Petco recently launched the Petco Pay credit card, allowing pet parents to earn rewards on pet purchases. The Petco Pay card offers 5% back in rewards on Petco purchases and 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on rideshares. There is no annual fee for the card.
If you’re a pet owner who frequently shops at Petco, the Petco Pay card can help you maximize rewards and savings. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Petco Pay credit card, including pros and cons, rewards details, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Overview of the Petco Pay Credit Card
The Petco Pay Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank. It is a store credit card that can only be used at Petco retail locations and Petco.com. The card offers the following key features and benefits:
- 5% back in rewards on all Petco purchases– This is the highest earning rate for Petco purchases, making it easy to maximize rewards.
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and on rideshares– You’ll earn a solid 2% back on popular bonus categories.
- No annual fee– The card has no annual fee, so you can earn rewards without paying anything yearly to have the card.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months– This introductory offer gives you time to pay off new purchases interest-free.
- Exclusive coupons and savings– Cardholders get access to Petco coupons and discounts.
As far as store credit cards go, the Petco Pay Card is reasonably competitive. The 5% back at Petco is a higher rate than many store cards offer at their own retailers. The 2% back on dining, gas, and rideshares is a nice addition not always seen on retail cards.
Pros of the Petco Pay Credit Card
Here are some of the most significant pros associated with the Petco Pay Card:
- No annual fee– You don’t have to pay anything annually to have this card. That helps offset the relatively limited rewards categories.
- 5% back on Petco purchases– This is a strong earn rate for a store card and provides an opportunity to rack up rewards.
- Intro 0% APR offer– The introductory 0% APR period gives you time to pay off large Petco purchases interest-free.
- Pre-qualification available– You can see if you pre-qualify for the card with a soft credit check that won’t hurt your credit score.
- Petco Coupons– Cardholders get exclusive Petco coupons and discount offers.
For Petco loyalists, the 5% back in rewards on Petco purchases is probably the most attractive feature. That high earning rate can help pet parents maximize savings on essential pet care items.
Cons of the Petco Pay Credit Card
Here are some potential downsides to consider about the Petco Pay Card:
- Limited rewards categories– Outside of Petco and the 2% back categories, all other purchases only earn 1% back.
- Can only be used at Petco– Since it’s a store card, the Petco Pay Card has limited usage. It can’t be used anywhere except Petco stores and Petco.com.
- High APR– The ongoing APR is 26.99%, which is very high. It’s critical to pay your balance off each month.
- Small sign-up bonus– The current sign-up bonus is only $30 in rewards after your first Petco purchase as a new cardholder.
- Foreign transaction fee– There is a 3% fee on any transactions processed outside the U.S.
For consumers who only occasionally shop at Petco or want more flexible redemption, the limited usage and rewards categories are underwhelming compared to general cash-back credit cards. Paying off the card monthly is essential to avoid high-interest fees.
How the Petco Pay Card Works
The Petco Pay Credit Card is a store-specific credit card affiliated with Synchrony Bank. When you’re approved for the card, you’ll receive a 16-digit account number and expiration date to use for purchases at Petco.
You’ll earn rewards on your Petco Pay Card purchases as follows:
- 5% back in rewards on Petco purchases
- 2% back on restaurants, gas stations, and rideshares
- 1% back on all other purchases
Rewards can be earned in-store at Petco, online at Petco.com, on the Petco app, or over the phone. Rewards accumulate in your Petco Pay account. You can redeem rewards for dollars off future Petco purchases.
To make a payment, you can pay your bill online, via the Petco app, by phone, or mail in a check. Like any credit card, you’ll receive a monthly statement with your current balance, minimum payment due, and payment due date. Payments are due on the 25th of each month.
Petco Pay Credit Card Rewards and Redemption
Now let’s take a detailed look at earning and redeeming rewards with the Petco Pay Credit Card:
- 5% back at Petco– This is the top reward rate, applying to all qualifying purchases at Petco stores and Petco.com.
- 2% back– You’ll earn 2% back in these categories: restaurants, gas stations, rideshares.
- 1% back– All other purchases will earn 1% back in rewards.
- Rewards dollar value– Each dollar in rewards is equal to $1 in redemption value. 1,000 points would convert to $10 off Petco purchases.
- Rewards expiration– Rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
- Redemption– Rewards can be redeemed as dollars off future Petco purchases. Rewards can be applied to full or partial purchases.
- Incremental redemption– Rewards can be redeemed incrementally in any amount starting at $1. You don’t need to wait to redeem a lump sum.
