Best Credit Union Credit Cards of 2024
Best for Travel Rewards
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
On PenFed’s secure site
Annual Fee
$95 Waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members
Regular APR
17.99% Purchase Variable APR
Intro Bonus
50,000 bonus points When you spend $3000 in the first 90 days
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good-Excellent
Why We Chose It
If you have a passion for travel, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card may be your new favorite travel companion. You earn 3X points on all travel categories (4X points if you’re a PenFed Honors Advantage member), plus 1.5X points for all other purchases—which you can redeem for more travel, shopping or gift cards.
Pros and Cons
- Boosted travel rewards rate
- Complimentary Priority Pass annual membership
- Loaded with travel benefits
- $95 annual fee (waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members)
- High spending requirement to earn welcome bonus
- No intro APR offer on purchases
Best for Cash Back
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49% to 27.49%
Intro Bonus
None
Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Excellent
Why We Chose It
The potential 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases with the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card is impressive, but it will take an extra effort to get it. If you don’t meet the qualifications for the 2.5%, you can still earn a decent 1.5% flat-rate cash back with the card.
Pros and Cons
- High cash back potential
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- Earn cash rewards
- No sign-up bonus
- Spending caps
- Checking account requirements for 2.5% cash back
Best for Gas Purchases
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.99% variable
Intro Bonus
15,000 Bonus Points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
15,000 Bonus Points
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card can offer serious rewards for gas purchases. Plus, you’ll receive boosted rewards for other everyday spending categories like groceries (including most Targets and Walmarts), restaurants and streaming services.
Pros and Cons
- High 5X rewards rate on gas purchases
- No annual fee
- Bonus offer
- No intro purchase APR
- 3% balance transfer fee
- Can’t redeem points for cash back
Best for Everyday Spending
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.90%-18.00% Variable
Intro Bonus
20,000 bonus points Get our Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, and you can earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 value) when you spend $2,000 within 90 days of account opening. Expires on Jan. 01, 2024
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Fair – Excellent
Why We Chose It
If groceries, gas, restaurants and transit sound like categories you feel like most of your paycheck goes towards, then you may want to consider the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card. With boosted rewards for purchases in all these categories, plus 1X points per dollar spent on all other purchases, it probably won’t take you long to rack up serious rewards.
Pros and Cons
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer, cash advance or foreign transaction fees
- Welcome offer and $98 Walmart+ membership credit
- Intro APR is only 1.99% (14.00% to 18.00% APR thereafter)
- High spend requirement to achieve welcome bonus
- $0.50 cash advance fee outside Navy Federal network
Best for Balance Transfers
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
11.24% – 18.00% Variable
Intro Bonus
0.99% intro APR Transfer your non-Navy Federal balances within 60 days of getting a Platinum card, and you'll pay a 0.99% intro APR on the balance transfer for 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR between 11.24% and 18% applies.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Good – Excellent
Why We Chose It
If you’re someone who might carry a balance (or unsure if they will need to), then the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card offers a lower-cost option thanks to its outstanding 0.99% intro APR offer on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles (after that, you’re subject to a 11.24% to 18.00% variable APR).
Pros and Cons
- Competitive ongoing APR
- Low intro APR on balance transfers
- No annual, foreign transaction or balance transfer fees
- No intro offer for purchases
- No rewards program
- Must transfer balance within 60 days for intro offer
Best for Low Fees
cashRewards Credit Card
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure site
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.90%-18.00%, Variable
Intro Bonus
$300 bonus cash back and one-time $98 annual Walmart+ membership statement credit Earn $300 cash back when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening and get a one-time $98 statement credit when you pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership using your card.
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Average – Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card makes it easy to keep up with your rewards by offering up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases. You also don’t have to worry about spending caps or expiration dates.
Pros and Cons
- Up to 1.75% cash back
- No annual or foreign transaction fees
- No rewards limits
- Requirements for highest reward
- No intro APR
- No boosted reward categories
Best for Bad Credit
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.75% – 18% variable
Intro Bonus
None
Credit Score
Credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
Bad – Fair
Why We Chose It
If you have bad credit or limited credit, you may benefit from a secured credit card like the DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card. It’s packed full of features you don’t often find in other secured cards, like no balance transfer fees or cash advance fees, an extended warranty benefit and complimentary Shipt membership.
