Learn how to cut auto maintenance expenses with auto rewards credit cards guide

Looking for a way to reduce your auto maintenance expenses? Maybe your credit card can help. In recent years most of the major car manufacturers have launched affinity credit cards providing auto rewards. The customers will be able to earn points redeemable for auto parts, accessories, maintenance and even discounts on new and used vehicles. 

Financial analysts say that most people prefer affinity credit cards because they can be personalized or customized according to their passions and loyalties. No wonder that automotive credit cards are so popular. In fact, they create a win-win situation for lenders, auto makers and customers. 

Automotive credit cards help credit companies snag new customers with rewards that match their particular interests. Car manufacturers use automotive credit cards to instill customers’ loyalty and save money on transaction fees. As for users, they can cut down the cost of a new or pre-owned vehicles or get free car maintenance just for making day-to-day purchases. 

So if you are fond of reward credit card and have a car, it makes sense to take advantage of automotive credit cards. Let's have a look at the most popular credit deals with auto rewards and analyze how they work.

•    GM Flexible Earnings Card
GM Flexible Earnings Card comes with no annual fee and a zero APR on balance transfers and purchases for up to 12 months. Cardholders can earn 3% toward an eligible new GM vehicle, 1% toward the purchase of any other new vehicle or 1% cash back. There is no limit on how much you can earn. 

•    Lexus Pursuits Visa 
Lexus Pursuits Visa comes with no annual fee. You can earn five points for $1 spent at a Lexus dealership, and 1.5 points for $1 spent anywhere else. The points can be redeemed for service, parts, accessories - and even up to 10% off your next new Lexus vehicle purchase or lease..

•    Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card
Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card comes with a 90$ annual fee and a 0% APR for purchases, balance transfers and direct deposits for the first 6 billing cycles. You will earn 1.5 points for $1 spent on everyday purchases, 5 points for $1 spent on eligible purchases under $500 and up to 10 points for $1 in eligible purchases above $500. The points can be exchanged for vehicle payments and lease-end fees; parts, service and accessories at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships; vacation packages, gifts cards and much more.  

•    Mini Platinum Visa
Mini Platinum Visa card called "My Mini" lets customers create their own design of the plastic. It has no annual fee. With Mini Motoring Rewards, you can earn 2 points per $1 spent on car-related purchases (gasoline, car washes, etc.) and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. The points can be redeemed for a purchase of a new car (up to $5,000) or Mini parts and services. In addition, Mini card lets making $50 donations to national charities.

•    Subaru Platinum MasterCard
Subaru Platinum MasterCard gives you three Subaru Bucks for every dollar you spent. However, the Subaru card limits earnings to $500 annually. The Bucks can be redeemed for car parts, accessories, service and new or pre-owned cars at Subaru dealerships.

•    Volkswagen Platinum Visa
If you are a VW fan, then Volkswagen Platinum Visa is designed for you. It allows customers to earn 2 points per $1 spent at participating Volkswagen dealerships and 1 point per $1 spent elsewhere. The points can be used toward car parts, service, purchase or lease of a new Volkswagen as well as towards travel incentives and gift cards.

•    Audi Visa Signature
Audi Visa Signature comes with a standard rewards scheme. You will earn 2 points per $1 spent at participating Audi dealers and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. There is no annual fee and cap on the amount of points you may earn. Points can be redeemed for vehicle purchase or lease, car parts, accessories, services, exclusive Audi merchandise and gift certificates. 

•    Chrysler Rewards Platinum Plus Visa
Chrysler offers credit cards featuring Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep. The plastics come with no annual fee and the same rewards program. You will earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases made at any Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealerships and 1 point per $1 spent elsewhere. Points can be redeemed for vehicle purchase or lease, monthly payment, parts, service and more.

If you are not sure what type of vehicle you want to purchase, consider auto rewards credit cards that work with several car manufacturers. These cards are a good choice for people who don’t want to be locked into a particular car brand.