Senate Cents: A Financial Wellness Blog

Share:

Maximize Holiday Joy: Shop Smart with Your Visa Rewards Card

Published: October 27, 2023

Maximize Holiday Joy: Shop Smart with Your Visa Rewards Card

'Tis the season to shop smart and maximize the joy of giving! Here are 8 reasons to make your holiday purchases with your USSFCU Visa Smart Rewards Card:

5X the Points for Festive Cheer:

As the holiday season kicks off, so do our special bonus reward promotions. Throughout November and December, every online purchase earns you five times the points, making your holiday shopping spree even more rewarding.1

10X Black Friday to Cyber Monday Bonus:

During the Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping frenzy, we're turning up the excitement. Earn a spectacular 10 times the reward points on your online purchases. It's our way of making your holiday shopping spree even more magical.2

APR Advantage All Year Round:

The average credit card interest rate in America today is 24.46% APR.* Our Smart Rewards Visa boasts a much lower 14.50%,** ensuring savings not just during the holidays but all year.

Guard Against Grinches with Card Controls:

Credit card fraud can happen anytime, but it can be especially pervasive during the holidays. Stay one step ahead by utilizing our card controls. Set up alerts, define spending limits, and have peace of mind with the ability to turn your card on or off. USSFCU members can manage their debit or credit cards in the Card Management section of my.ussfcu online or mobile banking. 

Benefits Beyond the Points:

From extended warranty protection to travel assistance, your USSFCU Smart Rewards card comes loaded with benefits. Make your purchases with confidence, knowing that you're covered by the power of Visa.

  • Extended Warranty Protection: When you pay in full for an item with your eligible Visa Credit Card you will receive, free of charge, protection that will extend the original manufacturer warranty by up to 1 year for warranties of 3 years or less. Register a product at cardbenefitservices.com, or by calling 800.551.8472.

  • Visa Roadside Dispatch covers standard towing and tire changes, along with jumpstarts and other services for eligible cardholders. The current fee for a standard service call is $79.95. The amount must be charged to your Visa card. But there is no fee or registration required for access and no limit to how many times you can use this service. If you need roadside assistance, call 800.847.2869. This line is available 24/7.

  • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services are made available to help you in case of an emergency while you are traveling away from home. A Benefits Administrator can connect you with the appropriate local emergency and assistance resources, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To use the services, or for more information about this benefit call 1.800.992.6029.

The Magic of Early Payments:

Unwrap additional savings by paying off your holiday purchases early. Not only will this save you money on interest, but it will also positively impact your credit score. Our credit union regularly reports to the credit bureaus, turning responsible spending into a credit-building opportunity.

Reward Yourself for Spreading Holiday Cheer:

When you use your Smart Rewards Credit Card for your holiday shopping, you earn points that can be used for a variety of purchases such as travel, merchandise, and gift cards. You can also opt for payout options in the form of direct deposit or purchase rebates, saving you money on your total holiday spending. Use your earned points by redeeming them through our user-friendly rewards portal—visit ussfcu.org/rewards for more info.

A Gift Just for You: 5,000 Welcome Points:

If you haven't experienced the magic of our Visa Smart Rewards card, now is the perfect time to join the festivities. Apply for our Smart Rewards Credit Card during the months of November and December and unwrap an exclusive 5,000 welcome point bonus!3 

USSFCU.ORG/REWARDS

1: Promotion valid between Wednesday, November 01, 2023 (12:00am EST.) through Thursday, November 23, 2023 (11:59pm EST) and Tuesday, November 28, 2023 (12:00am EST.) through Saturday, December 31, 2023 (11:59pm EST). $1=5 points when you use your USSFCU Smart Rewards Visa® Credit Card on qualifying online purchases during the promotional period. Exclusions apply. Points promotion capped at 100,000 points. Any points accrued in excess of 100,000 will earn standard points ($1=1 point with a Visa Smart Rewards Credit Card and $4=1 point with a USSFCU Debit Card on signature-based transactions). 2: Promotion valid between Friday, November 24, 2023 (12:00am EST.) through Monday, November 27, 2023 (11:59pm EST). $1=10 points when you use your USSFCU Smart Rewards Visa Credit Card on qualifying online purchases during the promotional period. Exclusions apply. Points promotion capped at 100,000 points. Any points accrued in excess of 100,000 will earn standard points ($1=1 point with a Visa Smart Rewards Credit Card and $4=1 point with a USSFCU Debit Card on signature-based transactions). 1+2: Bonus reward points are only earned on online credit card transactions. Not all transactions qualify for reward points, such as cash advances, balance transfers and PIN-based transactions. Merchants/retailers may process signature debit card transactions as PIN-based transactions even if a PIN was not provided; these transactions would not qualify. USSFCU is not responsible for the processing method selected by the merchants. Not all merchants will participate in the reward points program. For complete program details and to see a full list of agreements and account disclosures visit ussfcu.org/rewards. 3 Offer available to new Smart Rewards Visa Credit Cardholders only. Valid for Smart Rewards Visa Credit Cards opened between November 01, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Must complete five transactions using your new card before January 31, 2024, to qualify for bonus points. 5,000 Bonus points will be credited to your rewards account on or before Friday, February 16, 2024. All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates and/or credit limits are based on creditworthiness, income, and debts. Not all applicants will be approved.

