Our Verdict
Though we’re fans of the credit union’s other offerings, the Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* is a just okay all-around card. If you’re looking for a medium-length introductory APR card, this one offers a 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a regular variable APR of 15.49% - 27.49%. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. This card is only available to members of the Alliant Credit Union, but you may apply before joining.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period
- Introductory balance transfer APR
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
- No rewards
Highlights
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- $0 fraud liability guarantee
Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card Introduction
With a handful of extra benefits and no rewards, the main attraction of the Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* is its offer of a 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a regular variable APR of 15.49% - 27.49%. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
The medium-length intro APR period doesn’t stand up against some of the best 0% introductory APRs on the market, and the card’s lack of rewards doesn’t give it much reason to remain in your wallet beyond it. As for extra perks, there’s an auto rental collision damage waiver but otherwise only a handful of security and convenience benefits such as $0 fraud liability, an EMV chip, digital wallet functionality, 24/7 customer service and ID protection services from Norton.
Compare Alliant Visa® Platinum With Other Cards
Quick Facts
- $0 annual fee
- This card does not offer a welcome bonus
- This card does not earn rewards
- A 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a regular variable APR of 15.49% - 27.49%. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies
- Convenience benefits
What Is the Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card Best For?
We envision the best use of this card for lower-risk balance transfers or financing large purchases using a 0% APR. Though no one should carry a balance beyond the end of the introductory period if at all possible, the standard rate applied following the 0% introductory period is rather low, at 15.49% - 27.49% variable.
0% Introductory Rates
The Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* offers a 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a regular variable APR of 15.49% - 27.49%. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Other Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card Benefits
- $0 fraud liability. No cardholder responsibility for unauthorized transactions.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver. Decline collision insurance at the rental car desk and pay with this card instead.
- NortonLifeLock. The card comes with ID Navigator from Norton to help you protect your identity.
- Visa Platinum benefits. You get Visa-backed benefits including roadside dispatch.
Fine Print
Interest Rates
- Regular APR: 15.49% - 27.49% variable
- Purchase intro APR: 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months
- Balance transfer intro APR: 0% - 5.99% intro APR for 12 months
Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 2% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: 2% of each transaction where the merchant country differs from the country of the card issuer
How the Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card Stacks Up
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* vs. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
If you’re seeking a card with a longer 0% introductory APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers, look to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which has no annual fee and offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. A 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR applies thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and a balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5 applies.
With a longer introductory APR offer, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card makes the Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* a much less attractive offer for those in need of a balance transfer or an opportunity to finance a large purchase. The Reflect also doesn’t provide any rewards and comes with sparse extra benefits including cellphone insurance.
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* vs. Citi Double Cash® Card
Those seeking a balance transfer card with longevity past the 0% APR period will find the no annual fee Citi Double Cash® Card more attractive than the Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum.
The Double Cash earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off and has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the standard variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies to transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Though the Citi Double Cash is light on extra benefits, its excellent flat-rate cash back is difficult to beat. Notably, the Double Cash’s intro APR period does not extend to purchases—only balance transfers.
Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* vs. Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card*
A card we like for fantastic flat-rate reward earning, the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card* comes without a welcome bonus and other draws of its companions on our best cash-back cards list, but it does show what becoming a member of Alliant Credit Union can do. The card earns up to 2.5% cash back with no categories to track on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle with qualifying accounts. All other purchases earn 1.5%.
Where the Alliant Visa Platinum offers its 17.24% - 27.24% variable APR. A balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer applies, the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card* offers no intro APR. Instead, it offers travel and shopping benefits including no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, purchase security and extended warranty protections.
Is the Alliant Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card for You?
For a low introductory APR offer on balance transfers and purchases and a lower-than-average ongoing APR, the Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card* offers a simple, straightforward option but fails to deliver anything regarding rewards and falls short on benefits.
Some may find its simplicity appealing, but others may find more benefits with cards from our lists of the best balance transfer cards and best 0% introductory APR cards.
Methodology
Forbes Advisor considers a variety of criteria when assigning credit cards a rating. Cards are graded based on numerous factors including:
- Annual fees
- Welcome bonus offers
- Ongoing earning rates
- Value of individual points or miles
- Included travel or merchant credits
- Additional cardholder benefits
Card features we expect cardholders to use the most often are weighted more heavily in our ratings. Altogether, the factors came together to provide a star rating for each individual card.
To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Alliant Visa® Platinum Credit Card, Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
