I looked for a financial institution to help me get what I needed and wanted, such as a home and a dream vacation. I trusted the Pentagon Credit (PenFed) Credit Union as it does only aim to help me get by financially but also educates me on how should I manage my finances.
PenFed offers the Pathfinder Visa Signature Card, which suits my lifestyle as a backpacker and outgoing traveler. It provides great benefits and perks for every travel vacation I make, alongside the excellent customer service of the financial institution.
Learn more about the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card and its benefits below. Discover how I applied for the credit card by meeting its eligibility requirements. Check also the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card's advantages and disadvantages.
- PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Features
- Pros of the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card
- Enhanced Security Features of PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card
- PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Fees
- PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Eligibility
- PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Application
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Features
When I decided that I wanted to have a credit card that focuses on my travel lifestyle, I knew immediately that I should look into the offers of PenFed available on its website. PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card is a popular and well-trusted credit card with amazing travel perks.
I can get a $100 annual domestic air ancillary travel statement credit and a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Pre-check statement credit with the credit card.
In addition, there is also a Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership. I also liked that there are no foreign transaction fees as I will not be charged extra for using my PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card outside of the United States whenever I have a vacation abroad.
More PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Features
I was also attracted to the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card because it allows me to enjoy my financial freedom by taking competitive balance transfers. It became possible for me to consolidate debt, lower interest rates, pay down higher-rate cards, reduce monthly payments, and cover unexpected expenses.
It is already a given that credit cards provide discounts on every purchase made. PenFed listed possible offers and deals on different products or transactions where I could get discounts. The credit card can be used for food and wine, shopping, hotels, car rentals, entertainment, sports, etc.
Lastly, PenFed promised that it would always be there whenever we needed help with our credit cards. It offers 24/7 customer service support all year round.
Pros of the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card
The PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card lets its new cardholders enjoy 50,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. People can also get four times the bonus points on all travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage members.
Honors Advantage members can further get a 2% cashback on all purchases. If topped up with the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Card, there is an additional 1.5% cashback. PenFed ensures that all members can enjoy the programs made for them.
To become an Honors Advantage member, there are two options. First, I have to have and maintain a PenFed checking account. I can open a new checking account or use an existing one. The second is to be in military service either as an active duty, reserve, honorable discharged, or retired.
PenFed lets us imagine how we can earn more if we are Honors Advantage members while having the Pathfinder Credit Card. For example, I spent $2,500 monthly using the credit card, earning $150 more annually for the cashback.
Other Advantages of the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card
Meanwhile, I can get thrice as many points in all travel categories. It usually covers all domestic and international flights. Whenever I use the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card to pay for my flights, aside from cashbacks, I receive a ton of bonus points.
This is part of the mission of the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card, which is to support and encourage people to travel without worrying about spending or the budget.
However, PenFed does not only want us to be limited in gaining points on the Pathfinder Credit Card through travels alone. They decided to support giving 1.5x points on all other purchases that I make. As long as I use the credit card to buy something, I will receive 1.5x bonus points for anything I purchase.
Enhanced Security Features of PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card
On top of these bonus points that I can collect from traveling and purchasing, PenFed provides more features and benefits so I can completely enjoy the credit card. Aside from travel benefits, I can access its enhanced security, balance transfer, discounts, and customer support.
It is important that a financial institution implement rules, policies, and measures to ensure the safety of its customers. PenFed understands this, so it offers the following enhanced security features: 24/7 fraud monitoring, chip-enabled, Secure Remote Commerce, and Tokenized Account Numbers.
PenFed mentioned that my account is monitored for all the transactions that may indicate fraudulent activity, so they can contact me immediately. In this case, I can easily freeze the card to stop any transaction and prevent any other fraudulent activity.
In addition, the cards used are equipped with chip technology. When I use it at a chip-enabled terminal, there will be stronger security for my card information.
More about the Enhanced Security Features of Pathfinder Credit Card
PenFed ensured that it would do its best to protect all the customers by securing the credit card information in every transaction. It is common the people to use credit cards when purchasing online.
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card supports secure remote commerce wherein there will be multiple layers of payment security to help protect my card against unauthorized use.
Lastly, PenFed promised that my name, account number, and security are not stored on my device, so merchants cannot access, in any way, my account information using the tokenized account number in the mobile wallet feature.
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Fees
Knowing the fees and interest charged is important when applying for a credit card. Thus, I looked into and considered the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card fees.
Below is a list of fees with the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card.
- Sign-up Fee - requires membership
- Annual Percentage Rate - 17.99% fixed APR for balance transfers (0% APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers)
- Annual Fee - $95 (waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members)
- Balance Transfer Rate - 3%
- Cash Advance Fee - 3%
- Cash Withdrawal Fee - 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee - 3%
- Late Payment Fee - Up to $20 if balance is less than $1000; Up to $25 if balance is $1000-$2000; Up to $28 if balance is greater than $2000
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Rewards Redemption
PenFed lets me access my real-time rewards balance by logging into the website. The site allows me to view my up-to-date collected points, which I can use to redeem rewards. I can also redeem rewards through the site by clicking the “Redeem Rewards” option.
The rewards or points can be used whenever I purchase or book flights. PenFed supports redeeming rewards to get discounts, vouchers, and even pay for the whole product or service that I am trying to avail myself of.
Interestingly, I can set up automatic rewards redemption through the website to automatically receive discounts for every purchase or transaction. Aside from discounts, it can also be redeemed as a statement credit to my credit card or deposited directly into my PenFed Checking or Savings account.
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Eligibility
PenFed set a requirement for eligibility who would like to apply for a PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card. First, I had to show my great credit record with a 750+ score. PenFed wants its holders to uphold excellent credit before and upon approval.
In addition, applicants should be 18 years old or above and a permanent US resident. Lastly, it is important to show proof of steady income so they can assess if I could manage my finances while holding the credit card.
PenFed Membership Application
Applying for a PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card is free but exclusive to its members. Thus, it is advisable to be a member of PenFed.
The requirement is current or prior service members and government employees (Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Public Health Service). It is also allowed for any members of family of both groups.
PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Application
The application process for the credit card will be done online through its official website by accomplishing the application form.
As soon as PenFed gives the pre-approval, I can check my APR and other rates. It usually takes 6-8 business days to get the full approval.
PenFed Address and Contact Number
To find out more about the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card, it is advisable to contact the bank directly. PenFed can be contacted using the following details.
For those who would like to visit the PenFed office, check it at 7940 Jones Branch Dr, Tysons, VA 22102, United States. Meanwhile, people can also ask about the credit card application by phone by calling them at 724-473-6333 or 1-800-247-5626.
Conclusion
PenFed offers the Pathfinder Credit Card for members who want to enjoy their trips by having travel benefits. Pathfinder Credit Card can enjoy all the bonus points for every travel expense and purchase.
Disclaimer: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit products. Ensure you consult the bank's Terms and Conditions page before agreeing to anything.
