The Good Sam Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Connexus Credit Union for members of the Good Sam Club

The Good Sam Visa is a rewards card tied to Good Sam Club membership, a travel and camping organization. The card is issued by Connexus Credit Union and earns cash back or points on purchases — the exact rewards structure depends on which version of the card you hold. Unlike a store card that works only at one retailer, this is a standard Visa that you can use anywhere Visa is accepted.

The card is marketed primarily to RV owners and camping enthusiasts, since Good Sam Club itself focuses on travel and outdoor recreation. But you do not have to be an RV owner to hold the card — you need a Good Sam Club membership, which you can purchase separately. The membership itself costs money, so the card makes most sense if you already use Good Sam services or plan to.

Key Takeaways

  • The Good Sam Visa requires a Good Sam Club membership, which has an annual fee separate from any card fees.
  • The card earns cash back or points on purchases, with bonus categories that often include gas, groceries, and travel.
  • As a Visa issued by a credit union, it works at any merchant that accepts Visa, not just Good Sam vendors.
  • Your approval odds and interest rate depend on your credit score and credit history, just like any other credit card.

Rewards structure and bonus categories

Good Sam offers two main card versions: the Good Sam Visa and the Good Sam Visa Rewards card. The rewards card typically earns a higher cash back rate on specific categories — often 5% back on gas, 3% on groceries and camping, and 1% on everything else, though these rates change and vary by promotion. The standard card earns a lower flat rate across all purchases.

Both versions may offer a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, usually in the form of cash back or points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. Check the current offer directly from Connexus Credit Union or Good Sam Club, since promotional bonuses change regularly and are not may provide year to year.

Cash back typically posts to your account monthly or can be redeemed for statement credits, travel purchases, or merchandise through Good Sam's partner network. Points-based rewards work the same way — you accumulate them and redeem them for cash, travel, or goods.

Annual fees and membership costs

The Good Sam Visa itself may have an annual fee, though some versions waive the first year or waive it entirely if you meet spending thresholds. The bigger cost is the Good Sam Club membership, which runs separately from the card fee. Good Sam Club membership costs vary by membership tier and renewal period, and you pay this whether or not you use the card.

Before you open the card, calculate whether the rewards you expect to earn will offset both the card fee and the club membership cost. If you spend $5,000 a year and earn 2% cash back, that is $100 in rewards — which may not cover a $100 membership fee plus a card fee. The math works better if you already belong to Good Sam Club for other reasons, like RV park discounts or roadside information.

Credit requirements and approval process

Connexus Credit Union does not publish a minimum credit score for the Good Sam Visa, but like all credit cards, approval depends on your credit history, income, and existing debt. If your credit score is below 650, approval is unlikely. If it is between 650 and 700, approval is possible but not certain. Above 700, your odds improve significantly.

The process itself takes a few minutes online or by phone. Connexus will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. You will get a decision within minutes to a few days. If you are denied, you can ask what factors led to the decision and reapply later if you improve your credit profile.

How the card compares to other rewards cards

The Good Sam Visa competes with general-purpose rewards cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Citi Double Cash, as well as category-specific cards like the American Express Blue Cash Preferred. The main difference is that Good Sam ties rewards to a membership organization, so you are paying for access to Good Sam Club benefits in addition to card rewards.

If you do not use Good Sam Club services — RV park discounts, campground reservations, roadside information — you are paying for membership you do not need. A standard cash back card with no annual fee might save you money. But if you camp regularly or use Good Sam discounts, the card rewards plus membership perks can add up to real savings.

Compare the cash back rates on the categories you spend in most. If you spend heavily on groceries and gas, a 5% or 3% card might beat a flat 2% card even after membership costs. If you spend evenly across categories, a flat-rate card with no annual fee usually wins.

Interest rates and balance transfers

The Good Sam Visa carries a variable interest rate (APR) that changes with the prime rate. Your personal APR depends on your credit score — someone with excellent credit might get 15% APR, while someone with fair credit might get 22% APR. Connexus publishes the range of rates it offers, but you will not know your exact rate until after approval.

The card does not typically offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers or new purchases, which is common on premium rewards cards. If you carry a balance, you pay interest from day one. This is another reason to compare the card against alternatives before you explore — a card with a 0% intro period might save you hundreds in interest if you need to carry a balance for a few months.

When the Good Sam Visa makes sense

The card works best if you meet three conditions: you already belong to Good Sam Club or plan to use its services regularly, you spend enough each month to earn rewards that exceed the membership and card fees, and you pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

If you are an RV owner who camps 20+ nights a year and uses Good Sam park discounts, the membership pays for itself quickly. The card rewards on top of that are a bonus. If you are a casual camper or do not use Good Sam services, a standard rewards card with no annual fee is probably the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Good Sam Club member to get the card?

Yes. The card is only issued to Good Sam Club members. You can purchase a membership separately if you do not already have one, but the membership fee is a separate cost from any card fee.

Can I use the card anywhere, or only at Good Sam locations?

You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. It is not a store card limited to Good Sam vendors. Some rewards categories may offer bonus rates at Good Sam partners, but the card works as a standard Visa everywhere.

What happens to my rewards if I cancel the card?

Cash back and points you have already earned usually stay in your account and can be redeemed after cancellation. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy, since some cards expire rewards after a set period of inactivity.

Is there a sign-up bonus, and how much is it?

Good Sam periodically offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, typically in the form of cash back or points after you meet a spending threshold. The bonus amount and spending requirement change regularly. Check the current offer directly from Connexus Credit Union or Good Sam Club before you explore.

What if I have fair or poor credit — can I still get approved?

Approval is possible with fair credit (650–700 score) but not certain. With poor credit (below 650), approval is unlikely. If you are denied, ask Connexus what factors led to the decision. You can reapply after you improve your credit score by paying down debt or fixing errors on your credit report.