Firestone Mastercard credit card review: Worth considering for Firestone fans
Editor's Note
Firestone Mastercard overview
The Firestone Mastercard 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 Mastercard, 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.
Firestone issues two credit cards: a closed-loop version that can only be used by Firestone and its partners and a Mastercard version that can be used anywhere.
In this guide, we're exploring the Firestone Mastercard details. It has no annual fee and we recommend applicants have a credit score of 640 or higher to increase their chances of approval.
If you're considering getting it, here's what you need to know 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 and Firestone Mastercard 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 Mastercard pros and cons
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Related: How to choose your best credit card strategy
Firestone Mastercard benefits
After opening the card, you'll instantly get 5% off your next Firestone purchase. This welcome offer is not comparable to most travel and general cash-back card welcome offers.
However, 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 could be hit with a potentially large 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 (APR) 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 Mastercard
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 Mastercard
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 Mastercard?
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-rewards 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® (see rates and fees) 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 Mastercardcard worth it?
If you use Firestone as your main auto service and your wallet is cash-back focused, the Firestone Mastercard 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 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.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.