The Alliant Credit Union Credit Card is a great option for those seeking a no-fee credit card with rewards. It offers a 2% cashback reward on every purchase, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
One of the standout features of this credit card is its lack of foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers. This means you can make purchases abroad without incurring extra charges.
In terms of interest rates, the Alliant Credit Union Credit Card has a competitive APR of 12.99% - 22.99% variable. This is relatively low compared to other credit cards on the market.
Credit Card Details
The Alliant Credit Union credit card is a great option for those who want a simple and flexible cash back rewards program. You can earn unlimited cash back with no categories to track.
One of the standout features of this card is the cash back rewards structure. You'll earn up to 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases, with 1.5% cash back on purchases over $10,000.
There are no foreign transaction fees to worry about when using this card abroad. No annual fee is also a nice perk, making it a low-maintenance option.
You're protected with a $0 fraud liability guarantee from Visa, so you can shop with confidence.
This card works seamlessly with popular payment apps like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
More Details
The Alliant Credit Union credit card is a great option for those looking for a simple and rewarding credit card experience. With no annual fee, you can enjoy the benefits of cash back rewards without breaking the bank.
You can earn up to 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases, with a maximum cash back of $250 per billing cycle. This rate is hard to beat, making the Alliant Cashback card one of the best flat-rate cash back cards.
Here are the rewards rates for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card:
The card also offers some essential purchase and travel protections, including 90-day purchase security, up to one year of extended warranty coverage, and travel accident insurance. Additionally, you'll have 24/7 pay-per-use roadside dispatch and auto rental collision damage waiver coverage.
You can redeem your rewards for statement credit or as a deposit into an Alliant checking or savings account, although you'll need to have accrued a minimum of $50 in cash-back rewards first.
Rewards and Earnings
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers a great rewards program with two tiers: Tier One and Tier Two. To earn the maximum rewards rate of 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 in spending per billing cycle, you need to meet the requirements for an Alliant High-Rate Checking account, opt in to electronic statements, have at least one electronic deposit posted to the account each month, and maintain an average daily balance of $1,000.
If you don't qualify for Tier One, you'll automatically earn Tier Two rewards, which offer 1.5% cash back on all qualifying purchases. This rate is still great and can be a good option if you don't meet the requirements for Tier One.
To maximize your earnings, consider pairing this card with one that earns elevated rewards on certain categories, like the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card, which earns 4% back on restaurants. You can also use the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card for everyday purchases and earn 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 in spending per billing cycle.
Here's a summary of the rewards tiers:
What Are the Rewards?
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers a great rewards program, and I'm excited to break it down for you.
You can earn 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 monthly eligible purchases, which is a significantly higher rewards rate than many other flat-rate cards.
To qualify for this 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 these requirements, you'll still earn a decent 1.5% cash back rate on all purchases.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards tiers:
The rewards cap is $10,000 per billing cycle, but let's be realistic – most people won't hit that ceiling. If you're a big spender, you might need to pair this card with another card that earns elevated rewards on certain categories.
You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit or deposit it into your Alliant checking or savings account. However, you'll need to earn a minimum of $50 in cash back before you can claim your rewards, and the cash back has a time limit of four calendar years before expiring.
What?
To earn rewards and earn cash back with the Alliant Visa Signature credit card, you'll need an excellent credit score, but that's not the only factor considered for approval.
The issuer also looks at your income and debts to decide if you're a good fit for this card.
It's worth noting that having a good credit score can open doors to better credit card offers, but it's not a guarantee of approval.
Fees and Charges
The Alliant credit union credit card has a range of fees and charges that you should be aware of.
The annual fee is $0, which is a great perk. There's also no foreign transaction fee, so you can use the card abroad without incurring extra costs.
The balance transfer fee is 3%, which is a standard rate. You'll also be charged a 3% balance transfer fee, and the APR for balance transfers is 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable).
Here's a summary of the key fees and charges:
The APR for purchases is 17.24% - 27.24% Variable, and there's a penalty APR of 29.99% if you make a late payment or a payment that gets returned.
Rates and Fees
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card has a relatively low annual fee of $0. However, you'll still need to pay off your balance over time, and the ongoing APR can range from 17.24% to 27.24% variable.
