Looking for a way to cut down your car maintenance costs? Maybe your credit card can help. In recent years most of the major automobile manufacturers have introduced branded credit cards providing auto rewards. The cardholders can earn points redeemable for the purchase of a new or used vehicle, auto parts, maintenance and merchandise. So if you want to benefit from your spending and get car-related services for free, then choose a credit card that deals with your auto manufacturer!

Each automotive credit card offers something a bit different. In some cases, you will earn points redeemable for the purchase of a new car from certain manufacturers. In other cases, you will be able to get auto parts or accessories. So let's analyze the most popular automotive credit cards and how they work.

• The oldest credit card with auto rewards is the GM Card from General Motors. Introduced in 1992, it has been used in over 5 million transactions. GM Card allows customers to earn points and redeem them for savings on a new GM vehicle.

Due to the success of this credit card program, the company has launched two more credit cards. For example, GM Flexible Earnings Card gives you more redemption options. You can earn points redeemable for cash back, purchase or lease of a new car from GM or other brands.

• Chrysler offers credit cards featuring Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep. The plastics come with no annual fee and similar rewards program. They let you to earn 5 points per dollar spent on purchases made at any Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep dealership and 1 point per dollar spent elsewhere. The points can be used for the purchase or lease of Chrysler vehicles, maintenance, spare parts, oil changes and other car-related services. Dodge credit card is considered to be the most popular offer among Chrysler credit cards.

• BMW has two credit card offers - a BMW Platinum Visa card and a Mini card called "My Mini," which lets customers to create their own credit card design. Mini Motoring Rewards enable users to get 2 points for gasoline, car washes, tolls and similar car-related purchases and 1 point per dollar spent for all other purchases. The points can be redeemed for a purchase of a new car or Mini parts and services. Moreover, My Mini lets you make $50 donations to several charities.

• Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card is offered to Mercedes owners only. This exclusive plastic lets you earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent. Mercedes-Benz owners who spend $10,000 will receive a $150 coupon to pay for a new Mercedes-Benz car, parts or service. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Visa Signature Card includes a free concierge service to help you book reservations at popular restaurants or tickets to various entertainment events.

• Chase bank provides credit cards for Audi and Subaru fans. Audi Visa Signature comes with a standard rewards scheme. You will earn 2 points per dollar spent on purchases made at Audi dealership and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for a new Audi, car parts, accessories, services and Audi events.

The Subaru Platinum MasterCard gives you three Subaru Bucks for every dollar you spent. Once you have accumulated 100 Subaru Bucks, you will receive a $100 reward coupon. The Bucks and the coupons can be redeemed for car maintenance, spare parts or the purchase of a new Subaru car.

• If you are a VW enthusiast, then Volkswagen Platinum Visa is designed for you. It allows customers to earn 2 points per dollar spent on VW purchases and 1 point per dollar spent elsewhere. The points go toward Volkswagen cars, service, gear or other rewards.
• If you don't want to be locked into a particular brand, look for automotive credit cards that offer rewards working for any manufacturer. For example Citi Driver's Edge Platinum Select MasterCard issued by CitiBank offers rebates applicable toward the purchase of any vehicle, new or used. Cardholders will earn a whopping 6% for gasoline, drugstore and supermarket purchases during the first year and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, you can earn $1 for every 100 miles you drive.