Firestone Store Card 2025 Review: Should You Keep It After Rewards Changes?

Important Update: Despite circulating rumors about the myCFNA Rewards program ending on March 31, 2025, extensive research reveals no evidence of this discontinuation. The program remains fully active with terms updated as recently as February 1, 2025, and CFNA is promoting rewards events through October 2025. This comprehensive guide evaluates the Firestone Store Card based on current benefits and helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your auto maintenance needs.

The Firestone Store Card has evolved significantly since Credit First National Association (CFNA) launched the myCFNA Rewards program in June 2023. With extremely high APRs hovering around 34% and limited acceptance compared to mainstream credit cards, many cardholders question whether this card deserves a spot in their wallet. This guide examines the current benefits, compares alternatives, and provides decision-making frameworks for existing and prospective cardholders.

Understanding the Firestone Store Card vs. Mastercard: Which version do you have?

Before evaluating whether to keep your card, it’s crucial to understand which version you hold—the differences between the Private Label store card and the Mastercard version are substantial and directly impact your rewards eligibility and spending flexibility.

Firestone Private Label Store Card (Closed-Loop)

The Firestone Private Label card functions as a closed-loop credit card, meaning it works exclusively at Firestone Complete Auto Care and affiliated locations. You can use this card at:

Firestone Complete Auto Care (2,300+ locations)
Tires Plus (500+ locations)
Wheel Works (170+ locations)
Hibdon Tires Plus (30+ locations)

That’s over 8,000 participating retailers nationwide, but the card provides zero utility outside this network. You cannot use it at competing auto service chains, gas stations, parts stores, or anywhere else. The Private Label version carries a fixed 34.99% APR and offers no rewards program whatsoever—no points, no cash back, no loyalty benefits of any kind.

The only real benefit: 6-month deferred interest financing on purchases of $149 or more, which we’ll discuss in detail below (along with why “deferred interest” creates serious risks).

CFNA Firestone Mastercard (Open-Loop with Rewards)

The Firestone Mastercard operates as an open-loop credit card accepted anywhere Mastercard is welcomed within the United States—restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, online retailers, and beyond. This fundamental difference transforms the card from a single-merchant financing tool into a everyday spending card.

More importantly, the Mastercard version provides exclusive access to the myCFNA Rewards program, which the Private Label card cannot offer:

Tier 1 “Passenger” (Default Level)

3 points per dollar at Firestone, Tires Plus, Wheel Works, and Hibdon Tires Plus
2 points per dollar on gas and automotive purchases everywhere
1 point per dollar on all other U.S. purchases

Tier 2 “Driver” ($1,250-$2,499 annual spending)

Same earning rates as Tier 1
Birthday bonus rewards
Access to double points promotional events

Tier 3 “Adventurer” ($2,500+ annual spending)

4 points per dollar at Firestone family locations (33% boost)
2 points per dollar on gas and automotive purchases
1 point per dollar on everything else
Birthday bonus rewards
Double points events

Every 1,000 points converts to $10 in statement credits redeemable at BSRO locations. However, a critical limitation exists: you cannot redeem rewards without making a new qualifying purchase of at least $10 at a Firestone family location.

The Mastercard carries a 33.99% variable APR—slightly lower than the Private Label card’s 34.99% but still extraordinarily high by industry standards.

Which card should you have?

If you currently hold the Private Label store card, upgrading to the Mastercard version should be your first priority (assuming you plan to keep a Firestone card at all). The Mastercard provides:

Broader acceptance for everyday purchases
Actual rewards (3-4% at Firestone, 2% on gas, 1% everywhere)
Slightly lower APR (33.99% vs. 34.99%)
Versatility as a backup card when traveling or shopping

Existing cardholders can typically request a product change without a hard credit inquiry by calling CFNA customer service at 1-888-201-4523. Approval depends on your creditworthiness and account standing, but most customers in good standing qualify for the upgrade. If you initially accepted the Private Label card due to credit limitations but have since improved your profile, the Mastercard upgrade dramatically increases the card’s utility.

