Student credit cards 3 November 2023

Best Credit Union Credit Cards

Credit unions provide credit cards to their members which may be better than bank issued cards due to their lower APRs, lower fees, and great customer service. We have listed the best options for you to consider.

Credit Cards

Credit union credit cards can be better than some bank-issued cards as they offer much lower APR rates, lower transfer fees, and more personal customer service. Most of them do not charge an annual fee and have rewards that are similar to other credit cards.

To get a credit card from a credit union, however, the applicant must be a member. Some credit unions allow specific groups of people to become members like the Navy Federal Credit Union, while others like PenFed and Andrews FCU have more general eligibility requirements with memberships open to everyone. Moreover, most credit union cards require a minimum credit of at least 700 to qualify but a few unions allow members with less-than-perfect scores to apply for some of their cards too.

We have provided a list of the best credit union credit cards along with their features and eligibility requirements for you to compare and choose from.

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8 Best Credit Union Credit Cards

LenderScholaroo ratingRegular APRMinimum Credit Score

PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best union credit card overall

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4.9/517.99%700+

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

Best for no fees and high rewards

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4.9/514.90% - 18.00%690+

Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card

Best for high credit limits

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4.7/514.74% to 18.00%700+

Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card

Best for lowest starting APR

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4.6/511.24% - 18.00%690+

DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for bad credit

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4.6/516.75%N/A

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

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4.5/517.49%670+

PenFed Gold Visa® Card

Best for a long 0% introductory APR period

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4.4/517.99%700+

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for travel benefits

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4.4/517.99%700+
Lender

PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best union credit card overall

Scholaroo rating
4.9/5
Regular APR
17.99%
Minimum Credit Score
700+
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Lender

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

Best for no fees and high rewards

Scholaroo rating
4.9/5
Regular APR
14.90% - 18.00%
Minimum Credit Score
690+
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Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card

Best for high credit limits

Scholaroo rating
4.7/5
Regular APR
14.74% to 18.00%
Minimum Credit Score
700+
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Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card

Best for lowest starting APR

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
11.24% - 18.00%
Minimum Credit Score
690+
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DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for bad credit

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
16.75%
Minimum Credit Score
N/A
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Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Scholaroo rating
4.5/5
Regular APR
17.49%
Minimum Credit Score
670+
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PenFed Gold Visa® Card

Best for a long 0% introductory APR period

Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
Regular APR
17.99%
Minimum Credit Score
700+
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PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for travel benefits

Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
Regular APR
17.99%
Minimum Credit Score
700+
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1. PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for travel benefits

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PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99%
Annual Fee$95
RewardsUp to 4x points on all travel categories, 1.5x on all other purchases
Credit Score700+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRewards & Benefits

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is the best for its travel benefits and offers like $100 statement credit on domestic air ancillary annually, $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA Pre-check, and Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership. The card does not charge a foreign transaction fee either which allows you to make international purchases without incurring extra charges.

This card comes with a comprehensive rewards program offering 4x points on all travel categories to the Credit Union’s Honors Advantage Members, 3x points to other members on all travel categories, and 1.5x points on all other purchases. You can also earn 50,000 bonus points on spending $3000 in the first quarter and there is no 0% interest charged on balance transfers for the first 12 months. You can redeem the points earned for travel, as gift cards, or for shopping.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card charges an annual fee of $95 but it is waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members. All members, however, have to bear up to $28 as a penalty for late payments and up to $25 on a returned payment.

Pros

  • Great travel related rewards
  • Welcome bonus
  • No foreign exchange fee
  • Annual fee waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members

Cons

  • Charges an annual fee of $95
  • Late fee of up to $28
  • Returned payment fee of up to $25
  • Must be a PenFed member
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must provide proof of a steady income
  • Must meet the minimum credit requirements
  • $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA Pre-check
  • Annual $100 statement credit on domestic air ancillary
  • 4x points on all travel categories for the Credit Union’s Honors Advantage Members
  • 3x points to other members on all travel categories
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • 50,000 bonus points on spending $3000 in the first 90 days

2. Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

Best for no fees and high rewards

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Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

4.9
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR14.90% - 18.00%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUp to 3x points on limited categories, 1x points on all other purchases
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRewards & Benefits

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card can only be accessed by union members who are limited to current or former military members, Department of Defense employees, and their eligible family members. However, this is one of the best credit union credit cards for those who can access it due to the high rewards and no fees the card offers.

