Getting an auto repair credit card can be difficult if your own credit isn’t all that great. Luckily, there are some options available to you. We have the list of credit card companies (not all are exclusively for auto repairs) that work with people who have bad credit. The list of creditors includes CFNA, Indigo Platinum Card, Sears Mastercard, and more.

Auto Repair Credit Cards and Lines of Credit Explained

There aren’t very many auto repair credit cards, nor are there many auto repair credit cards specifically targeted to help those with bad credit. Auto repair credit cards should offer no interest financing if you pay in full within a set period (usually six or 12 months).

It would be much easier to find a standard credit card company that works with people with bad credit and use it to fund your auto repairs. However, the terms of credit cards for people with bad credit generally include high APRs and you may only be approved for a low credit limit, which might not be enough to pay for the auto repairs you need. Depending on the estimate of your repairs, you might want to consider looking into an auto repair loan instead of a credit card. You can learn more about auto loans in our article on auto loan options with no credit check.

Where to Get an Auto Repair Credit Card (Even If You Have Bad Credit)

In our list below, we’ve included auto repair credit cards and regular credit cards. And we’ve specified which creditors state that they will work with you even if you have bad credit. Some companies said approval is based on many factors and that anyone who is interested should apply, regardless of their credit score. These creditors we marked as “maybe” for accepting applicants with bad credit.

Note: You may fill out an application for one card and be offered a different card instead. Many companies will review your application and offer you another option if you don’t qualify for the card for which you originally applied.

Credit First National Association (CFNA)

CFNA offers auto repair and tire credit cards through multiple auto repair shops.

  • Terms: Terms vary depending on the auto repair shop where you get your card. Many offer promotional financing, such as no interest on purchases over $199 if paid in full within six months.
  • Bad credit accepted? Maybe
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: CFNA Automotive Credit Cards
  • Find a CFNA to apply

First PREMIER Bank Credit Card

This is a regular credit card that caters to borrowers with bad credit. You can use this card to pay for your auto repairs. But, keep in mind, the terms are not very favorable, so you might want to consider this card as a last resort.

  • Terms: Your initial credit limit will start at $300 to $500, and may be increased over time with a fee. There is a one-time program fee of $95, an annual fee ranging from $75 to $125, depending on your credit limit, and an APR of 36%. If you keep the card for more than a year, the annual fee will decrease, but additional monthly fees will apply.
  • Bad credit accepted? Yes
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: First Premier Bank Credit Card
  • Apply

Indigo Platinum Card

This is a regular credit card that caters to borrowers with bad credit. You can use this card to pay for your auto repairs.

  • Terms: There is an annual fee ranging from $0 to $99, depending on your credit profile, and an APR of 23.9%.
  • Bad credit accepted? Yes
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: Indigo Platinum Card
  • Apply

Milestone Gold Mastercard

This is a regular credit card that caters to borrowers looking to improve a poor credit score. You can use this card to pay for your auto repairs.

  • Terms: The standard credit limit is $300. There is an annual fee ranging from $35 to $99, depending on your credit profile, and an APR of 23.9%.
  • Bad credit accepted? Yes
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: Milestone Gold Mastercard FAQ
  • Apply

Sears Mastercard

This is a store credit card. The Sears Mastercard offers rewards points on eligible purchases. Since Sears sells auto parts and has auto service centers, this could be a good option if there is a Sears location near you.

  • Terms: APR between 5 and 26.99%. Promotions vary — the current promotion (as of press time) has no interest if paid in full within six months on automotive and tire purchase of $199 or more.
  • Bad credit accepted? Maybe
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: Sears Mastercard
  • Apply

Surge Mastercard

This is a regular credit card that caters to borrowers with bad credit. Keep in mind, due to the high annual fee this card will only give you $375 to work with for your auto repairs.

  • Terms: The initial credit limit is $500. There is an annual fee of $125 and an APR of 29.99%. Depending on your credit, you may be charged a refundable security deposit of $50, $100, $150, or $500.
  • Bad credit accepted? Yes
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: Surge Mastercard terms and conditions
  • Apply

Synchrony Car Care Credit Card

Synchrony offers auto repair credit cards through multiple auto repair shops.

  • Terms: Terms vary depending on the auto repair shop where you get your card. Many offer promotional financing, such as no interest on purchases over $199 if paid in full within six months.
  • Bad credit accepted? Maybe
  • Credit check required? Yes
  • Source: Synchrony Automotive Repair Financing
  • Apply

In Summary

There aren’t many specific auto repair credit cards, bad credit no problem cards to report. However, there are standard credit cards that cater to those with bad credit. Just beware of high APRs and make sure the credit limit is high enough to cover the cost of your estimated repairs. The creditors listed above should be able to help you pay for your auto repairs, even if you have bad credit.

Want to skip the credit card and look into a different form of financing? See our article about how to get auto parts financing.

Did the mechanic fix your car without permission? Our article will tell you if you really have to pay.


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