Your Guide to Benefits, Rewards, and Managing This Popular Retail Card
As someone who loves shopping atFleet Farmfor everything from workwear to fishing gear, I was eager to apply for their store credit card to take advantage of special discounts and financing offers. However, I still had a lot of questions before signing up. How good were the rewards? What fees or gotchas should I watch out for? Would it be accepted anywhere besides Fleet Farm?
After using my Fleet Farm credit card for a while now, I wanted to share a detailed review of my experiences, tips and advice for new applicants. Whether you’re considering the Fleet Farm card for the first time or already have one in your wallet, keep reading to learn all the key details about this popular retail credit card.
Benefits of the Fleet Farm Credit Card
The main reason I applied for the Fleet Farm credit card was to enjoy5% off every purchasein-store. This discount is automatically applied when you use the credit card at checkout, making it easy to save money every time I shop. I use my card for everything from carhartt shirts to wild bird seed and dog kennels, so those 5% discounts really add up over the course of a year!
Beyond the upfront savings, there are a few other nice perks that come with the card:
- Special financing offers:I’ve taken advantage of 12 months special financing on larger purchases like patio sets and power tools. This makes those bigger ticket items more affordable.
- Earning rewards points:You can earn points on all your purchases that can be redeemed for Fleet Farm gift cards. I’ll explain more about how rewards work later.
- Credit line increases:If you use the card responsibly, Fleet Farm may automatically increase your credit limit over time. This helps improve your credit too.
- Online account management:It’s easy to check your balance, view statements and make payments through the online portal or mobile app. Very convenient!
Overall, the Fleet Farm credit card gives frequent shoppers like myself good incentives to save money and manage expenses. As long as you pay off your balance in full each month, it’s an excellent value.
Interest Rates and Fees
When reviewing any credit card, it’s important to understand the interest rates and fees so you can avoid any costly surprises. Here are the key details on costs associated with the Fleet Farm card:
- APR:The regular variable APR is 25.74% as of this writing. This rate applies if you carry a balance month-to-month.
- Penalty APR:The penalty APR is a whopping 29.99%! Try to avoid late payments so this doesn’t kick in.
- Annual Fee:None! The card is free to have.
- Foreign Transaction Fee:Also none. No extra fees for using the card internationally.
- Late Fee:Up to $40 if your payment is over 15 days past due.
- Balance Transfer Fee:Either $10 or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater.
As you can see, the interest rate is quite high if you revolve a balance. But used properly by paying in full each month, the Fleet Farm card has no annual fee and minimal extra costs.
Where Can The Card Be Used?
When I first received my Fleet Farm credit card, I assumed it could only be used for in-store purchases. But I’ve since learned it actually can be used in a few helpful ways:
- Fleet Farm stores:Get 5% off each purchase and earn rewards points.
- FleetFarm.com:The card works for online orders too. Same 5% discount and rewards.
- Gas Stations:I was thrilled to find I earn rewards points on gas station purchases with the card. Saves me money at the pump!
- Other retailers:The card functions as a regular Mastercard outside of Fleet Farm. But no extra perks or rewards.
Being able to use the Fleet Farm card for gas and other everyday purchases makes it even more convenient. I still use it primarily at Fleet Farm for the 5% discount, but it’s nice having a Mastercard backing in case I forget another credit card.
Requirements to Qualify
To be approved for the Fleet Farm credit card, you’ll need decent credit and income similar to most retail cards. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Good credit score:Generally over 670 FICO score is recommended for the best approval odds.
- Sufficient income:Reported yearly income of at least $20,000.
- US resident:Must have a valid Social Security Number and US address.
- Age of majority:Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
They don’t publish an official minimum credit score requirement. But based on customer reports, you’ll have better chances if your score is in the good to excellent range. Having steady income is also important to demonstrate you can manage the account responsibly.
How to Apply for the Card
The application process for the Fleet Farm credit card is quick and easy. You have two options:
- Apply in store:Stop by the customer service desk at any Fleet Farm location. They can submit the application on the spot and you’ll receive a decision within minutes.
- Apply online:Fill out the application form on theFleet Farm Credit Card website. You’ll get an instant decision.
In both cases, you’ll need to provide basic personal info such as your name, address, Social Security Number, income and employment details. The process only takes about 5-10 minutes total.
Once approved, you can immediately start using your new Fleet Farm credit card! The physical card usually arrives in 7-10 business days.
Managing Your Account Online
One of my favorite features of the Fleet Farm credit card is the ability to manage everything online through their web portal and mobile app. Here are some of the tasks you can easily do digitally:
- Check your balance– View up-to-date balance and available credit.
