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America First Credit Union

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4.8

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: December 11th, 2023

Utah-based America First Credit Union offers a variety of banking services and credit cards to its members. With all credit card products backed by Visa, America First provides cards with competitive rates, as low as 6.99 to 13.49 percent. In addition, Visa cards offer worldwide acceptance.

Seeking to meet the needs of consumers of various credit and financial backgrounds, America First offers traditional cash back and rewards options, but also offers a secured credit card option for borrowers looking to build or rebuild their credit. 

It is important to note that America First credit cards are only available to members residing in Utah.

Continue reading for pros and cons, and America First credit cards reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • Variety of Cards
  • Benefits and Features
  • Card Guard Mobile App
  • Online Banking and Bill Pay
  • Customer Reviews

Variety of Cards

America First Credit Union offers a variety of Visa cards, including cash back, low rate, and rewards credit cards. If you do not have an established credit history, or perhaps damaged credit, America First Credit Union offers a secured Visa credit card option. With no annual fee and low rates, the secured Visa can be a good option for those seeking to build credit.

A variety of cards provides greater flexibility to consumers to get the best credit card for their needs and financial circumstances.

Benefits and Features

America First offers Classic Visa and Platinum Visa credit cards that offer an extensive selection of benefits with no annual fee. An America First Credit Union account holder can earn between one percent to 1.5 percent cash back or one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. Other Visa benefits include travel insurance and credit limits up to $15,000 depending on card selection and your credit history. Cash back rewards are automatically deposited into the cardholder's personal banking account on a regular basis. All cards feature the following benefits:

  • Identity theft recovery services
  • Select entertainment discounts
  • No balance transfer fees
  • Card Guard mobile app
  • EMV security chip technology
  • Mobile wallet
  • ABC Deals cash rebate program
  • No minimum finance charge
  • Fraud safeguards

In addition to these card benefits and features, America First also has an option to easily apply for a credit limit increase. However, to qualify for this increase, you must be a responsible member who pays off their credit card balance on time each month; there may be other factors taken into consideration that could also affect approval.

Card Guard Mobile App

The Card Guard mobile app gives cardholders the ability to manage accounts directly from any mobile device at no cost. 

Cardholders can set spending limits per transaction, turn off credit card use capability when desired, and choose specific merchants near their location where the card is only allowed to be used. Cardholders must be enrolled in the company's online banking services in order to use these included features.

Online Banking and Bill Pay

Consumers can enroll in free online banking services with America First for easier management of their credit card accounts, through which they can review online statements, transfer funds, and set up automatic payments. Consumers can also apply for additional lending, link multiple accounts, track spending, and create household budgets safely and securely. 

In addition, cardholders can also create customized text and email alerts to be reminded when bills are due or to be notified of any transaction activity. Customers will also receive their current FICO credit scores on each month's billing statement.

Customer Reviews

America First Credit Union reviews are currently limited, but the majority of customers give the company a 4 or 5-star rating. Of these positive reviews, many customers highlight excellent and reliable customer service and competitive rates on credit cards.

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The Bad

  • Service Limitations
  • Interest Rates
  • Additional Fees

Service Limitations

America First Credit Union only provides credit card services to Utah residents who meet certain undisclosed credit eligibility requirements. In order to access provided services, consumers must first open a personal bank account which may require a minimum deposit. 

America First does not offer detailed information up front regarding the specific reward options that may be earned, or if there are any maximum earning caps or expiration timeframes with the reward points. 

The credit union does not offer 24/7 customer service or a live chat option to speak with a customer service representative.

Interest Rates

America First does not offer a zero percent introductory APR on credit cards, a feature that is often included in many other competiting card issuer offerings. 

Depending on the credit card, the lowest interest rate available ranges from 6.99 percent to 13.49 percent APR depending on current market rates, card selection, and the cardholder's overall credit score. These percentages are reflective of the lowest rates offered on Visa cards and are subject to change. Because America First Credit Union credit cards have variable rates, interest rates are subject to change on a quarterly basis.

Additional Fees

America First charges up to $35 for late payments and a $10 fee for returned items, and a 1 percent fee for foreign transactions. The financial services company also charges a 1.5 percent cash advance fee for the total amount of each transaction of this type. 

These fees are within the average range for the industry norm but can be quite expensive for cardholders with imperfect credit histories. America First's Visa cards are generally accepted worldwide and the foreign transaction fee is better than some other competitors, but it can still be costly for travelers who make frequent purchases internationally.

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The Bottom Line

America First Credit Union offers a comprehensive range of Visa credit card options for its Utah-based customers to choose from. These credit cards offer cash back on eligible purchase or redeemable non-cash rewards through the accumulation of points. With limited interest fees, these cards can be suitable for consumers who need to rebuild their credit histories and can also be pretty decent for consolidating large amounts of debt from multiple cards. The financial services company also provides online banking services, a mobile app, and various other financial products and services.

There are some limits on America First's services, including the fact that it does not provide 24/7 customer service. In addition, the company does not provide specific details on the rewards that can be earned or if there are any caps on the number of points that can be earned within a certain timeframe on a rewards credit card. Interest rates are within the industry norm but are most suited for consumers with excellent credit histories who have an established banking relationship with the credit union.

We recommend researching other credit card lenders before deciding on whether or not to open a credit card with America First Credit Union, but if you currently bank with this financial institution, its credit card offerings could be a good option for you.

If you have borrowed from American First Credit Union, please tell us about your experience by leaving a review.

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Star Rating

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4.1

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59 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

64%

4 grade

15%

3 grade

2%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

15%

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Tony Riverton, UT

I do my business banking with America First Credit Union and am happy with the customer service. However, the web portal is horrible and I can't recommend using the card if you depend on doing online banking.

4 years ago