Credit Card Education: The Benefits of Using a Credit Card from a Portland Credit Union

Getting a credit card from a credit union like CCCU means lower APRs, better access to rewards that earn you money, and great account security. Learn why you should open a credit card from a credit union.
 
Responsible credit card use is an essential component of your overall financial health. Lenders offer a range of interest rates and perks, along with fees that vary among cards. When you shop around for a credit card, it’s important to take your time before applying to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
 
It may be tempting to sign up for a credit card approval offer you receive in the mail or jump on the first line of credit you find in a Google search. However, the best credit cards are offered by credit unions that provide lower APRs, better perks, and greater security. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of credit cards from Portland credit unions like CCCU!

Why Credit Union Credit Cards Are Better

A credit union is a member-owned financial institution that provides a variety of bank accounts and lending options to its local community. Credit cards from our Portland credit union offer several benefits, including low-interest rates, minimal fees, optimal rewards programs, trusted customer service, higher approval rates, and an opportunity to manage all your finances in one place.

Low-Interest Rates

In general, a credit union credit card will have a lower APR (Annual Percentage Rate) than a line of credit issued by nationwide lenders and banks. Credit unions like CCCU are nonprofit organizations. This means that instead of distributing profits amongst shareholders, revenue is returned to our members in the form of low-interest rates along with additional account savings.

Minimal Fees

In addition to low-interest rates, not-for-profit credit unions can minimize the fees associated with their credit cards and loan programs. Additionally, some credit unions offer credit cards with no annual charges or balance transfer fees. Visa Cards from our Portland credit union comes with no annual fee or charges on balance transfers to help you save more.

Optimal Rewards Programs

The rewards program you can get with a credit union credit card is often better than those provided by other lenders. Many credit cards offer cashback deals, airline miles, and other points programs to entice enrollment. However, credit card rewards from credit unions like ours deliver the most bang for your buck by offering those same rewards on top of other ways that compensate use.

Trusted Customer Service

As small, nonprofit financial organizations, credit unions provide better customer service than other banks. They are dedicated to serving their communities and offering personalized financial support for their members, including assistance in finding the right credit card. Portland credit unions like ours also offer security to help keep your credit card safe.

Higher Approval Rates

Portland credit unions like CCCU are known for approving borrowers for personal loans and lines of credit at higher rates than other financial institutions. Members of our Oregon credit union are often approved for credit cards because we believe in nurturing financial independence. However, approval is not always a guarantee, so make sure you thoroughly evaluate your credit health before applying.

Manage all your Finances in one Place

To get a credit card from a credit union, you must be a member. That being said, credit union member perks are typically worthwhile. When you get your checking account, savings account, mortgage loan, car loan, and a credit card from a credit union, you’ll be able to conveniently manage all your finances in one place. To join our Portland credit union you simply need to live, work, worship, own a business, or go to school in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas counties, or be a relative of a current member.

Credit Union Credit Cards for Small Businesses

If you’re an entrepreneur, you may want to consider getting a line of credit or business loan from a local credit union like CCCU. Small businesses can benefit from the not-for-profit aspects of a credit union as well as the trusted, personalized services we offer our members. With a business line of credit, you’ll get a competitive APR and you won’t have to deal with any hidden fees.

Opening a Credit Card from CCCU

Credit union credit cards from CCCU work just like other lines of credit. You can make purchases, get a cash advance, or transfer your balances from other cards. However, our personal and business Visa cards come with a range of benefits and better security compared to other financial institutions. Our perks include airline miles, cashback on purchases, and gift cards. We also offer interest rates well below the national average, free balance transfers, and no annual fees.
 
If you’re thinking about applying for a credit card from a Portland credit union like CCCU, we encourage you to consider our Visa cards. Apply today, or stop by one of our Portland branches to chat with an expert about your options.

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