F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > BMW dealerships that allow purchasing with a credit card?
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-19-2021, 05:30 AM   #1
deathwish
Private
18
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: 2010 335D Sport iDrive
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New York, USA

iTrader: (0)

Question BMW dealerships that allow purchasing with a credit card?

Is there any list of dealerships that allow a BMW or at least 10% of it to be charged on an AMEX charge card?

I ask this question because every time I purchased or leased a bimmer in the past, I always used a charge card (that rewarded me with points). I was never told about any limit. The dealerships that accepted the cards were Wetchester BMW & Manhattan BMW. They are different from most other bimmer dealerships in that they were both owned by BMW NA. (Westchester BMW no longer exists. It was replaced by BMW of Westchester which is now an independent dealer.)

I leased my last bimmer from another dealership & when it came time to pay the down payment, they said that they do not accept AMEX at all. I never thought to ask if they accepted it but in hindsight, I would have looked for another dealership had I known prior to negotiating a price. The rewards points are really valuable.

I intentionally searched for my next bimmer using the American Express Auto Purchasing program (https://amexnetwork.truecar.com/) but to my surprise the dealerships only have to accept a minimum of $2,000 on the AMEX card to be included on the the list & the dealership I am purchasing my next X5 from, BMW of Mt Kisco will only accept a maximum of $2,500 on any credit card.

Is there any list of dealerships listing criteria such as the maximum they allow to be charged on an AMEX or any charge card or credit card? If not, can we start a thread that lists them?

Last edited by deathwish; 06-19-2021 at 05:37 AM.. Reason: typo
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 07:43 AM   #2
95blkmax
Captain
207
Rep
647
Posts

Drives: '11 535 M-Sport
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Oklahoma City

iTrader: (0)

There is no "list" for this kind of stuff. Most dealerships are individually-owned franchises with a few corporate-owned. It is fully up to the individual location if they want to accept a particular credit card, or if they want to set whatever limits they want.

Your best bet would be to literally sit and call dealerships in your area and ask that question to either the sales managers or GMs. I'm sure if you speak to a random sales person they may tell you yes just to bring you in the door and then "find out they don't accept AmEx anymore". So you definitely want to get that confirmation from a higher up
__________________
I'm on the YouTubez now!! Check it out -> https://www.youtube.com/@turbospool
11' M-sport- 371 WHP-478 WTQ on stock PWG// DYNO COMING FOR Shuenk N55+ on 91oct/ BHP Intake/ IC/ CP/ DP/ Valved Mufflers/ David Shoup Tuning/ B58 Coils+N20 NGKs/ Walbro 450/ Helix OD/ xHP3/ G12 Brembos
Appreciate 1
      06-19-2021, 07:54 AM   #3
540iSUP
Captain
703
Rep
799
Posts

Drives: G30, E36
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: California

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 95blkmax View Post
There is no "list" for this kind of stuff. Most dealerships are individually-owned franchises with a few corporate-owned. It is fully up to the individual location if they want to accept a particular credit card, or if they want to set whatever limits they want.

Your best bet would be to literally sit and call dealerships in your area and ask that question to either the sales managers or GMs. I'm sure if you speak to a random sales person they may tell you yes just to bring you in the door and then "find out they don't accept AmEx anymore". So you definitely want to get that confirmation from a higher up
This...

About 23 years ago my parents bought a BMW using a CC. Scored major reward points and I believe the card was new so it was zero interest. However, my dad did have a good relationship with that dealer due to purchasing vehicles from them before.
Appreciate 1
NickyC17238.00
      06-19-2021, 07:55 AM   #4
JJ 911SC
Crusty Old Navy Chief
JJ 911SC's Avatar
Canada
21682
Rep
1,693
Posts

Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 1983 911SC
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Ottawa

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
North of the 49 Parallel, both my Mini and BMW dealer will take 3K max on Visa or MC but not on AE (higher cost).
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 08:16 AM   #5
cb804
Captain
cb804's Avatar
2327
Rep
934
Posts

Drives: 340 xDrive, M2C
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Credit card fees for AMEX (over 3%) are the highest in the industry. As everyone has said, it is up to each individual dealer. But I'm sure the fees are limiting what they allow you to charge on a credit card.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 09:24 AM   #6
blkonblk
Private First Class
192
Rep
182
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C LBB
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: DubsTown

iTrader: (0)

Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 09:57 AM   #7
deathwish
Private
18
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: 2010 335D Sport iDrive
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New York, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ 911SC View Post
North of the 49 Parallel, both my Mini and BMW dealer will take 3K max on Visa or MC but not on AE (higher cost).
Thanks for the info.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 09:58 AM   #8
deathwish
Private
18
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: 2010 335D Sport iDrive
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New York, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Great deal.
I hate getting a new cc when they try to push it in department store but i would if I was offered a deal like yours.
Thanks for the info.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 10:05 AM   #9
deathwish
Private
18
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: 2010 335D Sport iDrive
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New York, USA

iTrader: (0)

Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by 540iSUP View Post
This...

About 23 years ago my parents bought a BMW using a CC. Scored major reward points and I believe the card was new so it was zero interest. However, my dad did have a good relationship with that dealer due to purchasing vehicles from them before.
That last time I heard of someone buying a new german car with a cc was Frasier Crane on Cheers. I thought it was impossible to do in real life. I read a story about someone who did purchase a new hyundai with an AmEx but this is the first bimmer.
Appreciate 1
Vivek.1363.50
      06-19-2021, 10:46 AM   #10
blkonblk
Private First Class
192
Rep
182
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C LBB
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: DubsTown

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by deathwish View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Great deal.
I hate getting a new cc when they try to push it in department store but i would if I was offered a deal like yours.
Thanks for the info.
I was ready to payoff purchase but the offer was so good. I had to keep the loan at least for a month.

