BECU credit cards are issued by a credit union, not a bank, and membership is required
BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) issues credit cards only to members of the credit union. You cannot get a BECU credit card without first opening a BECU membership account. Membership is open to people who live or work in Washington state, or who have a family member already in the credit union. Once you are a member, you can then request a credit card through BECU's online portal, by phone, or in person at a branch.
BECU offers several card options with different rewards structures and annual fees. The cards are Visa products, so they work anywhere Visa is accepted. Like most credit cards, BECU cards charge interest on balances you carry month to month, and they report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
The main difference between BECU and bank-issued cards is that BECU is a member-owned cooperative. This means profits are returned to members as dividends rather than going to shareholders. Some BECU members see lower interest rates or higher cash-back rates than they would find at traditional banks, though this varies by card and by your credit history.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a BECU member before you can request a credit card, and membership requires living or working in Washington state or having a family member in the credit union.
- BECU offers multiple card types, including cash-back cards, rewards cards, and cards with no annual fee, each with different earning rates and costs.
- Your credit score and payment history affect which card you can get and what interest rate BECU will offer you.
- BECU credit cards are Visa cards and work at any merchant that accepts Visa, both in-store and online.
- As a credit union, BECU may return profits to members as dividends, which can lower your effective interest rate or increase your rewards.
How to become a BECU member
Membership is the first step. You can open a BECU membership account online, by phone at 1-800-233-2328, or at a BECU branch in Washington. The process takes about 10 minutes online. You will need a Social Security number, a Washington state ID or driver's license, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). If you do not live in Washington, you can join if a parent, spouse, or child is already a BECU member.
Once your membership account is open, you will have access to BECU's online banking portal. From there, you can request a credit card. BECU will review your credit report and credit score to decide which cards you are may be able to access for and what interest rate to offer. This review usually takes a few business days.
BECU's main credit card options
BECU offers several cards. The BECU Visa Signature is a cash-back card with no annual fee. It earns 1% cash back on all purchases. The BECU Visa Signature Rewards earns points instead of cash back — you earn 1 point per dollar spent and can redeem points for cash, gift cards, or travel. This card also has no annual fee.
The BECU Visa Signature Premium is aimed at higher spenders. It has an annual fee and earns higher rewards rates: 2% cash back on gas and groceries, 1.5% on dining, and 1% on everything else. The annual fee varies depending on your membership status and account history.
BECU also offers a Visa Signature Secured Card for people building or rebuilding credit. This card requires a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit. As you make on-time payments, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card.
Card terms change periodically, and BECU sometimes introduces new cards or retires old ones. Before you request a card, log into your BECU account or call 1-800-233-2328 to see the current full list and current rewards rates.
Interest rates and fees
BECU credit cards carry an annual percentage rate (APR) that depends on your credit score and credit history. The better your credit, the lower your APR will be. BECU publishes a range — for example, "15.99% to 21.99%" — but your actual rate falls somewhere in that range based on your individual credit profile.
Most BECU cards have no annual fee. The exception is the Premium card, which charges an annual fee. BECU also charges a late fee if you miss a payment, and a cash advance fee if you withdraw cash using your card at an ATM. These fees are disclosed in the card's terms and conditions, which you can read before you request the card.
If you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. The interest accrues daily and is added to your bill each month. Paying your full balance by the due date avoids interest charges entirely.
How BECU credit cards report to credit bureaus
BECU reports your credit card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit reporting agencies. This means your payment history, credit limit, and balance show up on your credit report and affect your credit score.
Making on-time payments every month helps your credit score. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit (high utilization) can lower your score, even if you pay on time. Missed or late payments stay on your credit report for seven years and significantly damage your score.
You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. This is the only official free source for your full credit report. You can also see your credit score for free through BECU's online banking portal if you are a member.
Rewards and cash back
BECU's cash-back and rewards cards earn on every purchase you make. With the standard Visa Signature, you earn 1% cash back on everything — groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping, all of it. The cash back accumulates in your account and you can redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or a transfer to your BECU savings account.
The Premium card earns higher rates in specific categories: 2% on gas and groceries, 1.5% on dining, and 1% on other purchases. If you spend a lot in those categories, the higher earning rate may offset the annual fee. The math depends on your spending and the current fee amount.
Rewards points work similarly — you earn points on purchases and redeem them later. The redemption value varies depending on what you redeem for. A point might be worth 1 cent as a statement credit but a different amount if you redeem for a gift card or travel.
How to manage your BECU credit card
Once your card arrives, you can set up it through BECU's online portal or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can then use it anywhere Visa is accepted. Set up automatic payments through your BECU account to pay at least the minimum due each month, or better yet, pay your full balance to avoid interest.
BECU's online portal shows your current balance, available credit, recent transactions, and due date. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your balance reaches a certain amount, or when your payment is due. These tools help you stay on top of your account and avoid late payments.
If you lose your card or suspect fraud, call BECU when ready at the number on your statement. BECU will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Boeing employee to join BECU?
No. BECU membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Washington state, or who has a family member already in the credit union. You do not need to work for Boeing or any specific employer.
What credit score do I need to get a BECU credit card?
BECU does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The credit union reviews your full credit history, not just your score. People with fair or good credit often may have access to, though your APR will be higher if your credit is lower. Call BECU at 1-800-233-2328 to ask whether you might may have access to before you request a card.
Can I use my BECU credit card outside the United States?
Yes. BECU credit cards are Visa cards and work anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. BECU charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% of the purchase amount) when you use your card outside the U.S. Check your card's terms for the exact fee.
How long does it take to receive my BECU credit card after I request it?
BECU typically mails cards within 7 to 10 business days after your request is approved. You can use your card online before it arrives if BECU provides a virtual card number through the portal.
What happens if I miss a payment on my BECU credit card?
BECU will charge a late fee and report the late payment to the credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact BECU as soon as possible to bring your account current and ask about options to avoid further damage.