What the Cabela's Visa Card Is

The Cabela's Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Cabela's and a major bank partner. It works like any other Visa card — you use it to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted — but it's designed to reward spending at Cabela's stores and online, and offers bonus rewards for other categories like gas and groceries.

The card earns points on every purchase. Those points convert to Cabela's gift cards or cash back, depending on the rewards structure in place when you open the account. The card also comes with perks specific to Cabela's customers, such as early access to sales or special financing offers on large purchases.

This is a standard credit card, not a store-only card. You build a credit history with it, and the issuer reports your payment activity to the three major credit bureaus. That means on-time payments help your credit score, but missed payments hurt it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cabela's Visa earns rewards points on purchases at Cabela's and other retailers, with higher earning rates at Cabela's locations.
  • You can redeem points for Cabela's gift cards or cash back, though the conversion rate and redemption options depend on your specific card version.
  • The card has an annual fee that varies by card tier — some versions are free, others charge $99 or more.
  • You need to meet the issuer's credit requirements to open an account, which typically means a fair credit score or better.
  • The card reports to credit bureaus, so responsible use builds your credit history while missed payments damage it.

How Rewards Points Work on the Cabela's Visa

Every dollar you spend earns points, but the rate depends on where you shop. At Cabela's stores and Cabela's.com, you typically earn a higher rate — often 4 or 5 points per dollar. Outside Cabela's, you earn a lower base rate, usually 1 point per dollar, though some categories like gas stations or grocery stores may earn 2 or 3 points per dollar.

Points accumulate in your account and never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You redeem them through your online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Most cardholders convert points to Cabela's gift cards in $25 or $50 increments, though some card versions allow direct cash back to your bank account.

The exact earning rates and redemption options vary depending on which Cabela's Visa product you hold. Before you open an account, ask the issuer or check their website for the current rewards structure, because these terms change periodically.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

Some Cabela's Visa cards charge no annual fee, while others charge $99 or $149 per year. The fee structure depends on the card tier — a basic version may be free, while a premium version with additional benefits costs more. You pay the annual fee once per year, usually on your account anniversary or the month you opened the account.

Beyond the annual fee, the card carries standard credit card costs: interest charges if you carry a balance, late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use it outside the United States. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Check the card's terms and conditions for the exact APR range before you open the account.

Some versions of the card waive the annual fee in the first year, or waive it if you spend a certain amount annually. Read the offer details carefully to understand what you're committing to.

Credit Requirements and the process Process

To open a Cabela's Visa, you need a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and a credit history. The issuer pulls your credit report and reviews your score, payment history, and existing debt to decide whether to approve you. Most cardholders approved for this card have a fair credit score or better, though the exact threshold is not public.

You can start the process online at Cabela's.com or in a Cabela's store. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, income, employment status, and Social Security number. You'll receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you're denied, you have the right to know why. The issuer must send you a notice explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, too much existing debt, or insufficient credit history. You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report by contacting the credit bureau directly.

Special Offers and Financing Options

Cabela's frequently runs promotional offers for cardholders, such as bonus points for opening an account, extra points on certain categories during specific months, or special financing on large purchases. These promotions change regularly, so check the current offer before you open an account.

Special financing typically means you can buy something expensive — like a boat, gun, or outdoor equipment — and pay it back over 12, 24, or 36 months with no interest, as long as you pay on time. If you miss a payment or don't pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period, you owe interest retroactively on the full original amount. Read the terms carefully, because these deals have strict conditions.

These offers are designed to encourage spending, so only use them if you have a clear plan to pay off the balance before the interest kicks in. Missing the important date is expensive.

How the Card Affects Your Credit

Opening a Cabela's Visa affects your credit in two ways when ready: the issuer makes a hard inquiry into your credit report (which lowers your score by a few points temporarily), and your new account lowers your average account age (which also lowers your score slightly). Both effects fade over time.

Once the account is open, your payment history becomes the biggest factor. Paying your full balance on time every month builds your credit score. Missing payments, paying late, or carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit damages your score. The card issuer reports your activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every month.

If you carry a balance, the card also affects your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit you're using. Using more than 30% of your limit can lower your score, even if you pay on time. To protect your score, keep your balance low or pay it down before the statement closes.

Comparing the Cabela's Visa to Other Rewards Cards

The Cabela's Visa makes sense if you shop at Cabela's regularly and want to earn rewards there. The higher earning rate at Cabela's (4 to 5 points per dollar) is better than most general rewards cards offer. However, if you rarely shop at Cabela's, a cash-back card with a flat 2% back on all purchases may save you more money.

The annual fee is another factor. If the card charges $99 per year but you only earn $80 in rewards annually, you're losing money. Calculate your expected annual spending at Cabela's and other bonus categories, multiply by the earning rate, and compare that to the annual fee. If the rewards don't exceed the fee, a no-annual-fee card is a better choice.

Some general rewards cards also offer sign-up bonuses — 50,000 points or $500 cash back after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. The Cabela's card may offer a similar bonus, so compare the total value of the sign-up bonus plus the first year of rewards against the annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Cabela's Visa anywhere, or just at Cabela's?

You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and thousands of other places. You earn a higher rewards rate at Cabela's, but the card works as a regular Visa everywhere else. The lower earning rate outside Cabela's is typically 1 point per dollar, though some categories earn more.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the card?

Points expire if your account is closed and remains inactive. Before you close the card, redeem all your points for a gift card or cash back. Once the account is closed, you lose access to any remaining points. If you're thinking about closing the card, call customer service first to confirm the expiration policy.

Does the Cabela's Visa have a sign-up bonus?

Many versions of the card offer a sign-up bonus — typically bonus points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, or a discount on your first purchase. The bonus changes periodically, so check the current offer on Cabela's.com or ask in a store before you open the account.

What's the interest rate on the Cabela's Visa?

The APR varies based on your credit score and current market rates. The issuer will disclose the exact rate in the terms and conditions before you open the account. Rates typically range from 18% to 28%, but your individual rate depends on your creditworthiness. Always check the terms before you explore.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to the Cabela's Visa?

Some versions of the card allow balance transfers, while others do not. If your card does allow them, you typically pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Check the card's terms or call customer service to confirm whether balance transfers are available and what the fee is.