You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.
Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 11:19am

Best Credit Union Credit Cards Of April 2024

Eric Rosenberg
Eric Rosenberg
Eric RosenbergCredit Cards Expert
Eric Rosenberg is a credit cards expert, financial writer, speaker and consultant based in Ventura, California. His work has appeared in online publications including Time, USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, NerdWallet, Investopedia and U.S. News & World Report.
See Full Bio
Eric Rosenberg
Eric Rosenberg
Eric RosenbergCredit Cards Expert
Eric Rosenberg is a credit cards expert, financial writer, speaker and consultant based in Ventura, California. His work has appeared in online publications including Time, USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, NerdWallet, Investopedia and U.S. News & World Report.
See Full Bio
Credit Cards Expert
Clint Proctor
Clint Proctor
Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider and MyFICO. Clint has redeemed millions of credit card points and miles to book budget-friendly travel and is passionate about helping others do the same.
See Full Bio

Fact Checked

Clint Proctor
Clint Proctor
Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards
Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider and MyFICO. Clint has redeemed millions of credit card points and miles to book budget-friendly travel and is passionate about helping others do the same.
See Full Bio
Lead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Fact Checked

Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 11:19am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Credit unions are nonprofit financial institutions with many of the same benefits and features as traditional banks. As they’re not seeking profits, they often pass on favorable rates and products to members, including credit cards. Here’s a look at the best credit union credit cards to help you understand some of the top options and what to look for when picking the best credit union credit card for your spending needs.

Read more
Show Summary

Best Credit Union Cards

Find the Best Credit Card

Best for Capped Flat-Rate Cash Back

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card *

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
3.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 2.5% Reward Rate

Those eligible for Tier 1 Rewards earn 2.5% cashback on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycleRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.24% - 27.24% variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Editor's Take

If you regularly rack up your monthly balance, the 2.5% return on the Alliant card is hard to beat. The downsides are that excellent credit is recommended before you apply for the card and the lack of a welcome bonus.

Pros & Cons
  • 2.5% cash back rate on up to $10,000 in monthly purchases for eligible accounts (then 1.5%)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Generous credit line
  • No intro APR offer
  • No welcome bonus
  • Requires a companion checking account with balance, direct deposit and e-statement requirements
Card Details
  • Earn up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to track on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle with qualifying accounts. All other purchases earn 1.5%
  • You can choose to receive cash back from your Alliant credit card via a credit card statement credit (appearing within one billing cycle) or as a deposit into your Alliant checking or savings
  • Up to $5,000 of Personal Identity Theft Protection for covered expenses to restore your identity
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Travel Rewards and Benefits

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
3.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Welcome Bonus

50,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members)

Regular APR

17.99% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good Credit (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

The PenFed Pathfinder card punches way above its weight, especially if you qualify as an Honors Advantage member through a PenFed checking account or military service. Even if not, it’s easy to recoup the annual fee through bonus categories and the annual travel credit. The low APR and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credits are nice to have if you need them.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Introductory balance transfer APR
  • Low standard APR
  • $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members) annual fee
  • A 3% fee applies to each transfer for balance transfers
  • Customer service is only available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
Card Details
  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
  • Earn 3X Points on all Travel categories and 4X points on travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Members
  • Earn 1.5X points on all other purchases
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Bonus Rewards on Popular Categories

Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
3.1
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Welcome Bonus

15,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

With 5 points per dollar spent on gas and 3 points per dollar on groceries and dining, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature offers bonuses where you spend the most.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Balance transfer fee
  • No major extra benefits
  • Limited redemption options, most notably no cash back options
Card Details
  • Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Earn 5 points per dollar spent on gas and electric vehicle charging stations
  • Earn 3 points on groceries, restaurants, TV, radio, cable and streaming services
  • Earn 1 point on other purchases
  • No annual or foreign transaction fees
Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best for Unlimited Flat-Rate Cash Back

Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
2.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Welcome Bonus

$100 statement credit

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

The Power Cash Rewards Visa from PenFed offers a welcome bonus, an intro APR and no foreign transaction fee—a combination you won’t often find on flat-rate 2% cards.

Pros & Cons
  • Excellent 2% cash-back rewards for those who qualify
  • 0% introductory APR on balance transfers
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
  • Light on extra benefits
  • Introductory APR doesn’t extend to purchases
  • You need to qualify to earn the full 2% rewards, otherwise you’ll only earn 1.5%
Card Details
  • Earn a $100 statement credit after spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
  • Earn 2% cash back on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage Members
  • Earn 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases
$100 statement credit after spending $1,500 in purchase transactions within the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Here’s a Summary of the Best Credit Union Cards

Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card *
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card
Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
Best for Travel with an Annual Fee Under $50
Good,Excellent
$49
35,000 bonus points + Amazon Prime®
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card *
Best for Capped Flat-Rate Cash Back
Excellent
$0
N/A
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Best for Travel Rewards and Benefits
Excellent/Good Credit
$95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members)
50,000 bonus points
Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card
Best for Cash-Back Welcome Bonus
Fair,Good,Excellent
$0
$300 cash back + LTO of $98 statement credit on annual Walmart+ membership
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
Best for Families
Fair,Good,Excellent
$0
Earn 30,000 bonus points + LTO $98 Statement Credit for an Annual Walmart+ Membership
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Best for Bonus Rewards on Popular Categories
Good, Excellent
$0
15,000 bonus points
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card *
Best for Unlimited Flat-Rate Cash Back
Good, Excellent
$0
$100 statement credit
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card
Rates & Fees
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card
Best for Low APR on Purchases
Fair,Good,Excellent
$0
N/A

Best Credit Union Cards

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card *

[ jump to details ]

The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card* features one of the strongest flat cash-back rates that you’ll find anywhere with up to 2.5% back on the first $10,000 in monthly purchases.