The card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which is a plus for international travelers. However, be aware that making a late payment or having a payment returned can result in a 29.99% penalty APR.
The balance transfer fee is 3%, which is a standard rate for most credit cards. This fee is applied to the amount transferred, so be sure to factor it into your calculations.
Here's a summary of the key rates and fees associated with the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card:
Keep in mind that these rates and fees are subject to change, so be sure to review your card agreement for the most up-to-date information.
Cons
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card has some drawbacks to consider. The card requires meeting numerous requirements to qualify and get the best rate, which is more than what's needed for a traditional credit card.
You'll also have to pay attention to the $50 minimum cash back redemption requirement, which can make it harder to redeem your rewards compared to cards with lower or no redemption minimums.
This card doesn't offer a cash sign-up bonus or intro APR offers, which limits its value in the first year.
Here are some of the key cons of the Alliant Cashback card:
- No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
- No cash sign-up bonus
- $50 minimum cash back redemption requirement
As a result, this card might not be the best choice if you want a promotional period to avoid interest charges while paying off debt or new purchases.
Eligibility and Application
To apply for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card, you can start by going online through WalletHub or directly to Alliant Credit Union's website, or you can apply by phone.
You'll need excellent credit to get approved, which means you should have a credit score of 750 or higher for the best chances.
To become a member of Alliant Credit Union, which is required to get the credit card, you can join if you're a current or retired employee at an organization partnered with the credit union, a relative of a member, or a resident living or working in a qualifying Chicago-area community.
Alternatively, you can join by becoming a member of Foster Care to Success, Alliant's partner charity, and Alliant will even pay the $5 membership fee on your behalf.
Union Membership Required
To get the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card, you'll need to become a member of the Alliant Credit Union.
Anyone can qualify for membership, but you'll need to meet one of the requirements. You can become a member if you're a current or retired employee at an organization partnered with the credit union.
You can also join if you're a relative of a member or a resident living or working in a qualifying Chicago-area community.
If none of those options work for you, you can join by becoming a member of Foster Care to Success, Alliant's partner charity. The $5 membership fee will be paid by Alliant on your behalf.
Application Process
To apply for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card, you can do it online by clicking the "Learn More" button on WalletHub or by going directly to Alliant Credit Union's website.
Alternatively, you can apply by phone, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to talk to a representative.
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card requires excellent credit, which means you need a 750+ credit score for high approval odds.
Applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily affect your credit score.
Starting Limit
The starting credit limit for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card is $10,000, which is the amount everyone who's approved for the card is guaranteed to get.
To get this starting limit, you'll need to meet the card's eligibility requirements, which aren't specified in this article section.
In time, you could qualify for a credit limit increase by always paying your bills in full by their due date and by improving your credit score and income.
Compare vs Alternatives
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card is an attractive option for those seeking a high rewards rate, but it's essential to consider its limitations and compare it to other alternatives. The card offers a 2.5% cash back rate on up to $10,000 in purchases per billing cycle, but this rate drops to 1.5% after that.
If you're looking for a card with a higher rewards rate in specific categories, you might want to consider alternatives. For instance, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an 8% cash back rate on purchases in select categories.
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card has a relatively low annual fee of $0 and a low interest rate, making it a great option for those who want to avoid high fees. However, it's worth noting that the card has a 29.99% penalty APR if you make a late payment or a payment that gets returned.
Here's a comparison of the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card with two popular alternatives:
Ultimately, the best credit card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits. If you're looking for a high rewards rate and don't mind the limitations of the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card, it might be a great option. However, if you're looking for a card with more flexibility and higher rewards rates in specific categories, you might want to consider one of the alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit limit on the Alliant credit card?
The starting credit limit for the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature card is $10,000, with potential for increases based on payment history and creditworthiness.
What credit score is needed for a credit union credit card?
A credit score of 700+ is generally considered good for qualifying for a credit union credit card, but some credit unions may offer options for those with lower scores.
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://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/alliant-visa-platinum
- https://www.mymoneyblog.com/alliant-credit-union-visa-signature-card-review.html
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