It can be hard to find an affordable card these days, even if you have good credit. Really low interest rate cards are all but extinct from the big issuers.
However, if you intend tocarry a balanceor i want onecredit card with low interest ratesIn case you're still lucky, there are still cards with an APR of 7.00% to 10.00%. You only have to look beyond the major credit card issuers to find them.
Credit unions are among the best places to look for an affordable credit card. For example, many credit unions offer some of the lowest rate cards on the market.
You also don't have to stop earning generous rewards to get a low-rate card. Even the best credit union credit cards that earn bonuses still have low interest rates, as low as 10.00% and as high as 18.00%.
Sparkasse credit cards for everyone
aDisadvantages of credit union cardsis that most credit unions limit who can join. For example, some credit unions limit membership based on where you live. Others require you to work at specific companies or specific jobs.
However, not all credit unions are exclusive: some allow you to join if you become a member of an organization for a small membership fee or donate to a good cause.
For example, you can become a member of Affinity Federal Credit Union by donating $5 to the New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education or the Connecticut Jump$tart Coalition, both nonprofit financial education organizations.
15 Credit Union Credit Cards Anyone Can Get
Aside from those membership criteria, credit union cards really are open to anyone. For anyone who has a lower credit score or has any credit debt, you can always consider onesecured credit card. However, if you have little debt and still have the flexibility of aunsecured credit cardHere are some of the best cards you can get from credit unions.
Vision Financial Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
go deadall platinumIt's a simple credit card that charges a variable APR of 18%, but in return you get 1% cash back on all purchases. In addition, the card is not annual ortransfer fees. It's also contactless and compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. As for the benefits, you get zero liability and purchase protection, roadside assistance, and more.
how to rate: You must live, work, or worship in certain areas of New York, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. Membership is also open to anyone who works for an employer that works with the credit union.
Tarjeta Visa Platinum de People's Trust FCU
This financial cooperative also offers a simple, low-interest credit card.Platinum Visa Card. The APR on the Credit Union Visa Platinum card starts at 7.90% to 17.90% variable depending on your credit history. Unfortunately, it does not have a rewards program, but there is no annual fee and 25 days without interest.payment deadline.
how to rate: Open a Membership Savings account and deposit at least $5.
Unify Financial Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
You can also count on a low APRPlatinum Visa Cardby Unify Financial Credit Union. The Visa Platinum card from this credit union charges a flat APR of 9.49%. This card has no annual fee and its credit limit is up to $50,000.
If your credit does not qualify for Visa Platinum, consider the other credit union cards, such as Visa Gold (9.24% fixed APR) or Visa Classic (9.49% fixed APR).
how to rate: You must work or live in qualifying areas, be recommended by another member, or make a donation to become a member of the Surfrider Foundation or Friends of Hobbs.
Tarjeta Visa Signature de Signature Federal Credit Union
Look for aFlat Rate Cash Back Card? If so,Federal Credit Union Signatureoffers a credit card with 2% cash back (or 2X points) on everything you buy. APRs start at 8.70% and there are no fees for annual account transfer, prepayment or international transactions. Like other Visa Signature cards, this credit union version offers benefits like roadside assistance, reimbursement for travel delays, and access to a Visa Signature concierge.
how to rate: Must be related to a current member, work for an employer on the credit union's list, or join through the American Consumer Council.
Tarjeta Kinecta Credit Union MyPerks Rewards
A good card to buy gas and groceries, theKinecta MyPerks Rewards Cardoffers 3% back (up to $6,000), 2% back on groceries (up to $6,000), and 1% back on everything else. There is no annual fee and the regular APR ranges from 9.99% to 18%. There is also an annual bonus of up to 20% for your loyalty to the anniversary.
To help you with any loan debt, the card also has a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months, as long as you doclearing transferwithin 90 days of account opening.
how to rate: You may qualify if you live, work or study in select areas or are related to a current Kinecta member. You can also join through your employer (select employers only) or Innovision Society (Kinecta will cover your $10 membership fee).
