Firestone offers payment plans through Firestone Credit Card and third-party financing partners
Firestone Complete Auto Care runs payment plans through two main channels: their own Firestone Credit Card (issued by Citi), and third-party financing through Synchrony Financial. Which one you use depends on what you're financing and which option the store offers at the time of your service. Both let you split tire, battery, maintenance, and repair costs into monthly payments instead of paying in full upfront.
The Firestone Credit Card is a store card you can use at any Firestone location. Synchrony financing is a point-of-sale option—you apply right there during checkout, and approval happens in minutes. Neither is a loan you take out separately; both are tied to your specific purchase at Firestone.
Approval, interest rates, and payment terms vary based on your credit score and the financing partner's current offers. There is no single "Firestone payment plan"—what you're offered depends on the store, the service amount, and your creditworthiness at the moment you apply.
Key Takeaways
- Firestone Credit Card and Synchrony financing are the two main payment options; not all stores offer both.
- Interest rates and terms depend on your credit score and the current promotional offer, which changes frequently.
- Approval usually takes minutes at the register if you choose point-of-sale financing.
- Missing a payment triggers late fees and interest charges, and can affect your credit report if the account goes to collections.
- You can pay off the balance early without penalty on most Firestone financing plans.
Firestone Credit Card: how it works and what it costs
The Firestone Credit Card is a store credit card issued by Citi. You apply in person at a Firestone location or online at the Firestone website. Once approved, you can use it at any Firestone Complete Auto Care location for tires, batteries, maintenance, and repairs. You can also use it for other purchases, but the card is designed primarily for Firestone services.
Interest rates on the Firestone Credit Card range widely—typically 18% to 29.99% APR depending on your credit score. The card may offer promotional periods like "12 months no interest" on purchases over a certain amount, but these promotions are not may provide and change. You need to ask at the store or check the Firestone website to see what's currently running.
If you carry a balance after a promotional period ends, you pay the full APR on the remaining amount. Late payments trigger a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and can raise your interest rate. Missed payments also report to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
Synchrony financing: the point-of-sale option
Synchrony is a third-party financing company that Firestone partners with. Instead of applying for a card ahead of time, you apply for financing right at the register when you're ready to pay. The application takes a few minutes, and you get an approval decision on the spot—or within a few hours if the system needs to verify information.
Synchrony offers several payment term options: typically 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, depending on the purchase amount and your credit. Like the Firestone Credit Card, interest rates vary. Synchrony may offer promotional rates—such as 0% APR for 12 months on purchases over $200—but these are temporary and not may provide.
If you don't meet the promotional terms (for example, if you miss a payment or pay off the balance late), you may owe interest retroactively on the full amount. Read the terms carefully before you sign. Synchrony reports to credit bureaus, so late or missed payments affect your credit score the same way they would with any other financing.
Interest rates, fees, and what happens if you miss a payment
Interest rates on both Firestone Credit Card and Synchrony financing depend on your credit score. The better your score, the lower your rate. There is no fixed rate—two people financing the same repair may pay different APRs.
Common fees include late fees (typically $25 to $35 per missed payment) and annual fees on the Firestone Credit Card (usually $0 if you use it regularly, but check the terms). If you pay off a promotional 0% plan late or miss a payment, you may be charged interest retroactively on the entire balance from the purchase date.
If you miss a payment, the lender will contact you by phone or mail. After 30 days past due, the account may be reported to credit bureaus. After 60 to 90 days, the account may be sent to a collections agency. At that point, you owe collection fees on top of the original balance, and your credit score takes a significant hit. Paying the account in full stops the collections process, but the late payment remains on your credit report for seven years.
How to apply and what documents you'll need
For the Firestone Credit Card, you can apply online at firestone.com or in person at any Firestone location. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. The application takes about 10 minutes. You get a decision within a few minutes if you apply online, or within a few minutes at the store.
For Synchrony financing, you apply at the register when you're checking out. You'll provide your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The cashier enters the information into the Synchrony system, and you get an approval decision in minutes. If Synchrony needs to verify information, you may get a call or email within a few hours.
Both applications do a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you're denied, you can ask the store if there are other payment options—some Firestone locations offer in-house payment plans or may work with you on a different timeline.
Paying off your balance early and other options
Most Firestone financing plans allow you to pay off the balance early without penalty. This is useful if you want to avoid interest charges or if you receive a bonus or tax refund. Check your account terms or call the lender (Citi for the credit card, Synchrony for point-of-sale financing) to confirm there's no prepayment penalty.
If you can't afford the monthly payment, contact the lender immediately. Some lenders offer hardship programs that temporarily lower your payment or extend the term. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have. Waiting until you're 30 days late closes off most options and triggers late fees and credit damage.
If Firestone financing doesn't work for you, ask the store about other payment methods: some locations accept payment plans through other third-party lenders, or may allow you to split the cost across multiple visits. You can also ask if the store offers a discount for paying in cash or by debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Firestone Credit Card at other stores?
The Firestone Credit Card is a store card and can only be used at Firestone Complete Auto Care locations. It is not a general-purpose credit card and will not work at other retailers.
What's the difference between 0% APR and a promotional rate?
0% APR means you pay no interest if you make all payments on time and pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period. If you miss a payment or pay late, you may owe interest retroactively on the full amount from the purchase date. A promotional rate is a reduced APR (like 9.99%) that applies for a set period; interest still accrues, but at a lower rate than the standard APR.
Does Firestone financing show up on my credit report?
Yes. Both the Firestone Credit Card and Synchrony financing are reported to credit bureaus. On-time payments help your credit score; late or missed payments hurt it. The account appears on your credit report for up to seven years after it closes.
What if I'm denied for Firestone financing?
If you're denied, ask the store manager about other options. Some Firestone locations work with alternative lenders, offer in-house payment plans, or may let you split the cost across multiple visits. You can also ask about discounts for paying in full by cash or debit card.
Can I transfer my Firestone Credit Card balance to another card?
The Firestone Credit Card is a store card and is not designed for balance transfers. You cannot transfer the balance to another credit card. You must pay it off through Citi (the card issuer) or let it sit and accrue interest at the standard APR after any promotional period ends.