The top credit cards that credit unions offer are strong contenders for many consumers. Very often they have more flexible credit requirements and will work with you so that you do qualify in the event that your credit isn’t perfect. These cards may be secured or unsecured. In either circumstance, they tend to have few fees and valuable rewards. In most cases the interest rates are also lower than they are for bank-issued credit cards, too. There are differences among the credit unions and the credit cards they offer, though. For many, membership is restricted though some have open enrollment. With that in mind, here’s ZDNet’s best list for credit union credit cards: It offers an exceptional introductory rate on balances you transfer over. If you have high interest balances, this feature will give you plenty of room to delete the debt without fees being added. The welcome offer, though, is low compared to many other rewards cards designed for people with excellent credit. Unlike some other credit unions, PenFed is open to anyone. All you would need to do is start a savings account with a deposit of at least $5. At that stage, you can apply for the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card. You do need excellent credit to qualify. Once you have it, you’ll also enjoy the other benefits, such as no annual or foreign transaction fees and low APR. Pros
Anyone can become a memberImpressive rewards on gas and food-based spending No annual or foreign transaction fee0% intro APR on balance transfers
Cons
Rewards will be low if you don’t charge much in high reward categoriesUnimpressive welcome bonus
The credit line you get matches your deposit. As long as you make your payments on time and don’t misuse the account in any way, Navy FCU will increase your credit limit in three months without having to increase your deposit. Then after six months of the same positive activity, the card many convert to an unsecured account and you can get your deposit back. To become a member of Navy FCU, you will need to have personal ties (current or veteran) to the armed forces, Department of Defense, or National Guard. You may also join if an immediate family member is a member of Navy FCU. Once you have this card, you can take advantage of its other benefits, such as no annual or foreign transactions fees and a low APR. Pros
Great for people with low credit scores Low cost credit cardCredit line increase in three monthsConverts to unsecured card in six months
Cons
Not everyone qualifies for credit union membership
Cash deposit required
There are two tiers to the cash back program, though. In order to earn the highest cash back rate, you will need to maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more in the credit union’s checking account during the previous quarter. If you don’t, you’ll earn at a lower rate. Other benefits of the Alliant Cashback Visa include no annual or foreign transaction fees and a low APR. Not everyone can become an Alliant Credit Union member, however. You need to be: a current or retired employee from one of the credit union’s partner businesses/organizations; a domestic partner or immediate family member of a current Alliant member; or living or working in one of the communities near their corporate headquarters in Chicago. Pros
High, flat-rate cash back rewards Low APRNo annual or foreign transaction fees
Cons
Will need to keep a high checking account balance to earn the best rewards No welcome bonus Not everyone can join the credit union
Outside of the impressively low APR, this card doesn’t have a long list of benefits. There is no rewards program enabling you to earn points or cash back, though the credit union will not charge you an annual fee, or fees for cash advances, balance transfers, over-limit, or foreign transactions. Although not everyone will be able to become a DCU member, many can. You will be eligible if you live, work, worship, or attend school in one of the many communities on their list. Pros
Potential for extremely low APR No fees on almost everything
Cons
No rewards programNo welcome bonus Eligibility is limited
This card has a sound rewards program, enabling you to earn substantial, unlimited points as you charge. And if you have high interest debt on other accounts, you can transfer it over and enjoy the luxury of 0% APR in the first 12 months after shifting the balance. After that, the APR will span from very low to moderately low, depending on your credit. Although the card does come with an annual fee, you won’t be charged for the balance transfers, nor for cash advances or foreign transactions. First Tech Credit Union encourages membership, offering hundreds of ways to join. The credit union will help you meet the criteria, too, so you won’t be left out of the advantages it can offer. Pros
Low APRRewards program centered on travel and dining No fees on balance transfers, cash advances, foreign transactionsHigh credit line
Cons
One of the few credit unions charging an annual fee for a credit cardDoesn’t offer all the perks many travel cards have
Membership: All credit unions require you to be a member. Not all are open to everyone, so check out the requirements first. Rewards: Many credit union cards have a rewards program where you can earn cash or points. The program should be right for your needs and lifestyle. Welcome bonus: Banks often offer high welcome bonuses to new cardholders, but credit unions don’t offer them as frequently. If this perk is important to you, look for the card that has one. Balance transfer deal: One of the best ways to save money is to transfer high APR debt to a card with 0% APR for a certain number of months. If you you could benefit from a transfer, hone in on the card that offers it. Low fees: One of the major advantages of credit unions is the free structure. Unlike traditional banks, credit unions often waive annual and other common fees. Find the card that has the best fee structure for your lifestyle. Credit requirement: Although the best credit cards tend to have high credit rating requirements, not all do. Look for the credit scores needed before applying for any credit card.
State Department Federal Credit Union Savings Secured Visa Platinum Card: Best secured card with rewards Aspire Platinum Mastercard: Best for 0% APR for balance transfers and purchases for six monthsNavy Federal Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Card: Best for travelers looking for rewards and perks