Lake Michigan Credit Union Max Rewards Visa Credit Card
There aren't many cards with no annual fee that offer this much value for everyday purchases. ThatMax Rewards Visa Credit Cardearn 3% back (or 3X points) on gas purchases up to $500, 2% back on groceries (or 2X points) and 2% back on restaurants. On all other purchases, you get 1% cash back.
The APR goes as low as 10.00% variable. Other advantages areFraud Protection Without Liabilityand free rental car insurance. For those who think they would qualify for a credit limit greater than $5,000 (to limit theircredit utilization ratio), you can ask about the Max Rewards Visa Signature card.
how to rate: Unlike many of the credit unions on this list, Lake Michigan Credit Union has no requirements for you to become a member.
Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard de First Tech
One ofmost premium bonus cardson this list thatOdyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercardit's a rare card that offers pretty generous rewards and the lowest minimum APR we've ever seen. Offers double points on dining (including takeout and delivery) and 30,000 bonus points if you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
As aworld elite mastercard, also offers a few perks, like the purchase of insurance and a $5 credit for every month you ride at least three times with Lyft. Unlike other reward cards, the APR ranges from 6.99% to 18%, and you only pay an annual fee of $75 (first year waived).
how to rate: To become a member, you must have a relative who is already a First Tech member, works for an affiliated credit union, or works for the state of Oregon. You also qualify if you work or live in Lane County, Oregon. Otherwise, you can become a member if you are a member of the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association.
Tarjeta Ultimate Cash Perks de Summit Credit Union
published bysummit credit union, Go deadBonus Category Cash Back Cardearn 3% back on airlines, 2% back on hotels and restaurants, and 1.5% back on all other purchases. Not only is the 1.5% cash back on all other purchases rare, even among cash back cards offered by major issuers, but the variable APR is only 7.90%.
As for other benefits, the card offers complimentary Visa Signature concierge services along with other Visa Signature benefits. You can even get up to $200 per renewal cycle with the Ultimate Cash Perks card.TSA PreCheck y Global Entry. All of this comes to you with no annual fee.
how to rate: Summit Credit Union has an open letter that anyone can join.
Bellco Credit Union Colorado Rewards Visa Credit Card
WhatColorado Rewards Visa Credit Card, issued by Bellco Credit Union, offers 3X points on a wide range of everyday categories such as grocery stores, gas stations, movie theaters, gyms and more. It also has a limited time offer of 5X points on purchases at select local Colorado restaurants and small businesses.
In addition, it offers you double points on the cable, Internet and telephone bills that you pay with your card. Receive 15,000 bonus points for a sign-up bonus when you deposit $500 within the first 90 days. However, the regular APR is higher than many of the other cards on this list at 21%.
how to rate: You are eligible to join because of your Colorado location, family, and employer. If not, you can join the Bellco Credit Union if you also join the Association of United Consumers or the Bellco Foundation.
Tarjeta Visa Signature Everyday Rewards+ de Chevron Federal Credit Union
This credit cardChevron Federal Credit Unionit offers pretty generous rewards with 4x points on groceries, takeout, and food delivery and 2x points on groceries, gas, and streaming services. You also earn 1X points on all other purchases.
You also get a welcome bonus of 15,000 points when you spend $500 in the first 90 days. Regular APR ranges from 12.24% to 17.99%. For anyone planning a big purchase soon, you'll even get a 0% introductory APR for the first six bill cycles on new purchases and balance transfers.
how to rate: As with other credit unions, you can qualify by employer, location or family. Otherwise, you can become a member if you are a member of Chevron Federal Credit Union's non-profit partner organizations, such as the Financial Fitness Association or the Contra Costa County Historical Society.
Visa Signature Rewards-Karte der Consumers Credit Union
A solid daily departure card thatconsumer credit cardoffers 3x points on grocery and convenience stores (up to $6,000 per year), 2x points on gas, and 1x points on all other purchases. For the first 12 months, this credit union card has a 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers, then the regular APR of 9.70% to 20.70% kicks in (still low compared to most rewards cards).
how to rate: You only need to pay a one-time membership fee of $5 to the Association of Consumer Cooperatives.
