What the Cabela's Credit Card Is

The Cabela's Mastercard is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops locations, both in-store and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those two retailers — you cannot use it at other merchants. The card comes with rewards in the form of points that you earn on purchases and can redeem for merchandise or discounts.

The card is unsecured, meaning you do not need to put down a cash deposit to open an account. Synchrony will review your credit history and income to decide whether to issue the card and what credit limit to give you. There is no annual fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cabela's Mastercard earns rewards points on purchases at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, but cannot be used anywhere else.
  • You earn points at different rates depending on whether you are a Cabela's Club member and what you are buying — typically 1 to 5 points per dollar spent.
  • The card carries a variable interest rate that changes with the prime rate, so your APR will fluctuate over time.
  • Synchrony Bank manages the account, and you can check your balance and make payments through their online portal or mobile app.
  • Store credit cards often have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance can become expensive quickly.

How Rewards Points Work on This Card

When you use the Cabela's Mastercard, you earn rewards points on your purchases. The exact rate depends on whether you hold a Cabela's Club membership and what category of merchandise you buy. Cabela's Club members typically earn 5 points per dollar on most purchases, while non-members earn 1 point per dollar. Some categories, such as firearms or outdoor gear, may earn at different rates — Cabela's publishes these rates on their website and in your cardholder agreement.

Points accumulate in your account and do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You redeem them by converting them to a certificate that you can use like a gift card at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops. The redemption value varies — Cabela's typically lets you convert points into merchandise certificates, but the dollar amount you get per point depends on how many points you redeem at once. Redeeming larger batches often gives you better value.

You can check your current points balance by logging into your Synchrony account online or through the Synchrony Mobile app. The app also shows you how many points you have earned on recent purchases and lets you track your progress toward redemption goals.

Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know

The Cabela's Mastercard carries a variable APR, which means the interest rate changes when the prime rate changes. Your actual APR depends on your creditworthiness — Synchrony will offer different rates to different cardholders based on their credit score and history. The card agreement will show you the APR range that applies to your account.

Store credit cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards. If you carry a balance from month to month, interest charges can add up quickly and offset the value of the rewards you earn. For example, if you earn 5 points per dollar but pay 24% APR on an unpaid balance, the interest cost will likely exceed the rewards value unless you pay off the full statement balance each month.

There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee (because the card only works in the United States), and no late fee if you pay on time. However, Synchrony does charge a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date, and a returned payment fee if a check or electronic payment bounces.

How to Make Payments and Check Your Account

You manage your Cabela's Mastercard account through Synchrony Bank's online portal or mobile app. To set up an account, visit Synchrony.com and register with your card number and personal information. Once logged in, you can view your current balance, recent transactions, available credit, and rewards points balance.

You can make a payment in several ways: through the Synchrony website or app using a bank account or debit card, by phone at the number on the back of your card, by mail to the address shown on your statement, or automatically through autopay if you set up recurring payments. Synchrony processes online and phone payments the same business day if you submit them before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern). Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to reach Synchrony's processing center.

Your statement closes on a date set by Synchrony — you can find this date in your account settings. Your payment is due 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you will not owe any interest on purchases made during that billing cycle. If you pay less than the full balance, interest accrues on the remaining amount at your card's APR.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Synchrony will charge a late fee (the amount depends on your balance and is shown in your card agreement). Your APR may also increase if you are 60 or more days late. Synchrony reports payment history to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so a missed payment will show up on your credit report and may lower your credit score.

If you fall behind on payments, Synchrony may freeze your account, preventing you from making new purchases. They may also close the account entirely if the delinquency continues. Once an account is closed by the creditor, it becomes harder to rebuild credit because active accounts in good standing help your credit score more than closed accounts.

If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. They sometimes work with cardholders on hardship plans or temporary payment arrangements, though they are not required to do so.

Comparing This Card to Other Retail Credit Cards

The Cabela's Mastercard is one of many store-branded credit cards available. The main trade-off is that it only works at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, so you cannot use it for everyday purchases at other retailers. If you shop at those stores regularly, the rewards rate may make the card worthwhile. If you shop there occasionally, a general-purpose rewards card might serve you better because you can earn rewards everywhere you spend.

Store cards often offer promotional financing — for example, 12 months of 0% APR on purchases over a certain amount — but these promotions are temporary and come with conditions. Check Cabela's website or ask in-store whether any promotional offers are currently running before you open the account.

A general-purpose card like a Visa or Mastercard typically earns 1% to 2% cash back or points on all purchases and works everywhere. The trade-off is that you do not get the higher rewards rate (5 points per dollar) that Cabela's Club members get on the store card. The choice depends on how much you spend at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops each year and whether the higher rewards rate outweighs the card's limited use.

How to Open a Cabela's Mastercard Account

You can open a Cabela's Mastercard account in person at any Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops location, or online through Cabela's website. In-store, a sales associate will walk you through the process, which takes about 10 minutes. Online, you fill out a form with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information.

Synchrony will make a decision within minutes to a few hours. If you are approved, you will receive a temporary card number when ready (if you applied online) or a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you applied in-store, you may be able to use the card the same day once you receive your temporary number.

Synchrony will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report as part of the process process. A hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily, so it is worth knowing that opening this card will have a small short-term impact on your credit. If you are denied, you can ask Synchrony why and wait at least six months before explore again, as multiple applications in a short time can further lower your score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Cabela's Mastercard outside the United States?

No. The card only works at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops locations in the United States. You cannot use it at international retailers or online merchants outside the U.S., even if they accept Mastercard.

What happens to my rewards points if I close my account?

Your points will expire if your account is closed and inactive for a set period — usually 12 to 24 months, depending on Synchrony's current policy. Redeem your points before closing the account if you want to keep them.

Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Cabela's Mastercard?

Synchrony does not typically offer balance transfer options on the Cabela's card. You can only use the card to make new purchases at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. If you want to pay off another card, you would need to use a different payment method.

What credit score do I need to open this card?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, store cards are easier to get approved for than premium general-purpose cards, and some people with fair credit (scores in the 600s) have been approved. Your actual approval odds depend on your full credit history, not just your score.

Does the Cabela's Mastercard offer purchase protection or extended warranties?

The card agreement may include benefits like purchase protection or extended warranties on certain items, but these vary and are not may provide on all purchases. Check your cardholder agreement or ask Synchrony directly about what protections explore to your account.