With the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Credit Card, you can get 3x points at restaurants and food delivery, supermarkets, gas, and on transit. On all other purchases, the card offers 1x points. There is also a bonus of 20,000 points, which is equivalent to $200 in value, on spending $2000 in the first quarter of account opening. These points can be redeemed in multiple ways including cash, travel, merchandise, and gift cards.

The card has a low introductory APR offer of 1.99% for the first six months. There is no annual, balance transfer, foreign transaction, or cash advance fee associated with the card but it does charge a fee for late or returned payments. The late and returned payment penalty of up to $20 which is much lower than most other credit cards.

Pros

  • No annual, balance transfer, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees
  • Great rewards on multiple categories
  • Up to 25% discount on car rentals when booked through the card
  • Low introductory APR offer for the first six months

Cons

  • Late payment and returned payment fee of up to $20
  • Must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member
  • Must be current or former members of the military, Department of Defense employees, or their permitted family members
  • Must have a Social Security Number
  • Must have a Driver’s license or government ID
  • Must have a physical U.S. address
  • 3X points at supermarkets, gas stations, transit, restaurants, and food delivery
  • 1X points on all other purchases
  • Up to 25% off car rental, including car rental loss and damage insurance
  • 20,000 bonus points on spending $2,000 within the first 3 months

3. Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card By Andrews FCU

Best for high credit limits

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Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card

4.7
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR14.74% to 18.00%
Annual Fee$0
Rewards3x points on gas and grocery, 1.5x on all other purchases
Credit Score700+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRewards & Benefits

Andrews FCU Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card is a great card for those who require higher credit limits. The minimum credit limit on this card starts from $5,000 and goes up to a maximum of $50,000. The credit limit is decided based on the creditworthiness and income of the applicant.

Titanium Rewards Visa® Signature Card does not charge annual or foreign transaction fees and awards 3x points on gas and grocery. On all other purchases card members can earn 1.5x points and you can redeem these points in multiple ways like in the form of travel purchases, merchandise, or gift cards. There are 10,000 bonus points offered too on spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of the account.

There is, however, a late payment and returned payment fee charged of up to $25.

Pros

  • No annual fee or foreign transaction
  • Earn 10,000 point bonus on $1,500 spent within the 90 days of card opening
  • High credit limits of up to $50,000
  • Travel benefits and protections included

Cons

  • Late and returned payment of up to $25
  • Must be an Andrews Federal Credit Union member
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a state-issued ID
  • Must provide a second form of identification like a Social Security card, student ID, birth certificate, permanent resident card, credit card, and/or auto insurance card
  • Must have a physical U.S. address
  • 3x points on gas and grocery
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • 10,000 bonus points on spending $1,500 spent within the first quarter of the first year

4. Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card

Best for lowest starting APR

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Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR11.24% - 18.00%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsN/A
Credit Score690+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility Requirements

Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card can only be accessed by union members who meet the union’s limited eligibility criteria. This card had the lowest starting APR of 11.24% on purchases and balance transfers and for the first 12 months of account opening, cardmembers are only required to pay 0.99% APR on balance transfers.

Moreover, the Platinum Credit Card by Navy Federal does not charge any annual fee. It also has no foreign exchange, balance transfer, or cash advance fee associated with it. On making late payments, cardholders are charged up to $20 as a penalty. Returned payments will also incur a penalty payment of up to $20.

Pros

  • No annual, foreign transaction, cash advance, or balance transfer fees
  • Low introductory APR offer of 0.99% on the balance transfer for the first year
  • Lowest starting APR rates

Cons

  • Late and returned payment fee of up to $20
  • No cash back or point rewards
  • Must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member
  • Must be current or former members of the military, Department of Defense employees, or their permitted family members
  • Must have a Social Security Number
  • Must have a Driver’s license or government ID
  • Must have a physical U.S. address

5. DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

Best for bad credit

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DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR16.75%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsN/A
Credit ScoreN/A
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility Requirements

DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card is the best card for Digital Federal Credit Union members who have bad credit. This is because it is a secured credit card that does not have a minimum credit score requirement. It charges a security deposit as collateral and is easier to get for anyone regardless of their credit situation. However, this DCU secured card has a high minimum security deposit requirement of $500.

