PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card – Learn How to Apply

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 Federal (PenFed) Credit Union as it aims to help me get by financially. As a bonus, it also educates me on how should I manage my finances.

PenFed offers the Pathfinder Rewards 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.

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Learn more about the PenFed Pathfinder credit card and its benefits in this article. Discover how I applied for the credit card by meeting its eligibility requirements. You can also learn about the PenFed Pathfinder credit card’s advantages and disadvantages.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
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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 on the PenFed website. The PenFed Pathfinder card is a popular and well-trusted credit card with amazing travel perks.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
Image Source: Online Help Guide

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.

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In addition, there is also a Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership. I also liked that there are no foreign transaction fees so 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 Pathfinder credit card because it allows me to enjoy my financial freedom by making competitive balance transfers. The card offers new account holders a 12-month interest-free period on balance transfers.

With this, it became possible for me to consolidate debt, get lower interest rates, pay down higher-rate cards, reduce monthly payments, and cover unexpected expenses.

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It is already a given that credit cards provide discounts on every purchase made. PenFed lists possible offers and deals on different products or transactions where I can get discounts. The credit card can be used for food and wine, shopping, hotels, car rentals, entertainment, sports, etc.

Lastly, PenFed promises that it will always be there whenever cardholders need help with their accounts. 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.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
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Honors Advantage members can further get 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 discharge, or retired member.

PenFed lets us imagine how we can earn more if we are Honors Advantage members while having the Pathfinder credit card. For example, if I spend $2,500 monthly using the credit card, I could earn $150 more annually in cashback.

Other Advantages of the PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card

Meanwhile, even as a regular cardholder, I can get three times the 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 cashback, I receive a ton of bonus points.

This is part of the mission of the 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 traveling 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.

Also read: Citi Bank Credit Card: How to Apply, Pros and Cons, and More

Enhanced Security Features of PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card

On top of the 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 transfers, discounts, and customer support.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
Image Source: Online Help Guide

It is important that a financial institution implements 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 customers by securing credit card information in every transaction. This is especially valuable for people that use credit cards when purchasing online.

The 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 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. As such, I looked into and considered the PenFed Pathfinder card’s fees.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
Image Source: PenFed

Below is a list of fees with the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card.

  • Sign-up Fee – requires membership
  • Annual Fee – $95 (waived for PenFed Honors Advantage members)
  • Annual Percentage Rate – 17.99% variable APR
  • Balance Transfer Rate – 3%
  • Cash Advance Fee – None
  • Foreign Transaction Fee – None
  • Late Payment Fee – Up to $20 if balance is less than $1,000; Up to $25 if balance is $1,000 to $2,000; Up to $28 if balance is greater than $2,000
  • Returned Payment Fee: Up to $25

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 purchase.

Interestingly, I can set up automatic rewards redemption through the website to automatically receive discounts for every purchase or transaction. Aside from discounts, rewards 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 eligibility requirements for those that want to apply for a PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature 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.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
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In addition, applicants should be 18 years old or above and permanent US residents. Lastly, it is important to show proof of steady income so the bank can assess if you can manage your finances while holding the credit card.

PenFed Membership Application

Applying for a PenFed Pathfinder credit card is free but exclusive to its members. The requirement for membership is current or prior service members and government employees (Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the US Public Health Service).

Membership is also allowed for any family members of such groups.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card Application

The application process for the credit card can be completed online through the bank’s official website by filling out the application form.

PenFed Pathfinder Credit Card - Learn How to Apply
Image Source: PenFed

As soon as PenFed gives the pre-approval, you can check your APR and other rates. It usually takes six to eight business days to get the full approval.

PenFed Address and Contact Number

To find out more about the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature 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 out at 7940 Jones Branch Dr, Tysons, VA. Meanwhile, people can also ask about the credit card application by phone by calling them at 724-473-6333 or 1-800-247-5626.

Also read: IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card – How to Apply

Conclusion

PenFed offers the Pathfinder credit card for members who want to enjoy their trips by having travel benefits. Users of the Pathfinder card can enjoy all the bonus points for every travel expense and purchase.

Disclaimer: There are risks involved when using credit card products. Always be sure to read the bank’s terms and conditions page for more information.

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