Hunting is a popular hobby and sport for many people around the world. It can be a rewarding and exciting way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and provide food for your family. However, hunting can also be an expensive activity, especially if you need to buy or upgrade your equipment, travel to different locations, or pay for licenses and permits.
That’s why having the best credit card for hunters can make a big difference in your hunting experience. A good credit card can help you save money on interest, earn rewards on your purchases, and enjoy benefits like travel insurance, roadside assistance, or access to exclusive deals. But how do you choose the best credit card for hunters among the many options available?
In this guide, we will help you answer that question by explaining the different types of credit cards, the factors to consider when comparing them, and the best credit cards for hunters in 2023. We will also provide some tips on how to use your credit card wisely and responsibly, and answer some frequently asked questions about credit cards and hunting. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear idea of how to choose the best credit card for hunters that suits your needs and preferences.
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Types of Credit Cards
Before we dive into the details of how to choose the best credit card for hunters, let’s first review the different types of credit cards that are available in the market. Credit cards can be classified into four main categories: cash back, rewards, low interest, and balance transfer.
Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards are credit cards that give you a percentage of your spending back as cash, either as a statement credit, a direct deposit, or a check. Cash back credit cards are great for hunters who want to save money on their purchases, especially if they spend a lot on hunting-related categories like gas, groceries, or outdoor gear. Cash back credit cards usually have no annual fee, but they may have higher interest rates than other types of credit cards.
Some examples of cash back credit cards for hunters are:
- Citi® Double Cash Card: This card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, with no limit or category restrictions. You earn 1% cash back when you buy, and another 1% cash back when you pay. This card has no annual fee, but it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and a 5% balance transfer fee.
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter, 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% cash back on everything else. This card has no annual fee, but it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and a 5% balance transfer fee.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit or category restrictions. This card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 15.49% – 25.49%.
Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards are credit cards that give you points or miles for your spending, which you can redeem for various rewards like travel, merchandise, gift cards, or cash. Rewards credit cards are great for hunters who want to earn rewards on their purchases, especially if they travel a lot or shop at specific retailers. Rewards credit cards usually have an annual fee, but they may offer lower interest rates and more perks than cash back credit cards.
Some examples of rewards credit cards for hunters are:
- Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard®: This card offers 2% back in CLUB Points on purchases at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and participating Cenex locations, and 1% back in CLUB Points on purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. You can redeem your CLUB Points for free gear and outdoor experiences at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and affiliated resorts and outfitters. This card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a variable APR of 9.99% on Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops purchases, and 15.24% – 27.24% on other purchases.
- REI Co-op World Elite Mastercard®: This card offers 5% back at REI, 2% back on mobile wallet purchases, and 1% back on everything else. You also get a $100 REI gift card when you make your first purchase within 60 days of account opening. You can redeem your rewards for REI merchandise or donate them to the REI Co-op Outdoor School. This card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a variable APR of 11.99% – 23.99%.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card offers 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. You also get a bonus of 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, and 3,000 points every year on your card anniversary. You can redeem your points for Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, or merchandise. This card has a $69 annual fee, a 3% foreign transaction fee, and a variable APR of 15.99% – 22.99%.
Low Interest Credit Cards
Low interest credit cards are credit cards that offer low or no interest rates on your purchases, balance transfers, or both. Low interest credit cards are great for hunters who want to save money on interest, especially if they carry a balance from month to month or plan to make a large purchase. Low interest credit cards usually have no or low annual fees, but they may have fewer rewards and perks than cash back or rewards credit cards.
Some examples of low interest credit cards for hunters are:
- Discover it® Cash Back: This card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter, and 1% cash back on everything else. You also get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months, followed by a variable APR of 11.99% – 22.99%.
- Wells Fargo Platinum card: This card offers no rewards, but it has several benefits like cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, and travel accident insurance. This card has no annual fee, a 3% foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, followed by a variable APR of 16.49% – 24.49%.
