The Verdict: This Visa Platinum card was designed especially for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. The card earns rewards points that may be redeemed for credit toward Lightning season tickets with no limit to the rewards that may be earned. Because this credit card has a rather high APR and a number of hidden fees, it’s best for individuals who don’t carry a balance and simply want to earn points toward tickets and Lightning merchandise.
Overview: Grow Financial Credit Union offers the Tampa Bay Lightning card in addition to their other financial services to provide an easy way for Lightning fans to earn rewards, like discounts on merchandise and credit toward season tickets. The card carries a high APR up to 18.00% and has a number of hidden fees. Still, responsible cardholders may use the card to earn discounts at the Forum store and one point for every $1 spent that may be redeemed for statement credits toward Lightning tickets, making it an appealing option for some.
How These Cards Work: The Tampa Bay Lightning Visa is accepted worldwide and has a 25 day grace period for purchases. This gives cardholders a time period to pay off balances in full to avoid interest charges. The card earns 1 point for every $1 spent, which may be redeemed every 5,000 points for a $50 statement credit toward Lightning season tickets. There is no limit to the amount of points that may be earned. Periodically throughout the year, the Forum store also offers special discounts on merchandise to cardholders. Non-members of the credit union may apply for this credit card and receive membership in the Grow Financial Credit Union, assuming they meet qualifications.
Travel & Shopping Benefits: There are limited travel benefits to this card, although it does offer basic travel accident insurance. The card offers zero liability for unauthorized transactions through Visa. The main shopping benefit to this card is the rewards points that are earned on every purchase. Cardholders can exchange 5,000 points for a $50 statement credit on their account to use on Tampa Bay Lightning season tickets. Discounts may also be received on merchandise at the Forum store.
Fees: There is no annual fee for the Tampa Bay Lightning card. The APR for purchases and balance transfers is between 9.99% and 17.99%, depending on credit history. The APR for cash advances is 18.00%. A penalty APR of 18.00% may be triggered by a late payment and will remain in effect for six months. Foreign transactions may be subject to a fee of 1%. Late payments are subject to a fee up to $35. The late payment fee is $25 or the required minimum amount, whichever is less, unless the penalty APR is triggered, in which case the $35 fee will apply. An over-the-limit fee of $25 can be charged. In addition, returned payments are subject to a fee up to $25. There is a statement copy fee of $1 per page, a $20 fee for emergency card replacements, a $5 fee for photocopies, a $5.95 fee for a card reissue and a $20 fee for convenience check stop payments.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- No fees for balance transfers and cash advances
- Earn savings toward season tickets
- Receive discounts on Forum merchandise
Cons:
- Must qualify for membership at Grow Financial
- APR as high as 18.00%
- Hidden fees
- Limited rewards
- Very few travel benefits
