Dreaming of a new Chevy, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac? The GM Rewards card lets you earn points toward a future GM vehicle on your everyday spending. The rewards can be appealing for loyal GM fans, but the card's APR and narrow redemption options deserve a close look. Before you apply, it helps to know exactly what the GM Rewards card offers and whether a credit-builder card fits your goals better.
This review breaks down the points, APR, and fees in plain English. We will also compare lower-cost alternatives if your main goal is building credit rather than saving on a car.
What Is the GM Rewards Card?
The GM Rewards Mastercard is a co-branded rewards card tied to General Motors. It lets you earn points that can be redeemed toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new GM vehicle, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models.
The card was formerly issued by Marcus by Goldman Sachs and has since moved to Barclays. The reissue came with some changes to the rewards, so it is worth reviewing the current terms before applying.
GM Rewards Card Rewards
As of June 2026, the card advertises up to 10X points on GM purchases, which combines 7X per $1 on eligible GM purchases with up to 3X for being a GM Rewards member. It also earns 3X points on all other purchases.
Those points are most valuable when redeemed toward a GM vehicle. If you are not planning to buy or lease a GM car, the rewards lose much of their appeal, since redemption is focused on the GM ecosystem.
GM Rewards Card APR and Fees
Here is the part to watch. As of June 2026, there is an introductory 0% APR for 9 months on qualifying GM purchases over $499. After that, a variable APR of 22.24% to 32.24% applies based on your creditworthiness, and cash advances run higher at 33.24%.
The card has no annual fee, but it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee and a cash advance fee of 5% (minimum $10). Check Marcus or Barclays for current terms, since rates can change. A high APR matters most if you carry a balance, so paying in full each month is the way to avoid interest. See how this compares in our guide to the average credit card interest rate.
Who Should Consider It?
The GM Rewards card makes the most sense for people who plan to buy or lease a GM vehicle and pay their balance in full. The points can meaningfully cut the cost of a future car for loyal GM drivers.
If your main goal is building credit, though, a general rewards card tied to one brand may not be the best starting point. Credit-builder cards report to the major bureaus, charge smaller fees, and are not locked to a single use. Let us compare a few, starting with the Self Visa Credit Card.
The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a savings-backed account with a card so your on-time payments can help build credit while you save. It is a flexible option for people who want progress they can use anywhere, not just toward one carmaker.
Another option to weigh is the Current Build Card, which links everyday spending to a setup designed for credit building.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
The Current Build Card can help you build credit through daily purchases without a hard credit pull to get started. It reports your activity to the bureaus, which is the part that actually moves your score over time.
If you want a low-cost entry point, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card is also worth a look.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
The Kikoff Secured Credit Card is built around a low minimum deposit and simple monthly use, which can suit beginners who want to keep costs down. As always, terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
How These Compare
The GM Rewards card is strong for one purpose: saving toward a GM vehicle. Its points add up quickly for GM loyalists, but the value drops if you do not plan to buy a GM car, and the APR can reach 32.24%.
Credit-builder cards like Self, Current, and Kikoff are not about brand rewards. They focus on reporting your payments so your credit can grow. For many people building or rebuilding, that long-term payoff matters more than vehicle points. To track your progress, Creditship.ai offers credit education and monitoring tools.
Tips for Building Credit
The habits matter more than the card. Pay on time every month, since payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Keep your balance well under your limit, ideally below 30%.
Avoid applying for several cards at once, and review your credit reports for errors. If you are just starting out, our roundup of the best credit cards for beginners is a useful next step. You can also explore unsecured credit card options with Firstcard.
Is the GM Rewards Card Worth It?
For GM fans planning their next vehicle who pay in full, the card can deliver real value through its points. For anyone focused on building credit at the lowest cost, a credit-builder card is usually the smarter pick. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the GM Rewards card?
The GM Rewards Mastercard generally favors applicants with good credit, often in the upper 600s or higher, though approval is never guaranteed. Barclays does not publish an exact cutoff, so your full profile matters. Building your score first can improve your odds.
Does the GM Rewards card have an annual fee?
No, the GM Rewards card does not charge an annual fee. It does add a 3% foreign transaction fee and a cash advance fee of 5% (minimum $10) per transaction.
Can GM Rewards points be redeemed for cash?
GM Rewards points are designed to be redeemed toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new GM vehicle, not for cash back. That focus is why the card mainly benefits people who plan to buy a GM car.
Is a credit-builder card better than the GM Rewards card?
If your goal is improving your credit, a credit-builder card is often the better fit because it reports to the bureaus and usually costs less to carry. The GM Rewards card is best for GM loyalists who pay in full and want vehicle rewards.