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: This card offers no rewards, but it has a few perks like fraud protection, zero fraud liability, and online account access. This card has no annual fee, a 3% foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 13.99% – 23.99%.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Balance transfer credit cards are credit cards that allow you to transfer your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower or zero interest rate, usually for a limited time. Balance transfer credit cards are great for hunters who want to pay off their credit card debt faster and cheaper, especially if they have high-interest debt on multiple cards. Balance transfer credit cards usually have no or low annual fees, but they may charge a balance transfer fee and offer no or low rewards and perks.
Some examples of balance transfer credit cards for hunters are:
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: This card offers 2 points per $1 spent at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1 point), and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. You also get a bonus of 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, and a 20% points bonus when you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period. You can redeem your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits. This card has no annual fee, a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 12.99% – 23.99%. It also has no balance transfer fee for transfers requested within 60 days of account opening.
- BankAmericard® credit card: This card offers no rewards, but it has a few benefits like overdraft protection, account alerts, and digital wallet compatibility. This card has no annual fee, a 3% foreign transaction fee, and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 12.99% – 22.99%. It also has a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $10).
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card for Hunters
Now that you know the different types of credit cards, how do you choose the best one for your hunting needs? There are several factors to consider when comparing credit cards, such as:
- Annual fee: This is the amount of money that you have to pay every year to keep your credit card account open. Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others may charge a fee ranging from $25 to $550 or more. Generally, credit cards with higher annual fees offer more rewards and perks, but you have to weigh the benefits against the cost. You should choose a credit card with an annual fee that you can afford and that is worth the value you get from it.
- Interest rate: This is the percentage of money that you have to pay as interest on your credit card balance. Interest rates can vary depending on your credit score, the type of credit card, and the market conditions. Some credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR (annual percentage rate) for a limited time, usually 6 to 21 months, on purchases, balance transfers, or both. This can help you save money on interest if you pay off your balance before the intro period ends. You should choose a credit card with a low interest rate that matches your spending and payment habits.
- Rewards rate: This is the amount of rewards that you earn for every dollar that you spend on your credit card. Rewards can be in the form of cash back, points, or miles, and they can vary depending on the category of your purchase, such as gas, groceries, travel, or dining. Some credit cards offer a flat rate of rewards on all purchases, while others offer a higher rate on certain categories or a rotating rate on different categories each quarter. You should choose a credit card with a high rewards rate that aligns with your spending patterns and preferences.
- Rewards redemption: This is the process of using your rewards for various purposes, such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, or cash. Rewards redemption can vary depending on the credit card issuer, the type of rewards, and the availability of options. Some credit cards offer flexible and easy redemption, while others may have restrictions or limitations. You should choose a credit card with a rewards redemption that suits your needs and goals.
- Benefits and perks: These are the extra features and services that your credit card offers, such as travel insurance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty, access to airport lounges, discounts, or freebies. Benefits and perks can vary depending on the credit card issuer, the type of credit card, and the level of membership. Some credit cards offer more benefits and perks than others, but they may also have higher annual fees or interest rates. You should choose a credit card with benefits and perks that you value and use frequently.
Best Credit Cards for Hunters in 2024
Based on the factors that we discussed in the previous section, we have selected some of the best credit cards for hunters in 2024. These credit cards offer a combination of low fees, low interest rates, high rewards rates, flexible rewards redemption, and valuable benefits and perks for hunters. Of course, the best credit card for you may depend on your personal situation and preferences, so you should always compare different options and read the terms and conditions before applying for any credit card.
Here are our picks for the best credit cards for hunters in 2024:
Best Cash Back Credit Card for Hunters: Citi® Double Cash Card
- Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
The Citi® Double Cash Card is our top choice for the best cash back credit card for hunters, because it offers a simple and generous cash back program that rewards you for every purchase, with no limit or category restrictions. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase, with 1% cash back when you buy, and another 1% cash back when you pay. This means that you can save money on your hunting expenses, whether you buy gas, groceries, outdoor gear, or anything else.
The Citi® Double Cash Card has no annual fee, but it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and a 5% balance transfer fee. It also has a variable APR of 13.99% – 23.99%, which is relatively low compared to other cash back credit cards. However, it does not offer a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, so you should pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges.
