What the Dick's Sporting Goods Credit Card Does

The Dick's Sporting Goods credit card is a store card that works only at Dick's Sporting Goods and its subsidiary stores. You use it to make purchases, earn rewards on those purchases, and access occasional promotional offers. It is not a Visa or Mastercard — you cannot use it anywhere except Dick's locations and online at dickssportinggoods.com.

The card is issued by Synchrony Bank. When you open an account, Synchrony reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, which means on-time payments help your credit score and missed payments hurt it. You receive a monthly statement and can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dick's card earns rewards points on purchases at Dick's Sporting Goods, but only works at Dick's locations and their website.
  • You need to meet Synchrony's credit requirements to open an account, and approval depends on your credit history and income.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances at a variable rate that changes with the prime rate, so carrying a balance costs money.
  • Promotional financing offers (like "12 months same as cash") appear periodically and require you to pay the full amount by the end of the period or owe interest retroactively.
  • You can check your account balance, make payments, and view your rewards through the Synchrony mobile app or website.

How to Open a Dick's Sporting Goods Credit Card Account

You can start an account process in-store at any Dick's location or online at dickssportinggoods.com. In-store, a cashier or customer service associate will hand you a tablet or paper process. Online, you go to the credit card section of the Dick's website and click the link to explore.

The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. Synchrony pulls your credit report when ready. Most decisions come back within minutes — you will either be approved, denied, or told you need to wait for a manual review. If you are approved in-store, you can use the card that day. If you explore online, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. Synchrony does not publish its minimum credit score requirement, but the card is generally easier to open than a major Visa or Mastercard if your credit is fair or better. If you are denied, you can call Synchrony at the number on the denial letter to ask why and whether you can reapply.

Rewards, Interest Rates, and Fees

The Dick's card earns points on every dollar you spend at Dick's. The exact earning rate varies — as of now, most purchases earn 1 point per dollar, but the card occasionally offers bonus categories (for example, 2 points per dollar on Nike purchases during a promotion). You redeem points for Dick's gift cards or statement credits. The redemption rate is typically 100 points for a $5 gift card, though promotional periods may offer better rates.

The card charges a variable annual percentage rate (APR) on balances you do not pay in full each month. The rate is tied to the prime rate and changes when the Federal Reserve moves rates. As of early 2024, cardholders typically see APRs between 18% and 27%, depending on their creditworthiness. There is no annual fee to hold the card.

Dick's frequently runs promotional financing offers, such as "12 months same as cash" on purchases over a certain amount. These offers mean you pay no interest if you pay the full amount within the promotional period. If you do not pay it off by the end date, Synchrony charges you interest retroactively on the entire original purchase, not just the remaining balance. Read the terms carefully — the promotional period is printed on your receipt and statement.

Making Payments and Checking Your Balance

Your monthly statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and payment due date. You can pay online through the Synchrony website or mobile app, by phone at the number on your statement, or by mailing a check. Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

The minimum payment is usually 1% to 3% of your balance plus any fees and interest. Paying only the minimum means you carry a balance and pay interest. To avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. You can also set up automatic payments through the Synchrony app so you never miss a due date.

Check your balance anytime through the Synchrony mobile app (search "Synchrony" in your phone's app store) or at mysynchrony.com. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card. Your statement arrives by mail or email, depending on what you chose during signup.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment is late, Synchrony charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40, depending on your balance) and reports the late payment to the credit bureaus. A single late payment can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points. If you are more than 30 days late, the late fee increases and your APR may jump to a penalty rate, which is higher than your regular rate.

If you know you will miss a payment, call Synchrony before the due date. They may work with you on a payment plan or defer a payment, though this is not may provide. After 120 days of non-payment, Synchrony may close your account and send the debt to a collection agency.

Closing Your Account or Disputing Charges

To close your account, call Synchrony at the number on your statement or through the app. Pay any remaining balance first. After you close the account, you can no longer use the card, but Synchrony continues to report your payment history to the credit bureaus for seven years. Closing the account does not erase your history — it just stops new activity.

If you see a charge on your statement that you did not make or believe is wrong, contact Synchrony within 60 days of the statement date. You can dispute the charge through the app, website, or by calling customer service. Synchrony will investigate and either reverse the charge, adjust your account, or explain why the charge is correct. During the dispute, the charge remains on your account but you do not have to pay it while Synchrony investigates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Dick's card at other stores?

No. The Dick's Sporting Goods credit card works only at Dick's Sporting Goods stores, Dick's online, and at subsidiary brands owned by Dick's (such as Golf Galaxy and Modell's). You cannot use it at other retailers, gas stations, or restaurants.

What is the credit limit?

Synchrony sets your credit limit based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Most new cardholders receive limits between $500 and $2,500, though limits can be higher. You can request a credit limit increase through the app or website after you have had the card for at least six months and made on-time payments.

Do I earn rewards on promotional financing purchases?

Yes. You earn points on the full purchase amount even if you are using a promotional financing offer. The points are not affected by whether you pay interest or not.

What happens to my rewards if I close the account?

Any points you have earned remain in your account for a limited time after closure, though Synchrony's exact policy on how long varies. Redeem your points before you close the account to avoid losing them.

Can I transfer my balance from another credit card?

The Dick's card does not offer balance transfers. You cannot move a balance from another card onto the Dick's card. You can only charge new purchases to the Dick's card.