MoneyGeek's Take

Best Credit Union Credit Cards for Balance Transfer in 2023

The best credit union credit cards for balance transfers come with intro 0% or low APR offers and do away with annual fees. Some of these cards offer rewards/cash back too.

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This article is part of our larger series on Best Balance Transfer Cards

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Last Updated: 5/2/2023

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

A key difference between balance transfer cards from credit unions and those issued by traditional banks is that credit unions tend to limit their intro APR offers to 12 months. However, balance transfer credit union cards typically have lower balance transfer fees. For instance, the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card charges no balance transfer fees, even during the 0% APR promo period.

Some of the top balance transfer credit union credit cards let you earn rewards or cash back. You can also find ones with spend-based welcome offers. The only card we’ve selected that charges an annual fee is the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card, and the fee is waived for PenFed Honors Advantage Members. Most of these cards come with no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal to use outside of the U.S.

OUR REVIEW AT A GLANCE

Our Top 5 Picks
Summarized List of All Winners
Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on
Best Balance Transfer Cards

MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 5 Credit Union Cards for Balance Transfers

Quick Summary

The duration of a 0% or low APR offer may vary from one balance transfer card to the next, as might the balance transfer fees you need to pay. In addition, cards from this category come with varied welcome offers. We’ve accounted for these factors when selecting the top five credit union balance transfer credit cards, and we’ve also paid due attention to other aspects such as annual fees, regular APRs and added benefits. You may take a look at other good cards from this segment by scrolling further down the page.

Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
- 12 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
- 10.99% – 18% VariableAPR
- 0%Balance Transfer Fee
- Fair–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card stands out as a wallet-friendly choice because it lacks annual, balance transfer and foreign transaction fees. This card prioritizes user security with 24/7 stateside member support and robust fraud protections. Travelers and online shoppers will find value in the Collision Damage Waiver and enticing online Member Deals. While it doesn't offer traditional rewards or a bonus for new cardholders, the unique benefits and holistic support make it a reliable financial companion for many. However, be mindful that membership is a must to access its features.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards at CardRatings.com.
Gold Visa® Card
- NoneRewards Rate
- 17.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The PenFed Gold Visa® Card is a solid choice for those looking for straightforward financial advantages. Imagine going on a shopping spree or traveling abroad without fretting about added costs — this card eliminates yearly fees and pesky foreign transaction charges. Plus, it gives you breathing space with its initial interest-free purchase period. However, be mindful that there's a fee involved when transferring balances. Also, while it doesn't overwhelm you with rewards, its simplicity and core benefits make it a reliable card for everyday use.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards at CardRatings.com.
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- 1–5 pointsRewards Rate
- 17.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers exceptional value, especially for those who regularly spend on gas, dining and groceries. With a rewarding bonus just for starting and no annual fee, it provides an immediate kickstart to your rewards journey. Additionally, those looking to consolidate their debt will find the promotional balance transfer rate appealing. While it requires a higher credit standing and PenFed membership, the benefits are tailored for discerning cardholders who prioritize savings and rewards in their financial toolkit.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards at CardRatings.com.
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- 1.5% – 2% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 17.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good – ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card from PenFed offers impressive value for the savvy spender. With no annual fees and the opportunity for elevated cash back rewards on all purchases, this card brings the savings directly to your wallet. New members are greeted with a warm welcome bonus, amplifying its charm. Consumers looking to manage existing debt can capitalize on a year-long balance transfer offer. Remember that you'll need to be part of the PenFed community and have good to excellent credit to access this card.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card
- 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
- 12 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
- 15.24% – 27.24% VariableAPR
- $5 or 2%, whichever is greaterBalance Transfer Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We recommend the Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card to people who’re looking for cards with intro 0% APR offers. This card’s 0% APR offer applies on purchases and balances transfers, and it stays in place for the first 12 months. If you use this card to transfer a balance from another card, you need to pay a balance transfer fee. What helps is you don’t have to pay any annual fees.
Using this card outside of the U.S. might not be in your best interest as it charges foreign transaction fees.
$0 fraud liability guarantee offers safeguard against fraudulent use of your card. Other benefits include identity theft protection, auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside dispatch.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards at CardRatings.com.

Summary of the Best Credit Union Cards for Balance Transfer

The table below breaks down how our top credit union balance transfer cards fare against each other when it comes to the credit score you need to apply, the rewards you stand to earn and the annual fee you might need to pay.

Credit Card
Best For
Avg. Reward Rate
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card
A great no-annual-fee balance transfer card for Navy Federal Credit Union members
Gold Visa® Card
A good low-APR balance transfer card with no annual fees
None
$0
Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
A great no annual fee gas rewards card
1–5 points
$0
Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
A good no-annual-fee balance transfer card with cash back
1.5% – 2% Cash Back
$0
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card
A good no-annual-fee credit card with an intro 0% APR offer
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
A good travel rewards card that comes with a possible annual fee waiver
1.5– 4 points
$95
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature cashRewards Card
A great no annual fee cash back card for average to excellent credit
1.5%–1.75% Cash Back
$0
Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards World Mastercard®
A good no-annual fee cash back card for those with average credit
1.50% – 1.75% Cash Back
$0

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Credit unions are an ideal place to open a credit card or bank account. They are generally nonprofit, which allows them to offer higher interest rates on deposits and lower rates and fees on credit cards and other loans to their members. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.

How to Compare Credit Union Credit Cards & Intro Offers

There is no single best credit union credit card for balance transfers because all these cards come with their share of advantages and shortcomings. If you wish to make the right selection, it’s important that you take your spending patterns into account and pay attention to a few other important aspects.

Duration of intro balance transfer APR offer

The cards we’ve selected that currently have intro 0% balance transfer APR offers do not charge interest on balance transfers for the first 12 months. This may also be the case with the Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card's intro APR, which can be as low as 0% depending on your creditworthiness and applies on balance transfers as well as purchases.

Balance transfer fees

Depending on the card you get, you might need to pay up to 3% of the transferred balance in fees. The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card comes with no balance transfer fees. If you get the Gold Visa® Card, you’ll need to pay a 3% balance transfer fee. The Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card charges a 2% balance transfer fee.

Regular balance transfer APR

This aspect requires your attention if you end up having an outstanding balance from your balance transfer at the end of the promo period. If you think you might need more time to repay your debt, you may consider getting a credit union card that comes with a low ongoing APR on balance transfers. Cards that fit this bill include Navy Federal Credit Union’s Platinum Card, cashRewards Visa Signature Card and cashRewards World Mastercard. Bear in mind that you’ll need excellent credit to qualify for these cards’ lowest rates.

Welcome offer

A number of the top balance transfer credit union credit cards we’ve selected come with spend-based welcome offers. For example, the Gold Visa® Card offers a $100 bonus statement credit if you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 90 days. Both Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards cards, on the other hand, let you earn $200 bonus cash by spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days.

Rewards/cash back

With credit union balance transfer cards that offer either cash back or reward points, the cash back/rewards rate varies by card. For example, the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers up to 5x points on category-based spending, the Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card gives you the ability to earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases, and the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card comes with up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases.

Foreign transaction fee

Pay attention to this aspect if you plan to use your card outside of the U.S. While most of the top credit union balance transfer credit cards don’t charge this fee, the Alliant Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card makes for a notable exception.

Annual fee

The only card from this segment that charges an annual fee is the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. However, PenFed waives this card’s $95 annual fee for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Members.

Added benefits

All these cards come with a $0 fraud liability policy. The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card also offers a $100 annual domestic air ancillary travel statement credit, a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit and complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge membership.