My Money Planet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. My Money Planet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. The recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Visa Signature credit card from AOD Federal Credit Union offers 3% flat cashback on all spending. Such high cashback on all spending, without any category, or limits is highly unusual. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. This card is currently not available for new sign ups.
But AOD FCU is a small credit union. You have to jump through a number of hoops to get the card.
AOD Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Credit Card Review
Become a member at AOD Federal Credit Union
Be an Alabama resident or join a relevant organization
Before you can apply for a credit card, you need to become a member of the AOD Federal Credit Union. One of the requirements of becoming a member is that you must be a resident of Alabama. But there are ways to get around this requirement. For example, you can become a credit union member by
- Joining a member of the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (one-time cost $5)
- Becoming a member of the Association of the United States Army club or organization ($40 fee)
- Becoming a member at Anniston Bridge Club
- Becoming a member at Anniston Runners Club
Other requirements to become a member
You need to send AOD FCU copies of your social security card, driver’s license, utility bills (proof of residence), paystub, and a selfie with a note that says “AOD” or “AODFCU”. The selfie requirement is odd. It’s the first time I have run into this.
Note that mobile phone bills are not accepted as utility bills. You will also need to provide two references and their phone numbers.
Minimum balance once you become a member
Once you become a member, you need to have a minimum of $25 in your savings account
Moderately high credit standards
Over the years, AOD FCU has tightened credit standards. It pays close attention to the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Since your income plays a big part in approval, make sure you include all your income – bonuses, overtime, rental income, etc.
No sign-up bonus
The AOD FCU signature card does not offer sign-up bonuses. Other cards in its category such as the Citi Double Cash credit card also don’t offer sign-up bonuses.
Lacks the bells and whistles of a big bank
AOD FCU has a decent but not great app. The app can be slow but works fine. The credit card itself is thin and almost resembles a cheap gift card. The card does not have a tap-to-pay feature but you can add the card to your mobile wallet and pay with your phone.
Cashback as a statement credit
The card offers automatic statement credit every month. Just use your card for your regular spending, and your 3% cashback will be automatically applied as a statement credit at the end of the statement period.
Maximum credit limit
Credit limits start at $5,000. The maximum unsecured credit the AOD FCU will offer a member is $25,000
Risk of high cashback cards
When a credit card provider offers 3% cashback, the provider is most likely losing money. While there is no indication that ADO FCU will reduce the 3% cashback, you need to remember that such high cashbacks are always at high risk of being reduced.
Bottom Line
AOD FCU is an excellent 3% cashback card with no annual fee but the credit card is not well known. Non-Alabama residents can become AOD FCU members by joining certain organizations and can then apply for the card. DTI plays a big part in approval. So make sure you include income from all sources in your application. As with any high cashback card, there is a risk that AOD FCU can reduce its cashback in the future. Enjoy the 3% cashback while it lasts.
My Money Planet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. My Money Planet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