The myCFNA Rewards program: Current status and value proposition

Recent consumer sentiment shifted dramatically in September 2024 when CFNA raised interest rates to 34.99% for many cardholders. MyFICO forum discussions reveal frustration with this increase, with multiple consumers closing accounts in response. The Mastercard version currently carries a 33.99% variable APR while the Private Label card sits at a fixed 34.99%—substantially higher than typical credit cards ranging from 18-25%. This makes carrying any balance extremely expensive, with daily interest rates of approximately 0.093%.

The rewards program’s redemption structure presents both opportunities and limitations. Points expire after 365 days of purchasing inactivity, so dormant accounts lose accumulated value even if the program continues indefinitely. The 1,000-point minimum threshold means you need:

$333 in Firestone spending at Tier 1 rates (3 points per dollar)
$250 in Firestone spending at Tier 3 rates (4 points per dollar)

More problematically, you cannot simply cash out accumulated points. Redemption requires making a new qualifying purchase of at least $10 at a Firestone location, then your points convert to statement credits offsetting that purchase. This restriction distinguishes the myCFNA program from flexible cash-back cards allowing direct deposit redemption.

For strategic consumers, this creates an opportunity: time major services like tire replacements or brake work when you have redemption-ready points to maximize effective discount rates. But for those preferring simplicity, the redemption restrictions add unnecessary friction.

What happens when promotional financing goes wrong

Both card versions offer the same flagship benefit: 6-month deferred interest financing on purchases of $149 or more. Understanding this feature requires extreme caution because “deferred interest” fundamentally differs from “0% APR”—and the distinction carries serious financial consequences.

How deferred interest actually works

With deferred interest, the card issuer calculates interest from day one on your promotional purchase at the standard 34% APR. However, they defer collecting that interest. If you pay off the entire promotional balance before the 6-month deadline, CFNA waives all accumulated interest charges—you’ve essentially borrowed interest-free.

But here’s the trap: if you leave even $1 unpaid after six months, CFNA retroactively charges you for all the interest that’s been accumulating since your original purchase date.

Example: You charge $1,000 in tires on January 1 with 6-month deferred interest. The July 1 deadline arrives, and you’ve paid $950, leaving $50 unpaid. CFNA doesn’t just charge interest on the remaining $50—they charge you approximately $170 in interest calculated from January 1 on the full original $1,000 balance at 34% APR.

This punitive structure far exceeds typical financing costs and often surprises cardholders who misunderstand the terms.

True 0% APR: The superior alternative

By contrast, cards offering true 0% intro APR periods work completely differently. During the promotional window, these cards charge zero interest, period. After the promotional period ends, they only charge interest on whatever balance remains—not retroactively from the original purchase date.

If you had charged that same $1,000 purchase on a card with 15-month 0% intro APR, paid $950 by month 15, and then the promotional period expired, you’d only pay interest on the remaining $50 going forward—typically saving you $150+ compared to Firestone’s deferred interest trap.

The minimum payment trap

Consumer complaints frequently cite confusion about deferred interest mechanics. The minimum payment structure rarely pays off balances within the promotional window, creating a trap for unwary cardholders.

On a $1,000 purchase, the minimum payment might be just $25-30 monthly. Following the minimum payment schedule means you’d pay only $150-180 over six months, leaving $820-850 unpaid when deferred interest detonates. Many cardholders making “responsible” minimum payments discover they’ve triggered hundreds in retroactive interest charges.

To successfully use deferred interest financing, you must:

Calculate the exact payoff amount needed monthly ($1,000 ÷ 6 months = $167/month)
Pay significantly more than the minimum required payment
Set calendar reminders for the deadline date
Verify full payoff before the promotional period expires

Missing any of these steps exposes you to the retroactive interest bomb.

Additional fee structure

Beyond interest rates, cardholders face:

Late payment penalties: Up to $41 for repeat offenses within six months
Returned payment fees: Up to $41 following the same progressive schedule
Paper statement charges: $3.99 monthly (avoidable by switching to electronic statements)
Rush delivery: $30 for expedited card shipping
Expedited payment processing: $5.99 for same-day payment posting

The card charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees—though international transactions are prohibited entirely, limiting use to U.S. territories only.

