2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING CREDIT CARDS FOR CREDIT UNIONS
Finding the Best Credit Unions Credit Cards
If you are tired of big credit card companies and want to feel like an included member instead of just a customer or a number, it’s time to consider a credit union card.
Some may be turned off by the thought of getting a credit card from a credit union, but the top credit union credit cards can actually offer more customer-friendly conditions. Whether you want a credit union secured credit card or an unsecured one, there are many options out there.
Credit unions credit cards can actually offer lower interest rates, since credit union loans are capped at 18% by federal laws.
Also, credit unions are owned by members. They are not-for-profit organizations, not banks that are just in business to make a profit off their customers. This means they generally have more friendly terms for a credit union secured credit card or unsecured CU credit card.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Credit Unions Credit Cards
There are many benefits to getting a credit card from a credit union, but when you start looking for CU credit cards, it is important to consider several credit union credit card offers. This ensures that you will find the best CU credit card for you.
Don’t just choose the first credit union card that you find—take time to find the best credit union credit card for you. We have done most of the legwork for you and after careful consideration, have come up with our selection of the top credit union credit cards.
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Credit Union Credit Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- GTE Financial Credit Union Visa® Platinum Credit Card
- McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum Card
- Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card
- PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card
- State Department Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card
Source: LinkedIn
Top 6 Best Credit Union Credit Cards | Brief Comparison
Credit Card Names | Annual Percentage Rate | Annual | Introductory | Continuous Rewards |
| GTE Financial Credit Union Visa® Platinum Credit Card | 8.24–17.99% | $25 | None | Points |
| McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum Card | 9.9 | None | None | Points |
| Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card | 9.74–18.0% | None | None | Points |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | 10.24–17.99% | None | $100 | Points |
| PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card | 10.24–17.99% | None | 20,000 | Points |
| State Department Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card | 7.24–15.24% | None | None | Flexpoints |
Table: Top 6 Credit Unions Credit Cards| Above list is sorted alphabetically
Detailed Overview of What to Look for in a Credit Card from a Credit Union
If you are wondering what you should be looking for in credit union credit cards, there are a few things to consider. When looking at credit union credit card offers, the following credit union credit cards features should be considered:
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Continual rewards
- Low APR
- Introductory APR offer
- Unsecured vs. secured credit card
Image Source: BigStock
Overall, when looking into credit unions credit cards, you need to do a thorough comparison. If you want a credit union secured credit card, that is one option. There are also unsecured credit cards that come with a litany of benefits. Though you might not find all of the benefits on one credit union card, the best credit union credit cards will boast a combination of the features listed above.
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Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
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Detailed Review—Top Ranking Best Credit Union Credit Cards
Below, please find the detailed review of each card on our list of the best credit unions credit cards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these credit union credit card offers to score so high in our selection ranking.
GTE Financial Credit Union
Visa® Platinum Credit Card Review
The GTE Financial Credit Union Visa® Platinum Credit Card makes our list of the best credit unions credit cards for several reasons. First, there is no annual fee for credit union members, and just a $25 fee for non-members. This card also has a zero percent cash advance fee and a variable APR between 8.24% and 17.99%.
If you are looking for rewards, this CU credit card has them. You will earn 1 point for every dollar spent. This card also has promotions throughout the year that allow you to earn 2 and 3 times the points per dollar spent.
The points can be redeemed at more than 25,000 retailers. If you want the best on our list of best credit union credit cards, this is definitely an option.
Who Should Own This Card
On our list of the best credit union credit cards, this is one of the best cards for cash advances. There is no cash advance fee, so if you are looking for access to cash in a hurry, this credit union card is a great option. In addition to the low variable APR and the ability to earn continual rewards—even at 2x and 3x the rate—this is a great CU credit card to own.
McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union
Visa® Platinum Card Review
The McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum Card is one of the top credit union credit cards out there. There is no annual fee and you get Visa protection benefits like cell phone protection, auto rental insurance, and more. You will see a variable APR between 9.9% and 17.9%, which falls in line with the other best credit union credit cards on the list. As a bonus, this card has a massive $30,000 credit line.
If you are looking for rewards, this credit union card has those too. You will get 1 point for every dollar you spend. This isn’t a huge earning rate like other credit union credit cards on our list, but they can still be redeemed for travel and merchandise.
Who Should Own This Card
When looking through the list of best credit unions credit cards, if you are looking for CU credit cards with a large credit limit, this card may be the one for you. A $30,000 credit line, no annual fee, and continuous rewards make this a great card to own.
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card Review
The Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card has no annual, foreign transaction, or balance transfer fees, which, right off the bat, makes it one of the best credit unions credit cards. You will see a variable APR between 9.74% and 18%, but the real benefit of this CU credit card is the rewards potential.
However, you either need to be affiliated with the armed forces, DOD, National Guard, Coast Guard, or a family member of an NFCU member to be eligible for this credit union card.
