Summer promotions from banks and retailers have long become a tradition, but in 2026 it attracts special attention “My Summer Car Strawberry”** is a bonus card that combines cashback opportunities, discounts in partner stores and exclusive offers for car owners. Despite the name associated with the “May” promotions, the card is valid throughout the warm season, and its conditions are regularly updated. In this article we will look at what it is May Summer Car Strawberry, how to get it, activate it and use it with maximum benefit - especially if you often spend money on car products, gas stations or services.

It is important to understand that this is not a classic bank card, but rather a hybrid product from partners - banks, retailers and fuel networks. Its main advantage is accumulation of bonuses not only for purchases, but also for refueling at a gas station, paying for car wash or tire fitting. However, the card has some nuances: a limited list of partners, minimum spending conditions and pitfalls when exchanging bonuses. Below are step-by-step instructions with all the details.

What is “My Summer Car Strawberry” and who is it suitable for?

May Summer Car Strawberry is a bonus program launched as part of the summer promotion in 2026 by several partners: a bank (most often Tinkoff or SberBank, depending on the region), a network of gas stations (for example, Lukoil or Gazpromneft) and retailers (such as Magnet or Pyaterochka). The card is issued in two formats:

  • 💳 Virtual card — linked to a bank’s or partner’s mobile application, used for online payments and payments via NFC.
  • 📱 Digital wallet — integrates into Apple Pay/Google Pay, works like a full-fledged debit card, but with bonus accruals.

The main feature of the program is strawberry bonuses, which are awarded for:

  • 🛒 Shopping in partner supermarkets (from 1% to 5% cashback).
  • ⛽ Refueling at a gas station (up to 3% return in the form of fuel points).
  • 🚗 Payment for car services (washing, tire fitting, maintenance - up to 10% bonuses).
  • 🎁 Participation in summer promotions (for example, “2+1” for auto chemicals or free diagnostics when purchasing oil).

The card is suitable for those who:

  • 🚘 Often refueled at gas stations of a specific chain (you need to check the list of partners in your region).
  • 🛍️ Shops at partner supermarkets (usually federal chains).
  • 💰 I am ready to spend from 5,000 ₽ per month to receive maximum cashback (minimum thresholds for bonuses - from 3,000 ₽).
⚠️ Attention: The card does not replace a standard debit card - it is an addition to it. If you already have a cashback card from another bank, compare the conditions: sometimes it is more profitable to use it, but May Summer Car leave only for gas stations and auto services.

How to get a card: step-by-step instructions

The process of obtaining a card depends on the region and partner bank, but the general scheme looks like this:

  1. Check availability. The promotion is not valid in all cities. The list of regions can be found on the website mai-summer.ru (if the site does not open, it means the program does not work in your city).
  2. Select a partner bank. In 2026 the card will be issued:
    • 🏦 Tinkoff — for customers with a valid debit card.
    • 🏦 SberBank - only for holders SberCards or Give life.
    • 🏦 VTB - within the framework of the Multicard program.
  • Fill out the form. This can be done:
    • 📱 In the bank’s mobile application (section “Promotions” or “Affiliate programs”).
    • 🖥️ On the bank’s website in your personal account.
    • 🏠 At a bank branch (if a physical card is required).
    • Activate the card. The virtual card is activated immediately after issue, the physical card is activated via SMS or a call to the bank.

      • If you are not a client of a partner bank, you can apply for a card through the promotional promotion page, but then you will have to open a new account (sometimes with a service fee).

      Have a Russian passport|Be a client of a partner bank (or ready to open an account)|Confirm your phone number|Agree to data processing (check the box in the form)-->

      ⚠️ Attention: Some banks block issuance May Summer Car clients with overdue loans or low reliability ratings. If you are rejected, check your credit history through BKI or Public services.

      Activating the card is only half the battle. To start receiving strawberry bonuses, you need to link it to the loyalty program. This is done like this:

      1. Install the partner's application. Usually this is a bank application (Tinkoff, SberBank Online) or a special promotion application (May Summer).
      2. Find the "Bonuses" or "Promotions" section. B Tinkoff this is Bonuses → Affiliate programs, in SberBank — SberSpasibo → Promotions.
      3. Enter promotional code. You can get it:
        • 📧 By SMS after the card is issued.
        • 🛒 At the checkout counter of a partner supermarket (ask the cashier).
        • ⛽ At gas stations when paying for fuel (receipts with code will be issued until June 30, 2026).
    • Confirm the binding. After entering the promotional code, you will receive a push notification or email with confirmation.

    If there is no promotional code, try activating the card via Personal account → My cards → May Summer Car → Connect bonuses. Sometimes the system pulls up the data automatically.

    💡

    If the bank application does not see the card, try restarting the phone or reinstalling the application. In 20% of cases this solves the synchronization problem.

    Bank Activation method Connection time Do you need a promotional code?
    Tinkoff Through the application in the "Bonuses" section 5–10 minutes Yes (comes via SMS)
    SberBank SberSpasibo → Promotions → May Summer Up to 1 hour No (auto-connect)
    VTB Call support or department 1–2 days Yes (issued by the operator)

    How are bonuses awarded and where can you spend them?

