What the Firestone Credit Card Is and Who Issues It

The Firestone Credit Card is a store credit card issued by Citi on behalf of Firestone Complete Auto Care. It works like most retail credit cards: you use it to pay for tires, batteries, oil changes, and other automotive services at Firestone locations, and you receive a bill each month. The card offers promotional financing options — typically zero percent interest for a set period on purchases above a certain amount — which is the main reason people seek it out.

Firestone Complete Auto Care operates over 1,600 locations across the United States. The card itself is not a general-purpose card; you can only use it at Firestone stores and online at firestone.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, this is not it. But if you regularly service your vehicle at Firestone, the promotional rates can save you money on larger repairs or tire sets.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a Firestone Credit Card in-store at any Firestone location, online at firestone.com, or by phone at the number on a Firestone receipt or invoice.
  • Citi will review your credit history, income, and other financial information to decide whether to issue the card and what credit limit to offer.
  • Approval decisions usually come within minutes for online or phone requests, though some applications may take a few business days.
  • The card's main benefit is promotional financing rates on larger purchases, so compare the terms to your other payment options before you request it.

How to Request the Card In-Store

The simplest way to request a Firestone Credit Card is to ask for an process form when you visit a Firestone location for service. A staff member will give you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill one out on a tablet. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment information.

Once you submit the form, Citi reviews your information and typically gives you a decision on the spot or within a few minutes. If you are approved, the store may issue you a temporary card number that works when ready, or they may tell you a physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are not approved, the store staff can explain the reason in general terms, though Citi's full decision letter will arrive by mail.

How to Request the Card Online or by Phone

You can also request a Firestone Credit Card through firestone.com. Look for a link labeled "Credit Card" or "Financing" on the homepage or in the footer. Click through to Citi's process page, where you will enter the same information as the in-store form: personal details, Social Security number, income, and employment history.

The online process takes about 10 minutes and gives you an when ready or near-when ready decision. If approved, you will see your temporary card number on screen and can use it to make a purchase right away. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also call the phone number on any Firestone receipt or invoice to request the card over the phone; a representative will walk you through the same questions and provide a decision within minutes.

What Information You Need Before You Request

Have the following details ready before you start an process, whether in-store, online, or by phone:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current address and how long you have lived there
  • Your phone number and email address
  • Your current job title and employer name
  • Your annual household income (an estimate is acceptable)
  • Information about any other credit accounts you hold, if asked

Citi will pull your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) as part of the review. This pull shows up as a "hard inquiry" on your credit report and may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, you have the right to a free copy of your credit report; Citi's denial letter will explain how to request it.

Understanding the Promotional Financing Terms

The Firestone Credit Card's main appeal is its promotional financing offers. These typically include zero percent interest for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases of $200 or more, depending on the current promotion. The exact terms change throughout the year, so check firestone.com or ask in-store what the current offer is before you request the card.

Important: promotional rates explore only if you make the purchase during the promotional period and only to the amount that qualifies. If you miss a payment during the promotional period, the rate may jump to the regular purchase APR (which varies but is typically in the 17 to 27 percent range). Any remaining balance after the promotional period ends will also be charged the regular APR. Read the terms carefully before you commit to a large purchase.

What Happens After Approval

Once you are approved, you can use your temporary card number when ready if you received it online or by phone. If you requested in-store, you may be able to use a temporary number right away or you may need to wait for the physical card to arrive. The physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days and includes your name, card number, and expiration date.

You will receive a monthly statement by mail or email showing your balance, minimum payment due, and payment important date. You can pay online through Citi's website, by phone, by mail, or in-store at Firestone. Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing a due date, which would trigger late fees and interest charges. Keep track of any promotional period end dates so you know when the zero percent rate expires.

If Your Request Is Denied

If Citi denies your request, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason in general terms — for example, "insufficient credit history" or "high existing debt levels." The letter will also include instructions for requesting a free copy of your credit report from the bureau Citi used. Review that report for errors; if you find any, you can dispute them directly with the bureau.

You can request the Firestone Credit Card again after 6 months, especially if you have improved your credit situation in the meantime (paid down debt, corrected errors on your report, or built a longer payment history). In the meantime, you can still pay for Firestone services with cash, debit, or another credit card; you just will not have access to the promotional financing rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Firestone Credit Card anywhere besides Firestone?

No. The Firestone Credit Card works only at Firestone Complete Auto Care locations and on firestone.com. If you need a card for general purchases, you would need a different card. Some people keep the Firestone card specifically for vehicle maintenance and use another card for everyday expenses.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Citi does not publish a minimum credit score for the Firestone card. Approval depends on your overall credit profile — your score, payment history, existing debt, income, and length of credit history all factor in. People with scores in the 600s have been approved, and people with scores in the 700s have been denied, depending on their full situation. The only way to know is to request the card.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online and phone requests usually get a decision within minutes. In-store requests may also be when ready, though some take a few business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number when ready if you received one.

What if I have no credit history?

Citi may deny you if you have no credit history at all, because they have no way to assess your payment habits. If that happens, focus on building credit first — a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can help. After 6 months to a year of on-time payments, request the Firestone card again.

Can I pay off the promotional balance early without penalty?

Yes. You can pay off a promotional balance at any time without extra fees. However, if you do not pay the full promotional balance before the promotional period ends, the remaining balance will be charged the regular APR going forward. There is no penalty for paying early, so if you can afford to pay off the purchase before the promotional period ends, you should.