ReviewsBJ’s Credit Card Review
Card Review
Apply now
The My BJ’s Perks Mastercard, or simply the BJ’s Credit Card, is actually two credit cards. Each can be a good choice if you shop often at BJ’s. The cards offer decent cash back on qualifying BJ’s purchases along with dining and non-BJ’s gas purchases. Cardholders also save $0.10 per gallon at BJ’s gas stations. If you’re a family that shops a lot at BJ’s, it’s easy to stack up the rewards.
Which card you end up with will rely on what level of BJ’s membership you have. The BJ’s Perks Plus credit card earns 3% on BJ’s purchases, while the BJ’s Perks Elite credit card earns 5% cash back on those purchases. Otherwise, the cards are virtually the same. BJ’s Inner Circle Primary Members who are approved will receive the BJ’s Perks Plus credit card, while BJ’s Perks Rewards Members who are approved will receive the BJ’s Perks Elite credit card. A BJ’s Inner Circle Primary membership costs $55 a year, while a BJ’s Perks Rewards membership costs $110 per year.
That might be confusing, so if you’re just looking for a more general credit card, check out the CardCruncher tool to find the best one for you. Otherwise, read on to get the full details on the BJ’s credit card.
BJ’s Credit Card Highlights
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 17.24% to 27.24% variable APR
Sign-up Bonus: $0
BJ’s Credit Card Benefits:
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on qualifying BJ’s club purchases with BJ’s Perks Plus credit card and 5% cash back with BJ’s Perks Elite credit card
- Earn 2% cash back on dining and non-BJ’s gas purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Save $0.10 per gallon at BJ’s gas stations
- $0 annual fee
- Enjoy a suite of Mastercard benefits like concierge services and zero liability protection
BJ’s Credit Card Fees:
- Up to $38 for late payments
- Either 5% or $10 per cash advance, whichever is higher
- 29.24% APR for cash advances
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Why Apply for the BJ’s Credit Card
Here’s why it could be worth opening a BJ’s Credit Card:
Pay $0 annual fee
While you do need to be an active paying member to qualify for the BJ’s Credit Card, the card does double duty as your membership card at no additional cost. Compared to other cards that earn similar cash-back rewards, the BJ’s Credit Card is a great deal, and far more versatile than most store credit cards. Plus, if you shop a lot at BJ’s, you’re basically doubling down on your ability to offset your membership fee and pile up the savings.
Earn great rewards for shopping at BJ’s
If you frequently shop at BJ’s, including at its gas stations, the cash-back rewards will be particularly appealing. You’ll earn 3% cash back on qualifying BJ’s purchases with the BJ’s Perks Plus credit card, and 5% cash back with the BJ’s Perks Elite credit card. You’ll also save $0.10 off per gallon at all BJ’s gas stations. Redeeming rewards is simple, too: Simply request your rewards at checkout once you reach the $20 threshold.
You want to save money on gas
Aside from the discount at BJ’s gas stations, you also get 2% cash back at non-BJ’s gas stations. This is on par with many of the cash-back rewards credit cards on the market.
BJ’s Credit Card: Drawbacks and Downsides
Here are some drawbacks and downsides to the BJ’s Credit Card:
Limited redemption options
Unless you spend a decent amount at BJ’s, you may not get a lot of value out of this card. You can only redeem your cash back rewards at BJ’s, unlike a more general cash-back credit card. In that case, it’s worth exploring your options to find a card more in line with your spending and redemption habits.
It’s not good for international travelers
Although you get perks such as concierge services and access to Mastercard’s luxury hotels and resorts portfolio, this card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you’re traveling outside the U.S., you’re better off with a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
BJ’s Credit Card Alternatives
Here are a few alternatives if the Capital One Venture Rewards Card isn’t the one for you,:
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 6% cash back up to $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets, 6% cash back on qualifying U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transportation services like rideshares and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Although the card charges a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. annual fee, you can redeem rewards for statement credits or as gift cards. The card also comes with a $250 sign-up bonus after you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. This card also offers perks such as roadside assistance and travel accident insurance.
Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great cash-back option, as it has a $0 annual fee and rewards don’t expire. Cardholders can earn a $200 sign-up bonus after spending at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. In addition, you can earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 3% cash back on a category of your choosing—up to $2,500 each quarter. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can even qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, which will boost your rewards rate by 25% to 75% with each purchase.
BJ’s Credit Card FAQs
How can I redeem my BJ’s Credit Card rewards?
You can redeem your cash back in $20 increments at BJ’s (in-store or online) when you checkout and it expires six months from when the rewards was issued. You can also contact customer service to request your rewards to be sent in the form of a check.
What are the differences between the two BJ’s credit cards?
The difference between the BJ’s Perks Plus Credit Card and the BJ’s Perks Elite Credit Card are the cash-back rewards at BJ’s. With the BJ’s Perks Plus Credit Card, you earn 3% on qualifying purchases at BJ’s. With the BJ’s Perks Elite Credit Card you earn 5% cash back on qualifying purchases at BJ’s. To upgrade, you’ll have to upgrade your membership to BJ’s Perks Rewards. That costs $110 per year, compared to $55 for the BJ’s Inner Circle membership.
Bottom Line: Should You Apply for the BJ’s Credit Card?
The BJ’s Perks Credit Card is best if you’re a member of the warehouse club and want to maximize your savings. The $0 annual fee makes all the cash back you earn pure upside. Still, you can only redeem cash back rewards at BJ’s, and they expire within six months once issued. If you’re not a regular BJ’s shopper, but are interested in saving money on grocery and gas purchases, a number of credit cards offer comparable cash-back rates and more flexible rewards. Plug your spending into the CardCruncher tool to find the right card for you—and start getting rewarded today.
