PenFed credit cards are credit cards issued by Pentagon Federal Credit Union. PenFed credit card offers are known for low annual fees (usually $0), 0% foreign transaction fees and attractive rewards. You don’t need to be affiliated with the military to get a credit card from PenFed, either, as anyone can apply for membership. PenFed credit cards do require excellent credit for approval, however.
If you have questions about an existing credit card account with Pentagon Federal Credit Union (a WalletHub partner), the PenFed credit card customer service number is 1 (800) 247-5626. If you’re interested in applying for a card, you can compare the latest PenFed credit card offers, read customer reviews and more below.
Earn 5x points for gas purchases at the pump and electric vehicle charging stations
Earn 3x points for supermarket purchases, restaurants/dining, and cable, satellite and other television/radio/streaming services
Earn 1x point on all other purchases
New Acquisition Bonus: 15,000 points after $1,500 spend during first 3 months of card open date
Additional Info
Rate and offers current as of August 1, 2022 and subject to change.
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
No cash advance fee
Chip and Contactless ‘Tap to Pay’ enabled for added security, ease and convenience at the point of sale
Click and Pay eligible, via Secure Remote Commerce, so you can enjoy easy and secure online buying checkout
Digital wallet capable
Purchase variable rate as low as 16.49% APR
0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers made between now and September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Rate and offers current as of August 1, 2022 and subject to change.
Purchase variable Rate As Low As 10.49% APR
0% Introductory APR on purchases made within the first 15 months after account opening
0% promotional rate for 15 months on balance transfers made between now and September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
No cash advance fees
Chip and Contactless ‘Tap to Pay’ enabled for added security, ease and convenience at the point of sale
Click and Pay eligible, via Secure Remote Commerce, so you can enjoy easy and secure online buying checkout
$100 statement credit after spending $1,500 in purchase transactions within the first 90 days of account opening
2% cash back on all purchases through the PenFed Honors Advantage program
1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
Flexible cash redemption options (Power Cash statement credit or cash-out to a checking or savings account)
No caps, limits or category restrictions on cash rewards
Additional Info
Rate and offers current as of August 1, 2022 and subject to change.
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
No cash advance fee
Chip and Contactless ‘Tap to Pay’ enabled for added security, ease and convenience at the point of sale
Click and Pay eligible, via Secure Remote Commerce, so you can enjoy easy and secure online buying checkout
Digital wallet capable
Purchase variable rate as low as 16.49% APR
0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers made between now and September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
Rate and offers current as of August 1, 2022 and subject to change.
$95.00 annual fee - As a PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards cardholder, if you qualify for Honors Advantage (member of the military or Access America or Free Checking account holder) at the time of the application, we will waive the annual fee on your account. If you were not eligible at account opening, but subsequently become eligible, the annual fee will be waived on your next anniversary. If at any time, you fail to maintain the eligibility requirements, you will no longer be eligible for the waiver. You will receive advance notice of this change.
No foreign transaction fee
No cash advance fees
Chip and Contactless ‘Tap to Pay’ enabled for added security, ease and convenience at the point of sale
Click and Pay eligible, via Secure Remote Commerce, so you can enjoy easy and secure online buying checkout
Digital wallet capable
Purchase variable Rate As Low As 16.49% APR
0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers made between now and September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be a non-variable rate of 17.99%. 3% balance transfer fee per transaction. Subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
They screwed my credit causing delinquency with the root cause of their screwed internal system that stored my external account information incorrectly. I honestly tried several times to correct it as I was the victim and got my credit screwed, which I don't deserve. There is no point in continuing here. I cancelled my membership already.
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
0
Evage @evage_mcgee
Report Abuse
3 Star Rating
Verified Customer
A great card, but they don't honor 3x streaming (youtube tv). I got some lame feedback that it is due to youtube tv billing code when they bill for payment. Some purchases are only 1%, I will only use it for fuel and groceries.