Superior alternatives for auto maintenance rewards and financing

The Firestone card’s combination of extreme APRs, merchant restrictions (Private Label) or modest rewards (Mastercard), and deferred interest traps makes it inferior to numerous alternatives for nearly every consumer profile.

Best overall auto maintenance card: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa

The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa stands alone as the only major credit card specifically rewarding auto repairs at 3% cash back. This covers:

Auto service and repairs (any provider, not just Firestone)
Auto dealerships for service appointments
Auto parts stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance Auto Parts)
Car washes and detailing services
Towing and roadside assistance

The card also provides 3% on gas purchases at any station and maintains a $0 annual fee, making it the closest functional replacement for the Firestone card’s value proposition. With APRs ranging from 14.99%-29.99%, it offers substantially lower interest charges for those occasionally carrying balances—potentially saving hundreds annually compared to Firestone’s 34% rate.

Credit requirements target fair credit scores starting around 630, making it accessible to similar applicants who qualify for the Firestone card. The Upgrade card particularly shines by rewarding auto repairs at any provider—eliminating the need to compromise on service quality or price for rewards optimization.

When it beats Firestone: If you spend $2,000 annually on auto repairs across various providers (Firestone, independent mechanics, dealerships), you earn $60 in rewards regardless of where you go. The Firestone Mastercard earning 4% only at Firestone locations would generate $80 on that same spending—but only if you use Firestone exclusively. The flexibility to shop based on price and service quality often yields greater value than the 1% higher rewards rate at a single retailer.

Best gas rewards: Citi Custom Cash Card

For gas-focused rewards, the Citi Custom Cash Card delivers exceptional value with 5% cash back on your top spending category each month up to $500, automatically adjusting without manual activation. If gas represents your highest monthly expense, you earn $25 monthly on that $500 spending cap.

The card charges no annual fee, offers a $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,500 in six months, and includes 0% intro APR for 15 months—providing true interest-free financing rather than deferred interest. The 18.24%-28.24% standard APR remains significantly lower than Firestone’s punishing rates.

When it beats Firestone: On $1,000 annual gas spending, the Firestone Mastercard’s 2% earns you $20. The Citi Custom Cash at 5% generates $50 on that same spending—$30 more annually (150% better). This gap widens dramatically for higher gas spending, with the Citi card earning an extra $150 on $5,000 annual gas purchases.

Best for high-mileage drivers: Wells Fargo Autograph

Wells Fargo Autograph rewards gas purchases at an uncapped 3 points per dollar (3% cash back equivalent), extending to EV charging stations as well. This elimination of spending caps particularly benefits high-mileage drivers who exceed typical $500-1,500 quarterly limits on competing cards.

The card’s 3-point structure extends to restaurants, travel, transit, streaming services, and phone plans, creating substantial everyday value beyond automotive expenses. A $200 welcome bonus, $0 annual fee, 12-month 0% intro APR period, and cell phone protection up to $600 round out the benefits package.

When it beats Firestone: Two-car households spending $8,000 annually on gas would earn $160 with Firestone’s 2% rate but $240 with Wells Fargo Autograph’s uncapped 3%—an extra $80 yearly while enjoying flexibility to shop at any gas station.

Best for simplicity: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Those prioritizing simplicity should consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card’s flat 2% cash back on all purchases. This eliminates category tracking entirely while guaranteeing consistent returns on auto repairs, gas, and every other expense.

The $200 welcome bonus matches the Autograph, and identical 12-month intro APR terms provide financing flexibility. For consumers frustrated by rewards program complexity, this straightforward approach ensures you never leave money on the table by spending in the wrong category.

When it beats Firestone: The Private Label store card (no rewards) obviously loses to 2% everywhere. Even the Firestone Mastercard’s rewards don’t always win—if you spend $3,000 annually across auto repairs ($1,000), gas ($1,000), and Firestone-specific purchases ($1,000), the Firestone card might earn $70 total while the Active Cash generates $60. But the Active Cash’s simplicity, broader acceptance, and lack of redemption restrictions often provide better real-world value.

First-year maximizer: Discover it Cash Back

The Discover it Cash Back deserves special attention for first-year value. Discover matches all cash back earned during your first year, effectively doubling rewards to 10% on rotating bonus categories and 2% on standard purchases.

