Issued by the Credit First National Association bank, the Firestone credit card comes in two no-annual-fee forms: One is a Mastercard used anywhere; the other is a private label card usable just at Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works, and affiliated partner shops.
Although its quick availability makes financing an urgent car repair easy, it’s not the most valuable choice; the rewards and redemptions are more complex than they ought to be. Other rewards credit cards can provide, by contrast, more freedom, better benefits, and simpler redemption procedures.
Still, before you could use most of those credit cards, you might have to wait for them to come in the mail. On that basis, the Firestone credit card has an advantage since it may be used right away at affiliated auto stores following approval. Though it could be quick and simple, there are hazards involved as well.
Before approving this card, you should be aware of these facts.
1. The Two Cards Present Distinct Terms
Either type of the Firestone credit card is easy to keep open without affecting your budget since there is no yearly charge. You will also always have it on reserve for next maintenance or repair purchases. However, there are certain variations.
Jennifer Shepard, manager of communications and special initiatives for Credit First National Association, says your creditworthiness and other circumstances will define which one you qualify for.
The two versions of the card look like this:
| Firestone credit card | Firestone Mastercard | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None. | None. |
| Merchant acceptance | Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works and participating partner locations only. | Everywhere Mastercard is accepted. |
| Rewards | Up to 4% back in rewards at Firestone Complete Auto Care only. | Up to 4% back in rewards at Firestone Complete Auto Care, depending on how much you spend.2% back in rewards on fuel and other automotive purchases.1% back in rewards everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. |
| APR | 29.99% (rate accurate as of August 2023). | 26.99% (rate accurate as of August 2023). |
| Financing options | Promotional financing for six months on purchases of $149 and up. | Promotional financing for six months on purchases of $149 and up. |
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2. Rewards Might Be Complex
Depending on their annual spending at Firestone Complete Auto Care sites, both versions of the card divide cardholders into three tiers. MyCFNA Rewards Program levels consist of:
- Less than $1,250 yearly → 3% back at Firestone Complete Auto Care shops.
- $1,250 – $2,499.99 yearly → 3% back, plus perks like extra birthday rewards, double points events, and the ability to “bank” points.
- $2,500+ yearly → 4% back and access to all Tier 2 benefits.
Though snatching the 4% rate calls for reaching a spending level, a 3% rewards rate is really good. However, you’re earning those rates “in rewards,” not in cash back, so you’ll have redemption restrictions.
3. Redemptions Are Subject to Limitations
Rewards can be used for tires or service at Firestone, Tires Plus, or Wheel Works locations.
- If you’re in Tier 1, every 1,000 points convert into a $10 reward certificate, applied as a $10 statement credit at checkout.
- Tier 2 and 3 members can “bank” points instead of automatic redemption, allowing savings for larger expenses.
- Reward certificates expire after six months, making timely redemption essential.
Only partial $10 increments allow reward usage. For example, if you want to cover a $35 purchase but have $50 in rewards, only $30 can be used. The remaining $20 stays in the account for future purchases.
4. The Benefits Can Assist
New cardholders get 5% off their first purchase. If your repair bill is $500, you’ll pay only $475.
Additionally, limited-time discounts apply when paying with the card. For instance, an offer until Sept. 30, 2023, included:
- $20 off any $100+ service purchase
- $35 off fuel system cleaning
- $50 off brake service
Higher-tier members get birthday rewards and double points events.
5. One Runs Danger With a Deferred Interest Offer
On purchases of $149+ at Firestone, Wheel Works, and Tires Plus, the card has a deferred interest offer—0% interest if paid in full within six months.
However, if the balance isn’t paid in time, interest is retroactively applied to the original purchase amount at an APR of 29.99% (private label card) or 26.99% (Mastercard).
To avoid this risk, consider a 0% intro APR credit card, like the Citi Double Cash® Card, offering 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers.
