| Last updated on November 17th, 2023
Union Plus Rate Advantage
Union Plus Rate Advantage
Union Plus Rate Advantage
- 15.9% - 25.9% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 15.9% - 25.9% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for the first 15 months Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Union Plus Rate Advantage Card is a balance transfer and low rate credit card issued through Capital One. The no annual fee card is open to AFL-CIO affiliated union members and provides a lengthy 15-month 0% intro APR period on both balance transfers and purchases. Once the intro period ends, the typical APR varies considerably, but those with excellent credit scores can expect a highly competitive APR.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 Fraud Liability if the card is lost or stolen
- 24/7 U.S-based customer service
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 15 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 15.9% - 25.9% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 15 months
- Balance Transfer APR: 15.9% - 25.9% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount for the first 15 months; None after that
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $38
- You're members of an AFL-CIO affiliated union
- You have a strong credit history so they can take advantage of the best rates
- You're planning to purchase a big-ticket item
- You do't want to pay an annual fee
Union Plus Rate Advantage Card Review
The AFL-CIO is the nation’s largest federation of unions, and the Union Plus Rate Advantage offers union members everywhere the chance to receive a low rate and generous introductory APR period with no annual fee.
0% Introductory APR
The Union Plus Rate Advantage Card is a low rate credit card that also offers an impressive 0% introductory APR period on both balance transfers and cash advances. The 0% intro APR period is a long 15 months, which is at the very high-end of introductory interest rates. While there are a few cards that offer 18 months or even longer (such as the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card or the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum), 15 months is nothing to scoff at – and offers new accounts ample time to finance significant purchases or pay down existing balances.
The one downside of this impressive intro period is that all balance transfers made incur a #% fee. Three percent of the transaction cost for a balance transfer fee is pretty standard, but the fact that transfers conducted after the 0% period feature no charges at all is a significant source of frustration. That nit-pick aside, the 3% fee is reasonable enough, and given the lengthy no interest period, is worth the price for those who are looking to slash their existing credit card debts.
Union Plus Card Comparison
Which Union Plus credit card from Capital One is right for you? Here are the three cards compared:
| Union Plus Card | Cash Rewards | Rate Advantage | Primary Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Designed for | Unlimited cash back | Low APR | Building credit |
| Rewards | 1.5% back on every purchase | N/A | N/A |
| Other | 0% intro APR for 12 months (purchases & transfers) | 0% intro APR for 15 months (purchases & transfers) | N/A |
Union Plus Features
Hardship Grants
Unions exist to serve the best interest of their members, and that ethos is front-and-center with the Union Plus credit cards. All Union Plus Cardholders – including Rate Advantage Cardholders – are eligible to receive AFL-CIO hardship grants three months after opening an account.
Hardship grants provide financial cover for a wide variety of occurrences and can help members recover some of the losses they might experience. Hardship grants are payable by check and never have to be repaid – a fantastic perk and equally grand gesture by the organization.
There are four types of hardship grant for which a cardholder may be entitled:
- Disability Grant: $1,600 to $2,700 for those suffering from long-term illness or disability
- Hospital Grant: $1,200 for unreimbursed hospital expenses
- Job Loss Grant: $300 for those laid off work
- Strike Grant: $300 for those on union-sanctioned strikes or lockouts
While the benefits that come with the hardship grants are amazing, they also come with limitations. Cardholder accounts, for instance, must be in good standing. Additionally, cardholders can only receive one grant of each type, regardless of how many Union Plus accounts they have.
Member Rebates and Discounts
Union Cardholders also receive rebates and discounts just for being a Union Privilege members. These rebates and discounts include:
- Up to $250 in rebates from AT&T
- Up to 25% off car rentals when booking with Avis or Budget
- $1 for the first month ($6.90 after that) on membership in the Union Plus Motor Club when using their Union Plus Card and selecting the “Family Plus” plan.
- 25% discount with Teleflora – 5% more than the typical union member discount
Other Card Features
Like other Mastercard products, the Union Plus Rate Advantage Card comes with consumer perks and protections, including $0 fraud liability should the card be lost or stolen. Cardholders also get Mastercard identity theft resolution services, price protection for purchases found cheaper elsewhere, and MasterRental Collision Damage Waiver for any accidents or theft of rental vehicles booked entirely with their card.
Capital One Ratings
How is Capital One a credit card issuer? Here is a selection of reviews for the bank from consumers and experts alike:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
4.5/5 |
2.5/5 |
2.5/5 |
Should You Apply for the Union Plus Rate Advantage Card?
Getting a great rate on purchases and a lengthy interest-free period on balance transfers is great, but the Union Plus Rate Advantage Card from Capital One takes it to the next level by including an additional 05 intro APR period on purchases.
Fifteen months of 0% APR gives Union Plus Cardholders the purchasing power they need to buy the large ticket items they want – or need – and pay them back over time. This period can help save union members some serious money.
The 15 months of interest-free APR on balance transfers provide the catalyst for quickly eliminating existing credit card debts, helping new accounts get back on financial track without the fear of interest piling up. And, while the 3% fee on transfers might be frustrating, it’s a small price to [ay for the peace of mind these intro periods provide.
The greatest peace of mind, however, comes from the grants the AFL-CIO offer to those cardholders who face hardships. Hardships happen every day, but the grants take some of the sting out of trying to get back on your feet – something that can provide comfort in a challenging time.
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