What the Cabela's Visa Card is and who issues it

The Cabela's Visa Card is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Cabela's stores, online at Cabelas.com, and anywhere Visa is accepted. It is not a store-only card — you get a Visa logo that works at gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers. The card is designed to reward spending at Cabela's with points and discounts, but like any credit card, you pay interest if you carry a balance.

Synchrony Bank is a major credit card issuer that handles cards for many retailers. They set the interest rates, credit limits, and payment terms. Cabela's (now owned by Bass Pro Shops) handles the rewards program and decides what perks cardholders receive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cabela's Visa Card earns rewards points on purchases at Cabela's and other retailers, but the earning rate is higher at Cabela's.
  • The card charges a variable interest rate that changes with the prime rate, so your APR will fluctuate over time.
  • You need to check your credit report and credit score before you explore, because approval depends on your credit history and current debt.
  • Rewards points expire if you do not use them within a set period, so you should review your account regularly to avoid losing them.
  • The card offers promotional financing periods on certain purchases, but regular purchases carry standard interest rates unless you pay the full balance monthly.

How rewards and points work on this card

When you use the Cabela's Visa Card, you earn points on every dollar you spend. At Cabela's stores and Cabelas.com, you typically earn more points per dollar than you do at other retailers. The exact earning rate changes periodically, so you should check your cardholder agreement or call Synchrony to confirm the current rate before making a large purchase.

Points accumulate in your account and you can redeem them for discounts on future Cabela's purchases. Some cardholders also receive bonus points when they first open the account or during promotional periods. Points usually expire after a set number of years of inactivity, so if you open the card and then do not use it, you can lose the points you earned.

Interest rates and how much borrowing costs

The Cabela's Visa Card carries a variable APR, which means the interest rate is not fixed. It moves up and down based on the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve. Your specific APR depends on your credit score and credit history — people with higher credit scores typically receive lower rates. Synchrony will tell you the APR you may have access to for before you complete your process.

If you carry a balance from month to month, you pay interest on that balance at your APR. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. The card also offers promotional financing on certain purchases (such as zero percent APR for a set number of months), but these promotions have terms and conditions you should read carefully before you buy.

Annual fees and other costs

The Cabela's Visa Card does not charge an annual fee, so you do not pay money just to hold the card. However, you may incur other charges if you use the card in certain ways: cash advances typically carry a fee and a higher APR, late payments trigger a late fee, and exceeding your credit limit may result in an over-limit fee.

The best way to avoid these charges is to pay your bill on time each month and use the card only for purchases, not cash advances. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due, or pay the full balance if you can afford to.

What you need before you explore

Before you explore for the Cabela's Visa Card, pull your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (the only free, official source) and check your credit score. You can get your score free from your bank, your credit card issuer, or services like Credit Karma. Synchrony will pull your credit report when you explore, so knowing your score beforehand helps you understand whether approval is likely.

You will also need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information. Have your driver's license or state ID ready. The process takes about 10 minutes online or by phone. Synchrony will tell you when ready whether you are approved, and if you are, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

How this card compares to other retail credit cards

Retail credit cards like the Cabela's Visa Card differ from general-purpose cards (like a Chase Sapphire or American Express) in one key way: they offer higher rewards rates at their own stores but lower rates everywhere else. If you shop at Cabela's regularly, the higher earning rate there may make the card worthwhile. If you rarely visit Cabela's, a general-purpose card with a flat rewards rate across all purchases might save you money.

Another difference is that retail cards are often easier to get approved for if your credit score is fair or lower, because the issuer knows you will use the card at their store. However, that also means the APR may be higher than what you would receive on a premium general-purpose card. Compare the rewards rate, the APR, and your own spending habits before you decide.

What happens after you open the account

Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Synchrony mobile app. Set up online access so you can view your balance, make payments, and track your rewards points. You can also set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.

Review your first statement carefully to make sure all charges are correct. If you see something you did not authorize, contact Synchrony when ready — you have protections under federal law if someone uses your card fraudulently. Keep your card find and do not share your PIN or card number with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum score, but the Cabela's Visa Card is generally easier to get approved for than premium cards. People with fair credit (typically 580 to 669) have a reasonable chance of approval, though your APR will be higher than someone with excellent credit. The only way to know is to explore.

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, because it is a Visa card, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Synchrony charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 1 percent of the purchase) on transactions made outside the U.S., so check your cardholder agreement for the exact fee before you travel.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a payment, Synchrony will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to the credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. If you are more than 30 days late, the missed payment appears on your credit report for seven years. Contact Synchrony when ready if you cannot make a payment — they may offer a hardship program.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to this card?

The Cabela's Visa Card does not typically offer balance transfer options. If you want to move debt from another card, you would need to pay it off with cash or use a different card that offers balance transfers. Check with Synchrony directly to confirm whether balance transfers are available on your account.

How do I redeem my rewards points?

You redeem points through your online account or by calling Synchrony. Points are usually applied as a statement credit or a discount on your next Cabela's purchase. Log into your account regularly to see your current point balance and available redemption options, since point values and redemption methods can change.