What Alliant Credit Union offers in a credit card
Alliant Credit Union issues two main credit cards: the Alliant Cashback Visa and the Alliant Low Rate Visa. Both are issued to members only — you must join the credit union first, which typically costs $10 and requires a small deposit to an Alliant savings account. The Cashback card returns 2.5% cash back on all purchases with no category limits or rotating categories. The Low Rate card charges a lower interest rate but offers no rewards.
Neither card has an annual fee. Both report to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use builds your credit history. The cards are Visa cards, which means they work at most merchants that take Visa. Alliant is a federally chartered credit union, so your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000.
Key Takeaways
- The Alliant Cashback Visa returns 2.5% cash back on every purchase with no annual fee, but you must be an Alliant member to get the card.
- Membership requires a $10 fee and opening a savings account with a minimum deposit, which varies but is typically $25 to $100.
- The Alliant Low Rate Visa has no rewards but charges a lower ongoing interest rate, making it useful if you expect to carry a balance.
- Both cards report to credit bureaus and have no annual fee, so they can help build credit history without ongoing costs.
- Alliant is a credit union, not a bank, so customer service is available during business hours and may be slower than large card issuers.
How the 2.5% cash back works on the Cashback card
Cash back accrues on every purchase you make with the Alliant Cashback Visa — groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping, everything. There are no bonus categories, no rotating categories, and no caps on how much you can earn. You earn the same 2.5% whether you spend $50 or $5,000 in a month.
Cash back posts to your Alliant savings account monthly. You can then transfer it to a checking account, use it to pay your credit card bill, or leave it in savings. Unlike some cards that require a minimum balance to redeem, Alliant deposits your cash back automatically — there is nothing you have to do to claim it.
If you close your Alliant savings account, you lose access to the card. The card is tied to your membership, so the account and the card are linked. This is different from bank-issued cards, where your checking account and credit card are separate products.
Interest rates and what happens if you carry a balance
Alliant does not publish a fixed interest rate for either card. Instead, the rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — the better your credit, the lower your rate. You will see your rate in the card agreement before you open the account.
The Cashback card's rate is typically higher than the Low Rate card's rate, which is the trade-off for earning rewards. If you plan to pay your balance in full each month, the interest rate does not matter. If you expect to carry a balance, the Low Rate card may save you money despite earning no rewards.
Both cards have a grace period, which means you do not pay interest on new purchases if you pay your full statement balance by the due date. Late payments trigger interest charges and may hurt your credit score.
Membership requirements and how to join
Alliant Credit Union membership is open to people who live or work in Illinois, or who have a family member who is already a member. If you do not live or work in Illinois, you may still join if you are a member of certain organizations or if you open an account with the Alliant Charitable Foundation.
To join, you pay a $10 membership fee and open an Alliant savings account. The minimum deposit varies — check Alliant's current requirements when you explore, as they change. Once you are a member, you can open the credit card. Membership is permanent unless you close your accounts and request to withdraw.
You manage your Alliant accounts online or by phone. Alliant does not have physical branches, so all banking is done remotely. Customer service is available during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
How Alliant compares to other no-annual-fee cards
The 2.5% flat cash back on the Alliant Cashback card is competitive with cards like the Citi Double Cash (2% back) and the Capital One Quicksilver (1.5% back). However, some cards offer higher rewards in specific categories — for example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 3% back on dining and drugstores, though it caps at $20,000 in combined purchases per quarter.
The main difference is that Alliant requires membership, while most other card issuers do not. If you want to use Alliant's card, you must also maintain an Alliant savings account. This makes sense if you plan to bank with Alliant anyway, but adds a step if you only want the card.
Alliant's customer service is available by phone and online, but not in person. Large banks like Chase and Capital One have branches and phone support 24/7. If you need in-person service or round-the-clock support, a traditional bank card may be more convenient.
Building credit with an Alliant card
Both Alliant cards report your payment history, credit utilization, and account age to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means responsible use — paying on time and keeping your balance low — helps build your credit score over time.
If you are new to credit or recovering from past missed payments, a card with no annual fee is useful because you can keep it open without paying to maintain it. The longer you hold the card and make on-time payments, the more your credit history strengthens.
Your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit you use — affects your score. If your limit is $1,000 and you carry a $500 balance, your utilization is 50%. Keeping utilization below 30% helps your score. Since the Cashback card has no rewards benefit to carrying a balance, paying it off monthly is the best approach for both your credit and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member of Alliant to get the credit card?
Yes. You must join Alliant Credit Union and open a savings account before you can open a credit card. Membership costs $10 and requires a minimum deposit to savings, which varies. Once you are a member, you can open either the Cashback or Low Rate card.
What happens to my credit card if I close my Alliant savings account?
Your card will be closed. Alliant ties the credit card to your membership, so closing your savings account ends your membership and closes the card. If you want to keep the card, you must keep the savings account open.
Can I use the Alliant card outside the United States?
Yes, it is a Visa card and works internationally. However, Alliant may charge a foreign transaction fee — check your card agreement for the exact percentage. Some cards charge 1% to 3% for purchases made outside the U.S.
How long does it take to receive the card after I open the account?
Alliant typically mails cards within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can check the status online or by calling customer service. In the meantime, you may be able to use a temporary card number for online purchases.
Is the 2.5% cash back taxable income?
No. The IRS treats cash back as a reduction in your purchase price, not as income. You do not report it on your tax return. This is different from some rewards programs that may be taxable depending on how they are structured.