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Best Credit Cards for Car Repairs
Best Credit Cards for Car Repairs
The right credit card can help you save on car repair costs.Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Updated · 3 min read Written by Senior Writer & Content Strategist + more + more Edited by Managing Editor + more + more SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATEDThis page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
When the auto mechanic gives you that dreaded grimace, you know to brace for a pricey car repair. Unfortunately, car maintenance isn’t cheap. Routine maintenance costs can add up, and that's to say nothing of the occasional surprise repair that sneaks up on your budget. The bill might be easier to stomach if you have an emergency fund to cover the cost, or if you have a service like AAA. But you can lessen the blow to your finances even further with the right credit card. If the car repair isn't urgent and you have the time to apply for a credit card, consider one of these options to save on interest charges or get more value. » MORE: NerdWallet's best gas credit cards » MORE:Top cards for car repairs
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Sam's Club® Mastercard® Sam's Club® Mastercard® Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Apply now Apply now Read ReviewUpgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®Our pick for: Elevated rewards
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on home, auto and health purchases. Earn 1% cash back on everything else. Welcome offer: $200 bonus when you also open a Rewards Checking Preferred account and make 3 debit card transactions. Welcome offer: $200 bonus when you also open a Rewards Checking Preferred account and make 3 debit card transactions. Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: The ongoing APR is 14.99%-29.99%. APR: The ongoing APR is 14.99%-29.99% Why we like it Why we like it The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is friendly to those with average credit (a FICO score of 630 to 689), and it’s one of the few credit cards that offers rewards on car repairs. It earns 3x back on auto purchases, including auto parts, purchases at car dealerships, car washes, auto repairs and towing services. If you have a balance left over, it’s automatically converted into an installment loan with a fixed rate and predictable monthly payments. Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now Apply now Read ReviewOur pick for: Simple rewards
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases. Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Welcome offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR. APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns a decent rewards rate on any purchase. It also offers an introductory APR with an interest-free window for planned car repairs and a sign-up bonus that can defray the cost. As a cardholder, you’ll receive a couple of useful benefits like roadside dispatch if you need a tow or an auto rental collision damage waiver that can help you get reimbursed for covered damage or theft of a rental car. Terms apply. Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardWells Fargo Reflect® Card
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Apply now Apply now Read ReviewOur pick for: A 0% introductory APR
Card details Card details Rewards: None. Rewards: Welcome offer: N/A. Welcome offer: N/A Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR. APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is ideal for financing more expensive repairs that can take a while to pay off. The ultra-long break on interest payments can offer some much needed breathing room. The card doesn't offer any other incentives, but its interest-free period beats out several cards in its class. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Apply now Apply now Read ReviewBlue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressOur pick for: DIY repairs
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: 3% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year. 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent per year. 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 spent per year. 1% back on other purchases. Terms apply. Welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply. Welcome offer: You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply. Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%-28.49% Variable APR. APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%-28.49% Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has rewards categories that can be useful for you as a car owner. The 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 spent per year) can provide value for those do-it-yourself car-related purchases like a change of oil, fixing a headlight or something else. You’ll also squeeze some value at gas stations when you’re fueling up for the next ride. If you ever rent a car, it also provides car rental loss and damage protection. Terms apply. The AmEx Plan It® option may also allow you to split up eligible purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments for a fixed fee, assuming a car repair qualifies. Terms apply. No enrollment required; Plan It® is automatically embedded into the card. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Apply now Apply now Read ReviewWells Fargo Autograph® Card
Wells Fargo Autograph® CardOur pick for: Travel goals
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: Unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, travel, transit, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, popular streaming services and select phone plans. 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. Welcome offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value. Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR. APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers unlimited points that can be redeemed for travel or other options like a statement credit, gift cards, eligible purchases or a deposit into a Wells Fargo checking account. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar whether you’re guzzling gas or electricity, and it offers roadside dispatch that provides emergency roadside assistance, towing or locksmith service. For rental cars, it also offers a collision damage waiver that may reimburse damage or theft of the vehicle. Terms apply. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Read ReviewSam's Club® Mastercard®
Sam's Club® Mastercard®Our pick for: Sam’s Club memberships
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: 5% cash back (on up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%) at electric vehicle charging stations and eligible gas stations worldwide, including stations at Sam’s Club. 3% back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases. 3% back on dining. 1% back on all other purchases. For Sam’s Club Plus members only: Earn an additional 2% back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases. That’s up to 5% back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases when you factor in the rewards earned with the card. Welcome offer: N/A. Welcome offer: N/A Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: The ongoing APR is 20.40% or 28.40%, Variable APR. APR: The ongoing APR is 20.40% or 28.40%, Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it If you're a Sam’s Club Plus member, the Sam's Club® Mastercard® can get you 3% cash back on tire and battery services at Sam’s Club locations and up to 5% on products purchased through the retailer, such as tires and oil. Regardless of the membership tier, you'll also earn a high ongoing rewards rate on gas or EV charging expenses. Sam's Club® Mastercard® Apply now Apply now Read ReviewCostco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by CitiOur pick for: Costco memberships
