The Alliant Cash Back Card is a great option for those looking for a high-rewards credit card with low fees. It offers a 2% cash back reward on all purchases.
This card has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage. With no annual fee, you can enjoy the benefits of cash back rewards without any additional costs.
The Alliant Cash Back Card also has a competitive cash back rate, with 2% cash back on all purchases. This is a higher rate than many other cash back credit cards on the market.
Benefits
The Alliant Cash Back Card offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking for a cash back rewards card. One of the key benefits is the card's security features, which include EMV Chip Enabled, Zero Liability, and Identity theft protection. This provides an added layer of protection for your finances.
The card also offers contactless payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it convenient to make purchases on the go. Additionally, the card has a variable APR, which is relatively low compared to other credit cards.
Here are some of the benefits of the Alliant Cash Back Card:
The card also offers travel perks, including Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Concierge Services, Roadside Assistance, and Travel Accident Insurance. This makes it a great option for those who travel frequently.
Rewards
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers a generous rewards program, with a flat rate of 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 in spending per billing cycle. This is a significantly higher rewards rate than most other flat-rate cards.
To qualify for the top rewards rate, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including opening an Alliant High-Rate Checking account, opting in to electronic statements, and maintaining an average daily balance of $1,000 or more.
If you don't meet the requirements, you'll still earn a decent 1.5% cash back rate on all purchases. This rate is still great, and if you qualify for an APR near the low end of the card's variable range, the Alliant card makes a better low-interest card than many other 1.5% cash back cards.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards tiers:
The spending cap of $10,000 per billing cycle is relatively high, and most people won't be affected by it. However, if you're a big spender, you might conceivably bump up against that ceiling.
Fees and Rates
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card has a surprisingly low-cost fee structure. The annual fee is $0, which is a great perk for those who want to earn cash back without any extra charges.
You won't be charged any foreign transaction fees, making it an ideal travel companion or online shopping choice. The card also doesn't have an over-limit fee or late payment fees that are below average.
The regular APR is a variable rate between 16.99% and 26.99%, which is relatively high. However, if you qualify for a low interest rate, the card can be an amazing low-interest credit card option.
Interest Rates & Fees
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card has a range of interest rates and fees that you should be aware of. The regular APR is 16.99% to 26.99% (V) APR, which is a relatively high rate.
The card has no annual fee, which means you won't have to pay extra just for having the card. This is a significant perk, especially if you're someone who likes to travel or shop online.
One of the standout features of this card is that it doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, which can save you a lot of money when traveling abroad. This is especially important if you're someone who likes to travel frequently.
Here are the interest rates and fees associated with the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card:
It's worth noting that the card does have a penalty APR of 29.99% if you make a late payment or make a payment that gets returned. However, this penalty APR will only last until you make six on-time payments.
The balance transfer fee is 3%, which is relatively low compared to other cards. However, it's worth noting that the card doesn't have an intro APR offer, which means you won't get a promotional period to avoid interest charges.
Starting Limit
The starting limit for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card is a guaranteed $10,000, which is the amount everyone who's approved for the card is guaranteed to get.
To qualify for a higher credit limit in the future, you'll need to demonstrate responsible payment habits, such as paying your bills in full by their due date.
Application and Approval
To apply for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card, head online or give them a call - it's the easiest way to get started. The online application is just a click away on WalletHub or directly on Alliant Credit Union's website.
You'll need excellent credit to be approved, which means a credit score of 750+ for the best chances. Don't worry if you're not sure about your credit score - just check it out before applying.
Applying for the card will trigger a hard inquiry, which might temporarily lower your credit score. So, it's essential to be aware of this before you start the application process.
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card mainly uses TransUnion to check your credit when you apply, though they might use Equifax or Experian too. If any of your credit reports are frozen, make sure to unfreeze them before applying for the card.
Comparison and Alternatives
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card may not be the best fit for everyone, especially when compared to other cash back cards. Its rewards rate eligibility requirements can be a bit restrictive, limiting the card's appeal.
If you're looking for a card with higher rewards rates in select bonus categories, you may want to consider alternative options. The Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card, for example, offers a rewards rate of 1 - 3% Cash Back, although its credit score requirement is not specified.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is another option to consider, offering a rewards rate of 1 - 8% Cash Back and a $200 bonus offer. However, it has a higher regular APR of 19.24% - 29.24% (V).
Methodology
We review credit cards with an eye toward both quantitative and qualitative features. Quantitative features, like fees and interest rates, boil down to dollars and cents.
Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class. We consider factors like the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, and the likelihood of using certain features.
