Union Plus MasterCard®

No Annual Fee 8.99% Fixed APR on Balance Transfers for the Life of the Balance $0 Liability on Any Unauthorized Charges Personal Customer Service - Speak with A Representative 24 Hours A Day

Review: The Union Plus MasterCard®, issued by HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A., is designed for those with an average or limited credit history who are members of one of the AFL-CIO Unions (non-members are not eligible to apply for the card). The card, as the name suggests, is designed for members of an AFL-CIO Union. The benefits offered to union members are "Strike Payment Protection" (allows members to skip payments for up to three consecutive months while the union is on a union-sanctioned strike or lockout for 30 days or more) and "Member Advocacy Program" (designed to help members resolve disputes and handle concerns regarding any of the Union Privilege programs). The interest rate for purchases and balance transfers is reasonable for those who qualify. In addition, there is no annual fee, and a reasonable introductory rate is available for balance transfers, which is valid until the balance is paid in full (although lower introductory rates can be found with other standard credit cards). It is important to note that there is a minimum cap in effect on the interest rate for purchases and balance transfers. Therefore, no matter how low the Prime Rate falls, the APR will not go below the minimum cap. This rate varies between 9.99% and 18.99% and is based on the applicant's credit history. In addition to the unique member benefits, this card also provides additional cardholder benefits such as no liability for unauthorized transactions, fraud and security protection services, and up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance. Therefore, members of one of the AFL-CIO Unions (required to apply) who qualify for the lowest rate offered and plan to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges) will benefit most from what the Union Plus MasterCard® has to offer. Those with very good credit will be considered for the gold and platinum credit cards, which both offer additional benefits and may offer a lower APR for purchases and balance transfers. However, those who do not qualify for the standard card may be considered for the secured card, which does vary in terms of benefits and fees.

Date of Review: 2006-04-08 00:00:00

Notes: This is a Union-endorsed credit card, and applicants must be a member of the one of the AFL-CIO Unions to be eligible to apply for the card. The APR for purchases varies according to the applicant's credit history and may range from 4.99% to 13.99% + Prime Rate. The minimum APR for purchases varies according to the applicant's credit history and may range from 9.99% to 18.99%. See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure.

Additional Perks: Various Internet account related services. Skip Payment Privilege. Strike Payment Protection. No liability for unauthorized transactions. Fraud and security protection services. Union Member Advocacy program. Eligibility for Union Plus Scholarship Program. Up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance. See website for additional benefits.