Barclays GM Rewards Card
Barclays GM Rewards Card
Quick Snapshot
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 22.49%–32.49% variable
- Rewards: Up to 10x on GM purchases, 3x everywhere else
- Bonus: 30,000 bonus points after $1,000 spend in 90 days
- Best For: GM vehicle owners, future GM buyers, frequent drivers
- Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)
Overview
The GM Rewards Mastercard is a unique automotive-focused rewards card designed for General Motors enthusiasts and vehicle owners. This card stands out by offering industry-leading earning rates on GM purchases—up to 10x points when combined with GM Rewards Member benefits—while providing a strong 3x points on all other purchases, making it competitive with many general-purpose rewards cards.
Unlike traditional automotive financing cards, the GM Rewards Mastercard offers flexibility in how you use your points. Redeem them toward eligible new GM or Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, GM Certified Service, GM Genuine Parts, accessories, and even OnStar subscriptions. With no annual fee and a substantial 30,000-point welcome bonus, this card provides real value whether you're planning your next vehicle purchase or maintaining your current GM vehicle.
What truly differentiates this card is the earning potential. As a GM Rewards Mastercard holder, you earn 7x points per dollar on eligible GM purchases, plus up to 3x points as a GM Rewards Member, for a combined total of up to 10x points on qualifying GM transactions. Meanwhile, the 3x earning rate on all other purchases means you're consistently building rewards value on everyday spending—groceries, gas, dining, travel, and more.
APR Breakdown
- Purchase APR: 22.49%–32.49% variable (based on creditworthiness)
- Promotional GM Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 9 months on qualifying GM purchases over $499 made within first 30 days of account opening
- Subsequent GM Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 6 months on qualifying GM purchases over $499 made after first 30 days
- Balance Transfer APR: 22.49%–32.49% variable
- Cash Advance APR: 32.49% variable
- Penalty APR: None specified
Note: The promotional 0% APR periods on GM purchases provide valuable financing flexibility for vehicle maintenance and parts. However, the ongoing APR is relatively high, making full monthly payments essential.
Benefits Overview
GM Purchase Benefits
- Up to 10x points per dollar on eligible GM purchases (7x from card + up to 3x from GM Rewards membership)
- 0% intro APR for 9 months on qualifying GM purchases over $499 within first 30 days
- 0% intro APR for 6 months on subsequent qualifying GM purchases over $499 after first 30 days
- Points redeemable toward new GM or Certified Pre-Owned vehicles
- Points usable for GM Certified Service and GM Genuine Parts
- Redeem for OnStar subscriptions and GM accessories
Everyday Earning Benefits
- 3x points per dollar on all other purchases (groceries, gas, dining, travel, etc.)
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within first 90 days (worth ~$300 toward GM redemptions)
- Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted
- No annual fee—build rewards without ongoing costs
- Points integrate with GM Rewards Member program
Mastercard Benefits
- Zero fraud liability protection
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection with identity monitoring
- Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services
- 24/7 customer service and account management
- Mobile wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Digital card access for immediate use after approval
Rewards & Earning Structure
- 7x points per dollar on eligible GM purchases (dealership, service, parts, OnStar)
- Up to 3x additional points per dollar as a GM Rewards Member on GM purchases (total up to 10x)
- 3x points per dollar on all other purchases (groceries, travel, dining, gas, etc.)
- No caps or limits on points earned
- Points never expire as long as account remains open and in good standing
- Redemption: Use points at GM dealerships for vehicles, service, parts, accessories, and OnStar
GM Rewards points are typically valued at approximately $0.01 per point when redeemed toward GM purchases, meaning 10,000 points = $100 toward a GM vehicle or service. The 30,000-point welcome bonus provides approximately $300 in redemption value, effectively giving you a significant credit toward your next GM purchase or vehicle maintenance.
Welcome Bonus
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
This generous welcome bonus is worth approximately $300 when redeemed toward GM vehicles, certified service, or genuine parts. With a modest $1,000 spending requirement over three months (just $334/month), this bonus is easily attainable for most cardholders. The 30,000 points can significantly offset the cost of scheduled maintenance, new tires, accessories, or contribute meaningfully toward a down payment on your next GM vehicle.
