Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card Review

As an avid traveler and financial expert, I am always on the lookout for credit cards that cater to niche markets and provide substantial benefits for specific lifestyles. One such card that caught my attention is the Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card from Comenity Bank. This card is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, RV owners, and campers. It promises to reward users generously for expenditures related to camping and outdoor activities. In this comprehensive review, I will delve into the various features, benefits, and drawbacks of this card, drawing from my own expertise and unique insights.

Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card Review

The Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card is a specialized card tailored for a specific audience—those who enjoy camping, RVing, and outdoor adventures. The card offers an attractive rewards program that incentivizes spending at Good Sam, Camping World, and Gander Outdoor, as well as private campgrounds and gas stations.
Let’s break down the key features of the card:
– Rewards Structure: Earn 5x points per $1 spent at Good Sam, Camping World, and Gander Outdoor. Earn 3x points per $1 spent at private campgrounds and gas stations. Earn 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 2,000 bonus points the first time you use your card for a purchase within 90 days of account opening.
– Introductory Offer: Earn double points on purchases outside of Good Sam brands for the first 90 days when you use your card.
– Annual Fee: $0
– APR: 22.24% – 33.24% Variable APR for purchases. 26.99% APR for balance transfers. 34.24% Variable APR for cash advances.
– Fees: Balance transfer fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Late payment fee of up to $41. Return payment fee of up to $41.
The card is issued by Comenity Bank, which offers a range of credit cards tailored to different consumer needs.

Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card Key Takeaways

– Generous Rewards: The card’s rewards structure is highly beneficial for those who frequently shop at Good Sam, Camping World, and Gander Outdoor, or spend on camping-related activities and fuel.
– No Annual Fee: This makes the card an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards without the burden of an annual fee.
– Sign-Up Bonus: The 2,000 bonus points offer is a nice incentive for new cardholders.
– High APR: The variable APR for purchases and other transactions can be quite high, so it’s important to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
– Fees: The card carries standard fees for balance transfers and cash advances, as well as late payment and return payment fees.

Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee means cardholders can enjoy the benefits without an additional cost.
– Generous Rewards: The rewards structure is particularly advantageous for those who spend heavily on camping and outdoor activities.
– Sign-Up Bonus: The 2,000 bonus points for using the card within the first 90 days is a good starter incentive.
– Introductory Double Points: For the first 90 days, cardholders can earn double points on purchases outside of Good Sam brands, which can be a great way to rack up points quickly.
– Fraud Protection: The card includes robust fraud protection measures.
– Purchase Protection: Purchases made with the card may be covered under certain protection policies.

Cons:

– Foreign Transaction Fee: The card charges a fee for transactions made outside the United States, which can be a drawback for international travelers.
– High APR: The card’s APR range is quite high, which can be costly if the balance is not paid in full each month.
– No Introductory APR for Purchases: Unlike some other cards, this one does not offer an introductory low APR period for purchases.
– Fees for Balance Transfers and Cash Advances: The fees associated with these transactions can add up.
– Limited Appeal: The card’s rewards are heavily focused on camping and outdoor-related spending, which may not appeal to a broader audience.

Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card Benefits

Rewards Program

The standout feature of this card is its rewards program. Here’s a closer look at how you can maximize your rewards:
– 5x Points at Good Sam, Camping World, and Gander Outdoor: If you frequently shop at these stores, you can accumulate points quickly. This is ideal for RV owners and outdoor enthusiasts who purchase gear, equipment, and other camping essentials.
– 3x Points at Private Campgrounds and Gas Stations: Given that fuel and campground fees are significant expenses for campers, earning 3x points on these purchases is a substantial benefit.
– 1x Point on Everything Else: While this is a standard rate, it still contributes to your overall points accumulation.

Sign-Up Bonus

The 2,000 bonus points for making a purchase within the first 90 days of account opening is a straightforward and achievable incentive. It provides a decent head start in accumulating points, especially if you have upcoming camping trips or outdoor activities planned.

Introductory Offer

For the first 90 days, cardholders can earn double points on purchases outside of Good Sam brands. This is an excellent opportunity to maximize points on everyday spending, adding extra value during the initial months of card ownership.

No Annual Fee

The absence of an annual fee is a significant advantage, as it allows you to benefit from the rewards program without worrying about an additional yearly cost. This makes the card more accessible to a wider range of consumers, including those who may not want to commit to a fee-based card.

Fraud Protection and Purchase Protection

Security is a critical concern for any credit card user. The Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card includes robust fraud protection measures, ensuring that your transactions are monitored for suspicious activity. Additionally, purchase protection can cover certain items bought with the card, providing peace of mind for your purchases.

Flexible Redemption Options

While the card’s primary focus is on earning points for camping-related purchases, the redemption options are flexible. Points can typically be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, travel, and other rewards. This flexibility allows you to choose how best to use your accumulated points based on your preferences and needs.

Customer Service

Comenity Bank offers reliable customer service, including online account management. Cardholders can conveniently pay their bills, check their account status, and manage their cards through the bank’s user-friendly website. Additionally, customer service representatives are available to assist with any issues or inquiries you may have.

Community and Resources

Good Sam is well-known for its supportive community of RVers and campers. Cardholders can benefit from access to various resources, discounts, and services offered by Good Sam, enhancing their overall camping experience. Whether it’s roadside assistance, campground discounts, or travel planning resources, the card complements the Good Sam membership benefits.

Conclusion

The Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and RV owners who want to earn meaningful rewards on their spending. Its rewards structure is specifically designed to benefit those who frequently shop at Good Sam, Camping World, and Gander Outdoor, as well as those who spend on private campgrounds and gas stations.
The card’s strengths lie in its generous rewards program, lack of an annual fee, and attractive sign-up bonus. However, potential cardholders should be aware of the high APR and various fees associated with balance transfers, cash advances, and foreign transactions.
For those who align with the card’s target audience, the Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card offers substantial value and can significantly enhance your camping and outdoor experiences. By leveraging the rewards program and taking advantage of the card’s benefits, you can make the most out of your outdoor adventures while enjoying the financial perks that come with it.
In summary, the Good Sam Rewards Visa® Credit Card from Comenity Bank is a specialized card that delivers on its promise to reward outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the RV lifestyle, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet, providing tangible rewards and benefits tailored to your unique interests.