Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card Review

The Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card is a specialized credit card designed for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently shop at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the card, from its reward structure to its fees and interest rates, to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card Review

The Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card is issued by Capital One, a reputable financial institution known for its diverse range of credit products. This card is particularly appealing to avid shoppers at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, offering a straightforward rewards program and several perks tailored to outdoor lovers. Here’s a detailed look at what the card offers.

Rewards Structure

The Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card offers a simple rewards structure:
– 2x CLUB Points on all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s purchases: This means you earn double points for every dollar spent at these stores, which can add up quickly if you frequently buy outdoor gear, clothing, and other products.
– 1x CLUB Points on other purchases: For all other transactions, you earn one point per dollar spent, which is a standard rate for many rewards cards.

Interest Rates and Fees

– Purchase Intro APR: None
– Purchase APR: 9.99% for purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s; 20.49% – 32.24% variable for other purchases
– Intro Balance Transfer APR: None
– Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% – 32.24% variable
– APR for Cash Advances: 32.24% variable
While the 9.99% APR for purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is quite attractive, the variable APR for other purchases and balance transfers can be on the higher side. It’s essential to consider this if you plan to carry a balance.

Fees

– Annual Fee: $0
– Fees for Balance Transfer: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
– Fees for Cash Advances: Either $3 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
The absence of an annual fee and foreign transaction fees makes this card a cost-effective option for many users.

Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card Key Takeaways

– Reward Points: 2x CLUB Points on Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s purchases, 1x CLUB Points on other purchases.
– Interest Rates: 9.99% for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s purchases, 20.49% – 32.24% variable for other purchases.
– Fees: $0 annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, standard fees for balance transfers and cash advances.
– Credit Requirement: Excellent (740-799)

Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card Pros and Cons

Pros

– No Annual Fee: You won’t have to worry about an annual fee eating into your rewards.
– Low Ongoing APR for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Purchases: The 9.99% APR is significantly lower than many other credit cards, making it a good option for financing larger purchases at these stores.
– No Foreign Transaction Fee: This is a great perk for international travelers who don’t want to incur extra charges when using their card abroad.
– Easy-to-Understand Rewards Program: The straightforward 2x and 1x points structure makes it easy to track and earn rewards.

Cons

– Low Welcome Bonus: Unlike many other rewards cards, the Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card does not currently offer a sign-up bonus, which can be a significant drawback for some users.
– High Variable APR for Other Purchases: The 20.49% – 32.24% variable APR is relatively high, and carrying a balance could result in substantial interest charges.
– Limited Reward Redemption Options: CLUB Points are best used at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, which may limit their usefulness if you don’t shop there frequently.

Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card Benefits

Despite its drawbacks, the Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card comes with several benefits that could make it worthwhile for the right user.

Rewards Program

The primary benefit of the Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card is its rewards program. Earning 2x CLUB Points on purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s can help you accumulate points quickly. These points can be redeemed for a variety of outdoor gear, clothing, and other items available at these stores. The 1x points on other purchases provide a basic rewards structure that ensures you’re always earning something back on your spending.

No Annual Fee

One of the standout features of this card is the lack of an annual fee. This makes it a low-risk option for those who want to earn rewards without the pressure of having to offset an annual charge.

Low APR for Specific Purchases

The 9.99% APR for purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is significantly lower than most standard credit card APRs. This can be particularly beneficial if you plan to make large purchases at these stores and need some time to pay them off without incurring high-interest charges.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For those who travel internationally, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a substantial perk. Many credit cards charge around 3% for transactions made in foreign currencies, which can add up quickly. With the Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card, you won’t have to worry about these additional costs.

Excellent Credit Requirement

The card requires excellent credit (a score between 740-799), which might be a drawback for some but ensures that those who are approved are likely to receive favorable terms and conditions.

Customer Service and Account Management

Capital One, the card issuer, is known for its user-friendly online account management tools and responsive customer service. You can easily manage your account, make payments, and track your rewards through their website or mobile app.

Conclusion

The Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card is a niche credit card designed for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently shop at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Its rewards structure, low APR for specific purchases, and lack of annual and foreign transaction fees make it an attractive option for the right user.
However, the card’s high variable APR for other purchases and lack of a welcome bonus are significant drawbacks that potential applicants should consider. If you’re someone who shops frequently at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and can benefit from the 2x CLUB Points and low APR on these purchases, this card could be a valuable addition to your wallet.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more versatile rewards card with a substantial sign-up bonus and lower APRs for general purchases, you might want to explore other options.
Ultimately, the Bass Pro Shops® CLUB Card offers a unique set of benefits tailored to a specific audience. By understanding its features, pros, and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether this card aligns with your financial goals and spending habits.