I have this card is great approved me for $10,000 with a 775 credit score have no problem so far was approved immediatly online. Will get another penfed card
No better or worse than any other credit union. I have a credit card. Once paid off I intend to close the account. I do not need a 3rd CU account.
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
0
Michael @mfrazier55
Report Abuse
5 Star Rating
Verified Customer
The PenFed GOLD Card is one of the best card they have for low APR. I give it a FIVE STARS rating. I use the Gold Card for my everyday spending
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
0
Robert @LRDeakinFamily
Report Abuse
5 Star Rating
Verified Customer
The PenFed Power Rewards Card offers High cash rewards and High premium savings rates. Easy to use. Rewards veterans and so much more.
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
0
Jeffrey @jkfager
Report Abuse
2 Star Rating
Verified Customer
I do like the 2% cash back. This account, however, is like playing Russian roulette with payments. They are initially applied immediately to your available credit, but then you spend the next several days waiting to see if they decide to randomly place a hold on the payment, potentially significantly lowering your available credit and resulting in surprise declined authorizations, which I have found to be extremely embarrassing. This despite never having had a payment to them returned for any reason. This forces me to use other credit cards with more favorable payment processing policies and put this one back in the sock drawer.
705 score and your not getting Anything!!! Had to change credit unions because this one is impossible to get anything with. They are the worst at approving anything at all with good credit. As you also read it takes everyone forever if they are lucky enough to get approved. I went to another credit union and they approved me within 15 minutes. Don’t waste your time or good credit with this place. Read how rude they are in North Carolina as well.
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
0
markhess_1 @markhess_1
Report Abuse
1 Star Rating
customer service is lacking... hold time is long and application process requires tax returns for credit cards. Do yourself a favor and try another credit union or credit card company.
show more
show less
Product: PenFed Credit Union Credit Cards
Comment
0
1
rsbrown1953 @rsbrown1953
Report Abuse
1 Star Rating
At best you would have to classify this card as deceptive marketing. They promote excellent cash rewards benefits in several ways. One of their marketing messages, and I'm paraphrasing, it to market the concept of only needing a single card for cash rewards. There idea is get one card with good cash rewards benefits across all purchase types. Thus eliminating the need for other cards to maximize purchase type benefits.
The huge problem with that marketing message. They REQUIRE you to redeem rewards via gift cards or on-line shopping. How in the world does this requirement match up with their single-card marketing campaign. I don't want to keep up with, and use, a bunch of different gift cards.
Another deceptive marketing message. On their website they have the tagline "Redeem your rewards, your way." However, they are very restrictive in how you redeem rewards. The option of a credit to your bank account, or savings account, or a credit to your credit card balance are not available to you. So, the tagline should more accurately be "Redeem your rewards, OUR WAY."
And it quickly becomes obvious why they FORCE you redeem THEIR WAY. You can only purchase gift cards with an add-on transaction fee. Thus you can never receive the full value of your rewards because of the transaction fees.
Further, I can purchase any of these gift cards at my local Kroger grocery store. The cost of the card at Kroger is only the exact value of the card. There is no add-on transaction fee. In fact, Kroger even offers BONUS fuel points if you purchase you gift cards on a weekend.
Bottom line: These marketing practices, combined with restrictive access to rewards make this marketing DECEPTIVE at best. The fact they REQUIRE you to use redemption options resulting in TRANSACTION FEE income for them might make their practices more egregious that simple deceptive marketing.
Yes. Anyone can join PenFed. PenFed membership is free for everyone now, but PenFed was originally created to serve U.S. military members and veterans of all branches, as well as federal employees and retirees. PenFed formerly required non-government and non-military applicants to donate to a military charity to be eligible for membership, but they no longer require this. As long as you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you can join Pentagon Federal Credit Union by simply funding a savings account with at least $5.
All you have to do to apply for PenFed membership is enter your personal information – including your name, address, Social Security number or ITIN, and other info – on the membership form. Before you submit your application for membership, you'll be asked to make a deposit of at least $5 to a new PenFed savings account using a debit card or a bank transfer.
