Cabela's Credit Card Information for Outdoor Shoppers

Overview of the Cabela's Credit Card

Cabela's, a major retailer specializing in outdoor gear, hunting equipment, fishing supplies, and camping products, offers a co-branded credit card through its partnership with Capital One. The Cabela's Mastercard serves as both a general-purpose credit card and a rewards program vehicle for customers who shop frequently at Cabela's locations or through their online store. Understanding how this credit card works can help outdoor enthusiasts make informed decisions about their purchasing options.

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The card functions as a standard Mastercard that can be used at millions of merchants worldwide, not just at Cabela's. This dual functionality means cardholders can earn rewards on purchases made outside of Cabela's, though the rewards structure typically favors spending at Cabela's and related outdoor retailers. The card is issued by Capital One, a major credit card issuer in the United States, which means the account is subject to standard credit card regulations and consumer protections under the Truth in Lending Act.

The Cabela's credit card program has evolved over the years, with the current offering structured around a rewards-based model. The specific terms, rates, and rewards rates change periodically, so current cardholders and those considering the card should review the most recent terms and conditions from Capital One or Cabela's official sources. The card targets outdoor enthusiasts who already shop at Cabela's or plan to make regular purchases there.

Practical Takeaway: Review the current terms directly from Capital One's website or Cabela's official materials, as credit card offerings change regularly. Compare the rewards rate structure against your typical spending patterns to determine if the card matches your shopping habits.

Rewards Structure and Earning Potential

The Cabela's credit card features a tiered rewards system that incentivizes spending at specific retailers. The structure typically offers higher rewards rates for purchases made at Cabela's stores and the Cabela's website, with lower rates for purchases at other merchants. This design encourages customers to consolidate their outdoor retail spending at Cabela's locations.

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Historically, the Cabela's card has offered rewards rates such as 4 percent back on Cabela's purchases, 2 percent back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 percent back on all other purchases. However, these rates may have changed. Cardholders earn rewards points with each eligible purchase, and these points accumulate in their rewards account. The specific redemption value of points and the minimum redemption threshold should be verified with current program terms.

For example, a customer who spends $2,000 per year at Cabela's at a 4 percent rewards rate would earn 80 points annually. This accumulation can result in meaningful rewards over time for regular Cabela's shoppers. A hunter who purchases ammunition, fishing gear, and seasonal clothing throughout the year may find the rewards add up substantially. The rewards system provides value primarily to customers who already plan to shop at Cabela's for their outdoor needs.

The rewards program typically includes special promotional periods where points may be doubled or tripled on certain categories or during specific timeframes. These promotional offers are communicated to cardholders through email, direct mail, and the Cabela's website. Paying attention to these communications can help maximize the value received from the card.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate your typical annual spending at Cabela's and multiply by the stated rewards rate to estimate your potential annual rewards value. Compare this against any annual fees to ensure the card's rewards justify its cost. Sign up for Cabela's communications to learn about promotional multiplier periods that can increase your rewards earnings.

Card Features and Benefits

Beyond the rewards program, the Cabela's credit card offers various features designed to appeal to outdoor shoppers and regular customers. Many credit cards in this category include purchase protections, extended warranty coverage, and other consumer benefits that enhance the value proposition. The specific benefits available vary depending on the current card version and Capital One's offerings at any given time.

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Common features associated with retail credit cards include price protection, which may reimburse the difference if an item purchased with the card is marked down within a certain period. Extended warranty protection may cover eligible purchases for an additional period beyond the manufacturer's warranty. Some cards offer roadside assistance programs, though this benefit is less common on retail credit cards than on travel-focused cards.

The Cabela's card may offer special financing options on larger purchases, such as promotional zero-percent APR periods for qualifying purchases above certain amounts. These promotional periods, sometimes called special financing, can provide interest-free payment options for customers planning to make significant purchases like fishing boats, ATVs, or high-end hunting equipment. The terms of these promotions, including the length of the interest-free period and any special purchase minimums, vary and should be reviewed before making a large purchase.

Cardholders also receive access to Cabela's customer service through phone, email, and their website. The Cabela's credit card statement provides itemized purchase records that can help with personal budget tracking and record-keeping for business-related outdoor purchases.

Practical Takeaway: Review the full benefits guide provided with your card materials to understand all protections available to you. Before making a major purchase, ask a Cabela's associate about current promotional financing options, as these can significantly reduce the true cost of expensive gear if you pay off the balance during the promotional period.

Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rate Information

Like all credit cards, the Cabela's Mastercard charges interest on balances that are not paid in full each month. The interest rate on the card is expressed as an Annual Percentage Rate, or APR. The APR you receive depends on your creditworthiness, which Capital One evaluates based on your credit history, credit score, and other financial factors. Different cardholders may receive different APR offers based on their credit profile.

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The card typically carries a variable APR, meaning the rate can change over time based on changes in the prime interest rate published by major banks. Variable APRs are tied to an index, usually the prime rate, plus a margin set by Capital One. When the prime rate increases, the card's APR may increase as well. Conversely, if the prime rate decreases, your APR may decrease.

The actual APR you receive when opening a Cabela's credit card account depends on your credit score and credit history. Someone with excellent credit may receive a significantly lower rate than someone with fair or poor credit. If you have recently checked your credit score, you have a general sense of what credit tier you may fall into, which can give you a rough idea of the rate range you might receive. Major credit bureaus categorize scores as excellent (typically 750 and above), very good (700-749), good (650-699), fair (550-649), and poor (below 550).

For customers who do not pay their balance in full each month, the interest charges accumulate based on the outstanding balance and the APR. For example, a $1,000 balance at an 18 percent APR charged monthly would result in approximately $15 in interest charges for that month. Over a year, carrying a $1,000 balance would cost about $180 in interest, assuming no payments are made.

Practical Takeaway: Check your credit score before applying to understand what APR range you might receive. Use an online credit card APR calculator to estimate the total interest you would pay on a potential balance if you cannot pay it off immediately. If you can pay your full balance each month, the APR becomes less relevant since no interest charges are incurred.

Fees and Costs Associated with the Card

The Cabela's credit card structure includes various fees that cardholders should understand before opening an account. The primary annual fee is the cost charged each year simply for holding the card. This fee varies depending on the specific card version offered at any given time. Some versions of the Cabela's card have featured annual fees, while others have been offered without annual fees. Current information about whether an annual fee applies should be obtained directly from Capital One.

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Beyond the annual fee, cardholders may incur other charges. A late payment fee is charged if a payment is not received by the due date stated on the bill. Late fees can range from $25 to $40 depending on the card terms and whether you have previous late payments on the account. A returned payment fee may be charged if a check submitted as payment bounces or an electronic payment cannot be processed. Cash advance fees apply if you use the