What the Scheels Visa Card Does
The Scheels Visa Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Scheels (the sporting goods and outdoor retailer) in partnership with Visa. It works like a standard credit card — you charge purchases, receive a monthly bill, and earn rewards on what you spend. The card is designed primarily for people who shop at Scheels regularly and want to accumulate points toward discounts or merchandise.
The card is not a store-only card. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Scheels locations. However, the rewards structure is built to encourage spending at Scheels, where you earn points faster than you do elsewhere.
This is a credit product, which means you need to meet Scheels' and the card issuer's lending standards. You will receive a credit limit, and you are responsible for paying your balance each month. If you carry a balance, interest charges explore at the card's stated annual percentage rate (APR).
Key Takeaways
- The Scheels Visa Card earns rewards points at Scheels locations and at other merchants, but the earning rate is higher at Scheels.
- You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, not only at Scheels stores or online.
- The card charges interest on unpaid balances, and the APR varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
- Scheels periodically offers promotional bonuses for new cardholders, such as bonus points after your first purchase or after spending a certain amount within a set timeframe.
- You manage your account through Scheels' online portal or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, and track your rewards.
How Rewards Points Work on This Card
When you use the Scheels Visa Card, you earn points on most purchases. The earning rate is typically higher when you shop at Scheels — for example, you might earn 5 points per dollar spent at Scheels but only 1 point per dollar at other retailers. The exact rates change periodically, so check your cardholder agreement or Scheels' website for current terms.
Points accumulate in your rewards account and can be redeemed for discounts on future Scheels purchases, merchandise, or sometimes gift cards. Some cards also allow you to redeem points for statement credits that reduce your balance. The redemption options and point values vary, so review what your specific card offers before you assume how to use your points.
Promotional bonuses are common. Scheels may offer new cardholders bonus points for making a first purchase, or for spending a certain amount (such as $500) within the first 90 days. These bonuses can significantly accelerate your rewards, but they come with conditions — you must meet the spending threshold within the stated window or the bonus does not post.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Annual Costs
The Scheels Visa Card carries an APR that applies to any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The APR is not fixed and varies based on your credit score, payment history, and the prime rate at the time you open the account. Scheels and the card issuer will disclose the APR in your cardholder agreement before you accept the card.
Most Scheels Visa Cards do not charge an annual fee, which means you can hold the card without paying to keep it open. However, you are responsible for interest charges if you carry a balance. You may also incur fees for late payments, returned payments, or cash advances, depending on your agreement.
If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you avoid interest charges entirely. This is the lowest-cost way to use any credit card. If you expect to carry a balance, calculate the interest cost before you open the account — a rewards rate of 5% at Scheels means little if you are paying 18% or more in interest on an unpaid balance.
How to Manage Your Account Online and by Phone
Once your card is approved and arrives, you can set up your online account through Scheels' website or mobile app. You will need your card number and personal information to log in. The online portal lets you view your current balance, recent transactions, available credit, and rewards balance.
You can make payments through the online portal, by phone, or by mail. Most cardholders set up automatic payments so their bill is paid on time each month without manual effort. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount.
If you have questions about your account, rewards, or charges, you can contact Scheels' customer service by phone (the number is on your card and in your cardholder agreement) or through the online portal's messaging feature. Response times vary, but most inquiries are handled within one to two business days.
What Happens During the process Process
When you explore for the Scheels Visa Card, you provide personal information including your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. Scheels and the card issuer use this information to check your credit report and decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.
The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online or in a Scheels store. Some applications are flagged for manual review and take a few business days. If you are approved, your card is mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason — usually related to credit history, income, or existing debt levels. You can request a copy of the credit report used in the decision and dispute any errors on it. You can reapply after addressing the issues, though waiting several months and rebuilding your credit profile improves your chances.
Comparing This Card to Other Rewards Cards
The Scheels Visa Card makes sense if you shop at Scheels regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you rarely visit Scheels, a general-purpose rewards card (such as a card that earns 2% cash back on all purchases) may deliver better value because you earn the same rate everywhere.
Store-branded cards often have lower credit limits and higher APRs than general-purpose cards, so compare the interest rate you are offered on the Scheels card to what you might receive on a standard Visa or Mastercard. If you carry a balance, the interest cost can quickly outweigh rewards earnings.
Consider also whether you have other cards that already earn rewards at outdoor and sporting goods retailers. Some premium travel or cash-back cards offer bonus categories that overlap with Scheels' product mix. Stacking multiple cards is common among people who optimize rewards, but it requires discipline to manage multiple balances and due dates.
What to Do If You Lose Your Card or Suspect Fraud
If your card is lost or stolen, call the customer service number on the back of your card or contact Scheels directly. Your card will be deactivated when ready, and a replacement will be mailed to you. Most replacements arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If you see charges on your statement that you did not make, report them to Scheels within 60 days of the statement date. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 if you report them promptly, and most card issuers waive even that amount. Scheels will investigate the disputed charge and either reverse it or provide documentation of the transaction.
Monitor your statements regularly — either by checking your online account weekly or by reviewing your paper statement when it arrives. The sooner you spot fraud, the faster it can be resolved and the less risk you face of additional unauthorized charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Scheels Visa Card at stores other than Scheels?
Yes. The card is a Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and other merchants. However, you earn rewards points at a lower rate outside of Scheels. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact earning rates at different merchant types.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Scheels does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit profile, including your score, payment history, existing debt, and income. People with fair to good credit (typically 650 and above) have the best chances, but approval is not may provide at any score level.
Do I have to shop at Scheels to keep the card active?
No. Most credit cards remain active as long as you keep the account open and in good standing. However, some issuers close accounts that show no activity for 12 months or longer. If you want to keep the card, use it occasionally or contact Scheels to confirm their inactivity policy.
Can I transfer my rewards points to another program or redeem them for cash?
Rewards redemption options vary by card. Most Scheels Visa Cards allow you to redeem points for Scheels merchandise or discounts on future purchases. Some may offer statement credits. Cash redemption is less common. Check your cardholder agreement or log into your online account to see what redemption options are available to you.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. You will also incur a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and your APR may increase. If you miss a payment, contact Scheels as soon as possible to make the payment and discuss your options. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit.