What the GM Credit Card Is

The GM Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by General Motors Financial Company and a major bank. It's designed for people who buy or lease General Motors vehicles — Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac — and want rewards tied to those purchases. The card earns cash back or statement credits on GM vehicle purchases and everyday spending, and cardholders can use accumulated rewards toward future vehicle payments or service.

This is not a card that helps you finance a car purchase itself. It's a rewards card you use after you already own or lease a GM vehicle. The rewards structure and benefits change depending on which version of the card you hold, so the actual value depends on how much you drive and service your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The GM Credit Card earns cash back or statement credits on GM vehicle purchases and everyday purchases, with higher rewards rates on fuel and maintenance.
  • You must own or lease a General Motors vehicle to hold the card, and rewards are typically redeemed toward vehicle payments, service, or fuel.
  • The card has an annual fee that varies by card tier, and you should compare that fee against the rewards you expect to earn in a year.
  • Approval depends on your credit score and history, just like any other credit card, and the card reports to the three major credit bureaus.
  • Using the card responsibly — paying the full balance each month — is the only way the rewards will save you money rather than cost you more in interest.

How Rewards Work on the GM Card

The card typically earns a flat cash-back rate on most purchases — often 1% to 2% depending on the card version — and a higher rate on specific categories like fuel, vehicle maintenance, and GM vehicle purchases. Some versions earn 3% to 5% on fuel and service at participating locations. The rewards post as statement credits or cash back that you can redeem toward your vehicle loan or lease payment, or toward fuel and service charges.

The catch is that higher rewards rates usually explore only at specific merchants. A 5% fuel rate, for example, might work only at Shell stations or only at stations enrolled in the program. Read the terms carefully to see which gas stations and service centers count. If you fill up at stations outside the network, you'll earn the lower base rate instead.

Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, so you can accumulate them over time. However, if you close the card or let it become delinquent, you may forfeit unused rewards depending on the issuer's policy.

Annual Fees and When They Make Sense

Most GM Credit Cards charge an annual fee, typically between $50 and $120 depending on the card tier. Premium versions with higher rewards rates or additional benefits cost more. You pay this fee once per year whether you use the card or not.

To know if the fee is worth it, estimate how much you'll earn in rewards over a year. If you spend $5,000 on fuel and service annually at 5% cash back, that's $250 in rewards — enough to cover the fee and come out ahead. If you spend $2,000 annually, you'll earn $100, which may not cover a $120 fee. The math only works if you use the card regularly on the categories where it earns the highest rates.

Some cardholders waive the fee in the first year as an introductory offer, which gives you a chance to test whether the rewards justify the cost before you commit to paying it annually.

Credit Score Requirements and Approval

The GM Credit Card typically requires a good to excellent credit score — usually 670 or higher, though the exact threshold varies by issuer and card tier. The issuer will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. They'll also review your payment history, existing debt, and income.

Ownership or a lease of a GM vehicle is a requirement, but the issuer usually verifies this through your VIN or lease agreement rather than requiring you to prove it at process. If you don't yet own a GM vehicle but plan to buy one, you won't be able to open the card until after the purchase or lease is finalized.

If you're denied, you can contact the issuer to ask why. Common reasons include a credit score below their minimum, recent late payments, or high existing debt relative to your income. You can reapply after addressing those issues — typically waiting 6 months to a year and raising your score or paying down debt.

How the Card Affects Your Credit

Opening a new credit card creates a hard inquiry and adds a new account to your credit report, both of which can lower your score slightly in the short term. Over time, the card helps your credit if you use it responsibly: making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit both improve your credit score.

The card reports to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so your payment history and balance show up on your credit report. Late or missed payments will damage your score, while consistent on-time payments will build it. If you carry a balance and pay interest, that interest does not help your credit — only the on-time payment does.

When the GM Card Makes Financial Sense

The card is worth considering if you own or lease a GM vehicle, drive frequently, and spend money on fuel and maintenance regularly. The higher rewards rates on those categories can offset the annual fee if your spending is high enough. It's also useful if you're building credit and want a card tied to something you already own — the card issuer may be more willing to approve you because you have a tangible asset.

The card is not a good fit if you rarely drive, use a mechanic outside the rewards network, or have a credit score below 670. It's also not a substitute for a general-purpose rewards card if you spend more on groceries, dining, or travel than on fuel and vehicle service. In that case, a different card with higher rewards in those categories will save you more money.

Most importantly, the card only saves you money if you pay the full balance each month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges will quickly exceed any rewards you earn. Use the card only if you can afford to pay it off in full when the bill arrives.

How to Redeem Your Rewards

Rewards typically post to your account as a statement credit or cash-back amount within 1 to 3 billing cycles after the purchase posts. You can usually redeem them through your online account portal or by calling the card issuer's customer service line. Most issuers let you explore the credit directly to your vehicle loan or lease payment, or transfer it to a linked bank account.

Some cards also let you redeem rewards for fuel, service, or parts at participating GM dealers or fuel stations. Check your cardholder agreement or account dashboard to see which redemption options are available to you. Redemption minimums vary — some cards require a minimum balance of $25 or $50 before you can redeem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to own a GM vehicle to get the card?

Yes. You must own or lease a Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac to be approved. The issuer verifies this through your VIN or lease agreement. If you're planning to buy a GM vehicle, you can explore after the purchase is finalized.

What happens to my rewards if I sell my GM vehicle?

That depends on the issuer's policy. Some allow you to keep the card and continue earning rewards on everyday purchases at the base rate, even if you no longer own a GM vehicle. Others may close your account or restrict your rewards. Check your cardholder agreement or call customer service to confirm the policy before you sell your vehicle.

Can I use the card at any gas station?

The higher rewards rate (usually 3% to 5%) applies only at participating fuel stations, which may be limited to specific brands like Shell or Speedway. At other stations, you'll earn the lower base rate, typically 1% to 2%. Check the card's terms to see which stations may have access to in your area.

Will explore for the card hurt my credit score?

The process triggers a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points temporarily. If you're approved, the new account will also lower your score slightly at first. However, on-time payments and low balances will rebuild and improve your score over time, usually within 3 to 6 months.

What if I can't pay my balance in full?

The card will charge interest on any balance you carry, typically at a variable rate that changes with the prime rate. Interest charges will quickly exceed any rewards you earn, so carrying a balance makes the card more expensive, not cheaper. Only use the card if you can pay the full balance when the bill arrives.