What the State Farm Bank Credit Card Is

The State Farm Bank Credit Card is a rewards card issued through State Farm Bank, a subsidiary of the State Farm insurance company. It is designed primarily for State Farm insurance customers, though you do not have to be one to open an account. The card earns cash back on purchases and offers a sign-up bonus if you meet spending requirements within a set timeframe.

Unlike cards from major issuers like Chase or Capital One, this card is tied to State Farm's ecosystem. That means the rewards structure and benefits are built around what State Farm customers typically spend on — though the card works at any merchant that accepts Visa.

State Farm Bank also offers a checking account and savings account. Some cardholders use the credit card alongside these deposit products, which can simplify banking in one place. The card itself is a standard Visa, so acceptance is broad.

Key Takeaways

  • The State Farm Bank Credit Card earns cash back on all purchases, with higher rates for certain categories like gas and groceries.
  • You must have a State Farm Bank deposit account (checking or savings) to hold the credit card, so opening an account comes first.
  • The card has an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your credit score and credit history, so rates differ by person.
  • State Farm Bank customers can manage the card through the same online portal or mobile app they use for checking and savings.
  • The card does not charge an annual fee, but late payments and cash advances carry standard credit card costs.

Opening a State Farm Bank Deposit Account First

Before you can open the credit card, you must open a checking or savings account with State Farm Bank. This is a requirement — the bank does not issue the card to customers who do not hold a deposit account with them.

You can open a deposit account online through the State Farm Bank website or by visiting a State Farm agent's office. You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the minimum varies by account type). The process typically takes a few minutes online.

Once your deposit account is active, you can then request the credit card through the same online banking portal or by calling State Farm Bank directly. Some customers receive a pre-screened offer in the mail if they already have other State Farm products, but you do not need an offer to open an account.

How the Rewards Structure Works

The State Farm Bank Credit Card earns cash back on purchases. The exact rate depends on the category: you earn a higher percentage on certain spending like gas station purchases and grocery store purchases, and a lower flat rate on everything else. The specific percentages change periodically, so check the current terms on the State Farm Bank website before you open an account.

Cash back is not automatic. You accumulate it as you spend, and it appears as a credit on your statement or can be redeemed through the online portal. Some cardholders choose to have cash back deposited into their State Farm Bank checking account, which is a convenient option if you bank there.

There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If your account is closed or becomes delinquent, the terms of your rewards may change.

Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know

The APR on the State Farm Bank Credit Card is variable, meaning it changes with the prime rate. Your personal APR depends on your credit score, credit history, and other factors State Farm Bank evaluates. The bank publishes a range on its website, but your exact rate is determined during the account review process.

The card does not charge an annual fee. However, you will pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month at your assigned APR. Cash advances (withdrawing money from an ATM using the card) typically carry a higher APR than purchases, plus a transaction fee. Late payments result in a late fee and may trigger a penalty APR.

If you transfer a balance from another card, State Farm Bank may offer a promotional period with a lower or zero APR on the transferred amount, though this varies by offer. Balance transfer fees explore if you use this feature.

How to Manage Your Account Online and by Phone

Once your credit card is open, you manage it through the State Farm Bank website or mobile app using the same login credentials as your deposit account. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and track your cash back rewards all in one place.

Payments can be made from your State Farm Bank checking account, from an external bank account, or by mailing a check. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Payments posted by the due date avoid late fees.

If you have questions about your account, rewards, or charges, you can call State Farm Bank's customer service line. The number appears on your statement and on the State Farm Bank website. You can also visit a State Farm agent's office in person if you prefer to handle matters face-to-face.

What Happens If You Close Your Deposit Account

If you close your State Farm Bank checking or savings account, your credit card account may be affected. State Farm Bank's policy requires you to maintain an active deposit account to hold the credit card. Closing your deposit account could result in your credit card being closed as well, though the exact outcome depends on State Farm Bank's current terms.

Before you close a deposit account, contact State Farm Bank to understand what will happen to your credit card. If you want to keep the card, you may need to open a new deposit account or transfer to a different type of account. If your card is closed, you will still owe any outstanding balance, and you will need to pay it off according to the terms of your account.

Comparing This Card to Other Options

The State Farm Bank Credit Card is most useful if you already bank with State Farm or have other State Farm products like insurance. The main advantage is consolidation — one login for your checking, savings, and credit card. The cash back rewards are competitive but not exceptional compared to cards from other issuers.

If you do not bank with State Farm and do not plan to, a card from Chase, Capital One, American Express, or another major issuer may offer better rewards, lower fees, or more flexible account requirements. Many cards do not require you to hold a deposit account with the issuer, which gives you more freedom.

The trade-off is convenience versus choice. State Farm's card is straightforward and integrates with their banking platform, but it comes with the requirement to maintain a deposit account. Other cards may offer more flexibility or higher rewards in specific categories, but you manage them separately from your bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a State Farm insurance customer to get this credit card?

No. You do not need to have State Farm insurance to open a State Farm Bank credit card. You do need to open a State Farm Bank deposit account (checking or savings), but that is separate from insurance. Many cardholders have both insurance and banking with State Farm, but it is not required.

What is the minimum credit score needed to open this card?

State Farm Bank does not publish a specific minimum credit score. Your approval depends on your overall credit history, income, and other factors. If you are denied, you can contact State Farm Bank to ask why and whether you can reapply later.

Can I use this card outside the United States?

Yes, the card is a Visa and works internationally wherever Visa is accepted. However, foreign transactions typically carry a higher APR and a transaction fee. Check your statement or the State Farm Bank website for the exact foreign transaction fee before you travel.

What happens to my cash back rewards if I close the card?

Cash back rewards you have already earned remain yours and can usually be redeemed before or shortly after you close the account. Rewards that have not yet posted to your account may be forfeited depending on State Farm Bank's policy. Contact the bank before closing to confirm what happens to your balance.

Can I transfer my State Farm Bank credit card balance to another card?

Yes, you can transfer your State Farm Bank credit card balance to another card issued by a different bank. The other card's issuer will handle the transfer and charge a balance transfer fee. Your State Farm Bank card will still be open unless you close it, and you can continue to use it for new purchases.