Best credit union credit cards
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Credit union credit cards can offer lower interest rates and unique benefits compared to cards from larger banks, while offering the same card variety as major issuers, including rewards cards and secured cards. Here are our picks for some of the best credit union credit cards.
Comparing the best credit union credit cards
Credit union cards tend to offer some of the lowest interest rates around. Here’s a few of the top performers.
| Card Name | Best for | Highlights | Bankrate Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card* | Everyday spending |
|
4.3 |
| USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card* | Intro APR |
|
2.9 |
| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card* | Travel rewards |
|
N/A |
| Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card | Flat-rate rewards |
|
N/A |
| DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card | Bad credit |
|
N/A |
Top credit union credit cards
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card
Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card
How to choose the best credit union credit cards
There are plenty of credit union credit cards to choose from. Here are some tips for picking the one that can prove most useful to you.
Choose a card that fits your needs
Before applying for a card you’ll want to identify your primary purpose in obtaining one. If you’re interested in earning rewards, choose a card that helps you earn as much cash back or points as possible. If you need to build credit, choose an affordable secured card with a maximum credit limit that helps you maintain a low credit utilization ratio. If you plan to transfer balances, look for a card with a solid intro APR offer or a low APR.
Determine whether you’re eligible for membership
Every credit union has different eligibility requirements for membership, with some being more selective than others. Check whether you qualify for membership or if a financial commitment is required to join. If you don’t automatically qualify, you may need to make a charitable donation, open another bank account with the credit union, or pay a membership fee.
Pros and cons of credit union credit cards
Before applying, consider these pros and cons to ensure a credit union card is the right choice for the best value.
Pros
- Safe to use. Our top picks for credit union cards come from federally insured credit unions regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), making them just as safe to use as traditional banks. Credit union cards also come with the same consumer protections mandated by the Credit CARD Act of 2009 as traditional bank-issued cards.
- Better rates. According to mycreditunion.gov, credit unions typically offer better rates than banks. While banks have to focus on earning profits for investors, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that reinvest their profits, which leads to more affordable financing options and lower interest rates for all products.
Cons
- Membership is required. You’ll typically have to join a credit union to access its products and services. The barrier to entry differs with each credit union: Some are nonprofit organizations that may be easier to join if you don’t meet the initial tier of requirements. Others limit access by geographical location or to select groups, like members of the armed forces.
- Limited welcome offers or weaker reward categories. Traditional credit cards can usually offer higher sign-up bonuses, longer intro APR offers or better ongoing reward categories. Consider your initial and long-term needs and compare credit union cards to traditional cards you may be eligible for to maximize your return.
Frequently asked questions
What’s next?
Enter some basic information into CardMatch™, Bankrate’s prequalification tool, to find a card that best suits your needs. For more insight, our Spender Type Tool can point you in the right direction.
The bottom line
Although sometimes overlooked, credit union credit cards can offer significant value. With lower interest rates than traditional bank cards, they can provide much-needed financial relief and the potential for rewards. They may require membership, but the benefits can outweigh this minor inconvenience.
*Information about the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card, Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card and DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.
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