Based on the 5% and 2% bonus categories, it’s relatively easy to maximize earnings with routine Petco shopping and dining/gas station purchases. The dollar-for-dollar redemption provides solid value.
Petco Pay Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus
New Petco Pay Card applications will receive a small sign-up bonus offer:
- Sign-up bonus– Get $30 in rewards (3,000 points) after your first everyday Petco purchase as a new cardholder.
- Expiration– This sign-up bonus is valid for the first 12 months after opening your account.
- Eligibility– The offer is only for new Petco Pay Credit Card applications, not for current cardholders applying for a line increase.
While $30 in rewards has some value, it’s smaller than the sign-up bonuses typically offered by general cash-back credit cards. If you plan to make a large Petco purchase shortly after getting the card, the bonus does provide a modest discount.
Does the Petco Pay Card Have an Annual Fee?
A nice perk of the Petco Pay Card is that there is no annual fee. You won’t be charged anything annually simply for having the card open.
Many store credit cards have annual fees in the range of $25-$30 per year. So the lack of an annual fee is better than average for retail cards.
The combination of no annual fee and strong rewards on Petco purchases makes the overall earning potential of the Petco Pay Card very solid for a retail store card.
What Are the Purchase APRs on the Petco Pay Card?
The Petco Pay Card has the following variable annual percentage rates (APRs) for purchases:
- Introductory APR– 0% intro APR for the first 6 months on purchases after account opening. This intro period can provide interest-free time on new purchases.
- Standard APR– After the intro period ends, the standard purchase APR applies. It’s currently 26.99%.
- Penalty APR– If you have a late payment, the APR may be increased to a penalty APR of 29.99%.
While the intro 0% offer is nice, the ongoing purchase APR is very high at 26.99%. It’s critical to pay off the card in full each month once the intro period ends. Otherwise, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards you earn.
Does the Petco Pay Card Have a Balance Transfer Offer?
No, the Petco Pay Credit Card does not offer an introductory balance transfer offer. You cannot transfer debt from another credit card over to this retail store card.
With most retail credit cards, the card can only be used with the affiliated retail store. So balance transfer offers are rarely offered, since you can’t use an outside balance for general purchases.
If you have existing credit card balances you wish to pay off at 0% interest, you would need to apply for a different card that provides a balance transfer intro APR promotion.
Does the Petco Pay Card Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?
Yes, the Petco Pay Credit Card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on any purchases processed outside the United States.
Many credit cards have foreign transaction fees in the range of 2-3% now. So this fee is standard but still reduces the value of any rewards earned if you happen to use the card internationally.
Some travel credit cards do not have foreign transaction fees. But for a retail store card designed for domestic use, the foreign transaction fee is not unusual.
Does the Petco Pay Card Offer 0% Financing?
Yes, the Petco Pay Credit Card offers 0% interest deferred financing promotions on certain large Petco purchases. These financing offers allow you to pay off the purchase over a period of time without accruing interest.
However, deferred interest promotions require paying the full purchase amount by the end of the promotional period. Otherwise, you’ll be charged all the accrued interest retroactively. Offers may vary, but some examples include:
- 0% interest if paid in full within 6 months on Petco purchases over $199
- 0% interest if paid in full within 12 months on Petco purchases over $500
Keep in mind that deferred interest financing offers do require making payments on time and paying off the full purchase amount before the promotional timeline expires.
Credit Needed for Approval for the Petco Pay Card
Credit requirements to qualify for the Petco Pay Credit Card are in line with most other retail store cards:
- Credit Score Needed– You should have a credit score in the fair range or higher. Applicants with good or excellent credit are more likely to be approved.
- Impact of Hard Inquiry– Applying will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can cause a small score drop. Too many recent inquiries can negatively impact approval odds.
- Credit History– Having an established credit history with some existing revolving accounts (credit cards, retail accounts) will help. A limited credit history may disqualify some applicants.
While store cards are typically easier to qualify for than general rewards cards, excellent credit still yields better approval chances. Checking your credit pre-qualification can help determine if you may need to build your credit before applying.
How to Apply for the Petco Pay Credit Card
You can apply for the Petco Pay Credit Card:
- Online– Applications can be submitted online via the Petco website. There is an online application you can fill out and submit.
- In-store– Ask an associate at any Petco retail location for an application. Fill it out and return it in-store.
- By phone– Call the number on the back of your current Petco Pals rewards card and apply over the phone.
The application process is fairly quick and straightforward. In some cases, you may receive instant approval.
