What Desert Financial's Credit Card Offers
Desert Financial Credit Union offers a Visa credit card to its members with no annual fee, cash back rewards, and fraud protection. The card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no bonus categories or rotating rates to track. There is no foreign transaction fee if you use the card abroad.
The card is available only to Desert Financial members, so you must have an account with the credit union to open one. Membership is open to people who live, work, worship, or go to school in Arizona, or who are related to an existing member. Once you are a member, you can request the card through your online account or by visiting a branch.
Like most credit cards, the interest rate you receive depends on your credit history. Desert Financial does not publish a fixed APR range, so the rate you are offered may differ from what another person receives. The card has a variable APR, meaning the rate can change over time as the prime rate moves.
Key Takeaways
- Desert Financial's Visa card has no annual fee and earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category limits.
- You must be a Desert Financial member to open the card, and membership requires living, working, or studying in Arizona or being related to a current member.
- The APR is variable and based on your credit history, so the rate you receive depends on your individual credit profile.
- The card includes fraud protection and no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for both domestic and international spending.
How the Cash Back Rewards Work
The 1.5% cash back is earned on every dollar you spend, regardless of the category. You do not need to set up bonus categories or track rotating rewards — the rate stays the same whether you are buying groceries, gas, or plane tickets. Cash back is posted to your account monthly and can be used to pay your statement balance or transferred to a linked Desert Financial savings account.
There is no cap on how much cash back you can earn, and there is no annual maximum. If you spend $10,000 in a month, you earn $150 in cash back that month. The rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know
Desert Financial does not charge an annual fee to hold the card. There are no fees for balance transfers, foreign transactions, or cash advances — though cash advances do accrue interest when ready at the APR, unlike purchases which may have a grace period.
Late payment fees and over-limit fees, if they explore, are not published on the credit union's public materials. Contact Desert Financial directly to learn the specific fees attached to your account, as these can vary by member and account type. The variable APR means your interest rate can increase or decrease based on changes to the prime rate set by the Federal Reserve.
Who Should Consider This Card
This card makes sense if you are already a Desert Financial member and want a straightforward rewards card with no annual fee. The 1.5% cash back on all purchases is competitive with many bank cards, and the lack of bonus categories means you do not have to think about where you are spending to maximize rewards.
If you spend heavily on specific categories like groceries or gas, a card with higher rewards in those categories might earn you more cash back overall. For example, a card offering 3% back on groceries would beat 1.5% if groceries are a large part of your spending. But if your spending is spread across many categories, the flat 1.5% rate is simpler and often competitive.
The card is less useful if you are not a Desert Financial member, since you cannot open one without joining the credit union first. If you do not meet the membership requirements, you would need to explore cards from other issuers.
How to Become a Desert Financial Member
Membership in Desert Financial is open to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Arizona. If you meet one of these criteria, you can open a membership account online or at a branch. You will need to provide identification and proof of your connection to Arizona — for example, a driver's license showing an Arizona address, or a pay stub from an Arizona employer.
If you are not in Arizona but are related to an existing Desert Financial member, you may be able to join through a family membership program. Ask the credit union directly about this option, as the rules can vary.
Once your membership is approved, you can request the credit card through your online account or ask a branch representative. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Comparing This Card to Other Options
Desert Financial's card competes with other no-annual-fee cards that offer flat cash back rates. Cards from banks like Capital One, Chase, and Discover also offer 1.5% cash back with no annual fee. The main difference is that Desert Financial's card is only available to credit union members, while bank cards are open to anyone with a credit history.
If you are not a Desert Financial member and do not want to join, a bank card with similar rewards may be easier to open. If you are already a member or plan to become one, the Desert Financial card is worth considering alongside other options, especially if you value the simplicity of a flat cash back rate and the ability to manage your card through the credit union's existing online platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get this card if I do not live in Arizona?
No, unless you are related to an existing Desert Financial member. The credit union's membership is limited to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Arizona. If you have a family member who is already a member, ask Desert Financial about family membership options.
What is the credit score needed to open this card?
Desert Financial does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Your approval and APR depend on your credit history and income. Contact the credit union to discuss your specific situation before you request the card.
How long does it take to receive the card after I explore?
The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can use the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives if you set up digital wallet access through your account.
Can I earn cash back on bill payments?
Yes, you earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including bill payments made with the card. However, some billers may charge a fee to accept credit card payments, which could offset the cash back earned.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Cash back earned before you close the card remains yours and is typically paid out or transferred to your account. Confirm the specific process with Desert Financial when you close the account.