What the Dodge Credit Card Is
The Dodge credit card is a co-branded card issued by Chrysler Capital (now part of TD Bank) in partnership with Dodge, the vehicle manufacturer. It is designed primarily for people who own or are interested in Dodge vehicles, and it offers rewards tied to Dodge purchases and automotive spending.
The card functions like a standard rewards credit card: you charge purchases, earn points or cash back on those purchases, and can redeem rewards toward Dodge vehicles, parts, or service. However, the card's availability and terms have changed over time, and it is not currently widely marketed as an active product by major card issuers.
If you are researching this card because you saw it advertised or heard about it from a dealer, it is worth understanding what it actually offers, what its real costs are, and whether similar cards might serve you better.
Key Takeaways
- The Dodge credit card rewards structure is built around vehicle purchases and Dodge-branded spending rather than everyday purchases like groceries or gas.
- Availability of this card varies significantly by region and by whether you have an existing relationship with the issuing bank.
- Like all credit cards, the Dodge card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, and that interest can quickly erase any rewards you earn.
- If you are comparing this card to others, focus on the annual fee, the interest rate (APR), and how often you actually spend money on Dodge vehicles or service.
How Rewards Work on the Dodge Card
The Dodge card typically earns points on purchases, with bonus points or higher earning rates on Dodge-related spending. The exact structure depends on which version of the card you are offered, as terms have shifted over the years the card has been available.
Rewards are usually redeemable toward Dodge vehicles, service at Dodge dealerships, or Dodge parts and accessories. Some versions have allowed redemption for cash back or statement credits, but this varies. The key limitation is that your rewards are most valuable if you actually intend to buy a Dodge vehicle or service one regularly—if you do not, the rewards may be harder to use.
Points typically do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, but you should confirm this in the card's terms before opening an account.
Annual Fees and Interest Rates
The Dodge card may carry an annual fee, though some versions have been offered without one. The presence and size of an annual fee depends on which card product you are offered and when you open it. You should ask the issuer directly what the current annual fee is before you explore.
The interest rate (APR) on the Dodge card is not fixed and will depend on your credit score and credit history. Cards marketed to Dodge owners typically carry APRs in the range of 15% to 25%, though your actual rate could fall outside that range. If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest you pay will almost certainly exceed the rewards you earn, making the card expensive to use.
The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot do that reliably, a rewards card is not the right tool for your situation, regardless of the rewards rate.
Where to Find the Dodge Card and How to Open One
The Dodge credit card is not offered through the major credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) in the way that most consumer cards are. Instead, it is typically offered directly through Dodge dealerships, through Chrysler Capital's website, or through TD Bank branches in regions where it is available.
Availability is limited and varies by state. Some dealerships may mention the card as an option when you are financing or servicing a vehicle, but it is not a card you can search for and open online the way you can with most other rewards cards.
If you are interested in opening one, your best starting point is to ask at a Dodge dealership in your area whether they offer the card, or to contact Chrysler Capital or TD Bank directly to ask whether the card is available where you live.
Comparing the Dodge Card to Other Rewards Cards
Before you decide to open a Dodge card, consider whether a general-purpose rewards card might serve you better. A card that earns cash back on all purchases—or that earns bonus points on categories like gas, groceries, or dining—will give you more flexibility than a card whose rewards are tied to a single vehicle brand.
If you do own a Dodge and service it regularly, the Dodge card's bonus points on service might be worth the annual fee. But if you service your vehicle only occasionally, or if you are not certain you will own a Dodge in the future, a card with broader rewards will likely be more useful.
Also compare the APR you are offered on the Dodge card to the APR on other cards you could open. A lower interest rate on a different card may matter more than a higher rewards rate if you ever carry a balance.
What Happens If You Close the Card or Stop Using It
If you close the Dodge card, any rewards points you have earned will typically remain in your account for a set period (often 12 months), giving you time to redeem them. However, you should confirm this in the card's terms, as some issuers may expire points more quickly once the account is closed.
If you straightforward stop using the card but keep the account open, the issuer may eventually close it for inactivity. This is standard practice across the credit card industry. Closing an unused card can affect your credit score slightly, because it reduces your total available credit, but the effect is usually small and temporary.
If you have an annual fee and you are not using the card, closing it will stop you from being charged that fee going forward.
How the Dodge Card Affects Your Credit
Opening a Dodge card will trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. This inquiry typically falls off your report after two years.
Once the account is open, your credit score will be affected by how much of your credit limit you use (your utilization rate) and whether you pay your bills on time. Keeping your balance low and paying in full each month will help your credit score. Carrying a high balance or missing payments will hurt it.
If you already have several credit cards, opening another one will lower your average account age slightly, which can also affect your score. The impact is usually small if your credit history is otherwise solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dodge credit card still available?
The card's availability has changed over time and varies by region. It is not actively marketed by major issuers the way mainstream rewards cards are. Your best way to find out whether it is available in your area is to ask at a Dodge dealership or contact TD Bank or Chrysler Capital directly.
Can I use the Dodge card at any store, or only at Dodge dealerships?
You can use the card at any merchant that accepts the card's network (typically Visa or Mastercard), just like any other credit card. However, the rewards are highest when you use it on Dodge-related purchases like vehicle service or parts. Everyday purchases earn rewards at a lower rate or may not earn rewards at all, depending on the card's terms.
What if I do not own a Dodge vehicle yet?
You can still open the card if you are approved, and you can earn rewards on any purchases you make. However, the card is designed for people who plan to buy or service Dodge vehicles, so the rewards structure may not be as useful to you as a general-purpose rewards card would be.
Will opening this card hurt my credit score?
Opening the card will cause a small temporary dip in your score due to the hard inquiry and the new account. This effect usually fades within a few months. If you use the card responsibly—keeping your balance low and paying on time—it will help your credit score over time by adding to your payment history and available credit.
What should I do if I am offered this card at a dealership?
Ask the dealer for the card's full terms in writing, including the annual fee, the APR you are being offered, and the rewards rate on different types of purchases. Compare those terms to other rewards cards you could open, and decide whether the Dodge card's rewards are worth the cost and whether you will actually use them.