There are no extra fees associated with the card. It charges no annual, foreign exchange, balance transfer, or cash advance fee. The APR rates offered are also one of the lowest in the market. By responsibly using this card and making on-time payments, its users can improve their credit or build it up from scratch for better future financial opportunities. In case of a late payment, cardholders are charged a penalty fee of up to $35.

Pros

  • Helps in building or rebuilding credit
  • No annual, foreign transaction, cash advance, or balance transfer fees
  • Low starting APR
  • Free access to your credit score based on Equifax data every month

Cons

  • Late payment fee of up to $35
  • High minimum security deposit of $500
  • Must be a DCU member
  • Must pay the minimum security deposit
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a physical U.S. address
  • Must meet the minimum income requirement

6. Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

Best for unlimited cash back on all purchases

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Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

4.5
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.49%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsUnlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Credit Score670+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRewards & Benefits

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card is available to Alliant members with good credit. It charges no annual or foreign transaction fee and comes with cash back rewards. However, in case of a missed payment or payments made late, there is a penalty fee of up to $27.

This card has a unique cash back rewards system as it offers cash back in two tiers. The first tier gives 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 worth of purchases and 1.5% on everything above it. After this the second tier starts which gives an unlimited 1.5% on all purchases in all categories.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Unlimited cash back on all purchases

Cons

  • Late and returned payment fee up to $27
  • Must be an Alliant member
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must meet the minimum credit requirements
  • Must provide proof of a steady income
  • Tier One Rewards: 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases, 1.5% for purchases over $10,000
  • Tier Two Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

7. PenFed Gold Visa® Card

Best for a long 0% introductory APR period

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PenFed Gold Visa® Card

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsN/A
Credit Score700+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility Requirements

PenFed Gold Visa® Card is a great card for a longer period of 0% Introductory APR offer. It charges no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months of account opening.

This Visa card does not have any annual or foreign transaction fee attached to it and it comes with a low interest rate like most other PenFed Credit Union cards. However, there is a late payment fee of up to $28 and a fee for returned payments of up to $25. There are also no cash back or other types of rewards on using the PenFed Gold Visa® Card.

Pros

  • Long 0% Introductory APR period of 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual and foreign transaction fees
  • Low interest rates

Cons

  • Late fee of up to $28
  • Returned payment fee of up to $25
  • No rewards
  • Must be a PenFed member
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must provide proof of a steady income
  • Must meet the minimum credit requirements
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8. PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for travel benefits

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PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR17.99%
Annual Fee$95
RewardsUp to 4x points on all travel categories, 1.5x on all other purchases
Credit Score700+
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsRewards & Benefits

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is the best for its travel benefits and offers like $100 statement credit on domestic air ancillary annually, $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA Pre-check, and Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership. The card does not charge a foreign transaction fee either which allows you to make international purchases without incurring extra charges.

This card comes with a comprehensive rewards program offering 4x points on all travel categories to the Credit Union’s Honors Advantage Members, 3x points to other members on all travel categories, and 1.5x points on all other purchases. You can also earn 50,000 bonus points on spending $3000 in the first quarter and there is no 0% interest charged on balance transfers for the first 12 months. You can redeem the points earned for travel, as gift cards, or for shopping.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card charges an annual fee of $95 but it is waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members. All members, however, have to bear up to $28 as a penalty for late payments and up to $25 on a returned payment.

Pros

  • Great travel related rewards
  • Welcome bonus
  • No foreign exchange fee
  • Annual fee waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members

Cons

  • Charges an annual fee of $95
  • Late fee of up to $28
  • Returned payment fee of up to $25
  • Must be a PenFed member
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must provide proof of a steady income
  • Must meet the minimum credit requirements
  • $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA Pre-check
  • Annual $100 statement credit on domestic air ancillary
  • 4x points on all travel categories for the Credit Union’s Honors Advantage Members
  • 3x points to other members on all travel categories
  • 1.5x points on all other purchases
  • 50,000 bonus points on spending $3000 in the first 90 days

What is a Credit Union?

Credit unions are similar to banks as they offer a number of financial products to their members like loans, saving accounts, and credit cards. However, these unions are not-for-profit organizations and they distribute their profits among members rather than giving them to the shareholders or owners.

These organizations are owned and run by their members and they operate to promote the financial well-being of their community. Since they are not-for-profit, they offer lower interest rates and more affordable terms to their members on the financial products they offer.

How to Get a Credit Card from a Credit Union?

