Credit First National Association provides two no-annual-fee Firestone credit cards. The first is a Mastercard accepted worldwide. Second is a private label card only available at Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works, and select partners. The card may be used immediately to finance urgent auto repairs, but it lacks the value of other credit cards. The rewards and redemption process is too complicated, making it less tempting than rewards credit cards with more flexibility and simpler redemption.

The card is immediately usable at participating automobile businesses, giving it an advantage over regular credit cards that require mailing and activation, but it has hazards. Potential users should assess the Firestone credit card's merits and downsides against its rewards and redemption issues before choosing it for convenience. Here are the five most important things to know about the Firestone Credit Card:

Cards Have Different Terms

Both Firestone credit cards have no annual fees and provide affordable maintenance and repair. The two differ based on creditworthiness. Only Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Wheel Works, and select partners accept the Firestone credit card. Spending at Firestone Complete Auto Care earns up to 4% back. As of August 2023, the APR is 29.99% and includes six months of promotional financing on orders above $149. In contrast, the Firestone Mastercard is accepted anywhere Mastercard is. Up to 4% back at Firestone Complete Auto Care, depending on spending, 2% back on petrol and other automotive expenditures, and 1% back anywhere else Mastercard is accepted. As of August 2023, the APR is 26.99%, with six-month promotional financing for orders over $149.

Your creditworthiness and personal variables determine your card eligibility. Firestone card is useful for future automotive purchases, and recognizing their differences helps consumers pick the one that best fits their needs and spending habits.

Complex Rewards

The Firestone credit card rewards scheme divides cardholders into three categories depending on their annual expenditure at Firestone Complete Auto Care shops. Tiers of the myCFNA Rewards Program:

Passenger (Tier 1)

• Annual card expenditure under $1,250.
• Firestone Complete Auto Care cardholders get 3% rewards.

The Driver (Tier 2)

• Annual spending: $1,250-2,499.99.
• Firestone Complete Auto Care stores offer 3% rewards back. Birthday prizes, "double points," and the opportunity to "bank" points are further benefits.

The Adventurer (Tier 3)

• Annual expenditure over $2,500.
• Cardholders get 4% back at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

A 3% rewards rate is good, but 4% requires a certain spending barrier. Remember that these rates are earned "in rewards," not cash back, which limits redemption.

Alternative credit cards like the $0-annual-fee Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® provide higher cash-back rates on vehicle purchases without spending limitations. This Visa card gives 3% cash back on home, auto, and health purchases and 1% on other purchases anywhere it is accepted. It offers extra benefits for purchases at auto parts retailers, dealerships, vehicle washes, auto repairs, and towing services. Average credit (630 to 689 FICO score) might benefit from this card, which offers an easy and lucrative alternative to tiered rewards schemes like the Firestone credit card.

Redemptions And Restrictions

Certain limits and complications apply to Firestone credit card points redemption. Firestone, Tires Plus, and Wheel Works accept incentives for tires and services. After 1,000 points, a $10 reward certificate is automatically applied as a statement credit for qualified transactions. Tier 2 and 3 cardholders can choose "points banking" to preserve points for greater redemptions.

There are drawbacks to these alternatives. Partial $10 increments are required to redeem rewards certificates, complicating redemption. For instance, if a cardholder has $50 in points and wants to pay $35, only $30 can be redeemed, leaving $20 for future purchases within six months. Unused points may expire due to this limitation, which may limit reward maximization.

Using alternative credit cards is simpler than this complicated process. The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all transactions without tiers or expiration. This method simplifies rewards redemption and lets cardholders earn a competitive rate without the Firestone credit card payment restrictions. Individuals must evaluate their automobile purchasing patterns to see if the Firestone credit card's complexities fit them or if a simpler rewards system would be preferable.

Immediate Benefits

The Firestone credit card's rewards scheme is complicated, but its benefits might be useful immediately. Customers receive an immediate 5% discount on their first transaction after approval. This distinguishes it from credit cards with waiting periods for sign-up benefits.

The card provides rotating unique incentives. Cardholders can get $20 off a $100 service purchase, $35 off fuel system cleaning, and $50 off any basic brake service until September 30, 2023. These special services might help those with emergency vehicle servicing requirements.

However, Tier 2 and 3 cardholders also receive birthday benefits and double points events, accelerating reward accumulation. These benefits are important, but buyers must consider their circumstances. If vehicle maintenance or repair can be postponed, credit cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, with its $200 cash rewards offer after spending $500 in the first three months, may be worth considering. Meeting the spending threshold might save a lot, depending on the repair cost, making it a better alternative for individuals who can wait for other credit card advantages.

Risky Deferred Interest Offer

The Firestone credit card offers deferred interest if the debt is paid in full within six months on eligible purchases of $149 or more, but it comes with dangers. The conditional nature of this offer emphasizes the need for careful financial preparation. Customers must return the debt within the stipulated term to receive the interest-free advantage. Not paying in full before the conclusion of the promotional period might result in significant financial ramifications due to delayed interest, which accrues from the initial purchase date.

Cardholders must be aware of deferred interest offer risks. If customers fail to complete the payment terms within the specified time, they may be charged retroactive interest on the purchase price, nullifying the interest-free period. This financing option should be based on financial ability and payback commitment. Avoiding unexpected and costly interest payments involves diligent financial management when choosing a deferred interest. Read and understand the terms and limitations of any promotional financing offer before using such credit features.