Pros and Cons
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer or cash advance fees
- Relatively low APR
- High $500 minimum security deposit required
- No rewards program
- Requires credit union membership
A Closer Look at the Best Credit Union Cards
Best for Travel Rewards: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Why we love this card: You can make traveling easier with the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card thanks to its numerous travel-related benefits. Enjoy a $100 domestic air ancillary travel statement credit each year, a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Pre-check statement credit, complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees. There’s a welcome bonus and a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers as well for 12 billing cycles (17.99% non-variable APR thereafter).
Who should have this in their wallet: If you love to travel, both domestically and internationally, then the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card offers benefits that save you both time and money. You can earn higher rewards for travel while paying down your higher-interest credit cards because of its generous balance transfer offer.
Other cards to consider: The Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card also offers boosted travel rewards, with 3X reward points on travel purchases, plus 2X points on all other purchases. However, it only costs $49 per year, versus the $95 annual fee of the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa (although the $95 is waived if you’re a PenFed Honors Advantage member).
Best for Cash Back: Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card
Why we love this card: If you can meet the checking account requirements, the potential 2.5% cash back on purchases on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases with the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card may be too hard to resist. Without meeting these requirements, you’ll still earn a 1.5% flat-rate cash back. Plus there’s no annual fee, and the card lacks many other fees we’re used to seeing with credit cards.
Who should have this in their wallet: Members of the Alliant Credit Union with an Alliant High-Rate Checking Account will benefit from this card. You’ll be able to earn 2.5% cash back by choosing electronic statements, making a monthly deposit into the account and maintaining an average daily balance of $1,000 or more.
Other cards to consider: If you prefer a simpler process for earning a decent cash back amount, consider the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card. You’ll earn 2% cash back if you’re a PenFed checking account holder without needing to meet any requirements.
Best for Gas Purchases: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
Why we love this card: The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card offers an amazing 5X rewards points on all gas purchases and EV charging stations, but it doesn’t stop there. You can also earn 3X rewards points on grocery, restaurant and streaming purchases, making it ideal for almost all everyday spending. Plus, you’ll find a variety of redemption options when it comes time to redeem your points.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you commute frequently or regularly fill up (or charge your EV), then you can offset some of the higher gas prices with the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa high rewards rate. It can also provide a solution if you’re carrying a higher-interest credit card balance since there’s an intro APR offer on balance transfers.
Other cards to consider: The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card also rewards everyday spending categories with boosted reward rates on gas, grocery and restaurant purchases. While it doesn’t have an intro APR offer on balance transfers, it doesn’t charge a balance transfer fee, either.
Best for Everyday Spending: Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card
Why we love this card: This card combines boosted rewards rates for some of the biggest spending categories, including gas, groceries, restaurants and more. It’s also a low-cost option since it doesn’t have an annual fee, foreign transaction fees or balance transfer fees. And if you do carry a balance, it offers a competitive interest rate compared to other options.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re a big spender in these categories, then you can enjoy a wide variety of rewards. Because the rewards can be redeemed for travel, cash back or gift cards, the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card is an ideal choice for someone unsure of how they want to redeem their rewards.
Other cards to consider: If travel is where you spend more of your money, then you may prefer the Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card. You earn 3X points on travel and 2X points on all other purchases. Plus, cardholders receive up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every four years and a free year of Amazon Prime membership.
Best for Balance Transfers: Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card
Why we love this card: The Platinum Credit Card is worth considering if your main focus is paying down high-interest debt and keeping your interest payments to a minimum. The card features a 0.99% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles with an 11.24% to 18% variable APR once the promotional period ends. Plus, you won’t pay balance transfer fees.
Who should have this in their wallet: If tackling debt is your main focus and you’re not interested in using a card to earn rewards, then you might benefit from a card like this one. It’s a more affordable option thanks to its lower APR and lack of big fees.
Other cards to consider: If you need a longer period for paying off a balance transfer but still want a lower APR when the promotional period is over, consider the PenFed Gold Visa® Card. It offers a 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers (3% fee) for 15 months, followed by a 17.99% variable APR.