Affinity Federal Credit Union Cash Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card
Bookworms and families alike will love this unusual cashback card. You get some pretty hefty rewards: 5% back at bookstores and Amazon (up to $3,500 per month) and 2% back at grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. You also get 2% cash back on Watch, Listen and Ride services like Netflix, Spotify and Uber, plus 1% on all other purchases.
AdditionallyCash Rewards Visa Signatureoffers a generous $200 cash bonus when you top up $3,000 within the first 90 days. All of these benefits are available to you at no annual charge and the regular APR is relatively low, with a variable rate of 12.75% to 15.75%.
how to rate: You can join if you are also a member of more than 2,000 companies, associations and clubs with which they work. If not, you can donate $5 to the New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education or the Connecticut Jump$tart Coalition.
Go Premier Mastercard Credit Card from GTE Financial
This credit union credit card is issued byGTE FinanceIt easily competes with the most popular rewards cards on the market by offering generous rewards for everyday purchases. Earn 3 points on gas, travel and dining, 2 points on grocery and hardware stores, and 1 point on all other purchases.
It also offers a decent sign-up bonus of 10,000 points if you request $3,000 within the first three months. However, the APR is on the higher end of 12.99% (variable), though still lower than many other cards with similar rewards.
how to rate: In addition to your family, job and location, you may also qualify for GTE Financial by joining the CU Savers Club.
Platinum Mastercard de TFCU
WhatMastercard Platinoby TFCU does not have a rewards program, but does offer a low interest APR for six billing cycles of 6.90% on balance transfers. After that, the effective annual interest rate increases to between 9.15% and 17.90%, depending on the credit rating, which is still quite low.
how to rate: It seems you only qualify if you live, work, or worship in El Paso County, Texas.
Premier Privileges Rewards Mastercard de Premier America Credit Union
Want a low-interest card, but don't want to miss out on other benefits like travel insurance or purchase protection? If so, consider Premier America Credit UnionPremier Privileges Rewards Mastercard.
With no annual fee, earn 1.5x points on all purchases and get a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for six months. After that, the effective annual interest rate remains between 10.99% and 20.49%, depending on your credit score. You also get great benefits likeTrip cancellation or interruption insurance, purchase protection and baggage insurance.
how to rate: You must join the Thousand Oaks Alliance for the Arts. Fees vary depending on the donor program chosen.
bottom line
It can seem intimidating to apply for a credit union card, as it can be a multi-step process if you're not already a member. However, the money you save in interest (and the generous additional bonuses you can potentially earn) could make the effort worth it.
Editorial Disclaimer
Editorial content on this site is based solely on the objective assessment of our authors and is not driven by advertising dollars. It was not provided or commissioned by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation if you click on links to our partners' products.
kelly dilworthis a personal finance contributor and former reporter for CreditCards.com. He began his journalism career at The Atlantic in 2007 and then moved into nonfiction publishing for a few years. He returned to journalism in 2010 and since then has written about everything from 20-year-olds with herculean credit scores to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.
FAQs
What credit score do you need for a credit union credit card? ›
If you have a credit score in the good (670-799) to excellent range (800+), you will likely be able to qualify for a card that earns you rewards for your spending. However, not all rewards cards (or issuers) have the same credit requirements, so it's still a good idea to do some research before you apply.
Is it easy to get approved for a credit union credit card? ›Is It Easier to Get a Credit Card From a Credit Union? When you apply for a credit card through a credit union, you may expect the credit union to check your credit score. However, as a member with less-than-perfect credit, you might find it easier to qualify for a credit card through your credit union than a bank.
What is the easiest credit union to get approved for? ›- Credit unions with easy membership requirements.
- Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Superior Money Market Account.
- Alliant Credit Union.
- Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
- Blue Federal Credit Union.
- Connexus Credit Union.
- Consumers Credit Union.
- Hope Credit Union Savings Account.
- No Credit Check: OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- No Deposit: Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit.
- Rewards Categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card.
- Unlimited Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card.
- Total Visa® Credit Card.
- Freedom Gold Credit Card.
- Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- Applied Bank® Unsecured Classic Visa® Credit Card.
- Fit Mastercard® Credit Card.
The credit score you need for a Union Bank credit card ranges from 300 to 750+, depending on the card. That means Union Bank accepts people at the low end of the credit spectrum, but it also offers credit cards for those who have excellent credit.
Do credit unions require a good credit score? ›What Credit Score Is Needed for a Credit Union Credit Card? Qualifying for most credit union credit cards requires that you have good to excellent credit. However, some credit unions also provide cards for people with poor to average credit.
Do credit unions go by credit score? ›Credit Unions may run credit checks when you apply to join. However, your score won't necessarily determine whether you'll be approved for membership. Instead, it may dictate which services you're eligible for.
Do credit unions check your credit to open an account? ›Banks and credit unions want to learn about your financial past before establishing an account with you. They do this by running a bank history report on you. Like a credit check, this report highlights the consumer's financial behavior, but for bank accounts instead of credit cards.
Can you get a credit union loan with a 550 credit score? ›You may be able to get a personal loan with a 550 credit score, but you might not be approved for a large loan or one with a low annual percentage rate (APR). Depending on the situation, you may want to look for alternative forms of financing or work on improving your credit and before you apply.
Can you be denied a credit union account? ›
Yes. There are a number of reasons why a bank or credit union may refuse to open a checking account. For example: A history of writing bad checks.
What is the number one credit union in the United States? ›| Rank | Name | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | $111,986,000,000 |
| 2 | STATE EMPLOYEES' | $41,376,686,562 |
| 3 | PENTAGON | $24,774,360,962 |
| 4 | BECU | $22,178,675,266 |
- Apple Card (co-branded)
- Bloomingdale's Credit Card (co-branded)
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (co-branded)
- Target RedCard™ (store)
- Walmart Rewards Card (store)
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (co-branded)
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card.
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.
- United℠ Explorer Card.
- SoFi Credit Card.
- Other notable options.
1. HDFC Bank instant approval credit card. HDFC Bank credit cards are not only 100% secure, but they also provide instant activation and ownership.
Is there a credit card that approves everyone? ›An instant approval credit card is not a guaranteed approval credit card. Aside from one secured card — the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card and prepaid cards — no credit card offers guaranteed approval for everyone.
Can I get a Capital One credit card 500 credit score? ›One of the best credit cards for a credit score under 500 is the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card has a $0 annual fee and gives 1.5 - 5% cash back on purchases.
What store card can I get with a 550 credit score? ›The best store credit cards for bad credit are the Fingerhut Credit Account and the Montgomery Ward Credit Account. Both of these store credit cards accept applicants with bad credit scores, have $0 annual fees, and report to the major credit bureaus. There are other types of cards to consider, too.
What is the credit limit on Union Bank credit card? ›Union Bank Secured Visa Credit Card Details
Select your credit limit from $300 up to $5,000 based on the amount of your security deposit.
Primary card holder should be in the age bracket of 18 years to 60 years for salaried and 18 years to 70 years for professionals. Add-on card holder should be 18 years and above. Income Eligibility is 2.5 lakh per Annum. For Salaried class Form 16 / ITRs with latest Salary slip.
What is the limit of Union Bank credit card? ›
Limit will be 75% of the Term Deposit or present outstanding balance at the time of issuance of card whichever is higher, with minimum deposit of Rs. 20,000/- and above.
What are two disadvantages of a credit union? ›- Potential membership fees and restrictions. When joining a credit union, prospective members might have to pay a small membership fee, which can range from $5 to $25. ...
- Limited locations. ...
- Some service restrictions.
A good credit score generally falls within the range of 670 to 739, while a very good credit score is between 740 to 799. A score that is 800 or above is considered excellent.
Is it better to get a credit card through a credit union or bank? ›Because credit unions are member-owned, they're often able to offer lower rates and fees on their financial products than traditional banks. Consumers who routinely pay a few days late or carry a balance may also find that a credit union card is much cheaper to use than a bank-issued card.