PenFed Membership Eligibility Requirements:
Must be able to fund a savings account with at least $5
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
Must have a government-issued photo I.D.
Must be at least 18 years old
All in all, it's very easy to become a PenFed Credit Union member. To fill out a membership form, visit the PenFed Credit Union website. Alternately, you can apply for membership over the phone by calling 800-247-5626.
Yes, PenFed is a good credit card company that offers unsecured credit cards for people with excellent credit. PenFed credit cards come with $0 annual fees, 0% foreign transaction fees, rewards of up to 5 points / $1 spent on purchases, and introductory APRs.
Here's why PenFed is a good credit card company:
Many credit card promotions and benefits: All PenFed credit cards come with a 0% foreign transaction fee, and almost all of them have no annual fees as well. PenFed also offers different types of credit cards: rewards, intro APRs, and low interest rates credit cards.
Good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: Although it is not BBB accredited, PenFed has a A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Wallethub Rating: The company has a rating of 3.6 / 5 across more than 3,300 reviews on Wallethub for its credit cards.
Available for everyone: Even though PenFed is a credit union, its membership is available to everyone for free.
Mostly good reviews: Customer reviews give PenFed credit cards mostly high marks, particularly for their rewards and competitive interest rates. Commonly cited areas of need, however, include larger initial bonuses, and a lack of cards available for customers with below-average credit.
Ultimately, it is worth noting that on the customer service side, reviews run the gamut. Reviewers praise PenFed's military-friendly personnel, quick posting of payments, and easy access to credit limit increases and interest rate reductions. Recurring complaints include long wait times, limited website customer service options and difficulty getting issues resolved.
No, PenFed doesn't have any secured credit cards. Pentagon Federal Credit Union has offered secured credit cards in the past, but they stopped taking new secured card applications in 2019.
PenFed only offers unsecured credit cards for members with above-average credit. There's no security deposit required, but potential customers with credit scores below 700 may find it difficult to get approved. Although PenFed does not have a secured credit card, there are plenty of good alternatives.
The PenFed Honors Advantage program offers higher earning rates to eligible PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card and PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card cardholders. More specifically, PenFed Power Cash Rewards cardholders get 2% cash back on all purchases and PenFed Pathfinder cardholders get 4 points / $1 spent on travel if they are eligible for this program.
Here's how the PenFed Honors Advantage program works:
Eligibility based either on having and maintaining a PenFed Access America Checking Account or being/having been in military service (active duty, reserve, honorably discharged, or retired).
PenFed Power Cash Rewards cardholders have their rewards supplemented to 2% cash back on all purchases.
PenFed Pathfinder cardholders have their rewards supplemented to 4 points / $1 spent on travel.
You do not need to apply for the PenFed Honors Advantage Program. If you are in military service, you will receive the PenFed Honors Advantage 2% cash back upon completion of the application.
Once you open a PenFed checking account, your card will be automatically upgraded for the higher earning rate within one business day of opening that checking account.
Keep in mind that you must maintain your checking account in order to receive the higher earning rate through the PenFed Honors Advantage program. If you close your checking account, you will no longer be earning the supplemented rewards.
It is also worth noting that you can only earn rewards on purchases (minus any credits or returns). Cash advances, balance transfers, and checks are not considered purchases and will not earn rewards.
The PenFed credit card approval requirements include an excellent (750+) credit score and proof of a steady income. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Those under 21 years old will need to offer evidence of independent income, too. PenFed credit union membership is also required in order to be approved for a credit card. The membership requirements and the application to join are available on the PenFed website.
Other PenFed Credit Card Approval Requirements
Application requirements also include personal information such as your name, address and birthdate. Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) and U.S. citizenship status are also required. In addition, PenFed will review your credit history, your income and any debts you have. Your bank account information, monthly mortgage/rent payment, and employment status will also be taken into account.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. Actual terms may vary. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
Ad Disclosure: Certain offers that appear on this site originate from paying advertisers, and this will be noted on an offer’s details page using the designation "Sponsored", where applicable. Advertising may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.
Editorial and user-generated content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any issuer.
