Sportsman's Guide Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?

If you shop The Sportsman's Guide for hunting, fishing, or outdoor gear, its co-branded Visa dangles real discounts, up to 12.5% off in-store and 1% back everywhere else. But the card also carries a steep APR that can wipe out those savings if you carry a balance. Knowing the exact terms before you apply helps you decide whether the discounts are worth it.

This review covers the Sportsman's Guide Buyer's Club Rewards Visa in detail as of June 2026, then looks at alternatives if you want a more flexible card.

Key Facts at a Glance

Who Issues It and Where You Can Use It

The Sportsman's Guide Buyer's Club Rewards Visa is issued by Comenity Bank, a large store-card lender. Unlike a store-only card, this is a co-branded Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Sportsman's Guide.

That flexibility is a genuine plus over store-only cards. Still, the rewards are tilted heavily toward Sportsman's Guide purchases, so the card pays off most for loyal customers of the brand.

Rewards and the Buyer's Club

The headline benefit is in-store savings. Cardholders can save up to 12.5% on purchases at Sportsman's Guide, which includes 7.5% off guns and ammo, when paired with a Buyer's Club membership. On purchases everywhere else, you earn 1% back.

That 1% rate outside the store is modest. A general cash-back card often matches or beats it, so the real draw here is the deep in-store discount for frequent buyers. New cardholders can also earn a $40 reward certificate after spending $500 outside Sportsman's Guide within the first 90 days.

APR and Fees: Read This Before Applying

The card's biggest drawback is its APR. The variable purchase APR has run from about 33.24% up to 35.99%, depending on the prime rate, with a balance transfer APR around 26.99%. At those rates, carrying a balance for even a few months can cost more than the discounts save you.

On fees, there is no annual fee. The standard Comenity penalty fees apply, including late fees and a possible charge for expedited phone payments. Because it is a Visa, normal store financing does not carry deferred interest the way a store-only card might, but the high ongoing APR makes paying in full each month the only smart way to use it. If high rates worry you, our guide on how to negotiate a credit card annual fee waiver covers tactics that can apply to other cards too.

Approval Odds and Credit Reporting

Approval odds are best for applicants with fair credit, typically in the 580 to 669 range, which is more forgiving than many rewards Visas. That makes it reachable for people still rebuilding. If you are not sure where you stand, see whether is 580 a bad credit score before you apply.

Comenity generally reports to all three major bureaus, so on-time payments can support your credit while missed ones can set it back. For early credit users, our piece on how long it takes to get a credit score after your first card explains the timeline.

Alternatives Worth Comparing

If the high APR gives you pause, or you want rewards that are not tied to one retailer, a few cards offer more flexibility while still being reachable with fair credit.

The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is one to weigh, since it earns cash back you can use anywhere rather than store-specific discounts, and works at any Mastercard merchant. That makes it a stronger everyday card for general spending.

If you want to finance a large gear order without a hard credit pull, the Perpay Credit Card spreads payments through payroll deductions and reports to the bureaus, which suits shoppers rebuilding their credit.

And if building credit is your main goal rather than rewards, the Current Build Card uses your everyday spending to report payment activity, with no high APR risk to manage. To choose the right starter, see how a credit builder card vs secured card compares for someone in your position.

Is the Sportsman's Guide Visa Worth It?

The Sportsman's Guide Buyer's Club Rewards Visa works best for a frequent Sportsman's Guide and Buyer's Club shopper who pays the balance in full every month. In that case, the up to 12.5% in-store savings can be substantial. For everyone else, the 1% rate outside the store and the high APR make a flexible cash-back card the better pick.

If you are weighing a store card mainly to build credit, compare it against credit cards that build credit without a deposit first. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for the Sportsman's Guide credit card?

There is no published minimum, but approval odds are best for applicants with fair credit, roughly 580 to 669. That makes it more reachable than many rewards Visas. A formal application triggers a hard inquiry that may lower your score a few points.

Can I use the Sportsman's Guide Visa anywhere?

Yes. Unlike a store-only card, it is a co-branded Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. The richest rewards, up to 12.5% off, only apply to purchases at Sportsman's Guide, while purchases elsewhere earn 1% back.

Does the card have an annual fee?

No. The Sportsman's Guide Buyer's Club Rewards Visa has no annual fee. The cost to watch is the high purchase APR, which has run between about 33.24% and 35.99%, so carrying a balance can quickly outweigh the rewards.

How do I earn the welcome bonus?

You can earn a $40 reward certificate good toward any Sportsman's Guide purchase when you open the card and spend $500 outside Sportsman's Guide within the first 90 days. Check your current card agreement, since promotional terms can change over time.

Terms and conditions apply. APRs vary by creditworthiness. This article is educational and not financial advice.