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Fortune
Fortune
Dia Adams

Alliant Credit Union members take note: this cash back card pays up to 2.5%

Photo of the Alliant Cashback Visa signature credit card over a pink background with abstract shapes (Credit: Photo illustration by Fortune; Original photo by Alliant Credit Union)

Why we like this card: The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card offers an impressive 2.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $10,000 per billing cycle) to those who can meet certain criteria. With no annual fee and several added perks, it’s a great all-around card for members of Alliant Credit Union.

Pros

  • Highly competitive flat cash back rate
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • No intro APR offer
  • No welcome bonus
  • Requires a companion checking account that meets certain requirements

Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card: Overview

APR

  • Intro: N/A
  • Purchase: 17.49%–27.49% variable
  • Balance transfer: 17.49%–27.49% variable, plus a 3% fee
  • Cash advance: 25.49%–29.49%, plus a fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty: 30.49% variable

Annual fee: $0

Foreign transaction fee: $0

Late payment fee: up to $27

The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card offers a significant cash back rate of 2.5% on all purchases up to $10,000 per billing cycle to cardholders who also have a High-Rate Checking account. This flat-rate cash back is available without any rotating categories or sign-ups required, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases thereafter. (Those who do not have a companion checking account earn 1.5% back on all purchases.) 

This card also comes with additional perks and features, such as a comprehensive suite of Visa Signature benefits. These include rental car coverage, travel accident insurance, and purchase protection. Customer service and security features are also notable, with around-the-clock fraud monitoring and identity theft protection. The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card has no annual fee, and the lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a good choice for international travelers.

Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card: Rewards

Alliant offers two tiers of cash back rewards on this card:

Tier 1 rewards

  • 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases

To qualify for Tier 1 rewards, the primary cardholder must have an Alliant High-Rate Checking account and meet the following requirements each calendar month:

  • Opt in to receive eStatements; and
  • At least one electronic deposit posted to the account each calendar month (direct deposit, ATM deposit, mobile check deposit or transfer from another financial institution); and
  • Maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more

Note: New cardholders will automatically earn Tier One rewards for the first 100 days after card approval.

Tier 2 rewards

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all qualifying eligible purchases

How to redeem Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card rewards

Redeeming cash back rewards is simple: You can choose to receive cash back via a credit card statement credit (which will appear within one billing cycle) or as a deposit into your Alliant checking or savings account.

Additional benefits

In addition to cash back, the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card comes with several other benefits, including:

  • Personal identity theft protection: Get reimbursed up to $5,000 for covered expenses you incur to restore your identity as a result of a covered stolen identity event. 
  • Purchase security: New retail purchases made with your eligible Visa Signature card and/or rewards program associated with your covered Signature account are protected against theft or damage within the first 90 days from the date of purchase. 
  • Travel accident insurance: You and your dependents become covered automatically when the entire fare is charged to your covered Visa Signature card account. 
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver: This coverage eliminates the need to pay for the collision damage waiver or similar provision provided by commercial auto rental companies on most passenger vehicles. Coverage applies when you use your Alliant Visa Signature card to pay for the rental.
  • Roadside dispatch: Get 24-hour access to roadside assistance via a toll-free number. 
  • ID navigator powered by NortonLifeLock™: Stay informed and know what to do when your identity is threatened with this service that helps provide you with tools so you can act quickly should the unexpected happen.
  • Extended warranty protection: This doubles the term of your eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less; for warranties of less than one year, the term is doubled; for warranties of one year or more an additional year of coverage is provided.

Is the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature right for you?

The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card is an excellent cash back card with one of the highest flat rates available today. However, you must become a member of the credit union to apply, which means it won’t be the right fit for every one.

Credit cards similar to the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature

If you’re interested in applying for a cash back credit card, it’s a good idea to compare a few options.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card

If you’re looking for a cash back card with a competitive flat rate and no rotating categories to worry about, you might want to consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. This card offers an unlimited 2% cash back, which may be a better fit if you’re not interested in joining Alliant or don’t qualify for membership. Also, unlike the Alliant Cashback card, the Well Fargo Active Cash card offers a welcome bonus and an introductory 0% APR to new cardholders. 

Citi Double Cash Card vs. Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card

Another cash back card with an impressive flat rate is the Citi Double Cash Card. It offers 2% back on purchases: 1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. There’s no cap on earnings or categories to pick. Plus, there’s no annual fee. And new cardholders can enjoy an 18-month 0% intro APR.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 2% cash back card worth it?

If you’d rather take a hands-off approach to managing your credit card rewards and simply earn a flat rate on your spending, 2% cash back is competitive for the market and worth it.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

What is the credit limit for Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card?

The credit limit on the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card varies by applicant and is based on your personal credit and financial profile.

Is a 2% cash back card worth it?

If you’d rather take a hands-off approach to managing your credit card rewards and simply earn a flat rate on your spending, 2% cash back is competitive for the market and worth it.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Is an Alliant credit card hard to get?

The Alliant Cashback card may be difficult to get if you have fair or poor credit, or don’t qualify to join the credit union.

What is the credit limit for Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card?

The credit limit on the Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card varies by applicant and is based on your personal credit and financial profile.

Is a 2% cash back card worth it?

If you’d rather take a hands-off approach to managing your credit card rewards and simply earn a flat rate on your spending, 2% cash back is competitive for the market and worth it.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

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