You must be a member of the credit union to be able to get a credit card offered by that union. Many credit unions have their memberships open to everyone who is generally above 18 years old. However, some organizations limit their memberships to specific groups that they serve like military and navy-based credit unions allowing only current or former military members and related professionals and their family members to become members.

The following are the main things that most credit unions require to issue credit cards:

  • Union membership: Applicants must be union members to apply
  • Meet the minimum age requirement: Eligible applicants must be at the age of majority at the time of application. 18 years is the minimum age requirement for credit cards in most states.
  • Good credit score: Most credit union cards require applicants to have a good credit score of at least 700. However, credit unions are lenient with eligibility requirements when approving an application.
  • Proof of income: Like most other cards, these also require proof of income to qualify. It helps the issuer in assessing the borrower’s repayment ability.
  • Identification documents: All credit card issuers require the applicants to provide government-issued identification proof such as a Driver’s License or a passport.
  • Social Security Number: Some issuers require the applicants to have a Social Security Number to access their products and services
  • Proof of Residency Status: Most credit unions require their members to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. They also require proof, such as a utility bill, to show that the applicant has a U.S. physical address.

Is It Better to Get Credit Union Credit Cards?

Getting a credit union card has its pros and cons, and it is best to go through them thoroughly to decide if it’s better to opt for a credit union credit card or not.

Pros of Credit union credit cards

  • Lower Interest Rates: Credit unions offer much lower rates on purchases and balance transfers, some as low as 11%, to their union members on credit cards. This is hard to get with most banks even with an excellent credit score and income.
  • No Extra Fees: Many credit unions do not charge any extra fees on their credit cards. This includes no annual, no balance transfer, no cash advance, and no foreign transaction fee.
  • Lower Penalty Fees: It is never good to make late payments as it can hurt your credit score. However, there are times when late payments occur and the cardholder has to pay a penalty fee on it. Credit union cards charge much lower penalty fees compared to bank credit cards on late and returned payments.
  • Great Customer Service: Credit unions are owned and managed by their members and they operate for their members’ benefit. Their primary goal is to provide the best financial services to their member community. This results in a high level of customer service which is at a more personal level.
  • Multiple Rewards: Many credit cards issued by credit unions come with great rewards including cash back, reward points, and welcome bonuses.

Cons of Credit union credit cards

  • Membership required: Credit unions only allow their union members to apply and get credit cards and access other financial products. However, it is not hard to become a member of most credit unions as long as you are at the age of majority, are a permanent resident or citizen, have proof of ID, and reside in the U.S. Some unions may require additional documents for ID purposes like a Social Security card. Though, there a few credit unions which exclusively work for a specific group of people and only allow them to become members.
  • Fewer branches and ATMs: Compared to banks, credit unions have fewer branches and ATMs which can make it hard to access their services in person. Nevertheless, some credit unions allow their members to withdraw cash using other ATMs too.

Is It Harder to Get a Credit Card at a Credit Union?

Most credit unions require the applicants to have a good credit score at least for credit cards, unless it’s a secured card. However, union members even without a good score may get approved for a credit card more easily as compared to when applying at a bank. This is because credit unions operate in the interests of their members and try to make it easier for them to access financial products.

Most credit unions also reconsider their members’ credit card applications after initial rejection and may provide exceptions based on individual circumstances. Furthermore, those members who have maintained a good relationship with their unions for a longer period of time have better chances of easy approval.

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FAQs:

Do credit unions issue credit cards?

Yes, credit unions offer various financial products to their members like credit cards, savings and checking accounts, and loans.

Is it easier to get a credit card from a credit union?

It is easier for union members to get a credit card from a credit union as compared to getting it through a bank. This is especially true for members who have had a good long-term relationship with their credit union.

Is it better to get a credit card with a credit union?

Whether a credit card is better for an individual or not depends on what they are looking for in a credit card. Generally, credit cards from a credit union may be better for people seeking lower interest rates, lower fees, and good rewards. Many of them do not charge any extra fees including annual, foreign exchange, cash advance, and balance transfer fees. They also provide exceptional customer service which may be better than most banks.

What credit score is needed for a credit card from a credit union?

Most credit union credit cards require a score of 700 and above for approval. However, since they are not-for-profit organizations and work to benefit their members financially, credit unions may make exceptions for their members based on individual circumstances. Moreover, there are credit union cards designed specifically for members with bad or no credit.