5 Things to Know About the Tractor Supply Credit Card

With more than 2,100 stores in 49 states, the Tractor Supply Co. brand offers a surprisingly wide selection of home improvement, automotive, pet care and rural living supplies. And the company’s credit card is one of the better store credit card products on the market, providing useful benefits for a wide range of customers.

Even if you don’t use the card frequently, a few tangible perks like free trailer rentals and same-day delivery could make the Tractor Supply Co. credit card a valuable addition to your wallet. Here’s what you need to know about this card.

» MORE: What makes a good store credit card, and how to avoid bad ones

1. There are two versions

The Tractor Supply credit card has two versions, both issued by Citi. Both offer the same store rewards on purchases within the Tractor Supply family of brands, and the store rewards from both cards are redeemed in the same way. Neither charges an annual fee. However, there are some key differences worth pointing out:

• The TSC Store Card is a “closed-loop” credit card, meaning it can be used only at Tractor Supply Co. stores, at Petsense by Tractor Supply stores and across the brand’s websites: tractorsupply.com, petsense.com and tractorsupplyrx.com. Points are redeemable toward purchases across Tractor Supply brands.

• The TSC Visa Credit Card is an “open-loop” credit card, meaning you can use it anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. In addition to earning 5% back in rewards at all Tractor Supply, Tractor Supply Rx and Petsense brands, the card also earns 3% back in rewards on gas, groceries and veterinary services and 1% back in rewards on all other purchases.

When you complete your Tractor Supply credit card application, you’ll be considered for both versions of the card. Then, if you’re approved for both cards, you will have the opportunity to select which card you would like to activate.

» MORE: Why is it easier to get a store credit card than a regular one?

2. It’s rewarding for pet owners

You might not think of Tractor Supply as your first stop for pet care products and veterinary prescriptions. But because the company owns Petsense by Tractor Supply and Tractor Supply Rx (a veterinary prescription service for household pets as well as livestock), the brand’s credit card offers some impressive benefits for pet owners.

The card earns 5% back in rewards at Petsense, including on food, toys and supplies in-store and online. You’ll even earn 5% back in rewards on grooming services at Petsense stores.

Prefer to give Scout his spa treatment yourself? Many Tractor Supply stores offer pet wash stations complete with supplies. Both versions of the card also earn 5% back in rewards on veterinary prescriptions through Tractor Supply Rx, plus 5% back on vet clinic visits inside Tractor Supply stores.

If you prefer working with a different veterinarian, Tractor Supply Visa cardholders earn 3% back in rewards on veterinary services at any brand. The vet services earning category is particularly notable, as few other cards offer a special earnings category for animal care. And the benefit isn’t limited to livestock — it covers medical expenses for dogs, cats and other household pets as well.

» MORE: Best credit cards for pet owners

3. Perks include free trailer rentals

Cardholders of the Tractor Supply credit card are eligible to enroll in the store’s Neighbor’s Club rewards loyalty program at the highest tier, known as the “Preferred Plus Neighbor” level. (Without the store’s credit card, membership at this level requires net qualifying purchases of at least $2,000 per year.) In addition to two certificates per quarter for free same-day delivery, Preferred Plus Neighbor status offers access to two free full-day trailer rentals per quarter.

Rentals are subject to availability at your local store, so it’s best to call ahead. But whether you’re hauling away yard trash, picking up landscaping materials or moving large furniture or equipment, this free rental credit is a valuable benefit for farmers and homeowners alike.

» MORE: Best credit cards for home improvement

4. You can save up points for a large purchase

Short redemption windows on rewards are a frequent frustration for store credit card holders generally. And while this problem can arise with the Tractor Supply credit card, it’s avoidable with some careful management.

As a default, Tractor Supply credit card points are automatically converted to rewards at a threshold of 1,000 points earned, with a reward valued at $10. Then, rewards expire 60 days after they're issued (unless otherwise noted). However, Tractor Supply credit card holders are automatically upgraded to Preferred Plus Neighbor status, which gives you the option to change your reward issuance threshold in your account from $10 to $5, $20, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or even $5,000 by updating your Neighbor’s Club online profile.

If you’re willing to jump through extra hoops, this policy allows cardholders to save up points for a big splurge. That’s a rare perk among store credit cards.

5. Check the fine print on special financing terms

The Tractor Supply credit card offers a variety of special financing terms that can help you save money on big purchases. Here are some of the most notable financing terms:

• 6 months no interest financing on purchases of $199 or more. If you pay off your balance in full within 6 months, you won't pay any interest.

• 12 months no interest financing on purchases of $399 or more. If you pay off your balance in full within 12 months, you won't pay any interest.

• 36 month special financing at 3.99% APR on purchases of $1,599 or more.

Though these financing terms can be a great way to spread out the cost of a big purchase and avoid paying interest, it's important to note that these are deferred interest financing options, meaning if you don't pay off your balance in full within the specified time period, you'll be charged back interest on the entire purchase amount.

Along with these deferred interest policies, Tractor Supply offers occasional special financing, 0% annual percentage rate (APR) or low-interest financing options on specific products, such as lawnmowers, generators, safes and grills. These may or may not be deferred interest terms depending on the plan, so check the fine print carefully and make sure you understand the terms before proceeding with any special financing offer.