Don’t Miss Out on These 5 Must-Have Credit Card Perks

When managed responsibly, credit cards can help you build positive credit history that will in turn increase your borrowing power. Outside of their credit-building capabilities, the best credit cards also allow you to earn points or cash back on purchases you were going to make anyway. But there’s so much more to a great credit card than rewards. If you’re shopping for a new one, look for the following features. 

Shop with these must-have credit card features in mind

1. A great rate

While you may not think of a credit card’s rate as one of its perks, it’s arguably the most important feature to consider while shopping. You must pay interest, based on the rate, on any balance you carry over each cycle. Life happens, and there may come a time when you have to carry over all or a portion of your balance. A low-rate card will keep debt more manageable. Alternatively, a high-rate card will cause debt to snowball at a more accelerated rate – making it more difficult to pay off. 

2. Purchase liability protection

Unauthorized purchases can throw your day into a whirlwind. Thankfully, the best credit cards come with Zero Liability¹ protection. Simply report the unauthorized use of your card. You’ll breathe easier knowing your financial institution won’t keep you on the hook for charges you didn’t make. 

3. Digital wallet compatibility 

Make payments contactless, quick, and secure with digital wallets.² The best credit cards are compatible with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay™. Once you connect your card, you can make purchases in-store, in-app, and online. Merchants will only receive a single-use code to finalize your transaction. Safeguarding your card details will protect you in the event a retailer is hacked or part of a data breach. 

4. ID Navigator powered by NortonLifeLock™

The Dark Web is sometimes referred to as the hidden internet because special software is required to access it. Unfortunately, not visiting the Dark Web won’t shield you from it. If a bad actor successfully captures your personal or banking information through methods like phishing, social engineering, or a data breach they may attempt to sell it on the Dark Web. 

Thankfully, the top credit cards come with ID Navigator powered by NortonLifeLock™.³ This software combs through the Dark Web and private forums for your information and sends you a notification with suggested next steps if any are discovered. 

5. FICO® Score access 

Keeping tabs on your credit score is beneficial both because it helps you gauge your creditworthiness and even potentially spot fraud. Select credit cards give you access to your FICO® Score for free. 

• At General Electric Credit Union (GECU), members can check their FICO® Score at any time through our Online Banking or mobile app.⁴ Scores are updated quarterly.  

Don’t settle for a basic credit card when there’s options that go beyond the ordinary. GECU’s full suite of cards includes all the above features. Opt for a traditional, no-frills card or earn off your purchases with a rewards credit card. Once you find your match, submit an application online or schedule an appointment to review your options with help from a GECU team member.