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 at dickssportinggoods.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Dick's and its sister brands — it cannot be used at other retailers or restaurants.
Store cards typically offer rewards and promotional financing tied to the store itself rather than cash back or travel points. The Dick's card is designed for people who shop there regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases.
You can request the card in-store at checkout, online through the Dick's website, or by phone. Synchrony Bank handles the account after approval — they send your bill, process payments, and manage your credit line.
Key Takeaways
- The Dick's Sporting Goods card earns rewards points on purchases at Dick's and partner brands, but only works at those locations.
- The card offers promotional financing periods (often 0% APR for a set number of months) on purchases above a certain amount, though regular APR applies if you do not pay in full by the end of the promotion.
- Synchrony Bank issues and manages the account, and you make payments online, by phone, or by mail to Synchrony, not to Dick's.
- Your credit score affects whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive, just as with any credit card.
- Carrying a balance means paying interest at the card's regular APR unless you are within a promotional financing period.
How rewards and points work on the Dick's card
The Dick's Sporting Goods card earns points on every purchase you make at Dick's, Modell's, and Golf Galaxy locations, as well as online at their websites. The points-per-dollar rate varies — you typically earn more points on certain categories (like athletic apparel or shoes) than on others, though Dick's updates these rates periodically.
Points accumulate in your Synchrony account and can be redeemed for Dick's gift cards or discounts on future purchases. You redeem points through your online account or in-store. There is no cash-back option — rewards are store credit only.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if your account is closed for inactivity or due to missed payments, you may lose unused points, so check your account terms for the specific policy.
Promotional financing offers and how they work
Dick's frequently runs promotional financing offers on the card, typically structured as 0% APR for 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases of $99 or more (the minimum purchase amount and promotion length vary by offer). During the promotional period, you pay no interest if you pay your full statement balance on time each month.
If you do not pay the full balance by the end of the promotion, the regular APR kicks in on the remaining balance retroactively — meaning you may owe interest on the entire purchase from the original date, not just from the end of the promotion. This is called deferred interest, and it is a significant cost if you miss the important date.
To avoid deferred interest, set a reminder for the month before your promotion ends and pay off the balance in full. You can check your promotion end date in your online account or on your statement.
Interest rates, fees, and account costs
The Dick's Sporting Goods card has a variable APR for regular purchases (not on promotional financing). The exact rate depends on your credit score and creditworthiness — Synchrony will tell you the APR when you are approved. Rates typically range from the mid-teens to over 20%, though this varies.
There is no annual fee to hold the card. However, there are standard credit card fees you should know about: late fees 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.
Cash advances are not available on this card — you cannot withdraw cash using the card or PIN. If you need cash, you would use a different payment method.
How to make payments and manage your account online
You make payments to Synchrony Bank, not to Dick's Sporting Goods. You can pay online through your Synchrony account at mysynchrony.com, by phone at the number on your statement, or by mailing a check to the address listed on your bill.
Online payments typically post within one business day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern). Phone payments are processed the same day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so mail early if your due date is approaching.
Your online account shows your current balance, available credit, rewards points, promotional financing details, and payment history. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month, which helps you avoid late fees.
What happens if you miss a payment or carry a balance
If you miss your due date, Synchrony charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40 depending on your account history) and reports the late payment to the credit bureaus. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your current score.
If you carry a balance beyond a promotional financing period, you pay the regular APR on the remaining amount. For example, a $1,000 balance at 19% APR costs about $19 per month in interest alone if you make no payments toward principal.
If your account goes 30, 60, or 90 days past due, Synchrony may close your account, freeze your rewards, and refer the debt to a collection agency. This severely damages your credit and can affect your ability to borrow for years.
Comparing the Dick's card to other store cards and general credit cards
Store cards like the Dick's card typically offer higher rewards rates at that specific store than a general-purpose card would, but they work nowhere else. If you shop at Dick's regularly and plan to use promotional financing, the card can save money. If you shop there occasionally, a general rewards card (which earns points everywhere) may be more useful.
General credit cards often have lower APRs than store cards and offer rewards at any retailer. However, they do not usually offer store-specific promotional financing. The trade-off is flexibility versus rewards depth at one location.
Before opening the Dick's card, consider how often you shop there and whether the rewards rate and promotional offers outweigh the limitation of using it only at Dick's locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Dick's Sporting Goods card at other stores?
No. The card works only at Dick's Sporting Goods, Modell's, and Golf Galaxy locations and their websites. It cannot be used at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What is the credit limit on the Dick's card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony determines this when you are approved. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments, but there is no may provide of approval.
Do I lose my rewards points if I close the account?
Policies vary, so check your account terms or contact Synchrony directly. Generally, points may be forfeited if you close the account, especially if there is an outstanding balance. If you want to keep your points, keep the account open even if you are not actively using the card.
What happens if I do not pay off a promotional financing purchase in time?
If you do not pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period, deferred interest applies. You owe interest on the entire original purchase amount from the purchase date, not just the remaining balance. This can be a large unexpected cost, so set a payment reminder well before the promotion ends.
How do I check my rewards balance and redemption options?
Log into your account at mysynchrony.com, and your points balance and available redemption options will be displayed. You can also call the number on your statement or ask a Dick's employee in-store to check your balance for you.