- Make payments– Securely pay your credit card bill online.
- View statements– Download monthly statements going back 18 months.
- Set up alerts– Get notified for various account activity like approaching your limit.
- Redeem rewards– Cash in earned points for Fleet Farm gift cards.
I try to log in once a week or so to review transactions and ensure nothing fraudulent has occurred. The online tools make managing the account seamless.
Rewards Program Details
Let’s discuss the rewards program, because who doesn’t love earning points and gifts cards on their purchases? Here are the need-to-know details:
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent– Simple and straightforward earning structure.
- Redeem points for Fleet Farm gift cards– 2500 points = $10 gift card. Lots of denomination options.
- Points don’t expire– As long as account remains open and in good standing.
- Earn bonus points– Get extra points for signing up and on special offers.
- Track points online– Your point balance is displayed in your online account.
I appreciate how easy it is to rack up rewards when using my Fleet Farm card. The gift card redemptions come in handy too – I usually redeem mine for $10-25 cards and tuck them away for future spur-of-the-moment purchases.
New Cardholder Offers
To incentivize new applicants, Fleet Farm typically offers special introductory bonuses and financing. Current offers as of my application include:
- Get 15,000 bonus points– Equal to $60 in Fleet Farm gift cards! Just spend $500 total in first 3 months.
- 12 months special financing– On purchases of $199 or more. Interest-free if paid in full within 12 months.
Offers seem to vary seasonally, so check Fleet Farm’s credit card website for the latest deals. But the signup bonus points alone make it worthwhile to apply and use the card from the start.
In-Store Account Management
While I prefer managing my Fleet Farm card online, you also have the option to take care of certain tasks in person at Fleet Farm stores:
- Make payments– Stop by any cash register to make a credit card payment.
- Get account details– The customer service desk can print out your balance and recent transactions.
- Update contact info– Ensure Fleet Farm has your most up-to-date mailing address and phone number.
- Ask questions– Store associates can help answer any credit card-related questions!
I’ll sometimes make a quick payment when checking out if I know my bill is due soon. Customer service has always been friendly and helpful whenever I’ve needed to chat in-store.
What To Do If Your Card is Lost or Stolen
Despite your best efforts, credit cards sometimes get lost or stolen. Here are important tips if this happens with your Fleet Farm card:
- Immediately call 1-866-518-9083– This is the 24/7 customer service line to report lost or stolen cards. They will cancel your current card and issue a replacement.
- Change account passwords– Update your online banking credentials so no one can access your account.
- Review transactions frequently– Closely monitor account activity to spot any fraudulent charges. Dispute unauthorized purchases.
- Set up account alerts– Get notified anytime certain types of transactions occur so you can stay vigilant.
- Avoid using debit as backup– Tempting to use debit while waiting for replacement, but credit cards have much better fraud protections.
Following these steps ASAP if your Fleet Farm credit card is lost or stolen will help minimize any potential issues or headaches.
Digital Experience and Mobile App
Managing finances on the go is a must these days, so I was thrilled to download theFleet Farm credit card appon my iPhone. The app allows me to:
- Check my balance in seconds
- View recent transactions
- Securely make credit card payments
- Browse current promotions and offers
- Access my rewards point balance
- Redeem rewards for eGift cards
The app even has biometric login so I can easily access my account with a fingerprint or face scan. It’s a secure and convenient way to monitor my Fleet Farm credit card on mobile!
How the Card Compares to Other Retail Credit Cards
The Fleet Farm credit card has similar features and perks compared to most popular retail credit cards like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops. Here’s a quick overview of how it stacks up:
- Rewards– 1 point per $1 is standard earning rate for retail cards. Some competitors offer 2-3x categories.
- Financing Offers– Most major retail cards have 0% interest promotions like Fleet Farm does.
- Discounts– 5% is an average in-store discount amount for retail credit cards.
- Fees– No annual fee and minimal fees is common among competitors too.
Overall, the Fleet Farm credit card is pretty comparable to other retail store cards in terms of rewards and features. The 5% discount is strong, but a few others do offer occasional 10% discounts on special sales days.
Any Annual Fees?
Unlike some premium travel and cash back credit cards, the Fleet Farm store card hasno annual fee. This is excellent, because it means the card stays completelyfree to usefor as long as you keep it open.
Many retail store cards waive annual fees to encourage loyal shoppers to sign up and use their card frequently. Just make sure to avoid interest charges by paying your bill on time each month.
