Do Sporting Goods Stores Earn a Bonus?
How sporting goods stores code
A sporting goods retailer rings up under a sporting-goods store category code, outside the usual bonus buckets like dining and groceries, so most cards earn their base rate on gear, apparel, and equipment. Buying the same items on a general marketplace can code as that platform instead. The framework is in what is a bonus category.
Store cards versus a flat-rate card
Large sporting goods chains often push a co-branded or store card with a higher rate or perks at that retailer. That can pay off if you are loyal to one store, but the rewards are limited there. For everything else, a general card earns more, a trade-off similar to the one in rewards card vs store card.
The best card for gear
Since sporting goods rarely earn a category bonus, a solid flat-rate card is the most reliable earner. Enter your spending into the rewards calculator to see which card gives the best base return across your purchases, and compare the top flat-rate options in best cash back cards.
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