When gas appears as a quarterly 5% category—typically happening at least once annually—strategic consumers can maximize returns during that three-month window. The 15-month 0% intro APR period exceeds most competitors, and quarterly categories in 2025 have included gas stations, EV charging, public transit, and utilities during Q3.

When it beats Firestone: During gas bonus quarters in year one, you earn an effective 10% on up to $1,500 spending (quarterly cap). That’s $150 compared to Firestone’s 2% earning just $30—a $120 advantage from strategic timing. After year one, the 5% rate (no doubling) still beats Firestone’s 2%.

Premium cards justifying annual fees for heavy auto spenders

For households with substantial automotive expenses, premium cards charging annual fees can deliver greater net value than no-fee alternatives.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred imposes a $95 annual fee after the first year, but gas-heavy households easily justify this cost. The card provides uncapped 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, eliminating spending limits that constrain other offers.

More impressively, 6% returns at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 annually ($360 maximum) and 6% on select streaming subscriptions create substantial value for families. A $250 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in six months effectively covers more than two years of annual fees.

The breakeven point sits at approximately $167 monthly gas spending ($2,000 annually) compared to a 2% flat-rate card. At that spending level:

Blue Cash Preferred earns $60 – $95 fee = $35 net profit
2% flat-rate card earns $40
Firestone Mastercard earns $40

For multi-vehicle households or long-distance commuters exceeding this threshold, Blue Cash Preferred delivers superior value. At $5,000 annual gas spending, you earn $150 with Blue Cash Preferred (after fee) compared to $100 with Firestone’s 2% rate—a $50 annual advantage.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards deserves mention for its remarkable first-year promotion: 6% cash back on your chosen category (gas being one option) up to $2,500 quarterly spending. This drops to 3% in subsequent years but remains competitive.

Preferred Rewards members banking with Bank of America receive an additional 25-75% bonus on base earn rates, potentially pushing gas rewards even higher. At the Platinum Honors tier (requiring $100,000+ in combined accounts), the card earns an effective 5.25% on gas even after year one.

The $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in 90 days and $0 annual fee make this particularly attractive for Bank of America customers already benefiting from relationship banking.

Competing auto service store cards: Nobody else offers rewards

The broader automotive retail credit card landscape reveals a striking trend: most major chains have eliminated traditional rewards programs entirely, leaving Firestone’s myCFNA program as the sole exception.

Goodyear Credit Card (Issued by Citibank)

The Goodyear Credit Card offers no ongoing points or cash back structure, instead focusing on tire rebates during promotional periods and 6-month special financing on purchases over $250. Current sign-up bonuses provide $50 back on first qualifying purchases of $250 or more, but APRs range from 17.74%-34.24%—better at the low end but matching Firestone at the high end.

Like Firestone, Goodyear employs deferred interest financing with identical retroactive interest traps. The card adds one modest perk: occasional manufacturer tire rebates of $50-100 during promotional periods. However, these promotions are typically available to all customers regardless of payment method, making the credit card itself unnecessary.

Synchrony Bank Car Care Network (Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, Tire Kingdom, NTB)

Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, Tire Kingdom, and NTB credit cards all operate through Synchrony Bank’s Car Care network, providing acceptance at over 500,000 automotive locations nationwide. However, none offer traditional rewards programs—no points, no cash back, no loyalty structure.

These cards feature:

34.99% APRs (matching Firestone Private Label)
6-month special financing on purchases of $199 or more
Occasional promotional rebates ($25-50 off qualifying purchases)
Deferred interest structure identical to Firestone

The broader acceptance across multiple chains (Pep Boys locations accept the card at Jiffy Lube, for example) provides more flexibility than Firestone’s network, but the lack of ongoing rewards, identical deferred interest traps, and equally high APRs make these functionally equivalent options without meaningful differentiation.

Midas and Big O Tires (Issued by Comenity Capital Bank)

Midas and Big O Tires credit cards through Comenity Capital Bank charge even higher 35.99% APRs while limiting acceptance to their specific brand locations—the worst combination of high costs and restricted utility.

