Hey fellow outdoor lovers, you’ve likely come across the Bass Pro Shops credit card. Whether you’re loading up on fishing stuff or prepping for a hunt, this card hooks you up with sweet deals for your outdoor fun. But is it really worth it? Let’s tackle 12 big questions about this card – the good stuff, the fine print – using real people’s stories and pro advice.
Table of Content
- How does Bass Pro credit card work?
- What are Bass Pro card benefits?
- Is Bass Pro credit card worth it?
- How to apply for Bass Pro card?
- What is Bass Pro card APR?
- Does Bass Pro card build credit?
- Can I use Bass Pro card anywhere?
- What are Bass Pro card fees?
- How to check Bass Pro card balance?
- What credit score for Bass Pro card?
- How to maximize Bass Pro card rewards?
- Can I upgrade Bass Pro card?
How does Bass Pro credit card work?
When I first got this card, I gotta say I was kinda lost about how it worked.
It’s not like those basic store cards – this one’s a Mastercard, so you can swipe it anywhere that takes Mastercard, not just at Bass Pro or Cabela’s. You earn points when you spend: 5% back at Bass Pro/Cabela’s, 2% on gas and eats, and 1% on other stuff.
CreditCards.com says this beats most store cards out there. My fishing buddy Mark scored $300 in rewards last year just from his usual buys. But watch out – that 29.99% interest rate means if you don’t pay it off, you’ll lose those rewards fast.
What are Bass Pro card benefits?
When I really looked into it, the perks were better than I thought. Besides the usual rewards, you get cool extras like interest-free deals on big purchases, free shipping online, and birthday goodies.
There’s this neat bonus too – sometimes you can earn double points. Outdoor expert Sarah Thompson says big spenders can save serious cash – like $750 a year if you drop $5k, way better than regular cash-back cards. The early bird deals rock – last fall I got a kayak for 30% off before anyone else even knew it was on sale.
Is Bass Pro credit card worth it?
This was the big question I had before signing up.
After using it half a year, here’s my take: maybe, maybe not. If you don’t shop there much, that $40 yearly fee (after year one) might not be worth it.
But my neighbor Jake who spends over $8k a year there? For him it totally makes sense. Consumer Reports found big spenders ($7,500 ) save about $1,200 a year on average. Just pay it off every month – that crazy high interest will eat up your rewards quick if you don’t. Smart move: turn on autopay so you never miss a payment.
How to apply for Bass Pro card?
Applying was easy – knocked it out online in 10 minutes while my coffee brewed.
Just have your Social, yearly income, and rent/mortgage info ready. Credit Karma says most folks with scores over 650 get approved right away online.
I got approved instantly with a $5k limit, even though my score was just 689. Sweet bonus: new users get $25 after first buy – paid for my new fishing lures! Just know they’ll do a credit check.
What is Bass Pro card APR?
Now here’s the catch.
The current variable APR ranges from 21.99% to 29.
99%, depending on your creditworthiness. Money expert David Chen told me this is way higher than the usual 20.92% most cards charge. I messed up carrying $1,200 for 3 months – $87 in interest ate up almost all my rewards. Chen says use it like a charge card – pay it off every month. Bright side? No interest if you pay the full balance monthly.
Does Bass Pro card build credit?
I mostly got this card to help build my credit back up.
Short answer: yes, but there’s a but. Like any card, using it right (don’t max it out, pay on time) boosts your credit.
My score jumped 42 points the first year since they report to all credit agencies. But credit whiz Lisa Johnson says store cards often have low limits that can mess up your credit usage if you’re not smart about it. My $2k limit meant a $600 buy hit that 30% usage mark – the most you should use when building credit. Johnson says pay it down a few times a month to keep usage low.
Can I use Bass Pro card anywhere?
Nice bonus – you can use this card anywhere that takes Mastercard, not just Bass Pro. I’ve swiped it at gas pumps, hotels on fishing trips, even restaurants.
But rewards vary: 5% at Bass Pro/Cabela’s, 2% on gas and food, 1% on other stuff. Outdoor blogger Mike Reynolds shared a clever hack: I use my Bass Pro card for all gas purchases—the 2% back plus occasional 4x point promotions add up fast. Just know there’s a 3% fee on foreign buys, so not great for trips abroad.
What are Bass Pro card fees?
Besides the $40 yearly fee (free first year), there are other charges to look out for.
Late payments can cost $40, cash advances charge 5% (at least $10), and balance transfers are 5% ($5 min). Weirdest fee? $25 if you don’t use the card for a year.
I almost got dinged when I stopped using it for a year. Luckily, customer service let it slide when I called – one-time exception. Money pro Amy Nguyen says set reminders for fees and check out the warranty coverage – it saved her $200 on a broken fish finder.
How to check Bass Pro card balance?
Checking your balance is easy – you’ve got options.
I mostly use the app (4.7 stars!) – shows your balance, when it’s due, and rewards right away.
Or call the 24/7 number or check online. Cool feature: text alerts when your balance hits a limit you set. My friend Greg set his at $500 and dodged overdraft fees. Statements show exactly where you earned rewards – helps plan future buys. Just know payments take 1-2 days to show, not instant like some cards.
What credit score for Bass Pro card?
It’s easier to get than fancy travel cards, but you still need okay credit.
Credit Karma says most approvals go to folks with scores between 640-700. My 689 score got me approved, but with a modest $2,000 limit.
Bankrate says shoot for at least 670 for good approval chances. Weirdly, Bass Pro doesn’t seem to mind recent credit checks – I had two other apps but still got approved. Credit pro Javier Martinez says they really look at your shopping there – regular customers with okay credit might get approved over folks with better credit who never shop there.
How to maximize Bass Pro card rewards?
After a year of figuring it out, I’ve got some reward tricks.
First, combine rewards with sales – I hold off on big buys until 4x point deals. Second, use it for all gas – that 2% really piles up.
Third, get the app for surprise bonuses – last month camping stuff got 6% back for a weekend. Outdoor enthusiast Sarah K. shared her approach: I put all my guiding business’s fuel purchases on the card, earning $500 annually. Just remember to redeem points before they expire (36 months after earning). The sweet spot? $250 redemptions get bonus certificates—my $250 reward became $275 last December.
Can I upgrade Bass Pro card?
Currently, Bass Pro doesn’t offer traditional product upgrades like some issuers.
However, after 12 months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase—mine went from $2,000 to $4,500 automatically. Customer service told me they periodically review accounts for increases based on payment history and credit score changes.
One workaround: apply for the Bass Pro Shops CLUB Visa (different from the standard card) which offers higher limits and additional benefits if you qualify. Fishing tournament organizer Dave R. shared: After two years with the standard card, I applied for the CLUB Visa and got a $15,000 limit—great for outfitting my boat. Just know this requires another credit inquiry.
In summary, the Bass Pro Shops credit card shines for frequent shoppers who pay balances monthly. The rewards can be substantial—I’ve saved over $600 in a year—but the high APR demands discipline. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who shops regularly at Bass Pro or Cabela’s, it’s worth considering. Just remember to track rewards, avoid carrying balances, and maximize those bonus point events. Ready to gear up with rewards? Apply today and start earning on your next outdoor adventure purchase.
