Review of the PenFed Visa Platinum Cashback Rewards Credit Card
Last Updated: 5/30/2011
The Penfed Visa Platinum Gas card might be called a hidden gem. The value proposition of this card is very straightforward: its awesome for gas rewards (5% cashback)–but plain Jane on all other purchases (1% cashback). If you maintain a portfolio of credit cards to max out rewards across all major categories, the Penfed Visa Platinum is a must, but you should only use it to make gas purchases.
How to Get the Penfed Visa Cashback Card
Well, its quite simple really—just join the Penfed Credit Union! The Penfed website specifies 7 primary ways to join their credit union—a prerequisite for getting at this precious little gem. Most of the qualification methods involve either being in the military, the government, and even the Red Cross.
However, if methods 1-6 don’t apply to you, which they may very well not, method 7 is a surefire way in. Method 7 requires you to join the National Military Family Association. Apparently any old civilian can become a member. A 1-year membership fee will cost you $20, and the good news is you do not need to maintain your NMFA membership once you get into the Penfed Credit Union.
You also are required to open a Penfed savings account (they call it a “Regular Share” account) and fund it with at least $5. All in all, I’d say Penfed is making it pretty easy to join and get this card if you have the desire.
PenFed Visa Platinum Card Rewards
Here’s a quick table summarizing some of the key features of the card:
| Rewards | 5% cashback on gas purchases; 1% on all other purchases. |
| Redemption requirements | Cash rewards credited each month. |
| Sign up bonus | None |
| Rewards expiration | None |
| Rewards Caps | None |
| Annual Fee | None |
| International Transaction Fee | None |
Follow this link to see the full and current list of terms and conditions as provided by PenFed Credit Union.
Penfed Platinum Visa Rewards Details
This is a very uncomplicated card—undoubtedly one of the differences between credit unions and big banks. There’s nothing tricky or otherwise sly about the terms and conditions of the Penfed Visa Platinum Cashback Rewards card, and the table above pretty much sums up the situation. The real kicker here is the 5% gas cashback, which is downright awesome.
Wrapping up: Best Strategy for the PenFed Visa Platinum Cashback Credit Card
The Penfed Visa warrants a seat in your wallet as your go-to gas purchase credit card, but you shouldn’t use it for any other purchases if you can help it. For a complimentary category-killer card, check out our review of the American Express Blue Cash Preferred credit card, which offers 6% cash back at supermarkets.
Cards mentioned:
| PenFed Visa Platinum Cashback Rewards Card | Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card |
|---|---|
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| Apply for PenFed Visa Platinum Cashback Card | Apply for Amex Blue Cash Preferred |