The card is less useful if you carry balances month to month. The 19% to 26% APR is expensive, and the rewards rate (roughly 3% to 5% in value) does not offset the interest cost. A general-purpose card with 2% cash back and a lower APR would be cheaper if you cannot pay in full each month.
The card also makes sense if you have limited credit history or a lower credit score. Store cards are easier to open than general-purpose cards, and using one responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — can help build credit over time.
How to open the account and what happens next
You can open the Dick's Sporting Goods credit card in-store at any Dick's location or online at dickssportinggoods.com. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony makes a decision within minutes in most cases.
If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card in-store when ready after approval (the cashier can issue a temporary card number), but online purchases require the physical card to arrive. Once you have it, you can manage your account through Synchrony's website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. If you have a promotional financing offer, the statement clearly shows the promotional period end date and the APR that will explore after.
Comparing the Dick's card to other options
If you shop at Dick's occasionally but also at other retailers, a general-purpose rewards card (such as a 2% cash back card) is usually better. You earn rewards everywhere, not just at one store, and the APR is typically lower. The downside is that you do not get promotional financing offers.
If you shop at Dick's frequently and want promotional financing, the Dick's card is competitive with other store cards. Most store cards (Target, Kohl's, Best Buy) offer similar 0% promotional periods and similar APRs. The difference is usually in the rewards rate and the brands covered — Dick's card covers Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream, which other cards do not.
If you have a high credit score and can may have access to for a premium general-purpose card (such as a card with 3% cash back on certain categories), that card will likely earn more rewards and cost less in interest than the Dick's card, even with promotional financing.
What to watch out for with promotional financing
The most common mistake is missing the promotional period important date. If the offer is 0% for 18 months and you pay off $450 of a $500 purchase, you still owe interest on the full $500 from the original purchase date. Set a phone reminder for one month before the important date to may support you make the final payment.
Another risk is making a purchase during a promotional offer and then making only minimum payments. Minimum payments are calculated to keep you in debt as long as possible. On a $500 purchase with 0% for 18 months, the minimum payment might be $25 per month — which means you pay off only $450 in 18 months and owe interest on the remaining $50. Always pay more than the minimum during a promotional period.
Finally, do not open the card just to get a promotional offer if you do not actually need to buy anything. The hard inquiry on your credit report (which temporarily lowers your score by a few points) and the new account (which lowers your average account age) are not worth a discount you do not use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Dick's card at other stores?
No. The card works only at Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream, and Modell's. You cannot use it at other retailers, online marketplaces, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose credit card.
What happens if I do not pay off a promotional financing purchase in time?
You owe interest retroactively from the original purchase date at the card's standard APR (typically 19% to 26%). A $500 purchase with 0% for 18 months becomes roughly $175 more expensive if you miss the important date. Set a calendar reminder one month before the promotional period ends.
Does the Dick's card hurt my credit score?
Opening the card causes a small, temporary drop in your score due to the hard inquiry. Over time, using the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — helps your score by building a positive payment history and lowering your credit utilization ratio.
Is the rewards rate worth it?
The rewards rate (roughly 3% to 5% in value) is lower than many general-purpose cards offering 2% cash back. The Dick's card is worth it mainly for promotional financing on large purchases, not for everyday rewards.
What is the minimum credit score needed to open the card?
Synchrony does not publish a minimum score, but store cards typically require a fair credit score (around 600 or higher). If you have limited credit history or a lower score, you may still be approved, but your APR will be higher.