Verdict: The Visa Platinum card is a well designed credit card that has a lot to offer members. This card has no annual fee, no-fee balance transfers and cash advances and a full range of travel and shopping benefits like auto insurance and warranty manager. This credit card also offers cardholders a rewards program with points that never expire and no cap. Overall, this credit card is a great choice for cardholders, whether they want a free-to-carry rewards program, a credit card for emergencies or a card to transfer balances from high interest cards.
Overview: The Georgia’s Own Credit Union extends membership to residents of certain Georgia counties, employees of affiliated organizations and students or faculty at Georgia State University. This credit union offers three credit card options to cardholders with the Platinum Visa being the elite option. This credit card features a low variable rate, good travel and shopping benefits and a simple rewards program, all with no annual fee. This credit card is a great choice for consumers who want to be rewarded for spending and those who want to finance purchases with the low APR.
How These Cards Work: The Georgia’s Own Visa Platinum card is accepted worldwide and features excellent fraud protection and zero liability for fraudulent purchases. Cardholders have 24-hour access to their account to make payments, check transactions and more. Customized reports are also available by accessing the account online. This credit card has a 25-day grace period on purchases only, so cardholders can avoid all interest charges by paying their new balance in full before their due date. This credit card earns rewards points for every purchase at a rate of 1 point per $1. Points earned through ScoreCard never expire and there is no limit to the points that may be earned. Points may be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise and travel. Free travel begins at 22,500 points. Points may also be combined with other Georgias Own credit cards and check cards.
Travel & Shopping Benefits: The Georgia’s Own Platinum card has a good range of shopping and travel benefits. This card includes travel accident insurance up to $500,000, which covers the cardholder and immediate family members if the travel tickets are purchased with the card. Personal identity theft protection is offered up to $1,000 as well as emergency cash up to $5,000. Emergency card replacement is also available for cardholders who travel. Auto rental coverage is provided as well. The warranty manager program registers the warranties for all eligible purchases and even extends manufacturers warranties.
Fees: This credit card has no annual fee. The variable APR ranges from 9.99% to 12.99%, based on the credit worthiness of the applicant. This APR applies to balance transfers, cash advances and purchases. A penalty APR of 17.99% may apply if a late payment is received. The penalty APR will apply until six consecutive payments are received on time. There is no minimum interest charge for the card. There is a 1% transaction fee for foreign transactions. An over the limit fee of $15 applies for applicants who opt in. Returned payments may be charged up to $35 and late payments at least 15 days late may also be charged up to $35.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Low interest rate
- No fees for balance transfers and cash advances
- Good travel and shopping perks
- Rewards program with no expiration on points
Cons:
- Must be a Georgias Own member
- Penalty APR of 17.99%
- Penalty fees up to $35
