Our members use their credit cards for cash-free convenience, great rewards, and a cushion for unexpected expenses. Personally, I appreciate the added security that comes from using a Visa card for all of my purchases. Plus, I look forward to the Extra Awards points I earn with the Visa Rewards card.

The best tip I can give anyone with a credit card is to avoid spending beyond your ability to pay in cash. When you pay your full statement balance each month by the due date, you will not accrue interest nor will you pay late fees.

When I speak with young people in the important formative years of financial lives, I tell them that Visa cards can be an important tool for building credit. The Visa Basic is a good choice for your first credit card. With an annual percentage rate as low as 6.99%, the Visa Basic card is also a solid option for members consolidating their debt. The Photo Balance Transfer feature in the Goldenwest mobile app is an easy way to bring over your balances from other high-rate credit cards. Even better, you will never pay a balance transfer fee at Goldenwest.

For our members who use their Visa cards for all of their purchases, I recommend the Signature Visa card with unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Or, my personal favorite, the Visa Rewards card with Extra Awards points. If you prefer points redeemable for travel or gift cards at local merchants, the Visa Rewards card is the way to go. For members who want the convenience and indisputable value of cash back deposited into your account, the Signature Visa is the credit card for you.

A reliable Visa card from your member-owned credit union is an essential financial resource during the approaching holiday shopping season. If your card is lost or stolen, we can replace it immediately with Visa card instant issue at any of our locations across Utah. Plus, if you need us to review your credit limit for a potential increase, our consumer lending team is available to assist you in our branches or over the phone in our Member Contact Center.

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, our goal is to provide members with credit card options that save you money and provide significant value. If we’re not hitting the mark with our Visa card products, please send me an email at president@gwcu.org with your suggestions for improving our offerings. Likewise, you are welcome to share with me your favorite features of our Visa cards. I look forward to hearing from you.