
Author:
NERDBOT
Should you get the NASA Federal Credit Union Platinum with Cash Rewards? We'll give you the ins and outs of this card and give you a head-to-head comparison with the Blue Cash Preferred℠ Card from American Express. Also, be sure to check out our interactive credit card comparison tool.
NerdWallet Review: The NASA Federal Credit Union Platinum with Cash Rewards
Credit union-issued card: This card is issued by NASA Federal Credit Union. As a credit union, NASA Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit institution that is owned by its customers, called members, rather than bank shareholders. Member-owners have one vote each, so someone with a $5 savings account has the same voice as someone with a million-dollar investment fund.
No annual fee: The card doesn't have an annual fee. This means it's ideal for those who don't put much on their cards, and want to keep the card open for a long time. If you keep your credit cards open, you'll boost your average account age and thus your credit score.
No balance transfer fee: The card doesn't have a balance transfer fee, the one-time charge assessed on the money you transfer from a different credit card. This is the type of fee people often forget about, so many banks jack it up to 5% and get away with it. The BT fee is one of those "shrouded" fees to keep your eye on.
Credit Card Showdown: NASA Federal Credit Union Platinum with Cash Rewards vs. Blue Cash Preferred℠ Card from American Express
Same late payment fee: The NASA Federal Credit Union Platinum with Cash Rewards has a late fee that's the same as the one on the Blue Cash Preferred℠ Card from American Express. In theory, you should avoid incurring late payment fees altogether. Besides having to pay a one-time charge, but you may incur a hefty penalty APR that lasts for at least six months.
Smaller signup bonus: Since the card's signup bonus is smaller, you leave some money on the table to begin with. Of course, that isn't the only thing that matters about a card, but still, good to know.
Read the full review of the Blue Cash Preferred℠ Card from American Express on our blog