Why Choose a Credit Union Credit Card?
Updated: August 26, 2025
Choosing a credit union credit card comes with a variety of perks. Credit unions often offer lower fees and more competitive rates than traditional banks, making them a smart choice for many borrowers. Whether you’re an experienced cardholder or just starting out, we’ll walk you through the key benefits of credit union credit cards so you can see if a Launch Visa® Credit Card is the right fit for your financial needs.
Interest Rate Caps
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) limits federal credit unions from charging interest rates higher than 18%, giving members a clear advantage when it comes to borrowing. Big banks, on the other hand, aren’t bound by these rules, and their credit card interest rates can often exceed 30%. That means carrying a balance on a high-interest card can quickly make debt spiral out of control.
By choosing a credit union credit card, you can take advantage of lower interest rates, which can save you thousands of dollars each year compared to higher-rate alternatives. Beyond the savings, credit union cards often come with lower fees and more member-friendly policies, making them a smart choice for managing your finances responsibly.
Lower Fees
According to Forbes, a study by Pew found that credit unions consistently charge lower fees and penalties on credit cards compared to big banks. That means credit union members often pay less in hidden costs while enjoying the same convenience and security of a credit card.
At Launch Credit Union, we make managing your finances even easier with our credit card offerings. Our Launch Visa® Credit Card comes with no annual fee*, no application fee*, no balance transfer fee*, and no cash advance fee*. That means more of your money stays in your pocket, helping you save while building your credit responsibly. With fewer fees and more member-friendly terms, a Launch CU credit card is designed to make your financial life simpler and more affordable.
Credit Unions Are Member-Owned
Like all credit unions, Launch Credit Union is owned by our members, not shareholders. This key difference sets us apart from big Wall Street banks, which are under constant pressure to maximize profits for investors. At Launch CU, our focus is entirely on you, our members.
This member-first approach means that the profits we earn are returned to members in meaningful ways – through lower loan rates, higher dividends on savings, and fewer fees. Every decision we make is designed to benefit the people who matter most: the members who put their trust in us. Simply put, when you bank with Launch CU, you’re not just a customer, you’re an owner, and that ownership directly translates into better financial opportunities for you.
Better Service
Since credit unions are smaller than the big banks, they tend to be more community-focused. Credit unions typically offer a more personalized banking experience for members.
At Launch CU, our focus in on our members. This will not change, no matter how much we grow. It is our mission to provide our members with affordable loan products to help them achieve their life goals, and save more while doing so.
How Much Could A Launch CU Credit Card Save You?
You can use Nerd Wallet’s calculator to help you understand your credit card’s APR, and how a Launch CU credit card may be able to save you money in credit card interest. On top of the numerous benefits of the Launch CU Credit Card, new credit card holders can enjoy a great introductory offer.
