The Agriculture Federal Credit Union has to step up its game if its Visa Platinum Credit Card is any indication. The Agriculture Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card is a cash back rewards card that requires excellent credit for approval, which in today’s market should indicate lucrative, yet straightforward rewards. If you open this card, you really get neither. First off there no initial bonus. There’s also a tiered rewards structure (you get 0.5% on the first $1,500 you spend each month, 1.0% for everything above $1500 and an addition 1.5% on gas), which makes comparison with other cards less straightforward. For most people, the Agriculture Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card therefore acts as a cash back card that gives you 2% on gas and 0.5% on everything else, which isn’t competitive. I suppose if you spend a heck of a lot on gas every month and use this card only for that it could be worthwhile, but if you spend that much on gas, you likely have a station or brand of choice and can just open its credit card and get a higher rebate rate. Besides, even though the Agriculture Federal Credit Union Visa doesn’t have an annual fee, you’d still have to pay to join the credit union.

So let’s talk alternatives. People who are brand loyal major gas consumers should get the credit card tied to their chain. Others who want gas rewards and rewards on other expenses should check out cards like the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express, since it offers 3% cash back at grocery stores, 2% at gas stations and department stores, and 1% on everything else. Some other good cards to keep an eye on are the Chase Sapphire Preferred ($500 - $625 initial bonus) and the Capital One Venture Rewards Card (basically 2% cash back across all purchases as long as you redeem for travel related expenses). I’d take any of these cards over the Agriculture Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card any day of the week.