
For the discerning consumer who views a co-branded credit card not just as a payment method but as a tool for maximizing the return on their membership investment, the BJ’s One Mastercard warrants a detailed analysis. Issued by Capital One, this card is the foundational tier of the BJ’s credit card program, designed for holders of “The Club Card” membership. Its value proposition is built on a solid rewards structure, no annual card fee, and the absence of foreign transaction fees.
This review will provide a strategic examination of the card’s features, with a primary focus on its earning potential. For the value maximizer, the decision to acquire this card should be based on a clear understanding of its rewards cap, its ancillary benefits, and the specific spending thresholds at which an upgrade to the premium tier becomes the more profitable option.
Detailed Rewards Structure and Financial Benefits
The card’s value proposition is constructed upon a multi-faceted rewards and benefits system.
- 3% Rewards Rate on BJ’s Purchases: Cardholders earn 3% back in rewards on the majority of eligible purchases made directly at BJ’s locations, on BJs.com, and via the BJ’s app. This is a competitive rate for in-club spending.
- 1.5% Base Rewards Rate: All other purchases made outside of BJ’s earn an unlimited 1.5% back in rewards. This is a strong, flat-rate return that makes the card a viable option for everyday, non-BJ’s spending, outperforming standard 1% cards.
- 10¢ Per Gallon Fuel Discount: This feature provides an instant, fixed discount on fuel purchases at BJ’s Gas®. The value of this benefit is directly proportional to the volume of fuel purchased.
- No Annual Credit Card Fee: The card itself has a $0 annual fee. This is a critical component of its value, as all earned rewards contribute to net gain, offset only by the required BJ’s membership fee.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This is a significant feature provided by Capital One, saving the cardholder a typical 3% fee on all international purchases. This adds considerable value for individuals who travel abroad.
- World Mastercard® Benefits: The card includes a portfolio of World Mastercard® benefits. A strategic user can extract additional monetary value from these, which may include monthly credits with partners like Lyft and complimentary memberships to services like DoorDash DashPass and ShopRunner.
Who Can Applyfor BJ’s One Mastercard: Eligibility Criteria
- BJ’s Membership: An applicant must be a member of a paid BJ’s “The Club Card” Membership.
- Credit History: A good to excellent credit score is generally required for approval (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher).
- Standard Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. resident, and possess a valid Social Security Number.
How to Apply: The Strategic Application Process

- Confirm Membership Tier: Ensure you have the correct BJ’s “The Club Card” membership.
- Utilize the Prequalification Tool: It is highly recommended to use the pre-approval check available on the Capital One application page. This tool uses a soft inquiry and will not impact your credit score.
- Submit a Formal Application: If you choose to proceed, complete the full application. This will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.
- Receive a Decision: Capital One often provides an instant decision.
BJ’s One Mastercard Frequently Asked Questions
- What specific purchases are excluded from the 3% rewards category at BJ’s?
It is critical to know the exclusions to accurately calculate your potential rewards. Typically, rewards are not earned on gasoline, gift cards, lottery tickets, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages. You should always review the full terms for a complete list. - Can I product-change from the BJ’s One card to the One+ card?
To change your credit card tier, you must first upgrade your underlying BJ’s membership from The Club Card to The Club+ Card. Once your membership is upgraded, you can contact Capital One to inquire about being issued the corresponding BJ’s One+® Mastercard®. - How are rewards issued, and can their value be optimized?
Rewards are issued as electronic awards in $10 increments. The value is fixed, as they can only be used as a credit against purchases at BJ’s. Unlike flexible points programs, there is no way to optimize their value through transfer partners. Their value is in their direct and simple reduction of your spending at the club. - What is the most valuable “hidden” benefit of this card?
For many, the most valuable secondary benefit is the no foreign transaction fee feature. This is a premium perk on a card that has no annual fee itself, making it an excellent card to use for international travel, where it will earn a solid 1.5% back on all purchases without the 3% surcharge.