9 Best Credit Cards For Car Repairs

Earning Structure:

• 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services
• 2x points on all other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
• Other perks: $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel℠, 10% anniversary points bonus, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage insurance, and complimentary DashPass with monthly promos on eligible orders.

Key Benefits:

• High rewards in travel and dining categories
• Points transferable to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 rate
• Strong travel and purchase protection coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

It typically requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

No introductory APR, and rewards are best maximized for travel redemptions rather than automotive purchases.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It combines easy earning, flexible rewards, and travel perks, making it a versatile choice for new credit card users.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when activated
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Unlimited Cashback Match™—Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 17.24%–26.24% variable after 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
• Other perks: Free FICO® score access, no late fee on first late payment, and tools to track credit and grades

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee with accessible approval for students
• Rewards match doubles cash back in the first year
• Six months of 0% APR helps manage car repair costs interest-free
• Rotating 5% categories may include gas, helping students save on car costs

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed for any amount as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or merchandise.

Credit Requirements:

Designed for students and individuals with limited or no credit history.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Rewards in 5% categories are capped quarterly and require activation; Discover may not be accepted everywhere internationally.

Why it Works for Beginners:

With no annual fee and a six-month 0% intro APR, students can cover car repair expenses in manageable payments while starting to build credit.

Earning Structure:

• This card does not offer rewards like points or cash back.

Welcome Bonus:

There is no welcome bonus with the Citi Simplicity® Card.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Not specified
• APR: 18.24%–28.99% variable after intro period
• Other perks: Citi® Quick Lock for account security, no penalty APR, no late fees

Key Benefits:

• Long 0% intro APR period helps manage expensive repairs
• No late fees reduce stress during payments
• No penalty APR protects credit score if a payment is missed

Redemption Options:

There are no rewards to redeem with this card.

Credit Requirements:

It generally requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Minimal benefits beyond the intro APR period; no rewards program.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple terms and no extra fees, which helps beginners avoid common credit card pitfalls.

Earning Structure:

• 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when the purchase is made and 1% when it’s paid off
• 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked with Citi Travel

Welcome Bonus:

Earn $200 cash back (fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points) after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Yes
• APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable
• Other perks: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months; intro balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) within first 4 months, then 5% after

Key Benefits:

• Easy to understand cash back system.
• Cash back can be earned on big repairs without worrying about categories.
• You earn cash back twice on each purchase.

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or transferred to participating travel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need fair to excellent credit.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

No intro APR on purchases, and foreign transaction fees apply; balance transfers do not earn rewards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It is simple to use and understand, making it a good choice for someone new to credit cards.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstores
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Yes
• APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable after 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
• Other perks: Roadside Dispatch, purchase protection, extended warranty, and Chase Credit Journey access

Key Benefits:

• Strong cash back rates in multiple categories
• Roadside assistance for emergencies
• Rewards never expire while the account is open

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, travel, or gift cards through Chase Travel℠.

Credit Requirements:

Chase Freedom Unlimited® typically requires good to excellent credit.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Foreign transaction fees apply, and some cards offer a higher flat earning rate.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card’s simple rewards and no annual fee make it easy for beginners to use without tracking complicated categories.

Earning Structure:

• 2% cash rewards on all purchases
• Cash back is earned automatically on every transaction

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Yes
• APR: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable after 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Other perks: Cell phone protection (up to $600, $25 deductible); unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, including car repairs and future maintenance

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards are simple to use
• Introductory APR helps with larger repair costs
• No category restrictions simplify rewards earning
• Car repairs and future maintenance also earn 2% cash back, making it useful for auto expenses

Redemption Options:

Cash rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or travel bookings.

Credit Requirements:

Good to excellent credit recommended (FICO 670 or higher).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Foreign transaction fees apply, and there are no higher rewards in bonus categories.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple cash back system and no annual fee make it easy for new credit users to manage rewards.

Earning Structure:

• No points or cash back rewards
• Focus is on interest savings, not earning rewards

Welcome Bonus:

There is no welcome bonus with this card.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: 3%
• APR: 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable after 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Other perks: Up to $600 in cell phone protection ($25 deductible), My Wells Fargo Deals for merchant offers

Key Benefits:

• Long 0% intro APR for car repairs or other big expenses
• No annual fee
• Cell phone protection adds extra value

Redemption Options:

No rewards program; savings come from avoiding interest during the intro APR period.

Credit Requirements:

Typically requires good to excellent credit.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

No rewards or welcome bonus; a balance transfer fee applies.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It helps beginners with no interest in big purchases for a long time, making it easier to manage repairs without extra charges.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 annually, then 1%
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0 with paid Costco membership
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• APR: 19.49%–27.49% variable
• Other perks: Costco Auto Program discounts, use card as Costco membership ID

Key Benefits:

• High rewards rates in key categories like gas, dining, and travel
• No foreign transaction fees
• Convenient for in-store and online Costco purchases
• 2% cash back on Costco purchases, including car parts and accessories
• Discounts on professional auto services through the Costco Auto Program

Redemption Options:

Rewards are issued annually as a certificate, redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants usually need excellent credit to qualify for this card.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Rewards can only be redeemed at Costco and are most valuable for car repairs or maintenance done through Costco or its Auto Program, limiting flexibility elsewhere.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Instant approval and digital access make it easy for beginners to cover emergency car repairs or parts at Costco while earning cash back.

Earning Structure:

• 3% unlimited cash back on home, auto, and health categories
• 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases after payments are made

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making three debit card transactions within 60 days.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fees: Up to 3%
• APR: 14.99%–29.99% variable
• Other perks: Visa Signature benefits including Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, and Extended Warranty; contactless payments; Upgrade Shopping discounts

Key Benefits:

• High rewards rate on auto-related purchases
• No annual fee
• Broad category coverage including home and health expenses

Redemption Options:

Cash back rewards are credited as statement credits after each scheduled monthly payment.

Credit Requirements:

Available to applicants with excellent, good, average, or fair credit.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

No low intro APR and no grace period to avoid interest; it operates as a credit line rather than a traditional credit card.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its clear rewards and payment flexibility make it easy for new cardholders to use and benefit from.