What PenFed Credit Cards Are and Who Can Get Them
PenFed (Pentagon Federal Credit Union) issues credit cards to members of the credit union. You do not need military service to join — PenFed membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in certain areas, or who is a family member of an existing member. Once you are a member, you can request a credit card through their website or by phone.
PenFed offers several card types: rewards cards that earn cash back or points on purchases, a card with no annual fee, and cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit. Each card has different rewards rates, fees, and credit score requirements. The card you can get depends on your credit history and which PenFed membership category you fall into.
Unlike bank credit cards, PenFed cards come with member benefits that vary by card type — some include travel protections, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage. These are included at no extra cost and are part of what distinguishes credit union cards from traditional bank offerings.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a PenFed member before you can request a credit card, and membership is open to people without military affiliation if they meet residency or employment requirements.
- PenFed offers multiple card types with different rewards structures, annual fees, and credit requirements — the card you can get depends on your credit score and history.
- Most PenFed cards include cardholder protections like purchase protection and travel insurance at no additional cost.
- You can request a card online through your PenFed account, by phone, or in person at a branch if one is near you.
- PenFed credit cards report to all three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help build your credit history.
How to Become a PenFed Member
Before you can request a credit card, you need a PenFed savings or checking account. Membership is free and has no monthly fee. You are may be able to access to join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in one of PenFed's service areas (which cover most of the United States), or if you are a family member of someone already in the credit union.
To open a membership account, visit PenFed's website and select "Open an Account." You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works). The process takes about 10 minutes online. Once your account is open, you can move to the credit card request step.
If you do not meet the standard membership requirements, PenFed also offers membership through employer sponsorship or military affiliation programs. Check the membership page to see if your employer or organization has a relationship with PenFed.
PenFed Credit Card Types and What Each Offers
PenFed's main rewards card is the PenFed Premium Rewards American Express Card, which earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions. It has a $95 annual fee. The card also includes rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, and purchase protection.
The PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card earns 2% cash back on travel and dining, and 1% on all other purchases. It also carries a $95 annual fee and includes similar travel and purchase protections. This card is better if you spend heavily on restaurants and airfare.
For people with no annual fee preference, PenFed offers the PenFed Cash Back American Express Card, which earns 1% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee. The trade-off is lower rewards and fewer cardholder protections compared to the paid cards.
PenFed also has cards designed for people with limited or damaged credit history. These typically have lower credit limits and no rewards, but they report to the credit bureaus and can help you build a positive payment record. Credit requirements vary by card — check PenFed's website or call their member services line to see which cards you may be able to request based on your credit score.
Credit Score Requirements and What Happens During Review
PenFed does not publish exact credit score thresholds for each card, but generally the rewards cards require good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher), while the no-fee card and credit-building cards are available to people with fair or limited credit. The only way to know if you meet the requirement for a specific card is to request it — PenFed will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report.
When you request a card, PenFed reviews your credit history, income, and existing debt. This hard inquiry may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, PenFed will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call member services to ask which card type you might be able to request instead, or you can wait and reapply after your credit improves.
If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. Your credit limit will be set based on your income and credit profile — PenFed does not allow you to request a specific limit during the process process, but you can ask for a review after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
How to Request a PenFed Credit Card
Once you are a member with an active savings or checking account, log into your PenFed online account or mobile app. Look for the "Credit Cards" or "Products" section and select the card you want to request. You will be asked to confirm your income, employment status, and the reason for the request (this is optional). Review the terms and conditions, then submit.
You can also request a card by calling PenFed member services at 1-800-PEN-FEDS (1-800-736-3337). A representative will walk you through the available cards, answer questions about rewards and fees, and submit your request over the phone. This option is useful if you are unsure which card fits your spending habits.
If you live near a PenFed branch, you can also request a card in person. A branch representative can review your options and submit the request on the spot. Branch locations are listed on PenFed's website under "Locations."
Fees, Interest Rates, and Rewards Details
Annual fees range from $0 to $95 depending on the card. The rewards cards with annual fees typically offer higher cash back rates or more cardholder protections, so the fee may be worth it if you use the card regularly. PenFed does not charge foreign transaction fees on most of their cards, which is useful if you travel internationally.
Interest rates (called the APR, or Annual Percentage Rate) vary based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. PenFed will disclose your specific APR in the offer letter before you accept the card. Rates are typically competitive with other credit union and bank cards. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest at this rate on the unpaid amount.
Cash back rewards are deposited into your PenFed savings or checking account as a statement credit or direct deposit, depending on the card. There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and rewards do not expire. Some cards also offer bonus cash back during the first few months — check the current offer when you request the card.
Building Credit and Managing Your PenFed Card
PenFed credit cards report your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — all three major credit bureaus. This means on-time payments help build your credit score, and missed payments will hurt it. If you are using a PenFed card to build credit, make at least the minimum payment by the due date every month.
Set up automatic payments through your PenFed account to avoid missing a due date. You can pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or just the minimum — the choice is yours. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges and keeps your credit utilization low, which helps your credit score.
If you fall behind on a payment, contact PenFed as soon as possible. A single late payment can lower your score significantly, but PenFed may be able to work with you on a payment plan or temporarily waive a late fee if you have been a good member otherwise. The sooner you catch up, the less damage to your credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be military or a federal employee to join PenFed?
No. While PenFed was originally created for military members, membership is now open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in PenFed's service areas. You can also join if you are a family member of an existing member. Check the membership page to confirm your area is covered.
What is the difference between a PenFed credit card and a regular bank credit card?
PenFed credit cards often include cardholder protections (like travel insurance and purchase protection) at no extra cost, and they may have lower fees than comparable bank cards. As a credit union, PenFed is member-owned rather than shareholder-owned, which can mean better rates and terms. The main trade-off is that PenFed has fewer physical branches than large banks.
Can I use my PenFed credit card outside the United States?
Yes. Most PenFed cards have no foreign transaction fees, so you can use them internationally without extra charges. Your card will be converted to US dollars at the current exchange rate. Notify PenFed before you travel so they do not flag your card as fraudulent when charges appear from another country.
What happens if I am denied for a PenFed credit card?
PenFed will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, or high existing debt. You can call member services to ask which card type you might be able to request instead, or you can wait and reapply after your credit improves.
How long does it take to get approved and receive my card?
Approval decisions usually come within 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives and start using it right away.