The Citi® Double Cash Card also has a few benefits and perks, such as Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, Citi® Entertainment, and Citi® Flex Plan. Citi® Identity Theft Solutions helps you resolve identity theft issues if they occur, Citi® Entertainment gives you access to presale tickets and exclusive events, and Citi® Flex Plan allows you to pay off eligible purchases over time with a fixed fee and no interest.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is a great option for hunters who want to earn cash back on every purchase, with no hassle or limitations. It is also a good choice for hunters who want to save money on interest, as long as they pay their balance in full every month.
Best Rewards Credit Card for Hunters: Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard®
- Rewards: 2% back in CLUB Points on Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and participating Cenex locations, 1% back everywhere else.
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
The Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard® is our top choice for the best rewards credit card for hunters, because it offers a high rewards rate on purchases at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and participating Cenex locations, and a decent rewards rate on purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. You earn 2% back in CLUB Points on purchases at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and participating Cenex locations, and 1% back in CLUB Points on purchases everywhere else. You can redeem your CLUB Points for free gear and outdoor experiences at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and affiliated resorts and outfitters.
The Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard® has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a variable APR of 9.99% on Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops purchases, and 15.24% – 27.24% on other purchases. It also offers a 0% intro APR on Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops purchases for 12 months, which can help you finance your hunting equipment or trips. However, it does not offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, and it charges a 4% balance transfer fee.
The Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard® also has several benefits and perks, such as CLUB Events, CLUB Deals, CLUB Signature Services, and Mastercard Benefits. CLUB Events are exclusive hunting and fishing trips that you can join or host, CLUB Deals are special offers and discounts on gear and services, CLUB Signature Services are personalized assistance and advice from hunting and fishing experts, and Mastercard Benefits are standard features like zero liability protection, extended warranty, and price protection.
The Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard® is a great option for hunters who shop frequently at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, or participating Cenex locations, and who want to redeem their rewards for more hunting gear and experiences. It is also a good choice for hunters who want to enjoy exclusive events, deals, and services, and who want to avoid foreign transaction fees.
Best Low Interest Credit Card for Hunters: Discover it® Cash Back
- Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories, 1% on everything else.
- Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months (11.99% – 22.99% variable APR thereafter).
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
The Discover it® Cash Back is our top choice for the best low interest credit card for hunters, because it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months, followed by a variable APR of 11.99% – 22.99%, which is lower than the average credit card APR of 16.28%. This means that you can save money on interest if you need to carry a balance or transfer your existing debt to this card.
The Discover it® Cash Back also offers a generous cash back program that rewards you for your spending in different categories. You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter, and 1% cash back on everything else. The categories for 2023 are:
- January – March: Grocery Stores, Walgreens, and CVS
- April – June: Gas Stations, Wholesale Clubs, and Select Streaming Services
- July – September: Restaurants and PayPal
- October – December: Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com
You also get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, which effectively doubles your rewards. You can redeem your cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or donations to charity.
The Discover it® Cash Back has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and no penalty APR. It also has several benefits and perks, such as free FICO® credit score, freeze it® feature, social security number alerts, and 100% US-based customer service.
The Discover it® Cash Back is a great option for hunters who want to save money on interest, while earning cash back on their purchases in various categories. It is also a good choice for hunters who want to enjoy a first-year cash back match, and who want to avoid fees and penalties.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Card for Hunters: Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
- Rewards: 2 points per $1 at US supermarkets, 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
- Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (12.99% – 23.99% variable APR thereafter).
- Balance Transfer Fee: No fee for transfers within 60 days of account opening.
- Annual Fee: None
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is our top choice for the best balance transfer credit card for hunters, because it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 12.99% – 23.99%, which is lower than the average credit card APR of 16.28%. It also has no balance transfer fee for transfers requested within 60 days of account opening, which is rare among balance transfer credit cards.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card also offers a decent rewards program that rewards you for your spending on groceries and everything else. You earn 2 points per $1 spent at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1 point), and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. You also get a bonus of 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, and a 20% points bonus when you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period. You can redeem your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has no annual fee, but it charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee. It also has several benefits and perks, such as car rental loss and damage insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside assistance, global assist hotline, purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection, and access to Amex Offers.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is a great option for hunters who want to pay off their credit card debt faster and cheaper, while earning rewards on their purchases. It is also a good choice for hunters who want to enjoy a balance transfer fee waiver, and who want to access various benefits and offers.
