American Express Auto Purchasing Program by TrueCar [How It Works, Benefits]

Purchasing a vehicle from a dealership can be a frustrating experience. The negotiation process can be challenging, and it can be difficult to know if you’ve ultimately secured a good deal.

The American Express Auto Purchasing Program, powered by TrueCar, could be helpful for alleviating the annoying negotiation process, securing a fair price on a new or used vehicle, and enjoying benefits after your purchase. Fortunately, the benefit is available to American Express cardmembers.

Best of all, and something we champion greatly, the program allows you to use an American Express card for a portion of the purchase and earn Membership Rewards points or cash-back.

Here’s how the American Express Auto Purchasing program works, why you’d want to use it, and which American Express cards might be good choices to use toward the purchase.

How the American Express Auto Purchasing Program Works

We’ll expand on the program’s details shortly, but first, here’s a brief overview of how the American Express Auto Purchasing Program works.

Eligible American Express cardholders can search for a vehicle they’d like to purchase and see the price other buyers have paid for the same one.

After you submit the information for your desired vehicle, participating dealers contact you with pricing offers. Once you find a price you like, you work with the associated dealer to complete the purchase.

You then use your American Express card to put at least $2,000 toward the purchase price.

You receive postsale benefits worth up to $2,000 after registering the sale with TrueCar.

Bottom Line:

The American Express Auto Purchasing Program benefits American Express cardholders by connecting buyers with dealers that provide pricing and guaranteed savings on select vehicles. Cardmembers can also use an American Express card for $2,000 or more of the purchase price. Registered buyers qualify for postsale benefits.

Benefits of Using the Program

There are several key benefits to using the American Express Auto Purchasing Program.

First, a key benefit is eliminating the cumbersome in-person negotiating process, sometimes with several dealerships.

Here are some of the additional benefits of using the program:

• You can research vehicles online versus visiting several dealers in person.
• You receive a confirmed price before visiting a dealership.
• You save money on the purchase.
• You can use an American Express card to pay for at least $2,000 of the purchase price.
• You receive postpurchase benefits.

Now let’s dive into more information on each of these potential benefits.

Research Online

The American Express Auto Purchasing Program is powered by TrueCar, a digital marketplace and information company that gathers data on vehicle pricing, performance, technical information, and safety data for new and used vehicles.

Access to this information and the convenience of researching online for a vehicle, versus the time-consuming process of visiting several dealerships in person, is a real benefit.

Once you select a make and car model, you can customize the vehicle or choose a common default build. You’ll then see the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the average market price others have paid for the car.

Finally, submit the request for quotes from local certified dealers, providing an email for dealers to contact you.

Hot Tip:

American Express cardmembers can access special bonus cash brand incentives on the TrueCar homepage. We saw Mercedes offers 1 such incentive, which was posted on the page for $5,500 off the MSRP. Bonus cash incentives are in addition to the American Express Auto Purchasing Program.

Receive a Confirmed Price

Certified dealers provide you with the prices of actual cars in stock, information on accessories, and any additional fees that would apply.

If there are several local dealers, you receive multiple quotes. You still have the option of negotiating.

Save Money on the Purchase

The advantage of upfront pricing, knowing what others have paid in the marketplace for the same vehicle, and the ability to negotiate further with the dealer, ensure savings on your car purchase.

For some car models, you can request a Guaranteed Savings Certificate, which ensures you’re not paying full price for the car.

Once you’ve reached an agreed-upon price, you can visit the dealership, test-drive the vehicle, and complete the purchase.

Use an American Express Card for the Purchase

Each certified dealer determines the amount of the purchase price you can put on your American Express card. Participation in the American Express Auto Purchasing Program requires at least $2,000 down.

Hot Tip:

You may be able to use your American Express card to pay more than $2,000 of the purchase price! Each dealership determines the amount it will accept, and $2,000 is just the minimum. Some dealerships will accept much more, up to the full purchase price.

Postpurchase Benefits — TrueCar Buyer’s Bonus

Buyers receive the TrueCar Buyer’s Bonus program once they complete the purchase and register with TrueCar. Registration must be completed within 45 days of the purchase.

These postpurchase benefits can be worth up to $2,000:

• Repair Discounts — Receive 20% reimbursement of an eligible payment, up to $500, for repairs to a vehicle purchased through the program. Car parts qualify, and there is a limit of 2 reimbursements per year (service is unavailable in New York or New Hampshire).
• Deductible Reimbursement — Receive reimbursement, up to $500 twice each year, for your insurance deductible when you file a claim (not available in New York or New Hampshire).
• Access to Auto Experts — Have access to a certified mechanic to discuss potential repairs, sounds your car is making, and related car issues. This benefit includes unlimited access to expert opinions.

Only purchases made with a certified dealer qualify for the TrueCar Buyer’s Bonus program. Car purchases from dealers not participating in the American Express Auto Purchasing Program are ineligible for benefits.

Bottom Line:

Purchase a vehicle with a certified dealer participating in the American Express Auto Purchasing Program, register your purchase with TrueCar within 45 days of the purchase, and receive up to $2,000 in postpurchase benefits with the TrueCard Buyer’s Bonus program.

Which American Express Card To Use

Meeting the minimum spending requirements of a card’s welcome bonus offer is one of the key reasons to use an American Express card toward a vehicle purchase. This opportunity yields the best value. Any American Express card offering a welcome bonus offer with spending requirements would be an appropriate choice.

You also want to earn rewards on your purchase. These recommended American Express cards have access to the American Express Auto Purchasing Program and earn Membership Rewards points:

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Using the Amex Platinum card for a portion of your car purchase can help meet the minimum spending requirements for the welcome offer. Welcome offers vary, so review the most current offer (detailed above) before applying.

The card has no preset spending limits* and earns 1x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on car purchases.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

• High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Business Platinum card earns 1.5x Membership Rewards points on purchases of $5,000 or more.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

15,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$330

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

17.99% - 25.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-840)

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost

Cons

• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
• You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.99% - 25.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Blue Business Plus card earns 2x Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent, up to $50,000 in purchases yearly.

Bottom Line:

Using an American Express card toward your car purchase can help you meet the spending requirements for a card’s welcome bonus offer and earn valuable Membership Rewards points or cash-back.

Pros and Cons of Using the Program

Using the American Express Auto Purchasing Program has obvious benefits, but it can also have downsides.

We think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but here is a quick overview of the pros and possible limitations:

Final Thoughts

Using the American Express Auto Purchasing Program carries no risk other than providing your contact information to several dealerships.

When multiple dealers compete for your business, you’ll likely save money. And you could establish an email specifically for communicating with them to segregate the volume of emails.

The program is worth using if you can save money on your car purchase, earn Membership Rewards points or cash-back, and receive postpurchase benefits.

The program would have less value if you live in an area with few or no participating dealers or have an established relationship with a specific, nonparticipating dealer you prefer to work with. Still, using the program to gather initial pricing information could be helpful.

If you have questions about the American Express Auto Purchasing Program, you can find all the details in your online card account or call 877-924-2922.

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*No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.