If you like the idea of better service and lower fees and interest, you may be better off with a credit card from a credit union than from a major card issuer.
We picked our favorite credit union cards based on their standout features for a variety of consumers.
How we picked these cards
Many credit unions serve local communities only, limiting who can apply to people who live in a certain region. As a result, we limited the scope of our research to credit unions that make it possible to become a member regardless of where you live in the United States.
We also made our picks based on features that provide enough value for different types of cardholders to compete with some of the best credit cards from major card issuers. That includes a cash back card with a tough-to-beat rewards rate and cards with impressively low interest rates and few fees.
Four things to know about getting a credit union credit card
1. You don’t have to be part of an exclusive group to qualify
A big myth surrounding credit unions is that you can only qualify if you’re already a member of a certain organization or part of an exclusive group. This may be true for some credit unions, but it certainly isn’t the case for all of them.
Many credit unions offer several different pathways to membership, and joining a credit union doesn’t have to mean jumping through hoops.
2. You may get access to members-only credit cards with higher rewards
Many credit unions limit access to their products to members only. The good news? Once you’re in, you can potentially apply for a credit card with rewards rates that stack up well against traditional credit cards.
3. Credit union credit cards often come with very competitive rates
Rewards, of course, only make a difference if you aren’t paying a ton in interest and late fees. Fortunately, credit unions tend to score highly in those departments as well.
4. Most credit unions reimburse those pesky ATM fees
Another surprising fact is that many credit unions offer some sort of reimbursement for withdrawing money from out-of-network ATMs with a debit card. Keep in mind this is only when using your debit card. Using a credit card at an ATM might run you into some hefty cash advance fees.
If you often find yourself out and about with limited ATM options, this perk can add up to substantial savings. Just be aware that credit unions generally have fewer branches for in-person transactions and offer fewer ATM machines than traditional banks. This might be a downside depending on how you prefer to handle your banking.
How to make the most of credit union credit cards
If you plan to get a credit union credit card, take the opportunity to look at other benefits you might get as a member, such as higher deposit rates on checking and savings accounts and lower interest rates on loans.
As we noted above, we limited this list to cards from credit unions with attainable membership requirements for people around the United States. For that reason, we recommend taking a closer look at your local credit unions, as they may be more focused on the community you live in and provide better service for your needs.
*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.