NerdWallet's methodology is designed to help consumers get good value from their card. We look at the cash value of benefits and perks, as well as the rewards earning rates and redemption values.
Compare Alternatives
If you're considering the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card, you should also take a look at some of its alternatives. The Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card is one option, but it's not the strongest contender, with a WalletHub rating of just 2.5 out of 5.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is another alternative worth considering. It has a higher WalletHub rating of 4.3 out of 5 and offers a 4.8 Editor's Rating, indicating that it's a solid choice for financing new purchases.
Here's a brief comparison of these three cards:
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a $200 bonus, which is a nice perk. It also has a 0% purchase intro APR for 15 months, which can be a big help if you need to make a large purchase. However, keep in mind that the regular APR is 19.24% - 29.24% (V), which is higher than some of the other credit cards on the market.
The Fortiva Mastercard Credit Card, on the other hand, has a higher regular APR of 29.99% or 36%, which can lead to a lot of interest charges if you're not careful. It also has a lower WalletHub rating and Editor's Rating, indicating that it's not as strong of a contender as some of the other credit cards out there.
Best to Pair
Pairing credit cards can be a game-changer for maximizing your rewards. You can fix the shortcomings of each card and get the best value by combining them.
The Chase Freedom Flex is a great option to pair with the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card. It earns elevated cash back on seasonal expenses, dining, and drugstore categories, as well as higher cash back on Chase Travelâ„ portal purchases and Lyft rides.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is another great pairing option. It earns an elevated rewards rate on a cash back category of your choice, a lower rewards rate on grocery store and wholesale club purchases, and a flat rewards rate on all purchases.
Combining the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card with a rotating category card like the Chase Freedom Flex or a cash back rewards card like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card can help you maximize your rewards.
Is It Right for You?
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card is a great option for those who spend a lot and want a high rewards rate. If you're not interested in complicated reward structures, its ongoing rewards rate is worth considering.
To get the most out of this card, you'll need to activate the rotating categories that offer 5% cash back, up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. This can be a bit of a hassle, but the rewards are worth it.
The card also offers 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on dining, and 3% back on drug store purchases. All other purchases earn 1% back, which is still a decent rate.
New cardholders get a 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, which can be a big help if you're trying to pay off debt. After that, the ongoing APR is 19.74%-28.49%, Variable APR.
If you're an expert at earning rewards, you might find this card to be a great addition to your wallet. The card offers a cash back boost in addition to other cash back cards you may already have.
If you prefer a flat-rate cash back card with an easy-to-understand reward system, this card might be a good fit. However, you'll need to keep track of your spending to know when you've reached your spending limit for the Tier One rewards.
Here are some types of spenders who might find the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card to be a good fit:
- Expert reward earners who want to add a cash back boost to their existing cards
- Those who prefer a flat-rate cash back card with an easy-to-understand reward system
- Individuals who want to switch from a traditional bank to a credit union, like Alliant
Ultimately, whether or not the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card is right for you will depend on your individual spending habits and preferences.
Cons
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card has its downsides, and it's essential to consider them before applying.
The card comes with a cap on rewards, which might not affect most people, but could be a concern for big spenders. You'll need to meet numerous requirements to qualify for the card and the best rate, which is more than what's typically required for a traditional credit card.
There's a $50 minimum cash back redemption requirement, making it harder to redeem your rewards compared to cards with lower or no redemption minimums. This can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to get the most out of your rewards.
The card also lacks a cash sign-up bonus and intro APR offers, limiting its first-year value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I redeem Alliant cash back?
To redeem Alliant cash back, log into your account in Alliant Online Banking and follow the steps to access your cash back account. Simply click on your Signature card account, then Manage Account, and select Alliant Cashback.
What are the benefits of a cash back card?
Get rewarded for your purchases with cash back cards, which offer a percentage of your spending back as points or credits at the end of each billing cycle
Do cash back cards actually give you money?
Yes, cash back credit cards give you actual cash rewards for eligible purchases, not just points or credits. You can redeem this cash back as a statement credit or in other forms, making it a tangible benefit.
Does Alliant have a credit card?
Yes, Alliant offers a credit card, the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card, with rewards and travel perks. This card offers up to 2.5% cash back on qualifying purchases.
What is the credit limit on the Alliant credit card?
The starting credit limit for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card is $10,000, which can be increased over time with good payment habits and a strong credit profile.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/alliant-cashback
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/alliant-cashback-visa-signature-credit-card/
- https://wallethub.com/d/alliant-cu-visa-signature-card-3101c
- https://frequentmiler.com/alliant/
- https://www.allcards.com/alliant-cashback-visa-signature-credit-card/
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