If you are a member of a union, you should really take the time to explore your options with the Union Plus credit card.
Why this credit card and not another? Well, there are a few answers for that particular question. For one thing, this is a credit card that is available exclusively to union members…and only union members.
This means that the benefits are going to be selected according to the most realistic needs of someone who works hard for a living. These benefits are also going to be real and substantial because there will be more than one million union members looking to use them.
Unlike lots of other credit cards with “benefits” that seem to apply only to a select few cardholders, the Union Plus credit card is going to extend offers that are real, and that everyday working people can actually use!
For those who qualify for a Union Plus credit card, can sign up for benefit alerts that let them know about such things as scholarships, discounts, and financial services.
These are part of the “Union Privilege” services that can deliver funding for special scholarships offered only to union members or their dependents, offer access to a special “coupon center” that gives discounts on things you really need, and even a credit service that gives access to credit reports and tracking.
If you should need any help with the service, this card has a union member advocate who will help out with any and all issues relating to the card or the account. No cardholders will be making an overseas call to a service agent who doesn’t understand the special needs of union members.
This sort of understanding is also obvious in the “Union Safe” benefits too. These benefits help someone stay financially safe even if he/she becomes disabled or unemployed.
These benefits are received in the form of special grants, and are a truly remarkable component of an account with the Union Plus credit card, but the list doesn’t end there.
The Union Plus credit card is also the only card currently being actively endorsed by the AF-CIO, and this is because it can provide such a strong list of actual benefits.
The endorsement is due to many things, but most importantly because it offers competitive rates, is limited only to union members, and because it has American-based customer support on a 24-hour basis.
Union Plus Credit Card
| Interest Rates and Interest Charges | Last Updated: 5/6/2012 |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases | 0% Intruductory APR for the first 12 months. After that, your APR will be 14.99%, 16.99%, or 20.24%, based on your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| APR for Balance Transfers | 0% Introductory APR for the first 12 months. After that, your APR will be 14.99%, 16.99%, or 20.24%, based on your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| APR for Cash Advances | 23.99% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Penalty APR and When It Applies | 24.99% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. This APR may be applied to your Account if you make a late payment. How Long Will the Penalty APR Apply?: If your APRs are increased for this reason, the Penalty APR will apply until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due. |
| How to Avoid Paying Interest on Purchases | Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. |
| Minimum Interest Charge | If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00 |
Fees |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
Transaction Fees |
| Balance Transfer | Introductory fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater; for each transfer made at time of application. After that, $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Cash Advance | Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. |
Penalty Fees |
| Late Payment | Up to $35.00. |
| Over The Credit Limit | Up to $25.00. |
| Return Payment | Up to $25.00. |
| Review | Last Updated: 5/6/2012 |
- 14.99%, 16.99% or 20.24% is currently, better than a lot of others out there.
- The Penalty APR of 24.99%, we feel is unnecessary. Customers are already being hit with a $35 Late Payment Fee, even though people have a chance to redeem themselves by making 6 consecutive minimum payments when due.
- No Rewards ?
In Our Opinion
| Our Recommendation ? Enter At Your Own Risk |
Our recommendation is to be cautious with this card, based on the complaints that we’ve been checking out.
Yes it would be nice to have an all exclusive card just for union members, but what is given in return.
The interest rates are better than a lot of others out there, sure. But what else does the consumer get. Business is business, if the credit card company is going to charge people money for using the card that’s fine, it’s been that way since day 1.
As a consumer, I’m looking for some breaks here and there. So, what else do you have that will entice me.
The Dirt
| Complaints ? Moderate |
Complaints about the Union Plus Credit Card are moderate, spread out over several websites. The complaints are mostly about poor customer service and questionable business practices.
Although we cannot confirm or verify any of these complaints, a couple of things we do note is 1: the amount of complaints per website, and 2: the amount of websites posting these complaints.
*Note HSBC was recently acquired by Capital One
If You Must Have The Union Plus Credit Card
If the Union Plus credit card is the only card you can live with then,
Number 1 – Read all the fine print and make sure you understand all the fees associated with this card.
Number 2 – Make sure you pay the bill as early as possible.
Number 3 – Keep the balance as small as possible
Number 4 – Keep the purchases as small as possible
Number 5 – Keep in mind that this card isn’t there for you to go on a shopping spree, try to use it only in emergencies or to build or rebuild credit and that’s it.
