
Capital One
A co-branded card offering up to 5% points back at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's with no annual fee, plus exclusive CLUB membership perks for outdoor enthusiasts.
Annual fee
None
Top rate
5x online shopping
Welcome bonus
$40
Exclusive CLUB Perks
Earn up to 5% back at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's
3.1
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor gear shoppers with regular, substantial spending at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops who prioritize no-fee cards and aren't concerned about earning flexibility.
The Cabela's CLUB Card fills a narrow but real niche: if you're a regular at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops, the 5% rewards on partner purchases with no annual fee is worth a wallet slot. But the catch is severe—points redeem only at those retailers, and outside them you're earning a mediocre 1% on everything else, competing against flat-2% cards from Citi and others that let you spend your rewards anywhere. The tiered rewards (rising to 5% if you clear $10k annually) reward loyalty, but they also trap it. This card makes sense as a second card for outdoor enthusiasts; it makes no sense as a primary.
WalletHub rates it 2.8/5. The real comparison isn't between this and the Chase Freedom Flex—it's between this and the Bass Pro Shops CLUB Card (nearly identical twin, same issuer). For most cardholders, the opportunity cost of locked-in rewards at two stores probably isn't worth the slot.
Pros
Cons
| Category | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online shopping | 5x | Up to 5% points back on Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's purchases (tiered by CLUB status) |
| Everything else | 1x | 1% points back on all other Mastercard purchases |
The 5% rate at Cabela's/Bass Pro ranks 7th among online shopping specialists in our catalog, solid but not exceptional—you're behind Pottery Barn (10%), Kohl's (7.5%), and Wayfair (7%). Outside partner stores, 1% is weak; 56 other cards beat it. The tiered structure adds complexity: reach $10k annual spending to unlock 3%, or $25k for 5%. That creates a subtle incentive trap: once you're halfway there, you're tempted to push spending to hit the tier. Points don't expire, which is standard.
No annual fee is table stakes for this tier, and Capital One delivers. The real cost is opportunity: you're choosing a 1% cash-back card for non-partner spending when flat-2% alternatives exist from Citi, Chase, and others. That opportunity cost—roughly $100 per year on $10k of non-partner spend—should factor into your math.
The up-to-$40 signup bonus (with bonuses available for early purchases) is modest. Most cards in the no-fee tier offer $100-200+ upfront; this one splits the bonus across conditions, requiring purchases within 30 days to claim the full $40. For comparison, REI offers $100, Chase Freedom Flex $200, and even rival Bass Pro Shops offers $60.
Nearly identical twin from the same issuer with the same tiered rewards structure; choose based on which retailer you visit more often
Flexible 5% on rotating categories plus 1.5% elsewhere—no redemption lock-in, broader appeal, but requires active management of rotating categories
Can I redeem CLUB Points for cash?
No. Points redeem only for merchandise at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. There's no cash-back option, gift cards, or points transfer. This is the card's biggest limitation—your rewards are trapped in two retailers.
How does the tiered rewards system work?
You start at 2% (or 1% outside partner stores). Hit $10,000 in Cabela's/Bass Pro annual spending to jump to 3%, or $25,000 to reach 5%. The tiers reset annually on January 1st. These thresholds reward loyalty but require significant spending commitment.
What credit score do I need to apply?
Capital One typically requires good to excellent credit (670+), though exact minimums vary. You can check your eligibility without a hard pull using Capital One's pre-qualification tool on their website.
Is this card better than Bass Pro Shops CLUB Card?
They're functionally identical—same issuer, same rewards structure, same annual fee. The only difference is which retailer each optimizes for branding. Pick based on which store you visit more often, or get both if you shop both regularly.
How does the APR break down?
Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops purchases carry a preferential 9.99% APR. All other purchases carry the standard variable APR (19.49%-30.49% depending on creditworthiness). The split structure incentivizes using the card specifically at partner stores and paying off general spending quickly.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 11, 2026