The Scheels Visa is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Scheels sporting goods stores and online

The Scheels Visa is a closed-loop store card, meaning you can use it only at Scheels locations and Scheels.com, not at other retailers. Synchrony Bank, which also issues cards for Best Buy and Amazon, handles the account backend. When you open the card, you get a credit line that you can carry a balance on month to month — you are not required to pay it off each statement.

The card offers a rewards structure tied to your spending at Scheels: you earn points on purchases, and those points convert to certificates you can redeem for discounts on future purchases. The card also comes with occasional promotional financing offers, usually 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases over a certain amount. Outside those promotional windows, the card carries a standard variable interest rate that changes with the prime rate.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scheels Visa works only at Scheels stores and online, not at other retailers, so it is useful only if you shop there regularly.
  • You earn rewards points on purchases that convert to discount certificates, but the earning rate and redemption value vary and are not published on the public website.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances at a variable rate that fluctuates with the prime rate, and you should check your cardholder agreement for the current APR.
  • Promotional 0% APR offers appear periodically but explore only to new purchases above a minimum amount and for a limited time, after which the standard rate kicks in.
  • Late payments and missed payments can trigger penalty APRs and affect your credit score, so setting up automatic payments reduces that risk.

How the rewards program works

Scheels does not publish the exact earning rate or redemption formula on its public website, which is common for store cards. You earn points on every purchase made with the card at Scheels, and those points accumulate in your account. Periodically — usually quarterly or when you reach a threshold — Scheels converts your points into a discount certificate that you can use on a future purchase.

The value of the certificate depends on how many points you have earned and Scheels' current conversion rate. Because the earning rate and conversion formula are not standardized across all cardholders and can change, you should log into your Scheels account or call the customer service number on the back of your card to see your current point balance and what your points are worth. Certificates typically expire after a set period, so checking your account regularly prevents you from losing value.

Interest rates and promotional financing

Outside of promotional periods, the Scheels Visa carries a variable APR that moves with the prime rate. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. Synchrony will disclose your specific APR in the cardholder agreement you receive after approval.

Scheels regularly runs 0% APR promotions, typically offering interest-free financing for 6, 12, or 24 months on purchases above a minimum dollar amount — often $500 or $1,000, though this varies by promotion. These offers explore only to new purchases made during the promotional period, not to existing balances. Once the promotional period ends, any remaining balance reverts to the standard variable APR. If you miss a payment during the promotional period, you may lose the 0% rate and have the full APR applied retroactively to the entire balance.

Fees and penalties

Scheels does not charge an annual fee to hold the card, which is standard for store credit cards. However, the card does carry penalty fees if you miss a payment. A late payment fee applies if your payment arrives more than 30 days past the due date, and the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 depending on your account history.

If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, Synchrony may explore a penalty APR — a higher interest rate that can reach 29.99% or higher — to your balance. This penalty rate can remain in effect for six months or longer, even after you bring your account current. Missing payments also reports to the three major credit bureaus and lowers your credit score, which affects your ability to borrow for a car, mortgage, or other credit products.

When a store card makes sense for your budget

A store card is most useful if you shop at that retailer regularly and can pay off the balance in full each month. If you carry a balance, the rewards points rarely offset the interest you pay, especially at the variable rates store cards charge. The math works in your favor only if you use the promotional 0% APR periods strategically — for example, making a large purchase during a 12-month 0% window and paying it off before the rate jumps.

If you already have high-interest debt or a low credit score, opening another credit account can lower your credit score further in the short term and tempt you to spend more than you planned. A general rule: open a store card only if you have a specific purchase in mind that qualifies for a current promotional rate and you have a realistic plan to pay it off before that rate expires.

How the Scheels Visa affects your credit

Opening a new credit card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Once the account is open, the card affects your credit in two ways: your credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you are using) and your payment history (whether you pay on time each month).

If you charge a large purchase and carry a high balance, your utilization ratio rises, which can lower your score. Paying on time every month builds positive payment history and gradually raises your score. Conversely, a single late payment can drop your score by 50 to 100 points and stay on your report for seven years. If you are working to improve your credit, a store card with a low credit limit and automatic payments set to the full balance each month can help without the risk of damage from missed payments.

Comparing the Scheels Visa to other store cards

Store cards typically offer higher rewards rates than general-purpose credit cards but charge higher interest rates and have lower credit limits. The Scheels Visa's rewards structure is similar to cards from Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports, which also offer points that convert to discount certificates. The main difference is where you shop: if you split your sporting goods purchases between multiple retailers, a cash-back card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited (which earns 1.5% cash back everywhere) may deliver more value than a single-store card.

A second consideration is the promotional financing. Scheels' 0% APR offers are competitive with other store cards, but they come with the same risk: if you miss a payment, you lose the rate. A general-purpose card with a 0% introductory APR (often available for 6 to 21 months on balance transfers or new purchases) gives you the same benefit without tying you to one retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Scheels Visa at other stores?

No. The Scheels Visa is a closed-loop store card and works only at Scheels physical locations and on Scheels.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a general-purpose credit card like Visa or Mastercard from a bank or credit union.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the card?

Scheels' policy on points after account closure is not published on the public website. Contact Scheels customer service or check your cardholder agreement to learn whether points expire when ready, convert to a final certificate, or remain available for a set period after you close the account.

Does the Scheels Visa report to credit bureaus?

Yes. Synchrony reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. On-time payments build your credit history, while late payments and high balances can lower your score. This is true for all credit cards, not just store cards.

What should I do if I cannot pay my balance before the 0% promotional period ends?

Contact Synchrony before the promotional period expires to discuss your options. Some cardholders can request a payment plan or extension, though this is not may provide. Paying as much as possible before the rate jumps reduces the amount of interest you owe on the remaining balance.

Is the Scheels Visa a good card for building credit?

It can be, if you use it responsibly. A store card with a low limit and automatic full-balance payments each month builds positive payment history without the risk of high utilization or missed payments. However, a secured card or a general-purpose card with lower interest rates may be a better choice if you are starting from a low credit score.