I now have a little over 80k points which is $1000 worth of parts or service at any dealer
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 12:24 PM   #11
chris3g
Major
1476
Rep
1,201
Posts

Drives: 2023 M3 xdrive
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NJ

iTrader: (4)

at some point amex did maintain a list of dealers who would allow the entire purchase on the card in their auto purchase program. i haven't looked into this in a long time and maybe the info is no longer available on the website, but possibly they can still help with this if you call them.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 02:18 PM   #12
deathwish
Private
18
Rep
64
Posts

Drives: 2010 335D Sport iDrive
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: New York, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris3g View Post
at some point amex did maintain a list of dealers who would allow the entire purchase on the card in their auto purchase program. i haven't looked into this in a long time and maybe the info is no longer available on the website, but possibly they can still help with this if you call them.
Good idea. I’ll call them.
Currently their auto purchasing program website lists has a list of dealers that will except at least $2000 on an AMEX.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 02:24 PM   #13
six75LT
First Lieutenant
917
Rep
365
Posts

Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

you were able to put these charges on an amex without having to pay transaction fees? thats wild
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 03:51 PM   #14
Glen e
Retired from BMWNA
198
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: ‘21 X2 m35i
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Fort Lauderdale

iTrader: (0)

I was a general manager of a BMW dealership in the early 90s. Whenever I had a guy that wanted to use AMEX for the full amount I would say “sure, but I gotta bump the price 3%”… That usually ended that discussion.
__________________
Glen
Ft Lauderdale
'23 228i GC
Appreciate 4
      06-19-2021, 08:54 PM   #15
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2181
Rep
1,387
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
Our dealership has a $3,000 limit on credit card purchases but treats Amex no differently.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 11:44 PM   #16
thestimp
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
965
Rep
1,680
Posts

Drives: 22 X3MC MBB - C-17 Globemaster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 X3mC  [10.00]
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
If you offer to pay the 3% fee for the dealer they might let you, thats on top of the 3% already for a cc. Is it worth paying 6% CC tax?
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 02:07 AM   #17
Vegetable
Lieutenant Colonel
Vegetable's Avatar
United_States
791
Rep
1,627
Posts

Drives: 2019 M4 MT
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Humboldt

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWCCA1 View Post
Our dealership has a $3,000 limit on credit card purchases but treats Amex no differently.
That sucks. I have a few company cars that I have purchased in full with my 80k limit. I pay it off right away, and love the rewards. 3K is like a non-business personal down payment. Lame.
__________________
M4 in MG | 6 MT
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 12:56 PM   #18
FCX5
Colonel
FCX5's Avatar
United_States
2339
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: X5 50i
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Yeah. I did the same when I bought mine and charge everything BMW to the BMW CC. The points are very attractive and have over 88K points in less than 6 months. It is way better than Amex if you're spending on BMW products.
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 04:51 PM   #19
BMWCCA1
BMW Owner Since 1971
2181
Rep
1,387
Posts

Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Central Virginia

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 BMW 128i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegetable View Post
That sucks. I have a few company cars that I have purchased in full with my 80k limit. I pay it off right away, and love the rewards. 3K is like a non-business personal down payment. Lame.
Of course you love it! Free money. But it really isn't free. And why would you expect a dealership to take an additional 3% hit on already skinny profits? You can look up the profit margin. It just ain't gonna happen. I use Amex for everything I buy where it is accepted. My favorite restaurant won't take it. I still eat there. First world problems.
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 04:53 PM   #20
blkonblk
Private First Class
192
Rep
182
Posts

Drives: 2021 M2C LBB
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: DubsTown

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FCX5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Yeah. I did the same when I bought mine and charge everything BMW to the BMW CC. The points are very attractive and have over 88K points in less than 6 months. It is way better than Amex if you're spending on BMW products.
Time to redeem some CF bits
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 06:20 PM   #21
FCX5
Colonel
FCX5's Avatar
United_States
2339
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: X5 50i
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Washington, DC

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by FCX5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Yeah. I did the same when I bought mine and charge everything BMW to the BMW CC. The points are very attractive and have over 88K points in less than 6 months. It is way better than Amex if you're spending on BMW products.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FCX5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by blkonblk View Post
Niello BMW Elk Grove allowed max of $5k to finance to open a new cc with Elan BMW cc and also gave me 25k points
Yeah. I did the same when I bought mine and charge everything BMW to the BMW CC. The points are very attractive and have over 88K points in less than 6 months. It is way better than Amex if you're spending on BMW products.
Time to redeem some CF bits
Totally! The points added up pretty fast plus you get 25% when you use them at a BMW dealer.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2021, 12:15 PM   #22
VAcurler
Private First Class
116
Rep
144
Posts

Drives: 21 F23 M240i MT + 09 e90 328i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

My down payment was limited to anything but an AmEx. I think it was a few grand. I too just got the BMW CC for the signup bonus and because I was buying an extended warranty from BMW outside the initial sales price (via one the supporters of this forum). Will use the rewards towards the LSD soon
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
american express, amex, credit card, dealer, dealership, dealership experience

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:43 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST