What the GM Barclays Credit Card Is
The GM Barclays credit card is a co-branded card issued by Barclays in partnership with General Motors. It is designed for people who own or lease a General Motors vehicle — including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac — and want to earn rewards on their spending. The card offers cash back or points that can be redeemed toward GM vehicle purchases, maintenance, or statement credits.
This is not a card for everyone. You do not need to own a GM vehicle to open the account, but the card's rewards structure is built around GM ownership and the assumption that you may purchase another GM vehicle in the future. If you have no connection to GM vehicles, a standard cash-back card from another issuer may serve you better.
Key Takeaways
- The GM Barclays card earns rewards on all purchases, with bonus rates on gas, groceries, and dining depending on which version of the card you hold.
- Rewards can be redeemed as cash back, statement credits, or applied toward the purchase or lease of a new GM vehicle.
- The card carries an annual fee, which varies by card tier; some versions waive the fee in the first year.
- You must have a credit score in the good to excellent range to be considered, and approval is not may provide.
- Rewards earned do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
How Rewards Work on This Card
The GM Barclays card typically earns a base rate of cash back or points on all purchases. The exact rate depends on which version of the card you hold — the card comes in multiple tiers, each with different earning structures. Higher-tier versions usually offer bonus categories: extra rewards on gas station purchases, grocery store spending, and restaurant dining, up to a certain amount per quarter.
Once you accumulate rewards, you have several options. You can redeem them as a statement credit to reduce your balance, receive them as a check, or transfer them to your GM financial services account to use toward a vehicle purchase or lease. Some cardholders hold rewards specifically to explore them when they are ready to buy or lease their next GM vehicle, since the redemption value can be substantial.
Rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and you continue to pay your bill on time. If your account is closed or falls into default, Barclays may forfeit unused rewards, so maintaining the account is important if you plan to use them later.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
The GM Barclays card charges an annual fee, though the amount varies by card version. Some versions waive the fee for the first year, then charge it starting in year two. Others charge the fee from the first statement. You should confirm the exact fee for the specific card tier you are considering before you proceed.
Beyond the annual fee, the card carries standard credit card costs: interest on carried balances, late fees if you miss a payment, and foreign transaction fees if you use it outside the United States. These are typical across most credit cards and are not unique to this product.
Credit Score and Approval Requirements
Barclays typically approves the GM card for people with good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher, though the exact threshold is not published. Having a higher score improves your chances of approval and may may have access to you for a lower interest rate. A lower score does not automatically disqualify you, but approval becomes less likely.
Barclays will also review your income, existing debt, and payment history. If you have recent late payments, high credit utilization, or a short credit history, approval may be denied even with a decent score. You can request a credit report from any of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to review your own profile before you proceed.
How to Understand the Terms Before Opening the Account
Before you open the account, read the Schumer Box — the standardized disclosure table that shows the interest rate (APR), annual fee, and other key terms. This table appears on Barclays' website and in any pre-approval materials you receive. The APR shown is the range; your actual rate depends on your credit profile and will be disclosed after approval.
Also review the rewards terms document, which explains the earning rates for each category, any quarterly caps on bonus rewards, and the redemption options. Some cards limit the amount of bonus rewards you can earn per quarter — for example, earning 5% cash back on gas only up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1% after that. Understanding these limits helps you decide whether the card matches your spending patterns.
If you have questions about the terms, call Barclays customer service before you proceed. They can clarify the rewards structure, the annual fee, and what happens if you close the account early.
When This Card Makes Sense for Your Finances
The GM Barclays card is most useful if you spend regularly on the bonus categories — gas, groceries, and dining — and you own or plan to own a GM vehicle. If you spend $5,000 or more per year in bonus categories and you plan to purchase or lease a GM vehicle within a few years, the rewards can offset the annual fee and add real value.
The card is less useful if you rarely spend in the bonus categories, you do not own a GM vehicle and have no plans to buy one, or you already carry a rewards card that earns at a higher rate in the categories you use most. In those cases, a flat-rate cash-back card or a card tied to your actual spending habits will serve you better.
If you carry a balance month to month, the interest you pay will likely exceed any rewards you earn. Use this card only if you pay your full balance each month.
What Happens After You Open the Account
After approval, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it through the Barclays website or mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once activated, you can begin earning rewards on all purchases when ready.
Track your spending in the bonus categories to stay within any quarterly caps. Barclays' mobile app and online portal show your current rewards balance, your spending in each category, and your remaining bonus cap for the quarter. Review your statement each month to confirm the rewards are posting correctly.
If you decide the card is not right for you, you can close the account at any time. Closing the account does not affect rewards you have already earned, but any future rewards will stop accruing once the account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to own a GM vehicle to open this card?
No. You do not need to own a GM vehicle to open the account or earn rewards. However, the card is designed with GM owners in mind, and the highest redemption value comes from explore rewards toward a GM purchase or lease. If you have no connection to GM vehicles, the card's value proposition is weaker.
Can I use my rewards toward maintenance or repairs on my current GM vehicle?
Yes. Rewards can be redeemed toward maintenance and repairs through GM Financial Services, not just toward new vehicle purchases. You can also redeem as cash back or a statement credit, which gives you flexibility to use the rewards however you choose.
What is the interest rate on this card?
The interest rate (APR) varies based on your credit profile and is disclosed after approval. Barclays publishes a range on their website, typically between 16% and 24%, but your actual rate depends on your credit score and history. You can call Barclays before you proceed to ask what range you might fall into.
What happens to my rewards if I close the account?
Rewards you have already earned remain in your account and can be redeemed even after you close the card. However, you will stop earning new rewards once the account is closed. If your account is closed due to non-payment or fraud, Barclays may forfeit your rewards.
Can I transfer my rewards to another person?
No. Rewards are tied to your account and cannot be transferred to another person or account. They can only be redeemed by you or applied to your own GM vehicle purchase or lease.