What the Scheels Visa Card is and who issues it

The Scheels Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Scheels (the sporting goods and outdoor retailer) in partnership with Visa and a bank card issuer. It works like any other Visa card at checkout — you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Scheels stores — but it's designed to reward purchases at Scheels with cash back or points.

The card is issued through a bank partner, not by Scheels directly. This means your account, billing, and customer service go through the bank, though Scheels controls the rewards program and some card benefits. You'll receive statements by mail or email and make payments to the bank, not to Scheels.

Scheels periodically changes the bank partner and the card's rewards structure, so the specific terms — cash back percentage, annual fee, sign-up bonus — vary depending on when you open the account. Before you proceed, check the current offer on Scheels' website or ask in-store, because the details in this guide may have shifted.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scheels Visa Card earns rewards on purchases at Scheels and other retailers, with higher rewards rates at Scheels locations.
  • You explore through Scheels' website or in a physical store, and the bank partner will run a credit check and make a decision within minutes or a few business days.
  • The card may carry an annual fee, though some versions waive the first year or offer no annual fee at all — confirm the current terms before you open it.
  • You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, but rewards are typically highest when you shop at Scheels.
  • Payments and account management happen through the bank's online portal or phone line, not through Scheels.

How to open a Scheels Visa Card account

You can open an account in two ways: online through Scheels' website or in person at a Scheels store. Both routes take you through the same bank process, though in-store staff can answer questions about the rewards program while you explore.

To explore online, go to Scheels.com, find the credit card offer (usually linked from the homepage or under an account menu), and click to start the process. You'll enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment details. The bank will pull your credit report when ready. Most decisions come back within minutes; some take up to a few business days.

If you explore in store, a Scheels employee will walk you through the same form on a tablet or computer. You'll still provide the same information, and the bank will still run a credit check. In-store approval is often faster because the employee can submit it right away and you may hear back before you leave.

Once you're approved, the bank will mail your physical card to the address on your process. set up instructions come with the card or appear in your online account. You can usually start using the card online or through a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) before the physical card arrives, depending on the bank's policy.

What credit score and income you'll need

Scheels does not publish a minimum credit score, but the card typically goes to people with good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, but it depends on your income, payment history, and how much debt you already carry.

The bank will also look at your income and debt-to-income ratio. You'll enter your annual income on the process, and the bank compares it to your existing debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages) to decide whether you can handle another monthly payment. There's no fixed minimum income, but higher income strengthens your case.

If you're denied, you can ask the bank why. Sometimes it's a credit score issue; sometimes it's recent late payments or too much existing debt. You can reapply after a few months if you've improved your credit or paid down other balances. explore multiple times in a short period can hurt your score, so space out applications.

Rewards, cash back, and annual fees

The Scheels Visa Card earns rewards on all purchases, but the rate is higher at Scheels. A typical structure offers 5% cash back (or points equivalent) at Scheels and 1% cash back everywhere else, though these rates change and vary by card version. Some versions offer bonus categories like gas or groceries at a higher rate.

Many cards include a sign-up bonus — for example, a statement credit or extra points if you spend a certain amount in the first three months. Read the current offer carefully, because the bonus terms are part of the card's value and they change frequently.

Annual fees vary. Some Scheels Visa versions charge $0; others charge $39, $59, or more per year. Some waive the first year and charge starting in year two. Check the current offer before you explore, because an annual fee can eat into your rewards if you don't spend enough at Scheels to offset it. If you spend $1,000 or more at Scheels annually, the rewards usually cover a modest annual fee. If you spend less, a no-annual-fee version is better.

How to use the card and manage your account

Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account with the bank. You can then use it anywhere Visa is accepted — at Scheels, other retailers, online, gas stations, restaurants, and everywhere else.

To track your rewards and make payments, log into the bank's website or app using the login credentials you created during signup. You'll see your balance, recent transactions, available credit, and rewards balance. Rewards typically post within a few days of the transaction and can be redeemed as a statement credit, cash back to a bank account, or points toward Scheels purchases — the redemption options depend on your card version.

Pay your bill on time each month to avoid interest charges and late fees. You can set up automatic payments (full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount) through the bank's portal. Payments are due on a specific date each month, shown on your statement. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at the card's APR (annual percentage rate), which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

Check your account regularly for fraud. If you see a transaction you didn't make, contact the bank when ready. Visa and most bank cards offer fraud protection, so unauthorized charges are usually reversed, but you need to report them quickly.

When to use the Scheels card versus another payment method

Use the Scheels Visa Card at Scheels stores and on Scheels.com to earn the highest rewards rate. If you're buying outdoor gear, sporting equipment, or apparel there regularly, the card's rewards can add up quickly. A 5% cash back rate means $50 back on every $1,000 spent — that's real money if Scheels is part of your routine shopping.

Outside Scheels, the card's 1% cash back is competitive with many general-purpose rewards cards, so it's fine to use for everyday purchases if you want to consolidate cards. However, if you have a different card that earns 2% or more on groceries, gas, or dining, use that card for those categories instead. Rewards add up faster when you match the card to the category.

If you're not a regular Scheels shopper, a general-purpose rewards card (like a 2% cash back card with no annual fee) will serve you better. The Scheels card's value comes from the higher rate at Scheels; if you rarely shop there, you're paying an annual fee for rewards you won't earn.

What happens if you miss a payment or carry a balance

If you miss a payment, the bank will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment, more for repeat offenses) and report the late payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. A late payment can drop your credit score by 50 to 100 points and stay on your credit report for seven years.

If you carry a balance (don't pay the full statement balance), interest accrues on the unpaid amount at the card's APR. The APR varies by cardholder and market conditions but typically ranges from 16% to 24% for credit cards. This means if you carry a $1,000 balance at 20% APR, you'll pay roughly $200 in interest over a year if you make no payments.

If you're struggling to pay, contact the bank's customer service line (on the back of your card or your statement) before you miss a payment. Some banks offer hardship programs, temporary payment reductions, or other options. Missing payments is always worse than asking for help early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Scheels Visa Card outside the United States?

Yes, Visa is accepted in most countries. However, the bank will charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1% to 3% of the purchase amount) for any transaction in a foreign currency. Check your card's terms for the exact fee. If you travel internationally often, a card with no foreign transaction fee may be cheaper.

What's the difference between cash back and points on the Scheels card?

Some versions of the Scheels Visa Card offer cash back (money credited to your account), while others offer points (a loyalty currency that you redeem for rewards). Cash back is simpler — it reduces your balance or can be transferred to a bank account. Points require you to log in and choose a redemption option. Check your card's terms to see which you have.

Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Scheels Visa Card?

Some versions of the Scheels Visa Card offer balance transfers, which let you move debt from another card to this one, often at a lower introductory rate. However, balance transfers usually come with a fee (2% to 5% of the amount transferred) and the low rate is temporary (typically 6 to 12 months). Check the current offer to see if balance transfers are available and what the terms are.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Call the bank's customer service number on the back of your card or your statement when ready. The bank will freeze the card to prevent further use and mail a replacement. You're not responsible for fraudulent charges reported within 60 days. In the meantime, you can use your online account or a digital wallet to make purchases if you've already added the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Does the Scheels Visa Card have a sign-up bonus right now?

Sign-up bonuses change frequently and vary by offer. Check Scheels.com or ask in a Scheels store for the current promotion. A typical bonus might be a $50 statement credit if you spend $250 in the first three months, but this varies. Always read the terms before you explore so you know what bonus you're getting and what spending is required to earn it.