Though there is no reward bonus offer, you still have huge earning potential with this CU credit card. You will earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, 2 points on gas, and 1 point every else.
Who Should Own This Card
Military members who qualify for the Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card will love this credit union card. Not only are there no fees attached, but if you spend a lot at restaurants and gas stations, you can rack up big rewards. If you want a no-fee rewards card, this tops the list of best credit unions credit cards.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card Review
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a great card on our list of the best credit unions credit cards. This card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Unlike other cards on our list of the best credit union credit cards, this one offers a 0% introductory APR period for balance transfers before it jumps between 10.24% to 17.99% APR. There is a 3% balance transfer fee, but 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months is still a great feature.
Source: PenFed Credit Union
This credit union card comes with a $100 statement credit bonus after spending $1,500 in the first three months. The rewards don’t stop here though, as you can earn 5 points per dollar on gas, 3 per dollar at supermarkets, and 1 point per dollar spent anywhere else. These rewards are unlimited, so you can keep earning on all purchases with no cap.
While this card does require you to become a member of the PenFed Credit Union, there are many ways to do this:
- Be a member of the U.S. military or a federal government employee
- Belong to a qualifying association
- Live or work in an eligible location or be a relative of someone who is eligible
- Make a $14 donation to Voice for America’s Troops or $25 to the National Military Family Association
Who Should Own This Card
If you are looking to get a break from hefty interest payments on a balance you carry on another credit card, consider this credit union credit card. With a 0% APR on balance transfers, you can transfer a balance from another card and save yourself hundreds.
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PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card Review
The PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card has no annual fee or foreign transaction fee, but a balance transfer fee of 3%. This is one of the top credit union credit cards because it also offers a 12-month intro APR of 0% for balance transfers. Purchases will see a regular APR between 10.24% and 17.99%.
This credit union card also offers a bonus reward of 20,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days. On top of that, you will earn 5 points per dollar spent on airfare purchases, and 1 point on all others. These points can be redeemed for travel and retail gift cards, and merchandise.
Like the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card, this card requires you to become a member of the PenFed Credit Union. There are many ways to do this:
- Be a member of the U.S. military or a federal government employee
- Belong to a qualifying association
- Live or work in an eligible location or be a relative of someone who is eligible
- Make a $14 donation to Voice for America’s Troops or $25 to the National Military Family Association
Who Should Own This Card
If you do a lot of air travel throughout the course of the year, this could be the best of the credit union credit cards for you. A $500 round-trip flight home for the holidays can net you 2,500 points, which can be redeemed for rewards. Add that to the massive bonus points offer, and you’ll be earning free flights in no time.
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State Department Federal Credit Union
Visa Platinum Credit Card Review
The State Department Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card is one of the best credit union credit cards out there. There is no annual fee associated with this card, like some other credit union credit cards. This card also has no balance transfer or foreign transaction fees either, which make this one of the best credit unions credit cards regarding fees. There is an ATM cash advance fee of $3 and a $25 late payment fee, but this card comes with a very low variable APR between 7.24% and 15.24%.
In terms of rewards, this is on our list of best credit union credit cards because it allows you to earn continuously. You will automatically become enrolled in the Flexpoint program.
This program allows you to earn 1 Flexpoint for every dollar you spend. Points can be redeemed for merchandise, event tickets, and travel. For the credit union credit card holders who feel more generous, you can also donate your points to charity.
Who Should Own This Card
The State Department Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card is a one of the best credit unions credit cards for those looking for a low-maintenance credit card. There are no annual, foreign transaction, or balance transfer fees. This card also has the lowest APR out of the cards on our list of best credit union credit cards. If you pay your bill on time and avoid the late fees, this credit union card is as low-maintenance as they come.
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Conclusion—Top 6 Best Credit Unions Credit Cards
Credit union credit cards provide more customer-oriented terms than credit cards that come from big banks. The top credit union credit cards come from credit unions that are not-for-profit organizations, thus allowing them to work with you if you find yourself in tougher financial situations.
If you have been wondering what features make for the best credit union credit card, you will want low annual percentage rates, no annual fees, rewards opportunities, and lower fees. Using this criteria, we have narrowed the list down to the best credit union credit card offers.
After doing a review of many different credit union credit cards, we have narrowed the list down to the best six CU credit cards. After our research, here is a breakdown of the CU credit cards:
- Good for Cash Advances: GTE Financial Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card
- Good for a Large Credit Line: McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
- Good Rewards for Military: Navy Federal goRewards Credit Card
- Good for Balance Transfers: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Good for Travel: PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express® Card
- Good for Low Maintenance/No Fees: State Department Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
While all of the cards on our list of credit unions credit cards have strengths, the best credit union credit card for you depends on what you’re specifically looking for in a credit union card. Whether you want a credit union unsecured card or a CU credit card with the lowest APRs depends on what the best credit union credit card is for you.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
