What the Sportsman's Credit Card is and who issues it
The Sportsman's Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Sutton Bank in partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. It is a Mastercard that earns cash back or points on purchases at those retailers and affiliated outdoor brands. The card is not a store-only card — you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, though the rewards structure is built around outdoor and sporting goods purchases.
This card is designed for people who shop regularly at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It is not a premium travel card or a general cash-back card; the rewards are concentrated in outdoor retail. If you rarely shop at those stores, the card may not be worth carrying.
Key Takeaways
- The Sportsman's Card earns rewards at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, with different earning rates depending on whether you are a cardholder or a loyalty member.
- You can use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but rewards outside those retailers are typically lower or nonexistent.
- There is no annual fee, which makes it cost-free to hold even if you use it infrequently.
- The card is issued by Sutton Bank, a smaller issuer, so customer service and online tools may differ from major bank cards.
- Your credit score matters for approval, and the card reports to all three major credit bureaus.
Rewards structure and earning rates
The Sportsman's Card rewards vary based on your membership status at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's. If you are a Club member (the free loyalty program), you earn a percentage back on purchases at those retailers. The exact rate changes periodically, so you should confirm the current rate on the Sutton Bank or Bass Pro Shops website before you explore.
Outside Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, rewards are minimal or zero. Some versions of the card earn a small percentage on all purchases, but the main value is concentrated in the two retailers. If your outdoor spending is split across multiple stores — REI, local tackle shops, hunting supply chains — this card will not capture all of it.
Rewards are typically issued as points that you can redeem for merchandise or discounts at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. Some versions allow cash redemption, but this varies. Check your cardholder agreement or the issuer's website to confirm how your rewards can be used.
Annual fees and other costs
The Sportsman's Card has no annual fee. You will not be charged straightforward for holding the card, which means there is no minimum spending requirement to justify keeping it open.
Like most credit cards, you will pay interest on any balance you carry month to month. The APR (annual percentage rate) depends on your creditworthiness and is disclosed in your offer letter before you accept the card. If you pay your full balance each month, you will not pay interest.
There are no foreign transaction fees listed on most versions of this card, though you should confirm this in your cardholder agreement if you travel internationally.
How to check if you meet the requirements
Sutton Bank does not publish a specific credit score requirement for the Sportsman's Card, but most sources indicate that applicants typically have a fair to good credit score — usually 650 or higher. This is not a may provide threshold; approval depends on your full credit profile, including payment history, existing debt, and income.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address during the process. The issuer will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. If you are denied, you can request the reason and may reapply after addressing any issues.
You do not need to be a current Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's customer to explore, though having a Club membership (which is free) will unlock the higher rewards rate once you are approved.
how the process works and what happens next
You can explore for the Sportsman's Card online through the Sutton Bank website, through Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's websites, or in person at a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's location. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for basic personal and financial information.
After you submit your process, you will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If you are approved, your card will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up the card online or by phone once it arrives.
If you are denied, Sutton Bank will send you a notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the bureau that provided the information used to deny you. You can dispute any errors on that report before reapplying.
How the card reports to credit bureaus
The Sportsman's Card is reported to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your payment history, credit limit, and balance will show up on your credit report and affect your credit score.
On-time payments will help your credit score over time. Missed or late payments will hurt it and may trigger a higher APR or account closure. If you use this card to build or rebuild credit, make sure you can pay at least the minimum each month on time.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit that you are using — also affects your score. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your limit is generally better for your score than maxing out the card.
Comparing the Sportsman's Card to other outdoor retail cards
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's both offer store credit cards with similar rewards structures. The main difference is that the Sportsman's Card is a Mastercard you can use anywhere, while store cards are limited to those retailers. If you shop at both stores, a single Mastercard is more convenient than carrying two store cards.
REI, another major outdoor retailer, offers its own Visa card with rewards at REI and partner outdoor brands. If your spending is concentrated at REI, that card may earn you more. If you split your purchases between REI and Bass Pro Shops, you may want both cards to maximize rewards at each store.
General cash-back cards like the Chase Freedom or Citi Double Cash earn rewards everywhere, but usually at a lower rate than category-specific cards. If outdoor retail is a small part of your spending, a general cash-back card may be simpler and more rewarding overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Sportsman's Card at stores other than Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's?
Yes. The Sportsman's Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you will only earn the higher rewards rate at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. Purchases elsewhere earn a lower rate or no rewards, depending on the card version.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Sutton Bank may also charge a late fee and increase your APR. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the card issuer may close your account. Contact Sutton Bank when ready if you cannot make a payment to discuss options.
Do I need a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's membership to use the card?
No, but you should join the free Club membership to unlock the higher rewards rate. Membership is free and takes a few minutes to set up online or in store. Without it, your rewards rate will be lower.
How long does it take to receive the card after I am approved?
Most approved applications result in a card arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a tracking number or notification when the card ships. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact Sutton Bank customer service.
Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Sportsman's Card?
Sutton Bank does not typically offer balance transfer options on the Sportsman's Card. If you have high-interest debt on another card, you may need to pay it down separately rather than moving it to this card.