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Best credit union credit cards

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Published on September 29, 2023 | 3 min read

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Credit union credit cards can offer lower interest rates and unique benefits compared to cards from larger banks, while offering the same card variety as major issuers, including rewards cards and secured cards. Here are our picks for some of the best credit union credit cards.

Comparing the best credit union credit cards

Credit union cards tend to offer some of the lowest interest rates around. Here’s a few of the top performers.  

Card Name Best for Highlights Bankrate Score
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card* Everyday spending
  • 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, and on food delivery, gas and transit purchases

  • 1X points on all other purchases

  • Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days

  • One-time $98 statement credit for Walmart+ annual membership
4.3
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card* Intro APR
  • 3X points on dining purchases

  • 2X points on groceries and at gas stations

  • 1X points on all other purchases

  • Earn 2,500 bonus points after your first purchase

  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers that post to your account within the first 90 days (15.15% to 29.15% variable APR after)
2.9
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card* Travel rewards
  • 4X points on travel for PenFed Honors Advantage members (otherwise 3X points)

  • 1.5X points on other purchases

  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days

  • Up to $100 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

  • Up to $100 credit for domestic ancillary travel fees
N/A
Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card Flat-rate rewards
  • Unlimited 2% cash back on purchases

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash back bonus after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days

  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers that post to your account within the first 90 days (16.75% to 21% variable APR after)
N/A
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card Bad credit
  • Minimum $500 security deposit

  • Minimal fees

  • Low interest rate
N/A

Top credit union credit cards

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card image
Best for everyday spending

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card image
Best for intro APR

USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card

Rating: 2.9 stars out of 5
2.9
Best for travel rewards

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Card

Best for flat-rate rewards

Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card

Best for bad credit

DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card

How to choose the best credit union credit cards

There are plenty of credit union credit cards to choose from. Here are some tips for picking the one that can prove most useful to you.

Choose a card that fits your needs

Before applying for a card you’ll want to identify your primary purpose in obtaining one. If you’re interested in earning rewards, choose a card that helps you earn as much cash back or points as possible. If you need to build credit, choose an affordable secured card with a maximum credit limit that helps you maintain a low credit utilization ratio. If you plan to transfer balances, look for a card with a solid intro APR offer or a low APR.

Determine whether you’re eligible for membership

Every credit union has different eligibility requirements for membership, with some being more selective than others. Check whether you qualify for membership or if a financial commitment is required to join. If you don’t automatically qualify, you may need to make a charitable donation, open another bank account with the credit union, or pay a membership fee.

Pros and cons of credit union credit cards

Before applying, consider these pros and cons to ensure a credit union card is the right choice for the best value.

Pros

  • Safe to use. Our top picks for credit union cards come from federally insured credit unions regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), making them just as safe to use as traditional banks. Credit union cards also come with the same consumer protections mandated by the Credit CARD Act of 2009 as traditional bank-issued cards.
  • Better rates. According to mycreditunion.gov, credit unions typically offer better rates than banks. While banks have to focus on earning profits for investors, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that reinvest their profits, which leads to more affordable financing options and lower interest rates for all products.

Cons

  • Membership is required. You’ll typically have to join a credit union to access its products and services. The barrier to entry differs with each credit union: Some are nonprofit organizations that may be easier to join if you don’t meet the initial tier of requirements. Others limit access by geographical location or to select groups, like members of the armed forces.
  • Limited welcome offers or weaker reward categories. Traditional credit cards can usually offer higher sign-up bonuses, longer intro APR offers or better ongoing reward categories. Consider your initial and long-term needs and compare credit union cards to traditional cards you may be eligible for to maximize your return.

Frequently asked questions

What’s next? 

Enter some basic information into CardMatch™, Bankrate’s prequalification tool, to find a card that best suits your needs. For more insight, our Spender Type Tool can point you in the right direction.

The bottom line

Although sometimes overlooked, credit union credit cards can offer significant value. With lower interest rates than traditional bank cards, they can provide much-needed financial relief and the potential for rewards. They may require membership, but the benefits can outweigh this minor inconvenience. 

*Information about the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Card, Bellco Blue Diamond Visa Signature® Credit Card and DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.