Find the Best Auto Credit Card

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How Do Auto Rewards Cards Work?

Auto rewards credit cards are specially marketed towards those who love their vehicles and want to save money with every eligible purchase. These cards earn rewards on unique categories that owners of cars, trucks, and other vehicles spend the most. Typically, credit cards that earn auto rewards provide enhanced earning at select categories, including:

• Dealership purchases and services
• Parts
• Gas station purchases
• Travel purchases

Why Choose an Auto Rewards Credit Card?

Why choose a credit card that offers auto rewards? These cards are perfect for those who love to work on their vehicles, fine-tuning them to get them to perform their best. Auto cards also make sense for those who want a card that helps them save money on routine maintenance, such as oil changes, replacing windshield wipers, or fixing damaged headlights. You can even use an auto card to purchase customizations for your vehicles, such as add-ons or accessories.

Because cards with auto rewards partner with select manufacturers, they offer discounts on new vehicles and leases. That makes auto cards an excellent option for those who want an everyday use credit card that they can apply towards buying a car or truck.

There are several FCA DrivePlus Mastercard options, including the Jeep DrivePlus Mastercard, the Ram DrivePlus Mastercard, the Chrysler DrivePlus Mastercard, the Fiat DrivePlus Mastercard, and the Mopar DrivePlus Mastercard. While these cards vary little beyond their dealer-specific branding, they provide exceptional value.

Can You Use Cards to Finance Car Repairs?

Yes. In fact, using an auto credit card to pay for repairs to your car makes perfect sense. This is especially true if you don’t have another cash back credit card or a card with a 0% introductory APR offer or a low APR.

Using an auto repair credit card with auto rewards can help you offset the cost of repairs. This, in turn, means you don’t have to worry about paying for the entire cost upfront. Instead, you can pay with your credit card, then pay off that balance over time.

Drawbacks of Vehicle Rewards Credit Cards

While auto cards have significant benefits, they also have disadvantages. Because auto rewards cards are aligned with a particular dealer or manufacturer, they don’t offer much value outside of these brands. If you are looking for a card that has much more global value, an auto rewards credit card might not be for you.

Retail cards usually have high APRs. The same can be said of auto cards, as they are a form of a retail credit card. Those with excellent credit scores don’t need to worry, as their interest rates will be decent, but those with fair or good credit scores might receive an APR in the mid-20s, which is very high. These higher-than-average interest rates mean they aren’t great for financing purchases over an extended period.

These cards also act as a regular credit card, rather than an auto loan. This means any minimum monthly payments required need to be paid (at a higher rate) than a typical loan. In addition, credit card companies may charge a high penalty APR and late fees if you are late on paying the balance (in full or partially).

How to Redeem Vehicle Rewards

Redeeming your rewards varies depending on the card issuer and the dealership with which the card is affiliated. FCA Rewards credit cards, for example, are redeemable for things like gift cards, cash back, or merchandise.

These options offer lesser value, however than using rewards points to spend at dealerships. Because FCA Mastercard’s include names such as Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, and jeep, there’s plenty of dealerships to choose from

Other auto cards, such as the BuyPower® Rewards Card or the GM Extended Family Card, offer redemption for purchases at dealerships. These purchases include new vehicles or parts and services.

Should You Apply for a Credit Card with Auto Rewards?

Thinking about getting an auto rewards or vehicle credit card? Browse BestCards extensive list of auto cards from major names and card issuers. Read our hundreds of reviews, use our comparison tool and take advantage of our extensive credit card resources and advice. Let’s find your best card today!