Rarely do people hear the saying, "cash is king,” largely because the Visa Credit Card now ranks as the most convenient way to make purchases. When we consider payment statistics, it may be more appropriate to say, “plastic is king.” After all, upwards of 55 percent of people use a credit or debit card for purchases. Only 19 percent generally use cash and some establishments only take cards.
Given the trend away from cash, the question people are asking is: Which Visa Credit Card is right for me? By weighing the benefits of various programs and low-interest availability, you can make informed decisions when applying for a Visa Credit Card.
The primary reason consumers overwhelmingly switched from cash to cards stems from convenience. Retail outlets, restaurants, and other businesses eliminated swipe fees and made credit cards the method of choice. Companies now roll fees into goods and services, so the consumer never experiences a separate cost.
From the cardholder's perspective, the worry of losing cash or having it stolen disappears. If you lose your Visa Credit Card, you can call your financial institution to have a new one issued. The financial security and peace of mind cannot be replicated with cash. The convenience and comfort of using credit cards have resulted in many no longer using cash.
When applying for a Visa Credit Card, it’s prudent to identify a program that delivers benefits that align with your lifestyle. These rank among the more attractive options to compare.
Grace Periods: A grace period is the period between the end of a billing cycle and the date your payment is due. If your card does offer a grace period and you have no balance on your card, you can avoid paying interest on any new purchases as long as you pay them off in full by the next due date. While credit card companies aren’t required to offer a grace period, CCCU’s Visa Credit Cards offer a 25-day grace period on purchases.
Balance Transfers: Large, privately owned banks include fees when transferring balances. This strategy can be of benefit when having to pay their shareholders. Local credit unions are owned by their members and typically waive profit-driving fees on a Visa Credit Card program. CCCU offers a free balance transfer option on all new balance transfers for the first six months.
Possessing and routinely using a Visa Credit Card also proves a valuable credit-building asset. Cardholders establish a positive repayment history by making purchases and paying down the balance each month. The credit limit also raises your bandwidth, improving your FICO score and long-term borrowing power. By contrast, paying in cash carries no credit history benefits, peace of mind, or perks.
The average American possesses three credit cards and two to three retail store cards, according to a 2021 survey by Experian. That’s five to six accounts, and experts generally agree diversification remains important.
The reasoning behind different types involves FICO metrics that weigh the mix of accounts to raise or lower credit scores. Having a Discover, MasterCard, and Visa Credit Card would nicely round out a consumer's accounts and have a positive influence on their FICO score. However, the best credit card for your wallet should provide low interest, a grace period, fee-free balance transfers, fee-free cash advances, and customer-friendly services in the event of an emergency.
CCCU is dedicated to providing our valued members with the lowest interest borrowing opportunities possible. Our Visa credit card program has been created with our members’ financial needs in mind and features straightforward, honest solutions our members can count on.
This program offers a Visa Credit Card with a low, affordable interest rate. This card is great for building or repairing credit, saving on unnecessarily high interest, and is a great option for debt consolidation. In addition to a low rate, this card includes a 25-day grace period, a free balance transfer option, fee-free cash advances, emergency services, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
This Visa Credit Card comes with all of CCCU’s standard Visa Credit Card benefits and adds rewards to the mix. When using this Visa Credit Card, you effectively reward yourself for spending responsibly.
This starter Visa Credit Card helps young adults establish a repayment history early and build a robust credit score. Parents who work with their children to learn frugal financial practices generally serve as co-signers for 18-year-olds to help them have a positive first experience with credit.
The long-term benefit of securing this Visa Credit Card involves creating credit diversification and displaying a strong, consistent credit history prior to applying for an auto loan or personal loan.
With so many options and types of cards available, deciding on the best credit card can feel overwhelming. If you have additional questions about the cards CCCU offers, or if you’re unsure which Visa Credit Card best fits your unique needs, contact CCCU today.
If you're ready to apply for a CCCU Visa Credit Card, apply online today!