Do credit union credit cards build credit? ›Build credit with credit union credit cards
Without established credit, it's difficult to get a loan for a new car or home, get approved for a rental home or even get a new job. Credit cards help you build credit, and while it's smart to spend only what you can pay in full, they can be extremely helpful tools.
A 600 credit score is not considered too low but, rather, “fair” or slightly below average in the eyes of most lending businesses and other companies. That means that you should still have access to loans with a 600 credit score but you may have to pay higher interest rates or provide down payments.
What credit score do you need for a personal loan at a credit union? ›To qualify for a personal loan, borrowers generally need a minimum credit score of 610 to 640. However, your chances of getting a loan with a low interest rate are much higher if you have a “good” or “excellent” credit score of 690 and above.
Why would a credit union deny membership? ›If a bank or credit union denied your application for a checking account, it may be because a checking account reporting company has negative information in its files about your checking history.
What is the lowest credit score to borrow? ›The typical minimum credit score to qualify for a personal loan is 560 to 660, according to lenders surveyed by NerdWallet. Some lenders may require a higher score. A high credit score doesn't guarantee you'll qualify or get a low interest rate.
What credit card can I get with a 555 credit score? ›The best type of credit card for a 555 credit score is a secured credit card. Secured cards give people with bad credit high approval odds and have low fees because cardholders are required to place a refundable security deposit. The amount you put down usually becomes your credit limit.
How long does it take to get a credit score from 500 to 700? ›
Depending on how well you utilize your credit, your credit score may get to anywhere from 500 to 700 within the first six months. Going forward, getting to an excellent credit score of over 800 generally takes years since the average age of credit factors into your score.
Can you join 2 credit unions? ›Yes, once you satisfy the common bond, whether that be within a community (geographical), or industrial (employment). You can have a local credit union account where you live and a credit union account through your work (where available).
Why do credit unions do a credit check? ›Lenders may use your credit report information to decide whether you can get a loan and the terms you get for a loan (for example, the interest rate they will charge you). Insurance companies may use the information to decide whether you can get coverage and to set the rates you will pay.
What is the most popular credit union? ›- Alliant Credit Union. Alliant offers an above-average interest rate for savings. ...
- Consumers Credit Union. ...
- Navy Federal Credit Union. ...
- Connexus Credit Union. ...
- First Tech Federal Credit Union.
Here are our picks for the best credit unions of 2022-2023: Pentagon Federal Credit Union: Best overall. Lake Michigan Credit Union: Best for high-yield checking. Alliant Credit Union: Best for high-yield savings.
What is the richest credit union? ›Since 600 is considered to be a fair credit score, borrowers with this score generally won't qualify for credit cards with large welcome bonuses, generous rewards and perks or low APRs. However, there are still some options available — using a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card.
What credit report do credit unions use? ›The Credit Union receives FICO scores from Equifax on a quarterly basis. The free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus don't include credit scores.
What credit score do you need for a Macy's card? ›Most applicants who are approved for a Macy's Credit Card have a FICO® Score of 600 or higher. If you're aiming for the Macy's American Express® Card, you'll likely need a score of at least 670; ideally, your score should be 700 or higher.
Can I get Amazon credit card with 600 credit score? ›The credit score that you need for the Amazon.com Store Card is at least 640. That means people with fair credit or better have a shot at getting approved for this card. The better your credit score is, the higher your approval odds will be.
What credit score do you need to apply for Amazon credit card? ›
To get approved for this card, you'll need to have a good credit score of at least 670, though having a higher one certainly won't hurt your chances.
Which credit score does Capital One use? ›Capital One appears to pull from any of three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Which credit cards use Equifax only? ›- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $450 annual fee (excellent credit) ...
- Citi Double Cash: $0 annual fee (good credit) ...
- Discover it: $0 annual fee (good credit) ...
- HSBC Premier World Mastercard: $95 annual fee, waived the first year (excellent credit)
Banks and credit unions want to learn about your financial past before establishing an account with you. They do this by running a bank history report on you. Like a credit check, this report highlights the consumer's financial behavior, but for bank accounts instead of credit cards.