*According to LendingTree.com. **APR = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate as of October 1, 2023 and subject to change.  Your account is subject to a Variable Rate which is based on the highest Prime Rate as published in the Money Rates Section of The Wall Street Journal ("Index") in effect on the last day of each calendar quarter plus our Margin. The Index plus the Margin equals the Interest Rate. Changes in the Index will cause changes in the Interest Rate on the first day of the next billing cycle following the change. Increases or decreases in the Interest Rate will result in increases or decreases in the Finance Charge and will affect the amount of your regularly scheduled payments that you will be required to make. Other fees may apply. View our Smart Rewards Visa Credit Card Agreement and Disclosure for additional information. 

Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa. Visa Roadside Dispatch® is a registered trademark of Visa. Cardholder benefit programs provided by Visa to eligible cardholders and subject to terms and conditions. Program may be discontinued or altered at any time without prior notice. USSFCU is not responsible for the administration of cardholder benefits and services.

View all posts

Members' Voice Testimonials

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can't beat the interest rates. I'm happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- James · Locust Grove, GA

The branch manager introduced herself and was extremely helpful. She stated that if there is anything we ever need to please let her know. Very positive experience!

- Larry · Cumberland, MD

Greta was absolutely amazing - as always. She makes me and my parents feel valued and supported. We are forever grateful. [The Credit Union] has been hugely supportive over many years. And we feel known and cared for.

- Eliza · Washington, DC

Long as I have been with the credit union, I haven't had any problems. I also like the protection on my account.

- Charles · Upper Marlboro, MD

My overall experience at the credit union was exceptional. The staff was hospitable offering water, my service was timely and professional and the office was well lit and clean.

- Denise · Washington, DC

As a member for more than 40 years, i have always had great service from the USSFCU and know that they stand behind their great reputation.

- David · Silver Spring, MD

A top rate Credit Union, [I'm] privileged to be part of! Thank you for all you do for our family! USSFCU Credit Union was able to resolve our financial situation - vehicle, personal loans, customer service/recommendations, within 6 months. We belonged to another credit union for over 20 years, with results not even close to comparison. We switched ...

- Manuel · Bowie, MD

Your people and products are amazing. The recent [online banking] overhaul is phenomenal. [I've] been electronic banking since Tele action phone banking - paying bills with my push button landline decades ago. USSFCU is light years ahead of everyone else in terms of ease of use and client experience!

- Misty · Brookings, OR

I have been a member for more than 30 years. I no longer reside in the DC area but continue to bank with USSFCU because of the ease and the customer service.

- Tamra · Denver, CO

I have been a member for over 50 years, and I have always gotten good service with loans, when I had to have service at a branch, and when I needed to have money sent to me from my savings account. The personnel have always been friendly and treated me with respect.

- John · Fort Washington, MD

I especially appreciate being able to quickly speak with someone (not a robot) and that person has always been knowledgeable and helpful.

- Bernard · Richmond, VA

Excellent customer service streamlined and transparent process. The representatives are efficient, knowledgeable, and understanding of the type of loans offered by Credit Union.

- Erwin · Ellicott City, MD

The USSFCU behaves as a credit union ought to behave. The staff works with and for the members, not for a corporate board. Interest rates for a car loan, a home improvement loan, and a mortgage are low and terms are transparent.

- Ruth · Takoma Park, MD

Staff are courteous and friendly to work with. Very knowledgeable about services and products offered or available. Excellent follow-up with customers.

- Jacquelyn · Sanford, FL

I have appreciated USSFCU services for many years since I left my work on Capitol Hill. I have appreciated the occasional webinars on purchasing a home or retirement planning.

- Jamie · Washington, DC

I have been a member since 2006, and have always appreciated the customer service response to any concern or query. In addition, as I have traveled extensively, USSFCU has provided support and access.

- Kathleen · Ukiah, CA

I've had a credit union account for decades, even though I no longer work on Capitol Hill. I now have two accounts. I've been able to do all of our banking remotely, by app or by phone.

- Richard · Washington, DC

I have been a USSFCU member for almost 20 years. There is nowhere else I want my money to be. I always receive excellent service.

- Nicole · Alexandria, VA

I deeply appreciate the stellar service, the proficiency, the professionalism, and the kindness. I am truly honored and grateful to bank with a financial institution that treats customers like family.

- Angela · Alexandria, VA

Read More testimonials.