What the General Motors Credit Card Is

The General Motors credit card is a co-branded card issued by General Motors Financial Company in partnership with a major bank. It's designed for people who buy or lease GM vehicles—Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac—and want rewards tied to those purchases and everyday spending.

The card offers cash back or GM earnings that can be used toward vehicle purchases, lease payments, or service at GM dealerships. Unlike a general rewards card, the benefits are structured around GM ownership and the dealership network. You don't need to own a GM vehicle to open the account, but the rewards structure assumes you will or plan to.

This card is not a financing tool for buying a car—it's a spending card that rewards you for purchases you're already making. Your GM vehicle financing comes through a separate loan or lease agreement with GM Financial or another lender.

Key Takeaways

  • The General Motors credit card earns rewards in the form of cash back or GM earnings that can be redeemed toward vehicle purchases, payments, or dealership service.
  • You'll need a credit score in the good to excellent range and a clean credit history to be considered for approval.
  • The card charges an annual fee, and the exact rewards rate and terms depend on which version of the card you're offered.
  • Rewards earned through the card can typically be applied to GM vehicle financing, lease payments, or service charges at participating dealerships.
  • The card is issued by a bank partner, so your account is managed through that bank's online portal and customer service, not directly through GM.

Rewards Structure and How Earnings Work

The General Motors credit card typically earns rewards at different rates depending on where you spend. You'll earn a higher rate on GM dealership purchases and service, and a lower rate on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining. The exact percentages vary by card version and change periodically, so you should confirm the current rates before opening an account.

Rewards are usually credited as "GM earnings" or cash back that sits in an account tied to your card. You can redeem these earnings toward a down payment on a new or used GM vehicle, explore them to an existing lease or loan payment, or use them for service and parts at a GM dealership. Some versions allow you to redeem for cash, but that's less common and may carry restrictions.

Unlike some rewards cards, GM earnings don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if you close the account, you may lose any unredeemed balance, so check the terms before canceling.

Annual Fee and Other Costs

The General Motors credit card charges an annual fee, typically in the $95 to $150 range depending on the card tier. This fee is charged once per year, usually on your account anniversary. Unlike some premium cards, there's no waiver for the first year—you pay the fee when you open the account.

Beyond the annual fee, you'll pay standard credit card costs: interest on any balance you carry (the rate depends on your creditworthiness and current market rates), late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States. There are no rewards on balance transfers, and transferring a balance may trigger a fee.

If you carry a balance, the interest charges will likely exceed any rewards you earn, so this card works best for people who pay their statement in full each month.

Who Can Open an Account

You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid Social Security number to open a General Motors credit card account. The card issuer will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

You'll need a credit score of roughly 700 or higher to have a reasonable chance of approval. People with scores in the 650 to 700 range may be approved for a lower credit limit or a different card tier. If your score is below 650, approval is unlikely unless you have an excellent payment history with the issuer's bank partner.

The issuer will also review your income, existing debt, and payment history. Having recent late payments, collections accounts, or a bankruptcy on your report will make approval much harder, even with a high score. If you've been denied, you can request the specific reasons from the issuer and wait six months to a year before trying again.

How to Open an Account

You can open a General Motors credit card account online through the issuer's website, by phone, or sometimes at a GM dealership. The online process is fastest and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You'll provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information. You'll also list any existing credit accounts and their balances. The issuer will pull your credit report when ready and usually give you a decision within seconds or minutes.

If you're approved, you'll receive a temporary card number right away that you can use online. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll set up the card by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account before you can use it at a dealership or for in-person purchases.

If you're denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report with the credit bureaus, but you cannot appeal the issuer's decision directly.

Redeeming Rewards Toward a Vehicle Purchase or Payment

To use your GM earnings toward a vehicle purchase, you'll work with a GM dealership. When you're ready to buy or lease, tell the sales team that you have rewards on a General Motors credit card. They can look up your account and explore the earnings to your down payment or reduce the amount you finance.

If you already own a GM vehicle with an active loan or lease, you can explore rewards to your monthly payment. You'll do this through your loan servicer's website or by calling their customer service line. Some servicers allow you to explore rewards online; others require a phone call or a visit to the dealership.

For service and parts, you can use your rewards at any participating GM dealership. When you check in for service, tell the service advisor you want to redeem rewards. They'll look up your account and explore the balance to your bill. Unused rewards stay in your account for future use.

Managing Your Account and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Your General Motors credit card account is managed through the issuer's bank portal, not through a GM website. You'll log in to make payments, view your balance, track rewards, and update your information. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due to avoid late fees and credit damage.

The most common mistake is carrying a balance and paying interest that exceeds the rewards earned. If you spend $5,000 per year and earn 2% cash back, that's $100 in rewards. If you carry a $2,000 balance at 18% interest, you'll pay $360 in interest charges—a net loss of $260. Pay your full statement balance every month to avoid this trap.

Another mistake is letting the card sit unused. If your account shows no activity for an extended period, the issuer may close it without warning. Use the card at least once every few months, even for a small purchase, to keep it active.

Don't confuse your credit card account with your vehicle loan or lease. They're separate accounts with different servicers. Missing a credit card payment won't directly affect your vehicle financing, but it will damage your credit score and may trigger late fees on the card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the General Motors credit card if I don't own a GM vehicle?

Yes, you can open and use the card without owning a GM vehicle. However, the rewards structure is designed for GM owners, so you'll earn a lower rate on everyday purchases. If you don't plan to buy a GM vehicle or use GM dealership services, a general rewards card may offer better value.

What happens to my rewards if I pay off my GM vehicle loan early?

Your rewards don't disappear. They stay in your account and can be used toward a future vehicle purchase, another vehicle's payment, or service at a dealership. You can also hold them indefinitely as long as your credit card account remains open.

Can I transfer my rewards to someone else or use them on a vehicle I don't own?

Rewards are tied to your card account and can't be transferred to another person. However, you can use them on any GM vehicle—yours, a family member's, or a vehicle you're co-financing. The dealership will explore them at the point of sale or payment.

What's the difference between this card and a regular cash back card?

The General Motors card earns higher rewards on GM dealership purchases and service, but lower rewards on everyday spending compared to some general rewards cards. You also pay an annual fee. If you rarely use GM dealerships, a no-fee cash back card may save you money overall.

If I close my credit card account, do I lose my rewards?

Most versions of the General Motors credit card void any unredeemed rewards when you close the account. Before canceling, redeem your balance toward a vehicle purchase, payment, or service. Once the account is closed, you won't be able to access those earnings.