What the Scheels Credit Card Is
The Scheels Credit Card is a store card issued by Scheels, the sporting goods and outdoor retailer. You use it to make purchases at Scheels locations and on their website. Unlike a general-purpose credit card from Visa or Mastercard, it works only at Scheels — you cannot use it at other stores.
Scheels is a regional chain with locations primarily in the upper Midwest and Mountain West. If you shop there regularly, the card offers rewards on those purchases. If you do not shop at Scheels, the card has no value to you.
Key Takeaways
- The Scheels Credit Card earns rewards points on purchases at Scheels, but only works at that retailer.
- You earn points at different rates depending on whether you are a Scheels rewards member and how you use the card.
- The card has no annual fee, but carries a standard credit card interest rate that applies if you carry a balance.
- Approval depends on a credit check, so your credit score and history matter.
- The card is issued through a third-party bank, not by Scheels directly, which affects how you manage the account.
How Rewards Points Work
The Scheels Credit Card earns rewards points on purchases. The exact earning rate depends on your Scheels rewards membership status and the type of purchase. Scheels members earn points at one rate; non-members earn at a lower rate. Some categories — such as sporting goods or outdoor equipment — may earn at a higher rate than others, though the exact breakdown varies by promotion.
Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future Scheels purchases. The redemption value and minimum point thresholds are set by Scheels and change periodically. You should check your account or ask in-store for current redemption rates, as they are not fixed.
If you do not shop at Scheels frequently, the points accumulate slowly and may expire before you use them. Check the card terms for any expiration policy on unused points.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Scheels Credit Card has no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest at the card's annual percentage rate (APR). The APR you receive depends on your creditworthiness at the time of approval — applicants with stronger credit histories typically receive lower rates.
The card issuer is a third-party bank, not Scheels itself. This means the interest rate and terms are set by the bank, not by Scheels. You should review the card's terms and conditions before you open the account to understand the APR range and any promotional rates that may explore to new cardholders.
Late payments carry fees, and making a late payment also damages your credit score. Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest charges entirely.
Who Can Open the Account
To open a Scheels Credit Card, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number. The card issuer will run a credit check, which means your credit score and payment history affect whether you are approved and what APR you receive.
If you have no credit history, limited credit history, or a low credit score, approval is less certain. Some applicants are approved with a higher APR; others are denied. There is no way to know the outcome without explore.
You can open the account in-store at a Scheels location or online through their website. The process takes a few minutes and you receive a decision within moments in most cases.
How to Manage Your Account
Because the card is issued by a third-party bank, you manage the account through that bank's website or app, not through Scheels directly. When you open the card, you will receive instructions for setting up your online account and making payments.
You can view your balance, make payments, and check your rewards points through the bank's portal. Payments can usually be made online, by phone, or by mail. Setting up automatic payments ensures you do not miss a due date.
Your credit score is affected by how you use the card. Paying on time, keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit, and not opening too many new cards in a short period all help your score. Carrying a high balance or missing payments damages your score and makes future borrowing more expensive.
Comparing the Scheels Card to Other Options
A store card like Scheels makes sense only if you shop at that retailer regularly. If you buy sporting goods or outdoor equipment at multiple stores, a general-purpose rewards credit card from Visa or Mastercard may offer better value because you earn rewards everywhere you shop.
General-purpose cards often have higher rewards rates (1% to 2% cash back on all purchases, or higher in specific categories) compared to store cards. However, store cards sometimes offer exclusive discounts or promotions to cardholders, which can offset the lower earning rate if you shop there frequently.
If you are building credit or recovering from past credit problems, a store card can be easier to open than a general-purpose card. However, the higher interest rate you may receive makes it more expensive to carry a balance.
What Happens If You Lose the Card or Have Fraud
If your card is lost or stolen, contact the card issuer when ready using the number on your statement or the bank's website. The bank will cancel the card and issue a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If you notice unauthorized charges, report them to the bank right away. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges to $50 if you report the fraud promptly. The bank will investigate and typically remove the fraudulent charges from your account while the investigation is underway.
Monitoring your account regularly — checking your statement at least monthly — helps you catch fraud early. Many banks also offer fraud alerts and notifications when charges are made, which you can set up through your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Scheels card outside of Scheels stores?
No. The Scheels Credit Card works only at Scheels locations and on the Scheels website. It cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a separate Visa or Mastercard.
What is the credit limit on the Scheels card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score and income at the time of approval. The bank sets your initial limit, and it may increase over time if you use the card responsibly and pay on time. You can request a limit increase after several months of on-time payments.
Do I have to be a Scheels rewards member to get the card?
No. You can open the Scheels Credit Card without being a rewards member. However, rewards members earn points at a higher rate, so joining the free rewards program before opening the card increases the value of your purchases.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Check your card terms for the policy on points after account closure. Some programs allow you to redeem remaining points before closing; others may expire them. Contact the card issuer before you close the account to understand what happens to your balance.
How does the Scheels card affect my credit score?
Opening the card results in a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Over time, using the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — builds positive credit history and improves your score. Carrying a high balance or missing payments damages your score.