Midas adds:

Free tire repair and rotation for cardholders
$25 off oil changes during promotional periods

Big O Tires occasionally offers:

$50 rebates on $199+ purchases during promotional periods

These modest perks hardly compensate for the restricted utility and industry-leading high interest rates. Without ongoing rewards programs, these cards function solely as financing tools for customers lacking better credit options.

Market insight: Firestone stands alone with rewards

The Firestone Mastercard stands as the only major automotive retailer card with an active points-based rewards program. This market positioning offers genuine differentiation and explains why some consumers maintain the card despite its limitations.

However, this “differentiation” matters only for customers determined to have an automotive retailer card. Consumers evaluating all credit card options—not just those issued by auto service chains—find superior alternatives in general-use cards earning 2-5% on automotive categories without merchant lock-in.

The industry-wide retreat from rewards programs likely reflects recognition that most consumers prioritize interest-free payment plans for expensive repairs over modest percentage-back rewards. Firestone’s maintenance of the myCFNA program either indicates genuine customer demand for rewards or represents a competitive strategy differentiating from Synchrony and Comenity-issued alternatives.

Should you keep your Firestone Store Card? Decision framework

Several factors determine whether maintaining your Firestone card makes strategic sense. Use this decision framework to evaluate your specific situation.

Keep the card if:

You’re a loyal Firestone customer making $1,000+ annually in purchases. The 3-4% rewards rate at Firestone locations, combined with promotional financing on major repairs, delivers genuine value if you already prefer Firestone’s service quality and pricing.

You always pay balances in full within the 6-month promotional window. Disciplined consumers who treat promotional financing as true zero-interest payment plans (by ensuring full payoff before deadlines) avoid the deferred interest trap and benefit from extended payment terms.

You value the rewards program earning 3-4% at Firestone locations. If you’ve reached Tier 3 “Adventurer” status earning 4 points per dollar, the rewards rate genuinely beats most alternatives specifically for Firestone purchases.

You have limited credit options elsewhere. For consumers with fair or rebuilding credit unable to qualify for premium rewards cards, the Firestone card provides access to financing and modest rewards better than nothing.

You maintain the account primarily for credit history length and utilization. If this represents your oldest card, keeping it open supports credit building through account age and lowers overall utilization ratios—particularly valuable for consumers with thin credit files.

Close the card if:

You consistently carry balances month-to-month. The 34% APR destroys any rewards value within weeks. A single $1,000 balance carried for three months costs $85 in interest—overwhelming multiple years of rewards earnings.

You find yourself at risk of missing the 6-month payment deadline on promotional purchases. If you’ve struggled with Firestone’s deferred interest financing in the past or lack the budget discipline to ensure full payoff, close the card before the next trap springs.

You prefer cards with broader acceptance and flexibility. General-use cards earning 2-3% everywhere, or category cards earning 3-5% on auto expenses at any provider, offer superior flexibility and often better total rewards.

You rarely visit Firestone locations for service needs. Infrequent users gain nothing from Firestone-specific rewards and face unnecessary temptation to visit Firestone over better-priced alternatives just to optimize rewards.

You have access to superior rewards cards with lower APRs. If you qualify for premium cards offering better rewards, true 0% intro APR periods, and lower standard rates, the Firestone card becomes redundant.

The credit score consideration

Closing a credit card impacts your credit profile through two mechanisms:

Utilization ratio increase: Closing the card reduces your total available credit. If you carry balances on other cards, your utilization percentage increases. Example: $2,000 balance across $10,000 total credit = 20% utilization. Close a $3,000 limit Firestone card, and you now have $2,000 balance across $7,000 credit = 28.6% utilization. Higher utilization typically lowers credit scores.

Account age impact: Credit scoring models consider average account age. Closing your oldest card reduces this average immediately (for FICO 8 and earlier models) or in 10 years when the closed account drops off your report (FICO 9+, VantageScore). However, this impact is often overstated—maintaining your second-oldest account preserves most of the benefit.

For consumers with thin credit files (fewer than 5 total credit accounts), keeping a zero-annual-fee card open even without active use generally outweighs the costs. For those with established credit (8+ accounts, 5+ years of history), closing the Firestone card creates minimal score impact.

