What the Bass Pro Shops credit card is and who issues it
The Bass Pro Shops credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations, both in-store and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those two retailers — you cannot use it at other merchants. Synchrony Bank handles the account, sends your statement, and collects your payments.
The card comes in two versions: a standard card and a rewards card. Both charge no annual fee. The rewards version earns points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future shopping at Bass Pro or Cabela's.
Key Takeaways
- The Bass Pro Shops credit card is a store card that works only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, issued by Synchrony Bank with no annual fee.
- Interest rates vary by creditworthiness and typically range from around 18% to 26% APR, which is higher than most general-purpose credit cards.
- The rewards version earns points on every purchase that convert to store discounts, but only if you carry a balance or make regular purchases.
- Promotional financing offers (such as 12 months interest-free on large purchases) appear regularly but require on-time payments to avoid retroactive interest charges.
- Your payment history and balance on this card report to the three major credit bureaus and affect your credit score like any other credit account.
Interest rates and how they are determined
The Bass Pro Shops card carries a variable interest rate, meaning it changes over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. Synchrony does not publish a single rate — instead, you receive a range at the time you open the account, typically between 18% and 26% APR depending on your credit score and history.
If you have a higher credit score (generally 740 or above), you are more likely to receive a rate at the lower end of that range. If your score is lower or you have recent late payments, you may receive a rate closer to 26%. The rate you receive at account opening can change later if Synchrony adjusts its pricing, though they must notify you in advance.
Carrying a balance on this card costs significantly more than using it as a charge card you pay off monthly. At 22% APR (a middle estimate), a $1,000 balance paid over 12 months costs roughly $120 in interest alone. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest accumulates.
Rewards and promotional offers
The rewards version of the card earns points on all purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. The exact earning rate varies — typically you earn one point per dollar spent, though Synchrony occasionally runs bonus promotions that double or triple points on specific categories or during certain months. You can check the current earning structure on the Synchrony website or by calling the customer service number on your statement.
Points convert to store discounts, usually at a rate of 100 points equaling a $5 discount. This means you earn roughly 5% back on your spending if you redeem consistently. However, the value only materializes if you actually use the points before they expire or your account closes.
Bass Pro Shops regularly offers promotional financing — typically 12 months interest-free on purchases over a certain amount (often $299 or $499). These offers are attractive but come with a catch: if you miss even one payment during the promotional period, Synchrony charges you retroactive interest on the entire original purchase at the card's regular APR. This can add hundreds of dollars to your bill when ready. To use promotional financing safely, set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to may support you never miss a due date.
How this card affects your credit score
The Bass Pro Shops card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means your payment history, balance, and credit limit all factor into your credit score the same way they would with any other credit card.
Opening the card creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by a few points temporarily. Over time, making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit helps your score. Conversely, late payments or high balances damage your score and can remain on your report for years.
Because this is a store card with a lower credit limit than many general-purpose cards, using it for large purchases can quickly push your balance-to-limit ratio high. A ratio above 30% of your available credit signals risk to lenders and can lower your score. If you use this card, monitor your balance and try to keep it below 30% of your limit.
When promotional financing makes sense and when it does not
Promotional financing works in your favor only if you can pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends and you never miss a payment. If you are buying a $500 fishing boat motor and can pay it off in 10 months, 12 months interest-free saves you roughly $90 in interest compared to paying at the regular APR.
Promotional financing backfires if you cannot pay the full balance by the end of the period. If you owe $200 when the 12 months end, Synchrony charges you retroactive interest on the entire $500 purchase. You also pay interest on the remaining $200 going forward. This can cost more than if you had straightforward paid interest from day one at the regular rate.
Promotional financing also makes less sense if you already have a lower-rate option available. If you have a general-purpose credit card with a 15% APR and no promotional offer, you are better off using that card instead of the Bass Pro card, even without the interest-free period. The math only favors the Bass Pro card if the interest-free period saves you more than the difference in rates.
Comparing the Bass Pro card to other store cards and general-purpose cards
Store cards like the Bass Pro Shops card typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards because they are riskier for the issuer — you can only use them in one place, so the issuer has less flexibility if you default. A typical general-purpose card from Chase or Capital One might offer 16% to 24% APR, while the Bass Pro card starts at 18% and goes up to 26%.
The rewards on the Bass Pro card (roughly 5% back in store discounts) are competitive with rewards cards, but only if you shop at Bass Pro or Cabela's regularly. If you shop there once a year, the rewards do not offset the higher interest rate. A 2% cash-back card used everywhere you shop generates more value over time.
The main advantage of the Bass Pro card is the promotional financing offers. If you make large, planned purchases at Bass Pro or Cabela's and can pay them off within the promotional window, the interest-free period saves real money. For routine shopping or smaller purchases, a general-purpose card with a lower regular APR is usually the better choice.
How to use this card responsibly
Treat the Bass Pro Shops card like any other credit card: pay the full statement balance by the due date every month if you can. This avoids interest charges entirely and builds your credit score through on-time payments. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can and understand that the remaining balance will accrue interest at your APR.
If you use promotional financing, set up automatic payments or a calendar reminder for at least two weeks before the promotional period ends. Missing a single payment triggers retroactive interest and defeats the entire purpose of the offer. Write down the exact end date of the promotion and the amount you need to pay.
Monitor your balance-to-limit ratio and try to keep it below 30% of your credit limit. If the card has a $1,000 limit, keep your balance below $300. This protects your credit score and makes it easier to pay off the balance if an emergency arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Bass Pro Shops card anywhere other than Bass Pro and Cabela's?
No. The card works only at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations and their websites. It is a store card, not a Visa or Mastercard, so it cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card for general shopping, you need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What happens if I miss a payment on the promotional financing offer?
Synchrony charges you retroactive interest on the entire original purchase at your regular APR, not just on the remaining balance. If you miss a payment on a $500 purchase with 12 months interest-free, you owe interest on all $500 from the original purchase date, plus interest on whatever balance remains. This can add $100 or more to your bill when ready.
Does the Bass Pro Shops card hurt my credit score when I open it?
Opening the card creates a hard inquiry, which typically lowers your score by a few points for a few months. Over time, on-time payments and a low balance help your score recover and improve. The long-term impact depends on how you use the card — responsible use builds credit, while late payments or high balances damage it.
Is the rewards version worth it if I only shop at Bass Pro occasionally?
Probably not. If you shop there once or twice a year, the rewards you earn do not offset the higher interest rate you pay if you ever carry a balance. The rewards version makes sense only if you shop at Bass Pro or Cabela's regularly enough to accumulate points faster than they expire.
What is the credit limit on the Bass Pro Shops card?
Credit limits vary by applicant and are based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony does not publish a standard limit. Your limit appears on your account agreement when you open the card. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.