Card details Card details Rewards: Rewards: 5% cash back on gas at Costco gas stations and 4% back on gas and EV charging at other gas stations, on up to $7,000 in combined spending a year, then 1% back. 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases. 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. 1% cash back on all other purchases. Welcome offer: N/A. Welcome offer: N/A Annual fee: $0. Annual fee: $0 APR: The ongoing APR is 18.74%-26.74% Variable APR. APR: The ongoing APR is 18.74%-26.74% Variable APR Why we like it Why we like it If you're a Costco member, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi can offer 2% cash back on services performed at a Costco location. At participating service centers, you can earn 1% cash back and combine it with the 15% Costco member discount you'll get on parts, service and accessories (on up to $500 per visit). The card also earns a high rewards rate on gas purchases once your car is back up and running. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by CitiAlternative options for covering a car repair
You might qualify for co-branded credit cards or deferred interest offers that can help with the cost of your car repair. However, these options may not give you as much value or redemption flexibility as the choices listed above.Co-branded credit cards
A co-branded credit card is issued by a bank in partnership with a retailer. The card may have two logos, one belonging to the credit card issuer and the other to the retailer. Depending on the card, you might be able to use it only with the retailer, or anywhere the network (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx or Discover) is accepted. Some co-branded credit cards offer more flexibility than others, allowing you to earn rewards on everyday purchases or redeem them for options beyond the car dealership. Take the Toyota Rewards Visa® and Lexus Pursuits Visa Signature®, for instance. These options allow you to earn 5 points per dollar spent at the dealership; 2 points on gas, dining and entertainment; and 1 point on everything else. Points can be redeemed for statement credits, travel, eligible goods or services, or even a new car. Terms apply. Toyota Rewards Visa® Lexus Pursuits Visa Signature® You could also consider one of AAA's multiple credit cards. Some of them earn rewards on memberships and purchases with the organization. Some co-branded credit cards offer rewards that can only be used with the brand. The GM Rewards Mastercard, for example, only lets you redeem rewards toward eligible GM expenses. Note, too, that if a variety of redemption options are available on a co-branded credit card, the issuer may sometimes lessen the value of rewards when you redeem them for options beyond the brand. The BMW credit card. The Dodge credit card. The Ford credit card. The Jeep credit card. The MINI credit card. » MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for electric vehicle owners » MORE:Deferred interest offers
When you go to pay for your repair, you might see deferred interest offers available, which typically advertise “no interest if paid in full” by a certain date. With these offers, interest accrues in the background and is postponed until the end of the promotional period. If you don’t pay off the balance in full, you’ll have to pay interest charges going back to the original date of the purchase. While deferred interest offers are risky options, they are also convenient ones. If your options are slim, even a short break on interest charges can be welcome and helpful, if you can manage to pay it off within the promotional window. Credit cards with deferred interest offers typically don't earn rewards or other incentives. After the promotional period ends, the interest rate also tends to run high. For instance, the Synchrony Car Care Credit Card offers six months of no-interest promotional financing on eligible car-related purchases of $199 or more. But after that window closes, the interest rate is nearly 35% (as of September 2024). So, if you haven’t paid off your card in full by that time, you have to pay nearly 30% interest on your entire balance retroactively. It's a gamble that could catapult you into debt. While you might expect to pay it off, you can't predict emergencies or setbacks. ? Nerdy Tip A deferred interest offer is not the same as a true 0% APR offer. Here's an example of how they differ: Assume you spent $2,000 on a purchase made with a deferred interest offer that advertised “no interest if paid in full in 12 months.” If you have a remaining $50 balance at 13 months, you would owe interest on the entire initial purchase ($2,000), retroactive to the time you made it. With a true 0% APR offer advertised as a "0% intro APR for 12 months,” you would owe interest charges only on the remaining $50 after the promotional window expires. Here are some other examples of some other deferred interest promotions you might encounter for car repairs: The Big O Tires credit card: Cardholders get six months of special financing on purchases of $199 or more, or 12 months of special financing on purchases of $1,200 or more. The Big O Tires credit card: Credit First National Association credit cards: This private label credit card bank offers different deferred interest automotive credit cards like the Firestone credit card, AutoPass credit card, Good Guys credit card, among others. To qualify, you’ll have to meet a minimum spending requirement that varies per card. Credit First National Association credit cards: The Discount Tire credit card: Some expenses may qualify for deferred interest promotions of six, nine or 12 months. Longer windows might be possible, for a fee. The Discount Tire credit card: The Firestone credit card: Cardholders can get six months of deferred interest on purchases of $149 and up at participating automotive retailers. The Firestone credit card: The Goodyear credit card: This card offers no interest if paid in full within six months on purchases of $250 or more. The Goodyear credit card: The Midas credit card: Cardholders may be able to get either six months or 12 months of no-interest promotional financing on eligible car-related purchases, depending on the amount. The Midas credit card: The Pep Boys credit card: Cardholders have access to six months of deferred interest on purchases of $199 or more. The Pep Boys credit card: To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Article sources NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines. About the author Melissa Lambarena Melissa is a credit cards writer at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured by The Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today. See full bio. Helpful resources Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Balance Transfer Credit CardsFind the right credit card for you.
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