Calculate your specific breakeven point

Rather than relying on general advice, calculate your personal breakeven point comparing annual Firestone spending against potential rewards from alternative cards.

Scenario 1: $2,000 annual Firestone spending

Firestone Mastercard (Tier 3 – 4%): $80 in rewards
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards (3% any auto repair): $60 in rewards

Difference: Firestone wins by $20 annually

However, if you also spend $2,000 at non-Firestone auto providers (independent mechanics, dealerships, parts stores), Upgrade earns an additional $60 on that spending while Firestone earns nothing. Total comparison:

Firestone: $80 (Firestone only) + $0 (other auto) = $80 total
Upgrade: $60 (Firestone equivalent) + $60 (other auto) = $120 total

Winner: Upgrade by $40 annually while providing flexibility to choose best service provider by quality and price.

Scenario 2: $1,000 annual gas spending

Firestone Mastercard (2% gas): $20 in rewards
Citi Custom Cash (5% top category): $50 in rewards
Blue Cash Preferred (3% uncapped): $30 in rewards, minus $95 annual fee (year 2+) = -$65 net

At this spending level:

Winner: Citi Custom Cash ($50 vs. $20 = $30 advantage)
Blue Cash Preferred loses due to low spending relative to annual fee

Scenario 3: $5,000 annual gas spending (heavy driver)

Firestone Mastercard (2% gas): $100 in rewards
Citi Custom Cash (5% up to $6,000 annually): $250 in rewards
Blue Cash Preferred (3% uncapped): $150 in rewards – $95 fee = $55 net

At high spending levels:

Winner: Citi Custom Cash ($250 vs. $100 = $150 advantage)
Blue Cash Preferred wins compared to Firestone ($55 net vs. $100)

Scenario 4: $3,000 Firestone + $2,000 gas + $5,000 other purchases annually

Firestone Mastercard (Tier 3):

$120 at Firestone (4%)
$40 on gas (2%)
$50 on other purchases (1%)
Total: $210

Alternative strategy (Upgrade + Citi Custom Cash + Wells Fargo Active Cash):

$90 at Firestone (Upgrade 3%)
$100 on gas (Citi 5%)
$100 on other purchases (Active Cash 2%)
Total: $290

Winner: Multi-card strategy by $80 annually with dramatically more flexibility and significantly lower APRs on all cards.

Maximizing value from your existing Firestone card

Regardless of whether you keep the card long-term, current cardholders should optimize immediate value before making final decisions.

Check your points balance immediately

Log into CFNA.com or download the myCFNA mobile app to check your current points balance. Points expire after 365 days of purchasing inactivity—even if the rewards program continues indefinitely, dormant accounts lose accumulated value.

Calculate your redemption-ready status:

1,000+ points: Ready to redeem ($10 statement credit)
500-999 points: Need $167-167 additional Firestone spending (Tier 1) or $125-$125 (Tier 3)
Under 500 points: Evaluate whether reaching 1,000 points justifies additional purchases

Strategic redemption timing

The redemption restriction requiring new qualifying purchases creates both opportunities and frustrations. You cannot simply cash out points—redemption requires making a new purchase of at least $10 at a Firestone location, then your points convert to statement credits offsetting that purchase.

Strategic approach: Schedule necessary Firestone services when you have redemption-ready points:

Tire replacement or rotation ($100-800)
Brake service ($300-600)
Major maintenance (timing belt, transmission service: $500-1,500)
Oil changes and minor services ($50-150)

Timing major services when you have 2,000-5,000 points accumulated maximizes effective discount rates, essentially providing 20-50% off those services through statement credits.

Don’t manufacture spending: Never purchase unnecessary services solely to redeem points. The “value” of free oil changes doesn’t justify spending $40 on an oil change you don’t actually need yet.

Consider upgrading to Mastercard version

If you currently hold the Private Label store card without rewards eligibility, upgrading to the Mastercard version should be your first priority before deciding whether to keep any Firestone card.

