What the Bass Pro Shops Credit Card Is

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. It works like a standard credit card — you make purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back — but the rewards and financing offers are tied specifically to spending at those retailers.

This card is different from a general-purpose credit card because you can only use it at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores and their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes with promotional financing offers on certain purchases and a rewards program that gives you points on what you spend.

Whether this card makes sense for you depends on how often you shop at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's and whether the rewards rate and financing terms match your spending habits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bass Pro Shops credit card is a store card that works only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, both online and in physical locations.
  • The card offers promotional financing periods on certain purchases, meaning you may not pay interest if you pay off the balance within the promotional window.
  • You earn rewards points on purchases, though the exact rate and redemption value depend on the current card terms from Synchrony Bank.
  • A store card typically has a higher interest rate than a general credit card, so carrying a balance after a promotional period ends can cost you more.
  • You will need to meet Synchrony Bank's credit requirements, which usually means a fair to good credit score, though exact thresholds are not published.

How to Request the Card

You can request the Bass Pro Shops credit card in person at any Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's location, or online through the Bass Pro Shops website. In-store, staff at the customer service desk or checkout can direct you to the process. Online, look for a link labeled "Credit Card" or "Bass Pro Shops Rewards Card" on the Bass Pro Shops homepage.

The process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Synchrony Bank will pull your credit report to make a decision, which happens when ready or within a few minutes in most cases.

If you are approved, you can use the card when ready in many cases — either right away online or at the register if you applied in store. Physical cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Rewards and Promotional Financing Terms

The card's rewards program gives you points on purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. The exact earning rate and how you redeem points change periodically, so you should check the current terms on the Synchrony Bank or Bass Pro Shops website before you explore. Typically, store cards offer between 1 and 5 points per dollar spent, depending on the purchase category.

Promotional financing is the bigger draw for many cardholders. Bass Pro Shops frequently runs offers like "12 months special financing" or "24 months special financing" on purchases above a certain amount — often $99 or $149. During the promotional period, you pay no interest if you pay off the full balance by the end of the period. If you do not pay it off in full, interest accrues retroactively to the original purchase date, which can be expensive.

These promotional offers change regularly, so the terms available when you explore may differ from what is advertised next month. Always read the specific terms before you make a large purchase.

Interest Rates and Fees

The Bass Pro Shops credit card carries a standard purchase interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) that Synchrony Bank sets based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Store cards typically have higher APRs than general credit cards — often in the range of 18% to 27% — though your actual rate depends on your credit profile.

There is no annual fee to hold the card, which is standard for store cards. However, if you carry a balance after a promotional financing period ends, you will pay interest at the card's regular APR on the remaining balance.

Late payments and other fees (such as returned payment fees) follow Synchrony Bank's standard policies. You can find the full fee schedule in the card's terms and conditions, which Synchrony sends with your card or posts online.

When a Store Card Makes Sense

A store card is most useful if you shop at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's regularly and plan to use promotional financing for larger purchases. If you spend $1,000 or more per year at these retailers, the rewards points add up. If you plan to use a promotional financing offer and can pay off the balance before the period ends, you save on interest.

A store card is less useful if you shop there only occasionally or if you cannot reliably pay off promotional financing balances in time. Carrying a balance at a store card's interest rate is expensive, and the rewards points alone usually do not offset the cost of interest.

If you already have a general-purpose credit card with a good rewards rate and a lower APR, compare the two before you explore. A card that earns 2% cash back on all purchases may serve you better than a store card that earns points only at one retailer.

How to Manage Your Account

Once you have the card, you can manage your account online through Synchrony Bank's website or mobile app. You log in with your card number and a password you create. From there, you can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and see your rewards balance.

Synchrony allows you to pay your bill online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month.

Paying on time and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit helps your credit score. Even though this is a store card, Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so responsible use can help your credit over time.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are not sure a store card is right for you, consider a general-purpose rewards credit card instead. These cards work everywhere, often have lower interest rates, and may offer a higher rewards rate on categories like groceries or gas. The trade-off is that you do not get the promotional financing offers that store cards often have.

If you shop at Bass Pro Shops infrequently, you might skip the card altogether and just pay with cash or a debit card. You will not earn rewards, but you also will not carry a balance or pay interest.

If you are interested in the promotional financing but worried about carrying a balance, ask yourself honestly whether you can pay off the purchase within the promotional window. If the answer is no, the card's interest rate will cost you more than you save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Bass Pro Shops credit card anywhere besides Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's?

No. The card works only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores and their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.

What happens if I do not pay off a promotional financing balance in time?

Interest accrues retroactively to the original purchase date at the card's regular APR. This means you owe interest on the entire purchase from day one, not just on the remaining balance. For example, a $500 purchase with 12 months special financing could cost you $80 to $135 in interest if you miss the important date, depending on the APR.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions happen when ready or within a few minutes when you explore online or in store. If your process needs manual review, it may take a few business days. Synchrony will contact you by phone or email if they need more information.

Does explore for this card hurt my credit score?

Synchrony pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report when you explore, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. However, if you explore for multiple cards in a short time, the combined effect can be more noticeable.

Can I use this card to pay for a gift card at Bass Pro Shops?

Yes, you can use the card to purchase gift cards, and the purchase counts toward rewards and promotional financing offers. However, you cannot use a Bass Pro Shops gift card to pay your credit card bill.