The Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card is a good card to consider if you have bad or fair credit (a credit score under 700) and you want to build credit inexpensively with no annual fee and a 0% APR promotion. You also need to live in an eligible area of California or be a close relative of a member to join. 

What I Like About the Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card

No annual fee

The average annual fee among credit card offers available right now is $26.75, according to our research. Not having to pay anything just to own the Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card could therefore add up to a lot of money saved if you keep your account open for a long time. 
 

$500 to $25,000 limit

Most credit cards aren’t very transparent about their credit-limit possibilities, so it’s nice to see an issuer disclose both the minimum and maximum. The exact limit you’ll be assigned if you get approved for an account will depend on factors such as your credit history, income and debt. 
 

0% APR promotion

The Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card offers 0% for 6 months on new purchases. You can also get 0% for 6 months on your first balance transfer of $500 or more. 

These aren’t the longest interest-free periods available right now. In fact, they last only about half as long as average. But very few cards available to people with less-than-good credit can match this deal. 
 

Low credit score requirement

A lot of cards with terms this attractive would require fair credit or good credit at a minimum. Fortunately, you can get the Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card with even a bad credit score. If you don’t know what your credit score is, you can check it for free right here on WalletHub. 

What I Don’t Like About the Downey Federal Credit Union Classic Credit Card

No rewards

You won’t earn points, miles or cash back for making purchases with this card. If you plan to pay your bill in full every month, you might be able to save more money with a rewards card. 
 

Not the lowest regular APR

The interest rate that takes over after the 0% promotion ends won’t be super high, but it won’t be super low either. It’s in your best interest to pay your bill in full every month when this regular rate is in effect. You’ll avoid interest charges entirely if you do that. 
 

Hard to join the credit union

To be eligible for Downey Federal Credit Union membership, you need to live, work, go to school, or worship in one of these California towns:
 

• Bell
• Bell Gardens
• Bellflower
• Compton / East Compton
• Cudahy
• Downey
• Huntington Park
• Lynwood
• Norwalk
• Paramount
• Pico Rivera
• Santa Fe Springs
• South Gate

Alternatively, if you have a sibling, spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild who is a member, you’re automatically eligible.