Credit Card Review: Union Plus MasterCard®

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In-Depth Credit Card Review:

The Union Plus MasterCard®, issued by HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A., is designed for those with an average or limited credit history who are members of one of the AFL-CIO Unions (non-members are not eligible to apply for the card).

The card, as the name suggests, is designed for members of an AFL-CIO Union. The benefits offered to union members are "Strike Payment Protection" (allows members to skip payments for up to three consecutive months while the union is on a union-sanctioned strike or lockout for 30 days or more) and "Member Advocacy Program" (designed to help members resolve disputes and handle concerns regarding any of the Union Privilege programs).

The interest rate for purchases and balance transfers is reasonable for those who qualify, and there is no annual fee. There is a low introductory rate on purchases for the first six months, and a reasonable introductory rate is available for balance transfers, which is valid until the balance is paid in full (although lower introductory rates can be found with other standard credit cards).

It is important to note that there is a minimum cap in effect on the interest rate for purchases and balance transfers. Therefore, no matter how low the Prime Rate falls, the APR will not go below the minimum cap. This rate varies between 9.99% and 18.99% and is based on the applicant's credit history.

In addition to the unique member benefits, this card also provides additional cardholder benefits such as no liability for unauthorized transactions, fraud and security protection services, and up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance.

Therefore, members of one of the AFL-CIO Unions (required to apply) who qualify for the lowest rate offered and plan to pay in full each month (to avoid finance charges) will benefit most from what the Union Plus MasterCard® has to offer.

(Review Updated: December 28, 2007)

1.99% Intro APR on Purchases for 6 months
10.24% Regular Variable APR for Purchases
19.99% Regular Variable APR for Cash Advances

25 days Grace Period

(* A 6.99% fixed APR is available on balance transfers for the life of the loan if a transfer is submitted during the first three months of cardmembership.)

Finance Configuration: Average Daily Balance (including new purchases)

Additional Cardholders: $0

Late Payment Fee: $15 on balances up to $100; $25 on balances over $100 up to $1,000; $35 on balances over $1,000

Over-The-Limit Fee: $39

Cash Advance Fee: 3%, $5 minimum

Balance Transfer Fee: 3%, $5 minimum (does not apply to introductory offer)

Minimum Credit Limit: $300

Maximum Credit Limit: $45,000

Type of Reward: None

Additional Features for Union Plus MasterCard®:

Various Internet account related services.
Skip Payment Privilege.
Strike Payment Protection.
No liability for unauthorized transactions.
Fraud and security protection services.
Union Member Advocacy program.
Eligibility for Union Plus Scholarship Program.
Up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance.
See website for additional benefits.

Important Notes for Union Plus MasterCard®:

This is a Union-endorsed credit card, and applicants must be a member of the one of the AFL-CIO Unions to be eligible to apply for the card.
The APR for purchases varies according to the applicant's credit history and may range from 4.99% to 13.99% + Prime Rate.
The minimum APR for purchases varies according to the applicant's credit history and may range from 9.99% to 18.99%.
See website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure.

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Notes: The review on Union Plus MasterCard® was updated on December 28, 2007. The review is believed to be accurate during the update, however, information posted may have changed since the update.