University Credit Card
University Credit Card benefits:
- Best Rates in the Nation Guarantee*
- No annual or foreign transaction fees1
- Rates 22.6% better than the closest competitor2
- Switch high-interest rate balances to your new card and save
- Start building your credit with confidence
Find your unlimited potential
University Credit Card rates
Rate type | APR3 as low as | Annual fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variable | 11.99% | $0 | Individuals who want to save more on credit card interest charges. |
Earn up to 5.00% APY4
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get a credit card from University Credit Union? First, you need to become a University Credit Union member-owner by opening a regular savings account, or a University Checking Account. Then you can apply for a credit card.
- Why is a University Credit Card from UCU a good idea? University Credit Union credit card rates are very competitive. You can take advantage of this while you learn how to navigate having a credit card, or when transferring balances from high-interest cards onto your new University Credit Card
- Will having a University Credit Card from UCU improve my credit? Using your University Credit Card to spend smartly and paying your credit card bill on timer can both help you improve your credit score. Try not to max your card out (only use about 30% of your available balance) and pay each bill promptly. Even if you can’t pay your entire balance off, regular, on- time payments of at least the minimum amount owed can result in positive credit reporting. You can watch your credit score climb over time using our Credit Journey tool.
- What is I don’t qualify for a University Credit Card with University Credit Union? Good news: you can still get a credit card. Use the deposits in your savings account as collateral and apply for the University Share Secured Credit Card from UCU. This will help you build a credit history, and you can apply again for the University Credit Card later.
- Do I have to come into a physical UCU location to apply for a University Credit Card? You can apply for credit cards from University Credit Union using our convenient online application and we’ll get back to you with an answer quickly.
Resources from University Credit Union
Financial wellness
Security
Score enhancement
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.
*UCU guarantees that our lowest loan rate for cars, credit cards, consumer loans, and HELOCs are in the top 5% nationwide as measured in a monthly rate survey by Rate Watch, a part of S&P Global.
1UCU does not charge any annual fee for the University Credit Card. The University Credit Card is a variable rate card and the annual percentage rate may vary after the account is opened. The University Credit Card has a fee of 2% of the amount of each cash advance (or a minimum of $10, whichever is greater). Penalty fees: Late payments are $10 each and return payments are $30 each. There are no over the credit limit fees. Rates are subject to change without notice. Loan issued subject to credit review.
2Rate comparisons conducted by University Credit Union and are based on competitor information compiled on December 19, 2024. Rates subject to change. See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Subject to credit approval. Approval is based on several factors, including borrower's credit history. We make every effort to maintain accurate information. However, all credit card information is presented without warranty. Our comparisons include similar types of cards to give the best range, but cards and offerings vary. To confirm terms, conditions, benefits, and rates, please visit each provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
3APR = Annual Percentage Rate
4APY = Annual Percentage Yield. To earn up to 5.00% APY, member must have a qualifying University Checking Account. Based on a combined rate of 4.88%. Credit card must be active, have at least one monthly transaction (excludes balance transfers and cash advances), and be enrolled in credit card eStatements to qualify for the extra 1.00% APY in dividends. Account does not earn dividends if there is a $0 balance in a HELOC at the end of the month. All accounts must be in good standing with no delinquency or bankruptcy pending. Multiple loans in the same category count for only 1.00% APY in dividends.
Qualifying University Checking Accounts will earn 1.00% APY in dividends on balances up to $25,000. Balances above $25,000 will be paid at the regular checking rate. Qualifying University Checking Accounts are defined as having at least 25 transactions per month (includes transactions made with both debit and credit cards) and enrollment in eStatements. If the requirements are not met, then no dividend is earned. Secondary University Checking Accounts not eligible to earn APY. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method, which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account at the end of each day. Dividends are disbursed monthly into the active University Checking Account. APY is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. Rate subject to change after account opening and may vary based on qualifications met at month end. Not valid with any other offers. To establish a UCU Membership, you must deposit at least $5 to a Regular (Share) Savings Account. A $50 minimum deposit is required to open a University Checking Account. All accounts are subject to approval. Contact UCU for complete details. Federally insured by NCUA.