Firestone credit card review: Worth considering for Firestone fans
Editor's Note
Firestone credit card overview
The Firestone credit card is a unique store card in that it offers a tiered system of rewards based on spending. With good earnings on Firestone spending, a simple redemption method for points earned and no annual fee, this card makes sense for anyone with a cash-back wallet who uses Firestone frequently for their automotive needs. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Store cards are rarely recommended here at TPG, and for good reason. Many have poor earnings rates, unnecessarily complicated redemption methods and gimmicks that cause more headaches than they're worth.
The Firestone card, however, is different. While it isn't for everyone, it can make sense if you use Firestone as your primary auto service and have a cash-back-focused wallet.
There are two versions of the Firestone credit card: a closed-loop version that can only be used with Firestone and its partners and a Mastercard version that can be used anywhere.
In this review, I'll focus on the Firestone Mastercard. It has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 640 or higher. Now, let's dive into the card details and why it's one of the better store cards currently available.
Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?
The information for the Firestone credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Firestone credit card pros and cons
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Related: How to choose your best credit card strategy
Firestone credit card benefits
After opening the card, you'll instantly get 5% off your next Firestone purchase. Plus, new cardholders can earn $40 in myCFNA Rewards after making a qualifying purchase within 30 days (until Dec. 31). Considering this, it's wise to wait to open this card until you have a couple of Firestone purchases coming up.
While this welcome offer isn't going to compete with most travel and general cash-back cards' welcome offers, it's good for a store card. If anything, it makes the card worth opening for Firestone loyalists just for the extra discounts; since this card lacks an annual fee, you don't need to worry about getting value beyond that.
The Firestone card also offers deferred interest financing for six months. As long as the amount charged to the card is paid in full within six months, you won't have to pay any interest. However, interest still accrues during this time, so if you don't pay off the full amount in time, you'll be hit with a potentially heart-stopping bill.
While I don't recommend using a deferred interest financing plan, it can be helpful if you urgently need a car repair and it isn't something you can afford at that moment. Just ensure you know for certain that you can pay off the balance in time. Otherwise, you'll be better off choosing a credit card with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate offer.
Other benefits available to all cardholders include in-store discounts, special rebate offers and, for Mastercard holders, identity theft protection and zero liability protection. Additional benefits for the Firestone card are awarded after reaching a certain tier of spending with your card.
There are three tiers:
- Passenger: Default tier
- Driver: Requires $1,250 to $2,499 in spending with Firestone in a calendar year
- Adventurer: Requires spending over $2,500 with Firestone in a calendar year
The Driver and Adventurer statuses both offer extra rewards on your birthday, access to double points-earning events and access to the option to store your points instead of getting them automatically redeemed for you.
Beyond this, the only difference between Driver and Adventurer status is the amount of points you'll earn on Firestone purchases.
Earning points on the Firestone credit card
With the Firestone card, you'll earn 3% back on all Firestone purchases with Passenger and Driver status and 4% back with Adventurer status.
Rewards are earned as myCFNA Rewards points. These points aren't like the transferable points you'd earn with a general travel card; they function more like cash back since they can only be redeemed for statement credits.
Firestone Mastercard holders will earn 2% back on fuel and other automotive purchases and 1% back on everything else.
I wouldn't recommend using this card for non-Firestone spending unless it's your only credit card; you can get better value with a general cash-back or travel card. That said, getting either 3% or 4% back on Firestone purchases is good, especially if you use Firestone as your primary auto-care service.
The extra percent on Firestone purchases for having Adventurer status is the only extra benefit you'll get over Driver status, so in my opinion, it isn't worth putting the effort in unless you're naturally spending $2,500 or more in a year with Firestone.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Redeeming points on the Firestone credit card
Redeeming points on the Firestone card is straightforward. By default, every 1,000 points you earn will automatically be redeemed for a $10 myCNFA Reward. This reward will automatically be applied as a statement credit after your next qualifying purchase.
Driver and Adventurer status tiers grant access to the Points Bank feature, allowing you to store your points instead of automatically redeeming them. With this feature, 1,000 points will still equal a $10 myCNFA Reward, but this method makes a larger redemption possible.
It's important to note that once your points have been converted to myCNFA Rewards, you must make your next qualifying purchase within six months. Otherwise, those rewards will expire.
If you've opted into the Points Bank feature, it's wise to avoid redeeming your points until you're ready to make a purchase. Additionally, your points will not expire unless you go more than 12 months without making a purchase with your Firestone card.
Related: What happens to your points and miles after you die?
Which cards compete with the Firestone credit card?
When considering competitors for the Firestone card, consider cards that can earn good rewards on auto-related spending. Here are a few options:
- If you want a flat-rate earnings card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel, vacation rental and car rental bookings through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. While you won't earn as many rewards at Firestone with this card versus the Firestone card, the miles you earn can go much further. To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards card.
- If you want a cash-back card: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash rewards back on purchases. It doesn't have an annual fee, making it great as an early-stage cash-back card or for a single-card wallet. You'll also enjoy added perks since the Active Cash is a Visa Signature card. To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash.
- If you want a card with good bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 5% back on Chase Travel℠ purchases, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% back on everything else. While its nonbonus earning isn't as good as the other cards suggested here, you'll earn extra rewards on dining, a primary spending category for many. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
For additional options, check out our picks for the best cash-back cards and everyday spending cards.
Related: 5 reasons I love the Chase Freedom Unlimited as a credit card beginner
Is the Firestone credit card worth it?
If you use Firestone as your main auto service and your wallet is cash-back focused, the Firestone credit card is worth considering. Getting 3% or 4% back on Firestone purchases, along with added perks for heavy spenders, makes this a competitive card as far as store cards are concerned. However, if your wallet is focused on earning points and miles, this card may not be the best fit for you.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Bottom line
Most credit card enthusiasts will probably not mention the Firestone card when asked about the best store cards, but it deserves some attention given its solid earning structure for a store card and lack of an annual fee. If you're in the market for a card that earns good rewards on your auto service needs, the Firestone card may be for you.