Credit unions are member-owned and operated and are designed to serve their best interests instead of profits. Because of the sheer volume of credit unions in the U.S., finding the right credit union card can be challenging at the best of times. Never fear, however! In honor of national CO-OP month, BestCards has selected its picks for the best credit union credit cards for 2021.
The Five Best Credit Union Credit Cards
Here are our top five credit cards for credit union members:
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
- 17.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 17.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 25.24% to 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers exceptional cash back rewards, premium travel perks, and no foreign transaction fees. The card also features no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to keep track of
- Earn up to $250 in cash back per billing cycle
- Use this card with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- No foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer
- Cash Advance APR: 25.24% to 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $27
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $27
- You have excellent credit
- You plan to spend frequently with a credit card
- You travel frequently
- You qualify for an Alliant Credit Union membership
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers one of the highest flat cashback rates on the market today. From Alliant Credit Union of Chicago, the card earns an impressive 2.5% cash back on all eligible purchases – a full percentage point higher than cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Amex Cash Magnet.
Those cards don’t have the same $10,000 in purchases per billing period cap as the 2.5% with the Alliant Cashback, but that limit is so high that it most likely will not impact the majority of cardholders. Additionally, Alliant waives the annual fee ($99) for the first year.
Joining Alliant Credit Union is relatively straightforward. Those who live within the communities served by the CU can join, as can those belonging to companies and organizations that partner with Alliant. Don’t fit into that mold? Consider joining Alliant by becoming a member of the Foster Care to Success (FC2S) organization or joining the Freelancers Union.
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card
- 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 17.99% Balance Transfer APR
- 17.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® is big on gas and groceries; earn 5x points per dollar spent on purchases made at the pump, 3x points for grocery purchases, and 1x points for all other purchases. Take advantage of a great introductory offer – 0% APR for balance transfers for up to 12 months and a special bonus statement credit as you earn points on everyday purchases towards travel, shopping and gift cards.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 5X points per dollar spent on gas at the pump and EV charging stations and 3X points on groceries. 1X points on all other purchases
- 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days of card account opening
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months after account opening
- No annual fees and no foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.99%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the transfer amount
- Cash Advance APR: 17.99%
- Penalty APR: 17.99%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $28
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- You spend money on gas and groceries often
- You will spend $1,500 in the first 90 days to earn a 15,000 bonus points
- You want a card with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees
- You want to transfer a large balance with no interest for 12 months
The PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card is one of the most lucrative gas credit cards on the market. The card earns a huge 5X points on gas purchases at the pump, plus 3X on groceries. What makes those points even more impressive is that there is no annual fee for the card.
While the card has an average APR on purchases, it comes with a rather juicy balance transfer promotion. New accounts enjoy 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers (subject to credit approval when applying).
Pentagon Federal Credit Union is the third-largest credit union in the country, with almost $25 billion in total assets. The PenFed has broad membership eligibility, including military or U.S. government personnel.
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
- 14.65% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.65% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 16.65% to 20.00% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card is an everyday rewards card from Navy Federal Credit Union. The card earns 3x points on gas station and grocery purchases, 2X points at restaurants, and 1X points for all their purchases. New account holders also receive 25,000 bonus points when they spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 25,000 points (a $250 value) when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of opening an account
- A great choice for everyday spending and grocery shopping
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy 0% APR on purchases for 12 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.65% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.65% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 16.65% to 20.00% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: None if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. Otherwise, up to $1 for ATM Cash Advance
- Penalty APR: 18.00%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $20
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $20
- You’re a member of Navy Federal Credit Union
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
- You want to earn rewards on everyday purchases
- You plan on making at least $3,000 in purchases within the first three months
The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card earns 3x points on gas station and grocery purchases, 2x points at restaurants, and 1x points for all other purchases. New account holders also receive 30,000 bonus points when they spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, plus 1.99% intro APR on balance transfers for the first six months – with no annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
Navy Federal also offers exclusive member deals where cardholders can earn bonus points just for making purchases using their card online. All members need to log in to their account and select the retailer they wish to shop with. There are hundreds to choose from, including Staples, Apple, Walmart, Best Buy, and more. Cardholders can earn up to 15 points (or 15% cashback) for every dollar spent.
Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
- 11.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 11.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 12.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard® credit from First Tech Federal Credit Union offers a myriad of benefits to cardholders that make this a great card to have in your wallet. Cardholders don’t have to pay an annual fee to use this card, and there are no fees for many common transactions. Additionally, cardholders can earn up to 3 points for every dollar they spent plus a 30,000-bonus when they first open their account. Keep reading to learn more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee for the first year
- 3x points on travel and 2x points on dining
- No fees on foreign transactions, cash advances, and balance transfers
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
- Regular Purchase APR: 11.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 11.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 12.99% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $75
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- You want to earn rewards points on your credit card purchases
- You want to earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000
- You don’t want to pay annual fees or fees on foreign transactions, balance transfers, or cash advances
- You want 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months
The Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a versatile rewards credit card that caters to a very diverse clientele. The card is the product of First Tech Federal Credit Union, which serves members in Oregon, Washington, and California.
First Tech Federal Credit Union is the sixth-largest credit union in the United States, with over $16.5 billion in total assets. The credit union offers exclusive financial services for some of the industry’s biggest names, including HP, Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, and Google.
The Odyssey Rewards Card provides excellent value for members looking to hit the road (or the runway, for that matter). The card earns 3X points on travel and hotels and 2X on dining – including takeout and delivery. New accounts can also take advantage of a 30,000-point bonus after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days.
If that wasn’t enough, The Odyssey Card comes with an APR starting as low as 6.99% for purchases and balance transfers and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases!
NASA FCU Visa Star Trek™ Credit Card
NASA FCU Visa Star Trek™ Credit Card
NASA FCU Visa Star Trek™ Credit Card
- 14.4% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.4% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 16.4% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Visa Star Trek™ Credit Card is a geek-chic rewards credit card from NASA Federal Credit Union. The card offers 3x points on purchases at StarTrek.com, 2x points at gas stations, and 1x points for everything else. New accounts also receive a special introductory APR on balance transfers, as well as a cash back reward when they meet a minimum spend requirement within the first 90 days of opening an account. The Star Trek™ Visa also comes in four unique designs.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Show your Trekkie pride with every purchase – choose from 4 designs
- Earn $300 cash back when you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days
- 3X points on startrek.com purchases, 2X points on gas station purchases and 1 point for every other purchase.
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.4% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 8.4% to 17.99% variable on transfers made within 90 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.4% to 17.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 16.4% to 18.00% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 18%
- Annual Fee: $39
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- You love the idea of banking with NASA
- You are a die-hard Trekkie and want to show your fandom
- You want to earn 2x points on gas station purchases
- You do’t want to pay a fee for foreign transactions or balance transfers
The NASA FCU Visa Star Trek™ Credit Card is a geek-chic rewards credit card from NASA Federal Credit Union. The card offers 3X points per dollar on purchases at StarTrek.com, 2X at gas stations, and 1X on everything else. New accounts get a 0% intro APR and a basic cash back bonus. The card also comes in four unique designs that are certain to be a hit with Trekkies everywhere.
Joining NASA FCU is fairly straightforward. Becoming a member is as easy as joining the National Space Society (NSS). While joining the NSS has a fee, using NASA FCU’s link makes it free for the first year (and $12 per year after that).
Featured image by mohamed_hassan / PixaBay
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