Using the Card For FleetFarm.com Purchases
In addition to in-store shopping, I also frequently order supplies online at FleetFarm.com. I’m thrilled I can use my Fleet Farm credit card to earn 5% discounts and rewards points for online orders too!
To use your card online, simply:
- Select “Credit Card” as payment method– During checkout on FleetFarm.com.
- Input your credit card number– The number is listed on the front of your physical card.
- Enter name, expiration date, CVV number– These details are needed for verification.
- Review terms– Agree to the standard credit card authorization terms.
- Place your order!– Submit payment and your products will ship soon.
I’ve used my Fleet Farm card for dozens of FleetFarm.com orders without any issues. It’s just as seamless as paying in-store.
Contacting Customer Service
On the rare occasions I’ve needed help with my Fleet Farm credit card, it’s been easy to get ahold of customer service by:
- Calling 1-866-518-9083– This number on the back of your card connects to an online representative 24/7.
- Secure messaging online– Log into your account and submit a message. Expect a reply within 1 business day.
- Emailingcustomercare@fleet-farm.com– They aim to respond to emails within 48 hours.
- Stopping by in-store– The customer service desk can help with many questions too.
In my experience, Fleet Farm customer service reps are quite friendly and resolutions occur quickly. Don’t hesitate to reach out about any credit card issues!
Redeeming Hard-Earned Rewards Points
My favorite part about the Fleet Farm credit card is racking up rewards points on all my purchases. Here are helpful tips for redeeming points:
- Log into online account– On desktop or in mobile app, navigate to the rewards section.
- Pick gift card amount– Choose from denominations like $10, $25, $50 and $100.
- Apply points– 2500 points = $10 gift card. Higher amounts cost more points.
- Add to cart– Selected eGift card is placed in your cart. Nearly instant process!
- Use gift card # at checkout– Retrieve gift card number from your rewards history and enter it when paying.
Exchanging rewards points for Fleet Farm gift cards is super convenient. I try to redeem mine quarterly so I can enjoy the fruits of my spending!
Avoiding Late Fees
To avoid getting stuck with a late fee on your Fleet Farm credit card, simply remember to:
- Pay at least the minimum by the due date– Due dates are always on the same day each month. Even $35-50 minimums can prevent late fees.
- Set up autopay– Have the minimum (or full balance) deducted from your bank automatically each month.
- Sign up for reminders– Opt into emails or push notifications as your due date approaches.
- Use the mobile app– Checking your account frequently helps you remember.
- Pay early– Submitting payment even 5-7 days before the deadline ensures no issues.
As long as you carefully note the monthly due dates and make payments accordingly, late fees are easily avoided with responsible use of the Fleet Farm card.
What Credit Score is Needed?
While Fleet Farm doesn’t disclose the minimum credit score to get approved, customer reports indicate a score of670 or highergenerally results in credit card approval. Here are tips to boost your odds:
- Check your credit reports– Fix any errors to immediately improve your scores.
- Lower credit utilization– Keep card balances 30% or less of your limits.
- Avoid new inquiries– Limit applications for other credit in previous 6 months.
- Have steady income– Higher monthly income helps your case.
- Become an authorized user– Get added to a spouse or parent’s old account. Helps credit mix.
- Pay down debts– Ideally pay all cards to zero every month to show responsibility.
Meeting these credit building best practices in the 6+ months before applying can significantly improve your chances for Fleet Farm card approval.
Special Financing Options
One nice feature of the Fleet Farm credit card is the special financing offers available, such as:
- 12 Months Interest-Free– On purchases $199+ if paid in full within 12 months.
- No Interest if Paid in Full in 6 Months– On purchases $99+ when paid off within 6 months.
- 60 Months Special Financing– Extended financing up to 60 months on very large purchases.
These deferred interest promotions come in handy when you want to spread out payments on big ticket Fleet Farm purchases without getting stuck paying a ton of interest. Just be sure to pay off the full promo balance before the time period ends because retroactive interest can be charged if you don’t! Read the offer details carefully.
Final Thoughts
For regular Fleet Farm shoppers like me, signing up for their credit card has been an excellent decision. I take advantage of the 5% discounts and special financing offers, and also earn plenty of rewards points to redeem for free Fleet Farm gift cards. The card fits nicely into my wallet and overall credit profile.
Hopefully this deep dive on everything from rates and fees to redemption tips better equips you to decide if the Fleet Farm credit card is a good choice as well. Feel free to share any of your own experiences with this popular retail card in the comments!