Fees Summary
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Not specified (likely 3%, check terms)
- Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Who This Card Is Best For
Ideal For
- Current GM vehicle owners needing regular maintenance and service
- Future GM buyers building rewards toward a down payment or vehicle purchase
- GM brand enthusiasts loyal to Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac
- High-mileage drivers requiring frequent service appointments and parts
- Families with multiple GM vehicles maximizing service and parts spending
- Those spending broadly wanting 3x on all everyday purchases
- OnStar subscribers who can use points for subscription renewals
- DIY mechanics purchasing GM Genuine Parts regularly
- Long-term vehicle keepers planning to own their GM vehicle for years
Not Good For
- Non-GM vehicle owners without plans to purchase a GM vehicle
- Those preferring flexible redemption (points locked to GM ecosystem)
- Luxury/foreign car owners focused on other brands
- Those seeking premium travel benefits or transfer partners
- Balance carriers (high 22–32% APR negates rewards value)
- International travelers (likely 3% foreign transaction fee)
- Those wanting cash back instead of automotive-specific rewards
- Minimalist spenders who won't maximize the 3x everyday earning
Key Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee makes long-term holding cost-free
- Industry-leading up to 10x earning on GM purchases (7x card + up to 3x membership)
- Strong 3x earning rate on ALL other purchases (groceries, gas, dining, travel)
- 30,000-point welcome bonus worth ~$300 toward GM redemptions
- 0% intro APR for 9 months on GM purchases over $499 within first 30 days
- Subsequent 0% intro APR for 6 months on GM purchases after first 30 days
- Points redeemable toward vehicles, service, parts, accessories, OnStar
- No caps or limits on rewards earned
- Points never expire with active account
- Integrates with GM Rewards Member program for bonus earning
- Works everywhere Mastercard is accepted
Cons
- Points only redeemable within GM ecosystem (no cash back or travel options)
- High variable APR (22.49%–32.49%) if carrying balances
- Limited value for non-GM vehicle owners
- Promotional 0% APR only applies to GM purchases, not all purchases
- Points cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs
- Foreign transaction fees likely apply (check terms)
- Cash advance APR is expensive (32.49%)
- Redemption options limited to GM products and services
- Must maintain GM Rewards membership for maximum earning potential
- No traditional travel benefits or purchase protections
Alternatives to Consider
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash | Flat-rate cash back everywhere | $0 | 2% on everything | N/A |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | Flexible all-around rewards | $0 | 1.5%–5% tiered | $200 after $500 spend |
| Capital One Quicksilver | Simple cash back | $0 | 1.5% on everything | $200 after $500 spend |
| Wells Fargo Autograph | Travel/dining/gas rewards | $0 | 3x travel/dining/gas/transit | 20,000 points |
How the Rewards Add Up
Example Annual Value
Assuming you own a GM vehicle and spend $15,000 annually:
| Category | Annual Spend | Reward Rate | Earned Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM service/parts | $1,500 | 10x points (w/ membership) | 15,000 points ($150) |
| Groceries | $4,800 | 3x points | 14,400 points ($144) |
| Gas stations | $2,400 | 3x points | 7,200 points ($72) |
| Dining & restaurants | $3,600 | 3x points | 10,800 points ($108) |
| All other purchases | $2,700 | 3x points | 8,100 points ($81) |
| Welcome bonus (first year) | — | — | 30,000 points ($300) |
First Year Total Value: $855
Ongoing Annual Value: $555
No annual fee to subtract = $555 net annual value
For GM owners spending even more on service and maintenance—say $3,000 annually—the GM-specific rewards alone would be worth $300, making this card extremely valuable within the GM ecosystem.
Vehicle Purchase Example: If you're saving points toward a new GM vehicle purchase and spending $20,000 annually on the card at 3x (plus $2,000 in GM purchases at 10x), you'd accumulate approximately 80,000 points per year—equivalent to $800 off your next GM vehicle.
Should You Get This Card?
You Should Get It If...
- You own a GM vehicle (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac) and need regular maintenance
- You're planning to purchase a new or Certified Pre-Owned GM vehicle within the next few years
- You want to build rewards toward vehicle-related expenses
- You spend broadly across everyday categories and want 3x on all purchases
- You're a GM brand loyalist committed to the ecosystem long-term
- You always pay balances in full to avoid the high APR
- You want promotional financing on large GM service purchases
- You're an OnStar subscriber who can use points for renewals
- You value a strong everyday earning rate (3x) with no annual fee
- You're a GM Rewards Member maximizing earning potential
You Should Skip It If...
- You don't own a GM vehicle and have no plans to buy one
- You prefer flexible cash back redeemable anywhere
- You want rewards that transfer to airline or hotel partners
- You need premium travel benefits or purchase protections
- You carry credit card balances month-to-month (22–32% APR is costly)
- You drive a non-GM vehicle or prefer other automotive brands
- You're seeking a card for international travel (likely has foreign transaction fees)
- You want more flexible redemption options beyond GM products
- You rarely need vehicle service or parts
Apply Now
Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.
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