Tips on How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely and Responsibly
Choosing the best credit card for hunters is only the first step. You also need to use your credit card wisely and responsibly, to avoid getting into debt, paying unnecessary fees, or damaging your credit score. Here are some tips on how to use your credit card wisely and responsibly:
- Pay your balance in full and on time every month: This is the most important tip for using your credit card wisely and responsibly. Paying your balance in full and on time every month will help you avoid interest charges, late fees, and penalty APRs, and also boost your credit score. If you can’t pay your balance in full, at least pay the minimum amount due, and try to pay more than that as soon as possible.
- Keep your credit utilization ratio low: Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of your available credit that you use. For example, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit and a $500 balance, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. A high credit utilization ratio can hurt your credit score, as it indicates that you are relying too much on your credit card. A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%, and ideally below 10%. You can lower your credit utilization ratio by paying off your balance, requesting a credit limit increase, or using multiple credit cards.
- Track your spending and budget: Using a credit card can make it easy to overspend, especially if you don’t keep track of your spending and budget. To avoid this, you should monitor your credit card transactions regularly, either online, by phone, or by app, and compare them with your budget. You should also set up alerts or notifications to remind you of your due dates, balances, and spending limits. You should also review your credit card statements every month, and report any errors or fraudulent charges as soon as possible.
- Use your rewards and perks: One of the advantages of using a credit card is that you can earn rewards and perks for your spending. However, these rewards and perks are only valuable if you use them. You should check your rewards balance and redemption options regularly, and use them for things that you need or want, such as hunting gear, travel, gift cards, or cash. You should also take advantage of your credit card benefits and perks, such as travel insurance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, or discounts, and read the terms and conditions to understand how they work and what they cover.
- Be careful with balance transfers and cash advances: Balance transfers and cash advances are two features that some credit cards offer, but they can also be risky and costly. Balance transfers allow you to transfer your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower or zero interest rate, usually for a limited time. Cash advances allow you to withdraw cash from your credit card, either from an ATM, a bank, or a check. However, both balance transfers and cash advances usually charge a fee, either a percentage or a flat amount, and they may also have a higher interest rate than your regular purchases. They may also not qualify for your grace period, which means that you will start accruing interest from the day you make the transaction. Therefore, you should only use balance transfers and cash advances if you really need them, and if you can pay them off quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Cards and Hunting
Here are some frequently asked questions about credit cards and hunting, and their answers:
Q: What is the best credit card for hunting?
A: The best credit card for hunting depends on your needs and preferences, but some of the factors to consider are the annual fee, the interest rate, the rewards rate, the rewards redemption, and the benefits and perks. You should also compare different credit cards and read the terms and conditions before applying for any credit card.
Q: How can I use my credit card to save money on hunting?
A: You can use your credit card to save money on hunting by choosing a credit card that offers cash back, rewards, or discounts on hunting-related purchases, such as gas, groceries, outdoor gear, or travel. You can also use your credit card to save money on interest by choosing a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, or a low interest rate. However, you should always pay your balance in full and on time every month, and avoid overspending or carrying a high balance.
Q: How can I use my credit card to improve my hunting experience?
A: You can use your credit card to improve your hunting experience by choosing a credit card that offers benefits and perks that enhance your hunting experience, such as travel insurance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, extended warranty, or access to exclusive events, deals, and services. You can also use your credit card to redeem your rewards for free or discounted hunting gear and outdoor experiences, such as hunting trips, resorts, or outfitters.
Conclusion
Hunting is a hobby and sport that can be rewarding and exciting, but also expensive and challenging. That’s why having the best credit card for hunters can make a big difference in your hunting experience. A good credit card can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy benefits that suit your hunting needs and preferences.
In this guide, we have explained the different types of credit cards, the factors to consider when choosing the best credit card for hunters, and the best credit cards for hunters in 2024. We have also provided some tips on how to use your credit card wisely and responsibly, and answered some frequently asked questions about credit cards and hunting.
We hope that this guide has helped you find the best credit card for hunters that matches your situation and goals. Happy hunting!