Rewards: Earn up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to track on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle with qualifying accounts. All other purchases earn 1.5%.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks:  All users get the 2.5% cash-back rate on up to $10,000 of purchase per billing cycle for the first 100 days after card approval. After that, you’ll need to be an Alliant member with eStatements, at least one monthly qualifying deposit and an average daily balance of $1,000. In months that you don’t meet those requirements, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back.

The card has no foreign transaction fees. Other benefits include purchase security for new purchases, extended warranty protection for eligible purchases, rental car coverage, travel accident insurance and roadside dispatch.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

[ jump to details ]

The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card* is a top travel rewards card that earns up to 4 points per dollar and offers a lucrative welcome bonus to new cardholders. While the card has a $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members) annual fee, it’s possible to waive it by meeting PenFed Honors Advantage requirements.

Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar on all travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Members, 3 points per dollar on all travel categories and 1.5 points on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members)

Other benefits and drawbacks: PenFed claims the card’s benefits are worth up to $799 per year. They include a $100 annual travel credit for domestic air travel, a credit worth up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and a complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge membership. Points are redeemable for travel, gift cards, shopping and other redemption options.

Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

[ jump to details ]

The Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card* earns up to 5 points per dollar with no annual fee. Cardholders earn bonus rewards for purchases at gas stations, EV charging stations, grocery stores, restaurants and eligible entertainment services. With low fees and big benefits, this credit union rewards card is a solid pick.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on gas and electric vehicle charging stations, 3 points on groceries, restaurants, TV, radio, cable and streaming services and 1 point on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card* is a low-fee card with no annual or foreign transaction fees. That makes it a good choice for frequent international travelers or anyone looking for a card they can carry without paying extra just to have it.

This card also comes with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months of account opening, followed by a non-variable 17.99% APR. A variable APR of 17.99% applies on purchases and there's a 3% balance transfer fee.

Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card *

[ jump to details ]

The Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card* offers a 2% cash back rate on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage Members and 1.5% for other PenFed members. It’s a simple, low-fee card with compelling cash-back rewards.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases for those who qualify and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $100 statement credit after spending $1,500 within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: New cardholders can get a 0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers, followed by a non-variable APR rate of 17.99% for purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers incur a 3% fee per transaction. The card has no foreign transaction fees. PenFed members also have access to discounts with participating merchants.

Methodology

When choosing the best credit union credit cards, our team looked at:

  • Annual fees
  • Rewards
  • Welcome bonuses
  • Benefits
  • Introductory APR periods
  • Other fees

The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards.

What Is a Credit Union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by its members. Credit unions provide services you commonly find at banks, including checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans and mortgage loans. Because they’re not looking to profit, many credit unions offer favorable interest rates and fees compared to traditional commercial banks.

Credit union customers are members who can vote for the organization’s board of directors. Many credit unions are focused on a specific geographic area, employees of a certain company, military affiliation or other criteria.

Is it Easier to Get a Credit Card from a Credit Union?

Every credit union uses its own criteria to decide who to approve for a credit card. Some credit unions may be more willing to approve a credit application than other financial institutions. However, there’s no universal rule that credit unions have more relaxed credit standards.

How To Choose the Best Card Credit Union Credit Card

To pick the best credit union credit card, consider your spending habits and what you want most from a credit card. Some credit card users don’t mind paying an annual fee for the best benefits and rewards, while others want a card with the lowest possible fees. In general, it’s best to find a card with bonus rewards in the spending categories you use most.

How To Apply For a Credit Union Credit Card

To apply for a credit union credit card, you’ll need to start by becoming a member of the credit union. This may include providing evidence that you’re a member of an eligible organization or live in a certain area.

Most credit unions require members to maintain a savings account with a minimum balance, sometimes called a share savings account. Once your membership is established, you can apply for your desired credit card and take advantage of other accounts available to credit union members.

Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

Learn More

Bottom Line

Credit union credit cards can be a good option for someone looking for a low-cost rewards card. But while some credit union cards feature better rates and rewards than you would get from a traditional bank, that’s not always the case. As always, it’s important to shop around for the best credit card for your unique financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are credit union credit cards good for balance transfers?

Some credit union cards come with a 0% APR introductory period for balance transfers. Cards with a 0% APR period of 12 months or longer are often best for balance transfers. You’ll want to be aware of balance transfer fees, although these fees are often worthwhile when taking advantage of 0% APR offers.

Can you get preapproval for a credit union credit card?

Every credit union uses unique applications and credit review processes. In some cases, credit unions may preapprove members before they fill out a formal credit card application.

Which credit unions have the best credit cards?

With many local and specialized credit unions, you may have access to local offers unavailable elsewhere. For nationwide credit unions, we found the best offers from PenFed Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union.

Do credit union credit cards have high limits?

Your credit card limit depends on several factors, including your credit history and the credit union’s underwriting guidelines. The only way to determine your credit limit for a specific card is to apply.

Next Up In Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card, PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card, Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card, Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Eric Rosenberg
Eric Rosenberg
Credit Cards Expert

Eric Rosenberg is a credit cards expert, financial writer, speaker and consultant based in Ventura, California. His work has appeared in online publications including Time, USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, NerdWallet, Investopedia and U.S. News & World Report.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 35,000 bonus points (a $350 value) when you spend $3,500 within 90 days of opening your account. Plus a free year of Amazon Prime® worth of $139 value.
N/A
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn $300 cash back after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Additionally, get a one-time $98 statement credit when you pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership.
Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Plus for a limited time, earn a one-time $98 statement credit when you pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership using your More Rewards credit card.
Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
$100 statement credit after spending $1,500 in purchase transactions within the first 90 days of account opening
N/A
The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
lorem
Are you sure you want to rest your choices?