The Best Automobile Affinity Cards
Those who really, truly love their cars will be the first to jump on the automotive rewards bandwagon, merely to sport a Subaru®, Mazda or other vehicular insignia on their plastic tender. However, new potential customers and the less fanatic but still loyal consumers who stand true to a particular make of car may also feel the magnetic draw toward carrying a car-friendly credit card.
Though these may not be all of the rewards-based affinity cards available for vehicle owners, below you will find a number of popular automotive credit cards and some facts about their terms of service. As with any credit card, consumers should thoroughly research all terms of agreement and fine print prior to signing up for a credit card account.
APR: 1.9% introductory APR for six months, between 11.99% and 15.99% thereafter, up to 27.99% penalty
Point accumulation: five points per $1 at any Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge dealership, one point for every $1 elsewhere
Bonus after first purchase: 2,500 points
Apply points toward: Dealer Dollars certificates toward purchase or lease of a vehicle, parts or service, extended warranty, authentic accessories and branded merchandise.
Other benefits: Earn unlimited points that do not expire for five years
Annual fee: $0
APR: 1.9% introductory APR for six months, between 11.99% and 15.99% thereafter, up to 27.99% penalty
Point accumulation: five points per $1 at any Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge dealership, one point for every $1 elsewhere
Bonus after first purchase: 2,500 points
Apply points toward: Dealer Dollars certificates toward purchase or lease of a vehicle, parts or service, extended warranty, authentic accessories and branded merchandise.
Other benefits: Earn unlimited points that do not expire for five years.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% introductory APR for six months, either 10.74%, 14.74% or 16.74% thereafter, up to 19.99%
Point accumulation: 5% earnings on all purchases
Bonus after first purchase: not specified
Apply points toward: purchase or lease of a new GM car, truck or SUV
Other benefits: unlimited earnings that are valid for seven years
Annual fee: $0
APR: 1.9% introductory APR for six months, between 11.99% and 15.99% thereafter, up to 27.99% penalty
Point accumulation: five points per $1 at any Chrysler, Jeep® or Dodge dealership, one point for every $1 elsewhere
Bonus after first purchase: 2,500 points
Apply points toward: Dealer Dollars certificates toward purchase or lease of a vehicle, parts or service, extended warranty, authentic accessories and branded merchandise.
Other benefits: Earn unlimited points that do not expire for five years
Annual fee: $0
APR: *not specified, "special low APR rates" when transferring existing credit or store card balances
Point accumulation: *not specified
Bonus after first purchase: *not specified
Apply points toward: 10% off select Mazda merchandise
Other benefits: free 24/7/365 help line, Gold Card option
Annual fee: $0
* This may be a new offer. Be cautious when investigating this credit card option. Take steps to attain exact numerical figures for APR as well as knowing and understanding the rewards package.
APR: 1.9% introductory APR for six months, between 11.74% and 15.74% thereafter and 29.74% penalty
Point accumulation: 1.5 points for each $1, five points for Mercedes-Benz Collection and Mercedes- Benz Classic merchandise purchases, up to 10 points for each dollar spent at MB dealerships
Bonus after first purchase: 2,500 points
Apply points toward: Monthly car payments; maintenance, repair or collision services; extended warranty; parts; accessories and branded merchandise.
Other benefits: 1,000 reward points on yearly membership anniversaries; Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card has even better offers; travel rewards, merchandise, gift certificates, create your own reward, etc.
Annual fee: $90, but hey, if you can afford a Mercedes, why not a $90 fee?
APR: *not specified
Point accumulation: Standard Chartered Bonus Points, very technical point structure
Bonus after first purchase: *not specified
Apply points toward: 10% off service, parts and accessories
Other benefits: two free magazines and various discounts on travel, dining, etc.
Annual fee: *There is an annual fee but it is not specified.
*The Web site makes you contact them in order to apply. Terms of agreement could not be located anywhere, but potential cardholders should inquire about the annual fee and APR before applying.
APR: 0% introductory APR for nine months, either 13.74%, 15.74% or 20.74% thereafter, up to 23.99% penalty
Point accumulation: 3% SubaruBucks rewards on every purchase, up to 500/year
Bonus after first purchase: not specified
Apply points toward: buying or leasing a new Subaru vehicle, or purchasing auto parts and services
Other benefits: travel assistance and various types of insurance
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% introductory APR for six months, either 11.74%, 15.74% or 20.74% thereafter, and 29.74% penalty
Point accumulation: two points per $1 spent at VW, one for one anywhere else
Bonus after first purchase: not specified
Apply points toward: VW cars, gear, service and a whole slew of non-VW things in their rewards catalog like gift cards, travel and electronics
Other benefits: earn cool free stuff from Home Depot, Nikon, etc.
Annual fee: $0
Toyota seems to have a credit card available in Japan but one could not be located in the United States. Effective as of January 1, 1998, the Ford Citibank Card ceased to rack in rebates toward a new Ford purchase. Honda FCU Visa appears to exist as information shows at http://www.hondafcu.org/home.html, but no application form could be located. Come summer of 2005, Lexus will be introducing the Lexus Pursuits Visa® to reward faithful customers with rewards and up to 10 percent off the purchase of their next Lexus vehicle.
No matter what vehicle you drive, it can't hurt to save a few bucks here or there for your new dream car, your next oil change or a few cool brand name products. As always, be sure to fully investigate all terms and conditions of the automobile affinity cards. Several cards impose annual fees and several do not disclose all terms of agreement online. Forewarned is forearmed, so be persistent until you get answers to all your questions about APR, annual fees and the structure of the rewards program itself.
Published by Kathryn M. D'Imperio
Kathryn M. D'Imperio is a freelance writer, editor, photographer, and marketing/PR specialist. She specializes in beauty, relationships, personal finance, wedding, and general news topics. Visit her at www.... View profile
- Feel Good Spending with an Affinity CardAffinity cards allow you to help worthy organizations merely by capitalizing on your everyday spending. Learn more about the options and details here.
- Buyer Beware: Store Credit Cards Just Another GimmickMore and more stores are competing for customers' money by offering store credit cards. Consumers can save 15 percent and are told they can pay off their credit debt immediately, but the tactic has become increasingly...
Temporary Credit Cards for Online ShoppingFrom email phishing to insecure shopping cards, your information is constantly in a scam artist's reach. That's why I recommend you take advantage of temporary credit cards.- Credit Cards and Debt ControlCredit cards are everywhere. Turn on the TV and you will find advertising for the most popular credit cards. Sign onto the internet and you will find ads wanting you to apply online for a credit card.
- The Many Advantages of Credit Cards
- How To: Make Smart Choices with Credit Cards
- Credit Cards - Advantages and Disadvantages
- 10 Tips to Get a Merchant Account to Accept Credit Cards for Your Business
- Hints on Using Credit Cards Wisely when Traveling
- Small Business Credit Cards: An Overview
- Cash Back Credit Cards