Date: November 17, 2022

Just weeks away from some of the biggest shopping days of the year, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Americans are planning out their holiday spending.¹ With inflation exceeding wage gains, more Americans are utilizing credit cards to fund their expenses. Although, in these inflationary times, there are ways to make sure the credit card you have provides added value for you as you progress along your savings journey. Credit card perks are meant to be active features, yet many consumers don’t take advantage of their points, benefits, and rewards. Research shows that 40% of credit card users have not cashed in any rewards in the past year. In addition to that number, another 7 out of every 10 credit card users say that they have either unused cashback, travel miles, or points.²

What Affinity Cards Can Offer You

When choosing a credit card, it is important to choose a card that works for you. In fact, shoppers that researched and compared multiple cards were less likely to have unused credit card rewards compared to those who didn’t compare cards.³ Next, the card should have benefits that are important to you. For example, if you do travel infrequently are the cards that prioritize travel rewards your best option?  Unless a travel card overwhelmingly fit your needs in other areas, it may not deliver the value that other card offers can.

If a low-interest rate credit card is what you are looking for, Affinity’s suite of card products has the potential to work for you. Affinity Federal Credit Union’s credit cards all have a maximum interest rate of 18% Annual Percentage Rate and carry no annual fees. Affinity also has promotional interest rate offers that are available to customers who qualify.

Cash Rewards Visa Signature

Affinity offers credit cards that have varying advantages and rewards programs. For example, Affinity's Cash Rewards Visa Signature card offers 5% cash back on all Amazon purchases up to $3,500 every month (a value of $175 per month) 2% cash back at supermarkets (excluding gift cards), restaurants, gas stations and watch, listen and ride services (such as Netflix, Spotify and Uber). 

Additionally, Affinity offers supplemental phone protection with reimbursement of up to $250 for stolen/damaged phones to cover expenses from theft or damage not otherwise covered by another insurance policy if you pay your monthly wireless bill with the Cash Rewards card. You will also receive a $200 Cash Rewards bonus when you activate a new card and spend $3,000 during the first 90 days. Lastly, you have 24/7 access to the Visa Signature concierge service for travel and are not subject to any penalty rate increases for late payments!

The Pure Rewards Visa and Premium Visa

Affinity offers the Pure Rewards Visa which allows you to earn you points for every dollar that you spend, redeemable for merchandise, gift cards and unique experiences. The Pure Rewards Visa card also provides access to extended Visa Concierge services that will help you with travel and restaurant reservations, gift arrangements, business services, and more.

If you are looking for a card that has a lower rate, then Premium Visa is a great fit. With a 2.99% intro APR for 12 months, this card helps our members consolidate balances and pay down debt while saving money. This card carries no annual fee and offers special protections like emergency cash and card replacement. So, if your card is ever lost or stolen, Affinity ensures that you are never stranded without access to cash and credit.

Protections

While many cards come with extended warranty protection, making the decision to open a new Affinity credit card also comes with extra protections and benefits that consumers may not often consider.  For example, Affinity’s Pure Rewards Visa and Premium Visa cards both have worldwide travel accident insurance and baggage coverage.  And all of Affinity credit cards come with Visa Zero Liability, Visa Secure, ID Navigator by Norton LifeLock, emergency cash disbursement, warranty manager, and purchase security.

No matter what card you choose, Affinity has options to fit any kind of saver, spender, or consumer. With all Affinity cards offering high levels of protection, Affinity is confident that our members are choosing from the best credit cards in America. If you would like to learn more about Affinity’s credit card offers, please visit our website https://www.affinityfcu.com/Credit-Cards/index.aspx.

This information is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person’s circumstances are different and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and/or legal counsel to discuss your specific needs before making any financial or other commitments.

1. Retrieved from: https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/black-friday-cyber-monday-small-business-saturday-shopping-guide/
2. Retrieved from: https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/unused-rewards/#:~:text=40%25%20of%20rewards%20credit%20cardholders,12%25%20a%20free%20hotel%20stay
3. Retrieved from: https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/unused-rewards/#:~:text=40%25%20of%20rewards%20credit%20cardholders,12%25%20a%20free%20hotel%20stay