Is a credit union credit card worth it?

Yes, a credit union credit card is worth it if you choose the right one. The best credit cards from credit unions are among the best credit cards on the market in certain categories, and most people are eligible for many more credit unions than they realize.

It’s good to cast a wide net when you’re comparing credit card offers, so you shouldn’t ignore cards from credit unions or banks. Comparing cards from both types of issuers will give you the best chance of finding the best deal overall.

Credit Union Credit Cards Worth Considering

Nearly all financial products come with positives and negatives, and credit union credit cards are no exception. Read on to learn more and decide whether this type of card will be a good fit for you.

Pros and Cons of Credit Union Credit Cards

Pros

Lower Interest Rates. As nonprofit organizations, credit unions often pass on earnings to members, resulting in lower APRs on credit cards. This can significantly reduce the cost of interest if you carry a balance.

Lower Fees. You can expect credit union credit cards to have lower annual fees and fewer other fees than cards from major banks.

Better Customer Service. Credit unions tend to have a smaller pool of customers, which can translate into more personalized and responsive customer service.

Flexibility and Accessibility. Some credit unions are more likely to offer cards to individuals with less-than-perfect credit than the major banks.

Cons

Fewer Rewards Options. Credit union card rewards programs may not be as lucrative or have as many options as those from the large banks.

Lower Credit Limits. Because of their smaller size and limited resources, some credit unions may offer lower credit limits than major banks.

Membership Requirements. You typically need to meet specific eligibility requirements to join a credit union, such as living in a specific geographic area or belonging to a certain occupation or organization. However, some credit unions will allow anyone to join. You may have to make a small donation to an affiliated charity to qualify.

Credit union credit cards might not get as much attention as popular cards from big banks, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth looking into. To learn more and view some popular options, check out WalletHub’s editors’ picks for the best credit union credit cards.