Heading to Ponderosa? Don't Forget Your Nissan Card

If supermarkets, gasoline retailers and a slew of other automakers can offer branded credit cards, why not Nissan?

The Japanese automaker most closely associated with the word “value” is throwing a perk at its customer base, rolling out a consumer credit card program to turn those fuel and meal purchases into real Nissan cents.

The Nissan Visa card, offered through Synchrony Financial, allows dedicated brand loyalists (with good credit) to collect points towards a new or pre-owned Nissan vehicle, or servicing. While some owners might entertain thoughts of gassing and eating their way into a new Armada, the card’s other features are probably a bigger draw. The fine print, however, might prove less tempting.

Cardholders can expect roadside assistance, auto rental collision damage waiver, as well as travel and emergency assistance services. Should they prefer to steer clear of Nissan dealers, the rewards points are redeemable as statement credit — maxing out at $300 a year.

According to the lender, each rewards point amounts to a shiny penny within the confines of a dealership. The program allots five points for each dollar spend on Nissan products, servicing and gas, or three points for ever buck dropped on food. All other purchases are good for one point to the dollar.

Getting into the finer details, it seems only diehard Nissan fan would happily agree to the terms of the card. Fees and interest rates fall on the high side. APR for purchases is, depending on your account type, prime rate plus 13.99 percent, or prime plus 19.99 percent. Cash advances for either account type equals prime plus 21.99 percent, plus transaction fees of $10 or 4 percent of the amount, whichever is higher. Synchrony lists late payment penalty fees as “up to $38.”

So, if you’re in the habit of paying off your balance each month and love the thought of a slight discount when servicing your fifth Nissan, your favorite automaker has just the card for you.

[Images: Nissan]