Existing cardholders can typically request product changes without hard credit inquiries:

Call CFNA customer service: 1-888-201-4523
Request Mastercard upgrade: Explain you want to upgrade from the Private Label store card to the Mastercard version
Provide updated information: They may verify income, employment, and credit profile
Receive decision: Most customers in good standing with improved credit profiles since initial application qualify

The Mastercard’s broader acceptance and rewards earning on all purchases dramatically increases utility, especially for consumers who initially accepted the store card due to credit limitations but have since improved their financial profiles.

Monitor tier qualification dates

The tier system resets annually based on calendar-year spending (January 1 – December 31). If you’re close to qualification thresholds near year-end, strategic timing can lock in enhanced earning rates for the following year:

$1,250 threshold: Unlocks Tier 2 “Driver” status (same earning rates but access to double-points events and birthday bonus)
$2,500 threshold: Unlocks Tier 3 “Adventurer” status (4 points per dollar at Firestone—33% boost over Tier 1)

However, never manufacture spending solely for tier benefits. The marginal difference between tiers (Driver vs. Adventurer is 1 additional point per dollar at Firestone only) rarely justifies unnecessary purchases. If you’re at $2,400 in early December and need new tires anyway, timing the purchase before year-end makes sense. Buying tires you don’t need until March just to hit $2,500 does not.

Strategic credit card portfolio positioning

The Firestone card functions best as a specialized tool rather than a primary card. Optimal wallet strategies typically pair high-earning category cards for specific expenses with strong flat-rate cards for general spending.

Recommended portfolio combinations

Auto-focused strategy:

Primary: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards (3% all auto repairs, any provider)
Secondary: Blue Cash Preferred or Citi Custom Cash (3-5% gas)
Backup: Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% everything else)

This combination maximizes both auto service and fuel rewards while avoiding the Firestone card’s merchant lock-in and high APR risk.

Maximum simplicity strategy:

Primary: Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% everything)
Secondary: Citi Custom Cash (5% top category for gas)
No Firestone card needed

This two-card setup covers 95% of optimal rewards scenarios without complexity, category tracking, or redemption restrictions.

Credit building strategy (fair/rebuilding credit):

Keep: Firestone card for account age and available credit
Use: Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards or Wells Fargo Active Cash for actual spending
Pay off: Firestone card immediately if used during emergencies

Consumers maintaining the Firestone card for credit history should treat it as a purchase card exclusively, never carrying balances beyond the promotional financing window. Designate a low-APR card like the Wells Fargo Reflect (0% intro APR up to 21 months) for any necessary balance carrying.

The segregation strategy

This segregation strategy protects you from the Firestone card’s punishing interest rates while preserving access to promotional financing on major auto repairs:

Daily purchases: Use Upgrade, Citi Custom Cash, or Active Cash for all regular spending
Major auto repairs: Use Firestone card ONLY for $500+ repairs when utilizing 6-month financing
Emergency balances: If unexpected expenses require carrying balances, use your lowest-APR card (0% intro APR if available)
Firestone card balance: Pay off completely within promotional window, then return card to drawer

This approach maximizes rewards on everyday spending, leverages promotional financing for major expenses only, and prevents the 34% APR from ever applying to your spending.

The future of automotive retail credit cards

Industry trends suggest Firestone’s myCFNA Rewards program may represent an anomaly in a sector moving away from traditional loyalty rewards toward simplified financing.

Why competitors eliminated rewards

The broader market trend shows automotive retailers moving away from traditional rewards programs toward simplified promotional financing. This shift likely reflects several realities:

Consumer behavior research: Most consumers seeking auto repair financing prioritize payment plans for expensive repairs over modest percentage-back rewards. A customer facing a $2,000 transmission repair cares more about breaking that cost into manageable payments than earning $60-80 in rewards.

Competition from premium cards: Retail credit cards increasingly struggle to compete with premium general-use cards offering superior rewards without merchant restrictions. The rise of cards like the Citi Custom Cash and Discover rotating categories provides 5% cash back exceeding most store card offers while functioning anywhere.

Simplification and cost management: Operating rewards programs requires technical infrastructure, customer support, and promotional expenses. Many retailers concluded these costs don’t meaningfully drive customer acquisition or retention compared to straightforward promotional financing.