Best for Low Fees: Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
Why we love this card: If the idea of unlimited rewards, flat-rate cash back and no annual fee sounds good to you, then the Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card may be what you’re after. You earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, but if you have direct deposit set up with NFCU, then you’ll earn 1.75% cash back instead. There’s also a lower APR, no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer and no cash advance fees, making this an easier card to carry.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you like the idea of earning rewards but don’t feel like keeping up with specific spending categories or rotating bonus reward categories, then the Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card can be a great fit. You’ll benefit even more if you’re already an NFCU checking or savings account holder with direct deposit.
Other cards to consider: If you like the idea of a straightforward cash back program but need an introductory offer on a balance transfer, consider the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card. It offers up to 2% flat-rate cash back on all purchases and includes an intro APR on balance transfers.
Best for Bad Credit: DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card
Why we love this card: If you have bad credit, the DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card may help you get your credit profile in better shape. It also comes with valuable benefits including optional overdraft protection, identity theft protection, extended warranty protection and travel accident insurance.
Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re trying to establish or rebuild your credit and want a lower-cost credit card, then you may prefer the DCU Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card. Not only does it have a lower APR compared to other secured credit cards, but there’s also no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer or cash advance fees and no over-the-limit fee.
Other cards to consider: Another option is the Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card. It lets you establish a credit line with a minimum of $200 andoffers a rewards program where you can earn 1X points on all purchases.
What Is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that offers many of the same services as a traditional bank. It might accept deposits, make loans or offer financial products and a wide assortment of other services. Credit unions are member-owned, too, which means they’re controlled by the membership. Each one elects volunteer board members to further steer the credit union in the member’s interests.
Any profits made by the credit union are returned to the financial institution and used to lower fees, increase savings interest rates, lower loan rates and make other beneficial changes, which is why you’ll often see lower rates through a credit union versus a bank. Plus, when a credit union is a member of the National Credit Union Administration, each account holder’s account is insured up to $250,000.
What Are Credit Union Credit Cards and How Do They Work?
A credit union credit card is simply one issued by a credit union instead of a bank. They work the same way as other credit cards but often have more competitive interest rates and lower fees. While credit unions are not-for-profit, most other credit card companies are for-profit, which means they have to answer to stakeholders.
How Do I Choose the Best Credit Union Credit Card for Me?
There are numerous options for credit union credit cards, so how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one? Keep these factors in mind as you’re making your selection.
Review Your Credit Score First
The first step in choosing the best credit union credit card is knowing what range your credit score falls into, such as good or excellent. A higher credit score increases your chances of approval and may qualify you for lower interest rates. If you know your score before you apply, then you can focus on credit cards that typically accept applications with similar credit scores.
Match a Card to Your Spending Style
Think about your spending habits as they are now. Do you spend a good portion on eating out, traveling or grocery shopping? What about gas and transit? If these are bigger categories for you, try selecting a card where you’re rewarded the most in these areas.
Consider the Additional Benefits
Sometimes, a card’s additional benefits can be extremely valuable to you. Extra benefits like travel and purchase protections can add tremendous value to your card—and help you if you find yourself in a sticky situation while traveling. You might also consider extended warranty protections, service or subscription credits or roadside assistance.
Review All Rates and Fees
Always check the various rates and fees of each card. For example, while a card may not have an annual fee, it may have a foreign transaction fee that makes it too costly to use overseas. Look for the information for late payment fees, balance transfers and cash advances so you have a better understanding of the true cost of the card. Don’t forget the interest rate, too, which can impact the costs if you carry a balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Easier to Get a Credit Card From a Credit Union?
Each credit union has its own criteria for approval of its various credit cards. While some cards require good to excellent credit, other cards may offer approval to those with fair or bad credit.
How Do I Apply for a Credit Union Credit Card?
The process for applying for a credit union credit card is similar to any other credit card application. The only difference is you must be a member of whichever credit union the card belongs to. You may also have to hold a checking or savings account at the credit union, but this isn’t always a requirement.
Can You Get Preapproval for a Credit Union Credit Card?
Getting preapproval depends on the credit union and card. Not all of them offer it as an option. It’s a smart idea though, since you can see what your odds of approval are without a hard credit check (which won’t ding your credit score). For example, the Navy Federal Credit Union offers prequalification for all of its credit cards, so you can see which of its cards is best for you.
