What the Sportsman's Warehouse Credit Card Is
The Sportsman's Warehouse credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Sportsman's Warehouse locations and online. It works like most retail cards: you get a credit line to spend at that retailer, receive a monthly bill, and build a payment history that affects your credit score. The card offers rewards on purchases, but those rewards are limited to Sportsman's Warehouse — you cannot use them elsewhere.
This is not a general-purpose card like a Visa or Mastercard. You can only swipe it at Sportsman's Warehouse. If you want a card that works anywhere, you would need a different product. The card makes sense if you shop there regularly and want to take advantage of the rewards structure and occasional promotional financing offers.
Key Takeaways
- The Sportsman's Warehouse card is a store-only card issued by Comenity Bank that earns rewards points on purchases at Sportsman's Warehouse.
- You earn points on every dollar spent, but those points can only be redeemed for discounts on future Sportsman's Warehouse purchases.
- The card occasionally offers promotional financing periods (such as 12 months interest-free on purchases over a certain amount), though these terms change.
- Your credit score affects whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive, and using the card affects your credit score going forward.
- You manage the account online through Comenity's portal, where you can check your balance, make payments, and view your rewards balance.
How to Get the Card
You can request the card in-store at any Sportsman's Warehouse location or online through their website. The in-store process is faster: a cashier or customer service associate will hand you an process tablet, you fill in your personal information and Social Security number, and you get an when ready decision. If approved, you can use the card when ready for that purchase.
If you explore online, the process takes longer. You enter your information on Sportsman's Warehouse's website, Comenity reviews your credit, and you receive a decision by email within a few business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though you may be able to use the card number online before the physical card arrives.
Approval depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Comenity pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. If you have fair credit or better, your chances of approval are good. If you have poor credit or no credit history, approval is less certain.
Rewards and Promotional Offers
The card earns points on every dollar you spend at Sportsman's Warehouse. The exact earning rate varies — Sportsman's Warehouse has changed the structure over time, so check the current terms before you explore. Typically you earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar depending on the purchase category and whether a promotion is running.
Points redeem as statement credits or discounts on future purchases. You cannot convert them to cash or transfer them to another account. Once you accumulate enough points, you can use them to reduce what you owe on your next bill or get a discount code to use in-store or online.
Sportsman's Warehouse regularly runs promotional financing offers for cardholders — for example, 12 months interest-free on purchases over $500, or 24 months interest-free on purchases over $1,000. These promotions change seasonally and are advertised in-store and online. If you carry a balance during a promotional period, you pay no interest. If you do not pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period, interest kicks in at the card's regular rate, which is typically in the 19% to 26% range depending on your creditworthiness.
Fees and Interest Rates
The card has no annual fee, which is standard for retail cards. You do not pay anything just to hold the card.
Interest charges explore only if you carry a balance past your due date. The regular APR (annual percentage rate) is not fixed — it depends on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time of approval. Comenity typically offers rates between 19% and 26%, with better credit scores receiving lower rates. You can ask what your rate is when you are approved, or you can check it in your online account after approval.
Late fees explore if you miss a payment. The fee amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and higher for subsequent ones. Paying on time is important because late payments also damage your credit score and may trigger a higher interest rate.
Managing Your Account Online
Once you are approved, you create an account on Comenity's website or mobile app. This is where you check your balance, make payments, view your rewards, and see your transaction history. You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month, which removes the risk of forgetting and incurring a late fee.
Your monthly statement shows your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. The minimum payment is usually 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you carry the rest as a balance and pay interest on it. To avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date.
You can also view your available credit (how much you can still spend) and your credit limit. If you want a higher limit, you can request an increase through the app or website, though Comenity may or may not approve it depending on your payment history and credit score.
How the Card Affects Your Credit
Using the card affects your credit score in two ways. First, the hard inquiry when you explore lowers your score slightly for a few months. Second, your payment history and credit utilization (how much of your credit limit you are using) become part of your credit profile going forward.
If you pay on time every month and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit, the card helps your credit score over time. If you miss payments or max out the card, your score drops. Credit bureaus report your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so the card's impact shows up on your credit report.
This matters because your credit score affects your ability to get other loans, credit cards, mortgages, and sometimes even rental housing or insurance rates. Using the Sportsman's Warehouse card responsibly — paying on time and not overspending — builds credit. Using it irresponsibly damages it.
When a Store Card Makes Sense
A store card is worth getting if you shop at that retailer regularly and the rewards or promotional financing actually save you money. If you spend $2,000 a year at Sportsman's Warehouse and earn 2 points per dollar, that is 4,000 points per year. If those points are worth $40 in discounts, you are getting a 2% return on your spending — which is decent but not exceptional.
The promotional financing offers are the real draw. If Sportsman's Warehouse is running 12 months interest-free on a $1,000 purchase and you would otherwise pay 20% interest, you save $200. That is a meaningful benefit if you were planning to buy something anyway and can pay it off within the promotional period.
If you shop there rarely, the card is not worth the trouble. The rewards are too small to matter, and you are better off using a general-purpose card that earns rewards everywhere. If you struggle with debt or overspending, a store card with a separate credit limit can make it easier to rack up balances you cannot pay off. In that case, skip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sportsman's Warehouse card anywhere besides Sportsman's Warehouse?
No. This is a store card, not a Visa or Mastercard. You can only use it at Sportsman's Warehouse locations and on their website. If you need a card that works at other retailers, you need a different product.
What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
You incur a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and interest charges on your unpaid balance. The late payment also appears on your credit report and lowers your credit score. If you miss multiple payments, Comenity may close your account and send the debt to a collection agency.
Can I transfer my rewards points to another card or cash them out?
No. Rewards points can only be redeemed as statement credits or discounts on Sportsman's Warehouse purchases. You cannot convert them to cash, transfer them to another account, or use them anywhere else.
What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score and income at the time of approval. Comenity does not publish a standard limit. You can request an increase through your online account, but approval is not may provide and depends on your payment history and current credit profile.
Does explore for the card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the process triggers a hard inquiry that lowers your score by a few points for a few months. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, the positive payment history builds your score back up and eventually improves it.