OLYMPIA, Wash.–WSECU has introduced a suite of three new Visa credit cards it said were developed in response to a 2017 WSECU member needs survey.
The survey tested credit card concepts, features, behavior and preferences. WSECU said its credit cards offer more options for different kinds of borrowers, including a cash-back card and one to help people new to credit build and use credit wisely.
“We listened closely to our members as we developed these products,” said Andrew Becker, vice president of Product Design, in a statement. “The survey gave us insights into potential cardholders’ habits, likes and dislikes, and it made clear that different consumers are looking for different value out of a credit card. Members now have more options, whether they are interested in perks and features or prefer the straight-ahead value of a low rate.”
When asked what members found most appealing about their credit cards – regardless of the issuer – the top three answers were: cash back, low rates and low fees, according to the credit union.
Taken to Heart
WSECU said it also “took to heart” input on the look and design members prefer. Survey comments revealed a clear desire for stylish, modern card design that connects to members’ Washington state pride, it said.
“We chose color and features reminiscent of the moss in our rainforests, evergreens in our mountains and bright blue skies in Eastern Washington’s high desert,” Becker added. “We decided to shake things up a bit by positioning the logo vertically and gave a nod to the tech industry by using sleek tungsten metal for the Cash Back card. The material and imagery on the cards themselves proved to be important. Our team worked hard to develop something as unique and beautiful as this great state we all call home.”
The Pricing
The cards are priced as follows:
- The WSECU Create Visa is designed for students, young adults and new borrowers looking to build credit. To encourage good payment and debt management habits, the Create card’s interest rate decreases .25% for every six months of on-time payments, up to a max of 2%. The Create card offers a low first-time late payment fee of only $10 ($20 for the second time, $25 after that) and a lower spending limit range of $250 - $2,500 to keep borrowers new to credit with a level of manageable debt.
- The card offers up to 1.5% cash back (1% cash back on purchases, 0.5% cash back on payments) with no annual fee. The cash back rewards do not expire, and there are no limits on cash back. The limit range is $5,000 - $50,000. The cash back feature is seamless, with no extra steps needed on the part of the member to redeem.
- The WSECU Low Rate Visa is good for consumers who typically pay more than the minimum payment but less than the full amount each month. It features a special introductory rate on balance transfers and a consistent post-promotional low rate. The all-around low rate remains low after the introductory period ends. Limits range from $250 - $50,000.
WSECU said its Platinum Rewards Visa remains available and is appealing for credit card holders who appreciate redeemable reward options for things like merchandise, gift cards and airline tickets.
The $2.8-billion WSECU has approximately 280,000 members.