Anglers and hunters spend an average of $1,500 a year on gear, according to industry surveys. If a chunk of that lands at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's, the store's branded credit card can quietly pay for a fishing trip or two. Issued by Capital One, the Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard is one of the more rewarding store cards on the market, with category rewards that beat a lot of general-purpose cash back cards.
The question is whether the 5x rewards earn you enough to be worth a new credit account, and whether the redemption rules make those points actually useful. Here is the honest breakdown. Terms and conditions apply, and Capital One can change rates and rewards, so always check the issuer's site before applying.
What the card earns
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard pays out at three different rates depending on where you swipe it.
You earn 5 percent back (5 points per dollar) on Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's purchases, both in-store and online. That is the headline. You earn 2 percent back on gas and dining purchases anywhere. You earn 1 percent back on everything else.
One point equals one cent when you redeem it at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's. That makes the math easy: spend $1,000 at Bass Pro and you get $50 back. Points cannot be transferred to airlines or hotels, and they do not redeem for cash, statement credit, or non-Bass Pro merchandise. The card is a closed-loop rewards system on top of an open-loop Mastercard.
New cardholders typically earn a welcome offer of $30 to $40 in points after the first purchase, plus an additional bonus on their first Bass Pro Shops purchase. Capital One has shifted these offers over time, so confirm the current bonus on the application page.
Annual fee, APR, and key terms
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard has no annual fee. That alone makes it easy to keep open long-term, even if you only use it for occasional Bass Pro spending.
The regular purchase APR is variable and typically lands in the high 20s, similar to most store-branded Mastercards. Capital One does not offer a 0 percent intro APR promo on this card. If you carry a balance, the interest cost wipes out the rewards quickly.
Foreign transaction fees are 3 percent on most versions of the card, so it is not the best choice for international travel. Cash advance fees and APRs are also higher than purchase rates, as is standard.
If you are new to credit, start here first
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard is a real Capital One Mastercard, not a closed-loop store card, so the approval bar is higher than a typical retail card. Most approvals come from applicants with FICO scores in the high 600s and above. Anyone with thin credit, a recent bankruptcy, or a score below 640 will likely be declined.
If that sounds like you, build credit first. The Self Visa® Credit Card is a secured card paired with a credit-builder loan. It reports to all three bureaus, has no hard credit pull at application, and helps you raise your score by 40 to 100 points in a year of on-time payments. Once your score crosses 670, you have a real shot at the Bass Pro card with a meaningful credit line.
Applying for a card you cannot get approved for costs you a hard inquiry and a few points off your score. Building first is the lower-risk move. Terms and conditions apply.
Member benefits beyond rewards
Capital One bundles a few Mastercard World Elite perks onto the card. You get cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell bill with the card, ID theft alerts, and access to Mastercard Priceless Experiences events. None of those are unique to this card, but they are worth knowing.
The CLUB program itself runs separate cardholder events at Bass Pro and Cabela's stores, like exclusive shopping nights and gear demos. The card also unlocks a 6-month promotional financing offer on Bass Pro purchases of $199 or more. This is deferred interest, the same trap as most store financing offers. Pay it off before the promo ends or get hit with retroactive interest.
Where the card earns its keep
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard pays for itself if you spend more than about $500 a year at Bass Pro or Cabela's. Most general-purpose 2 percent cash back cards would give you $10 on that spend. The CLUB card gives you $25, plus the welcome offer and 2 percent on gas and dining everywhere.
The card is less useful if your Bass Pro spend is occasional. Spending $50 a year at Bass Pro earns just $2.50 in points, which is not worth managing another account. A general 2 percent cash back card would still earn you 2 percent on Bass Pro purchases without the redemption restriction.
The 2 percent on dining and gas is a solid floor for non-store spend. Plenty of premium cards offer the same rate or better, but those usually carry an annual fee. For a no-fee card, 2 percent on two everyday categories is competitive.
Who should skip this card
Skip the Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard if you spend less than $500 a year at Bass Pro and Cabela's, you carry a balance month to month, or you travel internationally and need a no-foreign-fee card. The closed-loop redemption rule is also a deal-breaker for anyone who likes flexible rewards.
A flat-rate 2 percent cash back card pairs well with this card if you do shop at Bass Pro regularly. Use the CLUB Mastercard at Bass Pro and Cabela's, and your 2 percent card everywhere else. That combo beats either card alone for most outdoor-spending households.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for the Bass Pro Shops credit card?
Most approvals require a FICO score of 670 or higher. Capital One does not publish a strict minimum, but the card is a true Mastercard rather than a closed-loop store card, so the bar is higher than a typical retail card.
Does the Bass Pro Shops card have an annual fee?
No. The Bass Pro Shops CLUB Mastercard has no annual fee. This makes it a low-cost card to keep open long-term, even if you only use it for category purchases.
How do I redeem Bass Pro Shops CLUB points?
Points redeem at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's stores and websites, where one point equals one cent. You cannot redeem points for cash, statement credit, or transfers to other rewards programs. Check Capital One's site for current redemption options.
Is the Bass Pro Shops credit card a Visa or Mastercard?
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB card is issued by Capital One on the Mastercard network. That means you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Bass Pro and Cabela's. Terms and conditions apply.
