Barclays GM Rewards™ Mastercard® Review: Earn Big on GM Purchases
If you're a GM enthusiast, the GM Rewards™ Mastercard® could be your ticket to savings on your next vehicle or service, offering high rewards on GM purchases and everyday spending. But is it the right fit for your wallet?
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 30,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | Up to 10x points |
| Intro APR | 0% introductory APR for the first 9 billing cycles from the transaction date on all Qualifying GM Purchases greater than $499 made within 30 days from account opening. After that, your APR will be 22.24% to 32.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. 0% promotional APR for the first 6 billing cycles from the transaction date on all Qualifying GM Purchases greater than $499 made after 30 days from account opening. After that, your APR will be 22.24% to 32.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Regular APR | APR for purchases 22.24% to 32.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for balance transfers 22.24% to 32.24% based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for cash advances 33.24% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. Cash advance and fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 3%. |
Overview
For General Motors enthusiasts, the GM Rewards™ Mastercard® offers a high-octane way to earn rewards toward your next vehicle, service, or parts purchase. The card stands out with an impressive rewards rate for a no-annual-fee card: you'll earn an incredible 7x points on eligible GM purchases (plus 3x for being a GM Rewards Member, for a total of up to 10x points) and a flat 3x points on all other spending, including gas, groceries, and dining. New cardholders can also get a head start with a solid sign-up bonus of 30,000 points after meeting the initial spending requirement.
While the earning potential is strong, the card's value is maximized when you redeem your points within the GM ecosystem. This makes it a perfect fit for loyal customers of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac. The card also offers a promotional 0% intro APR on qualifying GM purchases over $499, which could be useful for financing a large repair or accessory purchase. However, be mindful of the high regular APR that follows, as this card is not ideal for carrying a long-term balance on everyday spending.
Ultimately, the GM Rewards™ Mastercard® is tailor-made for the GM devotee who pays their balance in full each month. If you're saving up for a down payment on a new Silverado or need to cover service for your Cadillac, this card can accelerate your goals without an annual fee. For those without a GM vehicle in their driveway, a more general-purpose rewards card would likely offer more flexible value.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- Complimentary FICO® Credit Score
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- High balance transfer fee
- High cash advance fee
- Rewards primarily focused on GM purchases
Benefits
Impressive Rewards for GM Fans and Everyday Spending
The GM Rewards™ Mastercard® is a standout choice for anyone loyal to the GM family of brands, but its benefits extend well beyond the dealership. The card's rewards structure is its main draw, offering an excellent up to 10x points on eligible GM purchases, which is ideal for vehicle maintenance, parts, or accessories. More impressively, it earns a flat 3x points on every other purchase. This elevated rate on gas, groceries, dining, and travel makes it a powerful and simple tool for everyday spending, a rare feature for a no-annual-fee card that typically offers bonus rates in only one or two categories.
Generous Bonus and Valuable Financing Perks
New cardholders are greeted with a solid welcome offer: earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. This is a generous bonus with an easily attainable spending requirement for a card with a $0 annual fee. While points are redeemed for GM products and services, this bonus provides a significant head start for those saving toward a new vehicle or planning for future service costs. The card also includes a valuable introductory 0% APR for 9 months on qualifying GM purchases greater than $499, giving you a way to finance a larger repair or upgrade interest-free.
Drawbacks
The primary limitation of the GM Rewards™ Mastercard® is its narrow focus. While the rewards rates are strong, points are most valuably redeemed for GM products and services, such as vehicle purchases, service appointments, or accessories. This makes the card an excellent fit for GM loyalists, but it lacks the flexibility of general cash-back or travel rewards cards. If you're not planning a significant GM-related purchase in the near future, you'll likely find more value from a card with more versatile redemption options.
Beyond the rewards structure, the card carries a high ongoing APR that ranges from 22.24% to 32.24%, based on your creditworthiness. This makes it a potentially expensive option if you carry a balance from month to month. Cardholders should also be aware of other charges, including a 3% foreign transaction fee that makes it unsuitable for international travel, and a high balance transfer fee of 5% of the transfer amount.
Decision Guidance
This card is a powerful tool for loyal GM customers, as its exceptional rewards rate can significantly reduce the cost of your next vehicle or service appointment. If you frequently spend money within the GM ecosystem and pay your balance in full, its high earning structure is hard to beat for a no-annual-fee card. However, those who aren't dedicated to GM brands will find more flexibility and value in a general-purpose cash back or travel card.
Summary
The GM Rewards™ Mastercard® is a no-brainer for loyal GM customers, offering a stellar rewards rate on all spending that can seriously accelerate savings for a new vehicle down payment or service bill. However, its points are best used within the GM ecosystem, making it a less practical choice for anyone who doesn't drive or plan to buy a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac.