Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card Review

For outdoor enthusiasts and frequent shoppers at Sportsman’s Warehouse, the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card promises an array of appealing rewards and benefits. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every aspect of this credit card, offering expert insights to help you determine if it’s the right card for your wallet.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card Key Takeaways

Understanding the core features and benefits is crucial when evaluating a credit card. Here are the key takeaways for the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card:
– Rewards Structure:
– 5x Points per dollar spent at Sportsman’s Warehouse.
– 2x Points per dollar spent at gas/fuel stations, home improvement retailers, and campgrounds.
– 1x Point per dollar spent everywhere else.
– Bonus Offer: Earn 5,000 Bonus Points redeemable for a $50 gift card when you spend $500 outside Sportsman’s Warehouse within 120 days of account opening.
– No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits without any annual fee.
– Variable APR: Purchase APR ranges from 24.24% to 33.24%, with a balance transfer APR of 26.99%, and a cash advance APR of 35.24%.
– Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).
– Grace Period: At least 25 days after the close of each billing period.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card Pros and Cons

Every credit card comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card:

Pros:

1. High Rewards Rate at Sportsman’s Warehouse: Earning 5x points per dollar spent at Sportsman’s Warehouse is a significant benefit for frequent shoppers.
2. No Annual Fee: The absence of an annual fee makes it easier to justify holding onto the card, even if it’s not used frequently.
3. Bonus Points Offer: Earning 5,000 bonus points when spending $500 outside of Sportsman’s Warehouse within 120 days is a valuable incentive.
4. Additional Rewards Categories: Earning 2x points at gas stations, home improvement stores, and campgrounds can add up quickly for those with relevant spending habits.
5. Manageable Credit Score Requirement: The card is accessible to those with a good to excellent credit score.

Cons:

1. High APR: With purchase APRs ranging from 24.24% to 33.24%, this card is not ideal for carrying a balance.
2. No Introductory APR: The absence of an introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers can be a drawback for those looking to finance large purchases over time.
3. Foreign Transaction Fees: This card may not be the best option for international travel, as it charges foreign transaction fees.
4. Limited Redemption Options: The rewards are primarily valuable for those who shop at Sportsman’s Warehouse, which might limit their appeal to a broader audience.

Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card Benefits

The Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card is packed with benefits tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive look at what cardholders can expect:

Rewards Program

The rewards program is one of the standout features of this credit card. Here’s how you can maximize your points:
– 5x Points at Sportsman’s Warehouse: For avid outdoor shoppers, this is where the card truly shines. Every dollar spent at Sportsman’s Warehouse earns you five points, which can quickly accumulate for significant savings.
– 2x Points at Gas Stations, Home Improvement Stores, and Campgrounds: These categories cover essential expenses for many outdoor enthusiasts, making it easier to rack up points.
– 1x Point Everywhere Else: While not as lucrative, earning one point per dollar on all other purchases ensures that every spend contributes to your rewards balance.

Bonus Points

New cardholders can take advantage of an attractive bonus offer:
– 5,000 Bonus Points: Earn 5,000 bonus points (equivalent to a $50 gift card) by spending $500 outside of Sportsman’s Warehouse within 120 days of account opening. This is a great way to jumpstart your rewards accumulation.

No Annual Fee

One of the most appealing aspects of this card is the lack of an annual fee. This makes it a low-risk option to keep in your wallet, even if you don’t use it frequently.

Manageable Credit Score Requirement

With a required credit score range of 670-799, the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card is accessible to individuals with good to excellent credit. This makes it a viable option for many consumers.

Grace Period

The card offers a grace period of at least 25 days after the close of each billing period. This means you have ample time to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges, provided you pay it off in full each month.

Additional Perks

While the primary focus of the card is on earning rewards, it also comes with a few additional perks:
– Online Account Management: Easily manage your account and pay your bill online through the issuer’s website.
– Customer Service: Access to dedicated customer service for any issues or questions regarding your account.

Conclusion

Is the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card Right for You?

The Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card offers robust rewards for those who frequently shop at Sportsman’s Warehouse and spend on gas, home improvement, and camping. The 5x points on Sportsman’s Warehouse purchases and 2x points on key categories make it a valuable tool for accumulating rewards quickly.
However, the card’s high APR and lack of an introductory APR period mean it’s not ideal for those who carry a balance. Additionally, the foreign transaction fees may deter frequent international travelers.

Expert Recommendation

As a financial expert, I recommend the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card for:
– Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you frequently shop at Sportsman’s Warehouse, the 5x points per dollar spent can lead to substantial rewards.
– Everyday Spenders: Those who spend significantly on gas, home improvement, and camping can also benefit from the 2x points in these categories.
– Fee-Averse Individuals: The lack of an annual fee makes this card a low-risk addition to your wallet.
However, if you plan to carry a balance or need a card for international travel, you might want to consider alternatives with lower APRs or no foreign transaction fees.
In summary, the Sportsman’s Warehouse Explorewards Visa® Credit Card stands out for its high rewards rate at Sportsman’s Warehouse and relevant spending categories, making it a valuable option for specific consumer profiles. Evaluate your spending habits and financial needs to determine if this card aligns with your lifestyle.