    Bonuses on the card May Summer Car Strawberry are not credited immediately, but with a delay of up to 5 working days. Accrual rules:

    • 🛒 Supermarkets: 1 bonus = 1 ₽ (for example, for a purchase of 1,000 ₽, 10–50 bonuses will be awarded, depending on the promotion).
    • ⛽ Gas station: 1 bonus = 1 liter of fuel (when exchanging for a gas station) or 1 ₽ (when exchanging for purchases).
    • 🚗 Car services: 1 bonus = 2 ₽ (the most profitable way to spend it is on tire service or car wash).

    You can exchange bonuses:

    • 🎫 For a discount in the receipt (in partner supermarkets).
    • ⛽ For free fuel (100 bonuses = 1 liter of gasoline).
    • 🛠️ For car services (200 bonuses = 1 car wash).
    • 💳 To top up your phone balance (500 bonuses = 100 ₽).

    The minimum threshold for exchange is 300 bonuses. If your account has less, your bonuses will expire December 31, 2026. They cannot be exchanged for money!

    ⚠️ Attention: When paying for fuel with bonuses at some gas stations you are required to present passport or driver's license. This rule was introduced in 2026 to combat fraudsters.

    For gas station|For groceries in the supermarket|For car services (washing, tire service)|I’ll save up until there’s a good offer|I don’t know-->

    Limitations and pitfalls of the program

    Despite the tempting conditions, May Summer Car Strawberry There are a number of restrictions that are often kept silent:

    • 🚫 Accrual limit: Maximum of 5,000 bonuses per month (equivalent to 5,000–10,000 RUB spending, depending on the category).
    • 🛑 Exceptions: Bonuses are not awarded for:
      • Purchase of alcohol and tobacco.
      • Payment of utilities.
      • Transfers between accounts.
    • ⏳ Bonus validity period: All accumulated bonuses will expire on December 31, 2026, if you do not have time to spend them.
    • 📍 Regional restrictions: In some cities (for example, in Crimea or DPR/LPR) the card does not work due to sanctions.

    Another important nuance: if you return an item for which you received bonuses, they will be spanned (removed from the account). However, they cannot be restored - even through court.

    What to do if bonuses are not credited?

    If bonuses have not arrived within 5 days, check:

    1. Purchase category — the store may not be on the list of partners.

    2. Minimum check amount (usually from 300 ₽).

    3. Card activity — sometimes re-activation in the application is required.

    If everything is correct, write to bank support with a receipt (photo or scan). In 70% of cases, bonuses are restored.

    Tips for getting the most out of your card

    To squeeze out May Summer Car Strawberry At most, follow these recommendations:

    • 📅 Plan your spending. The highest bonuses are given on “hot days” (usually Fridays and weekends). Monitor push notifications in the application.
    • ⛽ Refuel at partner gas stations. Even if you usually fill up at a different network, the 3% cashback is worth changing your habits.
    • 🛒 Use the card to pay for auto goods. In stores like AutoMag or ATL bonuses are awarded at an increased rate (up to 7%).
    • 🔄 Combine with other promotions. For example, if a supermarket offers a 10% discount using a store card, pay May Summer Car - get double benefits.

    If you often travel long distances, it makes sense to refuel at partner gas stations along the way - this way you will accumulate bonuses for free fuel for your next trip.

    💡

    The most profitable way to spend bonuses is by exchanging them for car services (washing, tire service). Here the exchange rate is 2 times higher than when paying for groceries.

    Common problems and how to solve them

    Users May Summer Car Strawberry often encounter difficult problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

    Problem Reason Solution
    Bonuses are not awarded The store is not on the list of partners Check the list on the promotion website or bank app
    The card is not linked Error in data or promotional code Recheck the code or contact support
    You cannot pay for fuel with bonuses Not enough daily limit Split the payment into 2 checks (for example, 2 gas stations for 500 ₽)
    The application does not see the map Technical glitch Reinstall the application or clear the cache

    If the problem cannot be solved, call bank support. The phone number is usually on the back of the card or in the app. B Tinkoff and SberBank There are chatbots that quickly answer typical questions.

    Is it possible to get a card without a passport?

    No, for release May Summer Car Strawberry Russian passport required. The card is not available to foreign citizens.

    How long is a virtual card valid?

    The virtual card is valid until December 31, 2026, but it can be extended if the bank launches a promotion in 2026. The physical card is valid for 3 years.

    Is it possible to transfer bonuses to another card?

    No, bonuses are tied to a specific card and are not transferable. They also cannot be exchanged for money or transferred to an account.

    Does the card work abroad?

    Yes, but bonuses are awarded only for purchases in Russian stores and at Russian gas stations. Abroad, the card works like a regular debit card.

    What happens to the bonuses if you close the card?

    All unused bonuses will expire within 30 days after account closure. They cannot be saved or transferred.