Regulars at Dick’s Sporting Goods can use the store’s co-branded credit card to pay for clothing, gear, and more — but it’s hardly an MVP compared to other premium credit cards.
The ScoreRewards Mastercard from Synchrony, formerly known as the Dick’s Sporting Goods Credit Card, is available at Dick’s and non-branded stores. If you are not eligible, you will be considered for the retailer’s equivalent of the ScoreRewards Credit Card, which can only be used at the retailer or related brands such as Golf Galaxy and Field and Stream.
Both cards bring relatively high value points. However, the modest rate at which you accumulate those points is a drag, as are the various redemption limits. Other universal rewards credit cards are far superior when it comes to introductory benefits, ongoing rewards, and flexibility.
Here’s what you should know about the ScoreRewards Mastercard and ScoreRewards Credit Card.
1. Rewards are mediocre and limited
Both versions of the Dick’s Sporting Goods credit card earn points in the retailer’s free scorecard loyalty program. ScoreCard members earn 1 point for every dollar spent at brands, but members with a ScoreRewards credit card get more:
Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Dick’s Sporting Goods branded in-store and online purchases.
You earn 1 point for every $3 you spend shopping elsewhere. (This tariff applies to the MasterCard version only).
These rates are not competitive as you can find any number of credit cards that will give you 2x back on every $1 you spend. But even the aforementioned meager fee requires work, because while cardholders are automatically enrolled in the scorecard program when they apply for a card online, they must provide proof of membership in order to earn points. For in-person shopping, that means providing your phone number or checking the QR code in the Dick’s Sporting Goods app. When shopping online, your scorecard reward number must be entered with every purchase.
Redemption is equally complex and disappointing. The points you earn will automatically be converted into a reward certificate, and you will receive a $10 certificate for every 300 points you earn. That’s a hefty 3 cents per point fee, but you’ll have to spend $150 at Dick’s before you hit the redemption threshold. Even if you regularly spend a lot of cash at Dick’s Sporting Goods, your rewards are up to $500 per month. Additionally, only one Rewards Certificate can be redeemed per online transaction, and three gift certificates can be redeemed per in-store transaction.
Collecting multiple certificates will prove difficult anyway, as they expire in 45 days unless the terms state otherwise, and unless you opt for eRewards, they’re (really!) issued by mail. Points that do not meet the automatic redemption threshold will expire one year from the date they were earned.
Lastly, if you purchase less than the reward amount with the reward voucher, the remaining value will be forfeited. (Rewards vouchers can only be used for in-store purchases; you cannot use them to pay your monthly card bill.)
2. You can supplement your rewards with physical exercise
ScoreCard loyalty program members can earn points through the MOVE fitness tracker feature on the Dick’s Sporting Goods mobile app. Add MOVE ($3 value) to the app to earn 100 points and 3 points per day (9 cents value) by meeting the following daily activity goals:
Walk at least 10,000 steps with a Fitbit, Apple Health, or Garmin tracker.
Get at least 3 miles with MapMyRun or MapMyFitness.
Participate in a 30-minute fitness activity.
You can also earn rewards (if offered) during the PGA Golf Club Trade-In Program.
3. Introductory offers aren’t much special
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Credit Card offers new cardholders a variety of upfront benefit options: Earn 3 points for every dollar you spend in-store or online on the day you open and use the card, or you can sign up to decide Special financing options are available.
If you choose the former, you can only earn 1 point per dollar more than normal, and only on certain days. A multipurpose rewards credit card can provide more value in the long run. For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card with a $0 annual fee offers a healthy welcome benefit, and you don’t have to meet the terms in one day: Spend $1,000 on your first purchase and get a $200 bonus bonus for 3 months. The card also earns unlimited 2% back on all purchases, not just from select retailers. Also, these rewards are real cash back, not store rewards.
What if you choose a special financing offer with one of the ScoreRewards credit cards? Well, be careful.
4. Special financing options can lead you to detours
Both customer cards offer special financing options ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on the purchase amount. If you can withdraw your full balance before the end of this promotional period, you can save on interest costs. But failing to meet deadlines can be a costly mistake.
“Special Financing” is the code for a deferred interest offer that suspends interest collection during the promotion period. But unlike true 0% introductory APR offers – where interest is waived – special financing offers still accrue interest in the background. If you have not paid the purchase price in full at the end of the offer, you will be charged interest at the current rate on the card, retroactive to the date of purchase. (As of this writing, Dick’s Sporting Goods card has a variable APR of nearly 30%.)
Cash back credit cards like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offer better deals without the strings attached usually found in deferred interest terms. You get an introductory APR of 0% over 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers, followed by a rolling APR of 17.49% to 27.49% variable APR. The timing of this interest begins after the promotional period ends, which means you only pay the remaining balance.
5. You qualify for Gold status with many benefits
You can get Gold status when you open and use your Dick’s Sporting Goods credit card, but it can take up to 90 days to sign up after you qualify. Gold status qualifies you for exclusive benefits, triple points days, $10 annual rewards, and more. Without a credit card, you must spend $500 per year on eligible in-store purchases to earn Gold status.
This status is valid for the remainder of the initial registration calendar year and the following calendar year. You can stay on top of things by keeping your card active when making in-store or online purchases from retailers.
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