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Make Your Holiday Shopping Smarter with a Card That Supports Your Financial Goals

Published: November 21, 2024

Make Your Holiday Shopping Smarter with a Card That Supports Your Financial Goals

Holiday Shopping Made Smarter: Save More with the USSFCU Smart Rate Visa®

As the holidays approach, finding the perfect gifts without overspending is a top priority for many. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones or looking for seasonal deals, a bit of planning and a low-rate credit card can stretch your budget and give you peace of mind. Here’s how choosing a card like the USSFCU Smart Rate Visa® can save you real money and make holiday shopping stress-free.

Save Big on Interest

Holiday shopping often involves several purchases, and carrying that balance can lead to substantial interest costs. With the average credit card APR in the U.S. at 24.61%, a balance of $1,000 could rack up about $246 in interest over a year. By contrast, USSFCU’s Smart Rate Visa® offers a low APR of just 13%, reducing your interest to $130 on the same balance—saving you $116 in interest charges.* That’s extra cash you could use toward gifts, travel, or even a cozy night out with family.

No Fees, Just Savings

In addition to a lower rate, a credit card with minimal fees means even more savings. The USSFCU Smart Rate Visa® comes with no annual fee, no cash advance fees, and no balance transfer fees—a rarity that translates to real money saved, especially if you’re consolidating expenses onto one card. For instance, if you transferred a $1,000 balance from a higher-interest card, you’d avoid typical transfer fees (often 3-5%) and save $30–$50 immediately.

Protect Your Purchases and Holiday Plans

Saving money isn’t just about lower rates; it’s also about making sure your purchases and holiday plans are covered. With the USSFCU Smart Rate Visa®, you get valuable travel benefits like free auto rental collision insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. These benefits can save you the daily cost of rental insurance (usually around $10–$15 a day) and provide peace of mind. If you’re traveling for the holidays, these perks can quickly add up and save you hundreds in coverage costs, allowing you to budget more for gifts and experiences.

Contactless Convenience for Safer Shopping

Shopping in-store? The Smart Rate Visa® is contactless, letting you simply tap and pay for quick, secure transactions. Not only does this feature make purchases more convenient, but it also offers an added layer of security by reducing physical contact and minimizing the time spent at checkout during busy holiday shopping hours.

Stability Through the Season

Many cards increase rates or fees for late payments, but with the Smart Rate Visa®, the low APR stays steady even if a payment slips your mind. This rate stability during the holiday season lets you shop confidently without the worry of unexpected rate hikes, giving you one less thing to stress over.

Around-the-Clock Support When You Need It

Because holiday shopping doesn’t stick to a nine-to-five schedule, USSFCU offers 24/7 loan-by-phone support. You can apply for the Smart Rate Visa® anytime by calling 800-374-2758 and selecting option one. With round-the-clock support, you can secure the financial help you need whenever it’s convenient for you.

Make Every Dollar Count This Season

This holiday season, choose a card that prioritizes real savings over flashy rewards. With the USSFCU Smart Rate Visa®, you’ll save on interest, avoid unnecessary fees, and gain valuable benefits for secure and easy holiday shopping.

Ready to Shop Smarter?

Apply Today!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. All credit cards are subject to credit approval. Rates and/ or credit limits are based on creditworthiness, income, and debts. Not all applicants will be approved. Smart Rate APR as of 11.01.24 and subject to change. Your account is subject to a Variable Interest Rate. Increases or decreases in the Interest Rate will result in like increases or decreases in the Finance Charge and will affect the amount of your regularly scheduled payments that you will be required to make. View all rates at ussfcu.org/rates. Other fees may apply. Foreign transaction fee is 1 percent of the transaction amount, which may be billed separately on your account or included in the transaction amount. To view our fee schedule visit ussfcu.org/fees. View the complete Smart Rate Visa Credit Card Agreement and Disclosure for additional information. The average APR offered with a new credit card in November according to LendingTree.com. Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa.

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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

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