Once approved, you should receive your new Petco Pay Credit Card in 7-10 business days. You can then activate it and begin using your card at Petco stores nationwide or Petco.com.
How Does the Petco Pay Card Compare to Other Pet Store Credit Cards?
The main competitors to the Petco Pay Card are credit cards offered by other pet supplies retailers:
Petco Pay Card
- 5% back on Petco purchases
- No annual fee
Petsmart Credit Card
- 5% back on Petsmart purchases
- $29 annual fee
Chewy Credit Card
- 5% back on Chewy purchases
- 10% back on the first Chewy purchase
- No annual fee
The Petco Pay Card stands out with no annual fee but the same 5% back rate at Petco. The one-time 10% offer from Chewy is nice but ongoing the earn rates are the same. Overall, the Petco card is competitive for Petco loyalists.
Should You Get the Petco Pay Credit Card?
The new Petco Pay Credit Card is a decent retail card for Petco shoppers. It offers strong rewards without charging an annual fee. If you spend heavily at Petco, it’s an easy way to maximize rewards. However, for more flexible redemption options and non-Petco purchases, a general cash-back card may be preferable.
Consider applying for the Petco Pay Card if:
- You frequently shop at Petco each year and spend a lot on pet items
- You want to earn rewards to redeem for Petco discounts
- You don’t mind a card that can only be used at Petco
You may want to consider other cards if:
- You only occasionally shop at Petco
- You want to earn rewards on non-Petco purchases
- You want more flexible redemption options
Overall, the Petco Pay Credit Card is best suited for hardcore Petco fans who will get significant value from 5% back in rewards. More casual Petco shoppers may find better options with general cash-back cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Petco Pay Credit Card
Here are answers to some common questions consumers have about the Petco Pay Card:
How do I redeem Petco Pay rewards?
You can redeem Petco Pay rewards as statement credits to your account that are applied to your next Petco purchase. Rewards can also be redeemed incrementally at checkout in-store or online in any amount over $1.
Are Petco Pay rewards the same as Petco Pals rewards?
No, Petco Pay rewards are separate from Petco Pals loyalty rewards. The Petco Pay Card allows you to earn rewards that can be redeemed for dollars off Petco purchases. Petco Pals is the basic free loyalty program.
Does the Petco Pay Card offer sign-up perks?
The current sign-up bonus offer for new cardholders is $30 in rewards (3,000 points) after your first Petco purchase as a new cardholder.
Is the Petco Pay Credit Card worth it?
The Petco Pay Card is worth it if you frequently shop at Petco and will earn and redeem rewards often. You can maximize value with 5% back rewards. If you rarely shop at Petco, you may be better off with a general cash-back credit card.
What’s the minimum credit score needed for the Petco Pay Card?
There is no published minimum credit score requirement. But you will need at least fair credit (around a 600 FICO score) or better approval odds. Those with very poor credit are unlikely to qualify.
Can I earn gas rewards with the Petco Pay Credit Card?
Yes, you earn 2% back in rewards on gas station purchases with the Petco Pay Card. The gas rewards can be redeemed for Petco savings. You earn 1% back on all other non-bonus category purchases.
Does the Petco Pay Credit Card offer travel perks?
No, the Petco Pay Card is exclusively a retail store card that offers rewards on Petco purchases. It does not have any travel benefits or earn higher rewards on travel spending.
How long do I have to redeem Petco Pay rewards?
Your Petco Pay rewards do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing. Rewards will be forfeited if your account is closed.
The Bottom Line: Is the Petco Pay Card Worth It?
The new Petco Pay Credit Card provides generous rewards for loyal Petco customers. With 5% back on all Petco purchases and no annual fee, it’s easy to maximize savings on pet supplies for cardholders who frequently shop at Petco.
Occasional Petco shoppers may prefer a card with more flexible redemption options and rewards on non-Petco spending. But for Petco diehards, the Petco Pay Card presents an excellent opportunity to earn discounts on essential pet care items. Just be sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid high-interest charges.
Faizan Ahmad is a financial analyst and writer who specializes in investments, banking, and corporate finance. He has over 7 years of experience working in the finance industry in various roles.
He leverages his strong financial modeling and data analysis skills to provide insightful commentary on business, markets, and economic trends.
At Ventures Money, Faizan covers topics including Credit Card Reviews, Loans, Insurance, and Mutual Funds in the banking sector. He provides in-depth analysis of the latest news and trends to help readers make smart investment decisions.
Outside of writing, Faizan enjoys following the stock market, rooting for his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family.