Why Firestone maintains rewards

Firestone’s maintenance of the myCFNA Rewards program contradicts industry direction and likely indicates either:

Customer demand: Firestone’s customer base may demonstrate stronger preference for rewards than competitors’ customers, making the program a competitive differentiator worth maintaining.

Strategic positioning: CFNA may view the rewards program as a moat against Synchrony Bank’s dominant Car Care network. Offering the only rewards program in the sector creates genuine differentiation.

Testing continuation: The program launched in June 2023, making it relatively new. CFNA may be evaluating whether rewards drive sufficient incremental revenue to justify continuation.

What this means for cardholders

For Firestone specifically, the card’s value proposition depends heavily on customer loyalty to the Bridgestone/Firestone service network. Dedicated customers who trust these locations and visit regularly benefit from consolidated rewards and promotional financing.

However, price-sensitive shoppers comparing quotes across multiple providers may find general-use credit cards with stronger category bonuses more valuable. 3% back everywhere beats 4% back at a single retailer when that retailer’s prices run 5% higher than competitors. The flexibility to shop based on quality and price rather than optimizing rewards often yields better overall value.

Final verdict: Specialized tool for disciplined, loyal customers

The Firestone Store Card serves a specific niche effectively but lacks the broad utility of general-use alternatives. The decision framework comes down to these core questions:

For Firestone Private Label cardholders:

Upgrade to Mastercard immediately if you plan to keep any Firestone card. The Mastercard provides rewards (vs. zero), broader acceptance, and slightly lower APR. If upgrading isn’t possible or you’re denied, close the Private Label card unless you specifically need its 6-month financing for an imminent major repair.

The Private Label card without rewards offers nothing a general-use card can’t provide better—no rewards, extreme APR, and limited acceptance make it indefensible for nearly all consumers.

For Firestone Mastercard holders:

Keep the card if:

You’re a loyal Firestone customer spending $1,500+ annually at their locations
You’ve achieved Tier 3 status (4% rewards at Firestone)
You always pay balances in full within promotional windows
You use the card strategically for major repairs with financing
You maintain it for credit history purposes only (no active use)

Close the card if:

You ever carry balances month-to-month (34% APR destroys value)
You’ve triggered deferred interest charges in the past
You rarely visit Firestone locations (<$500 annual spending)
You qualify for premium cards offering better rewards
You prefer shopping for best auto service prices across providers

The fundamental insight

Promotional financing and rewards programs only benefit disciplined consumers who pay balances in full. The 34% APR erases years of rewards earnings with a single carried balance. One $1,000 balance carried for three months costs $85 in interest—overwhelming three years of rewards earnings from $2,000 annual Firestone spending.

If you question your ability to pay within the promotional window or suspect you might occasionally carry balances, the Firestone card—despite its rewards program—costs more than it delivers. Superior alternatives exist for nearly every consumer profile, making this a specialized tool rather than a wallet staple.

The better strategy for most consumers

Most consumers benefit more from pairing a dedicated auto rewards card like the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards (3% on all auto services) with a strong gas card like the Citi Custom Cash (5% on top category) or Blue Cash Preferred (3% uncapped). This combination provides:

Superior rewards flexibility without merchant lock-in
Lower APRs (15-28% vs. 34%) for anyone occasionally carrying balances
True 0% intro APR periods (not deferred interest traps)
Freedom to choose best service providers by quality and price

The Upgrade card particularly shines by rewarding auto repairs at any provider—not just Firestone—eliminating the need to compromise on service quality or price for rewards optimization. You maintain the freedom to get competing quotes, use trusted independent mechanics, or visit dealerships for warranty-covered service while still earning 3% cash back on all automotive expenses.

For the small subset of disciplined, loyal Firestone customers who consistently pay in full and genuinely prefer Firestone’s service, the Mastercard offers legitimate value. For everyone else, superior alternatives exist that provide better rewards, lower costs, and greater flexibility—making the Firestone Store Card a specialized tool best avoided by mainstream consumers.

For more guidance on choosing credit cards for specific spending categories, check out resources from NerdWallet’s credit card comparison tools and The Points Guy’s credit card reviews.

Additional Reading

Consider reading more our blog posts and/or listing to the Money Viper podcast.

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