BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card vs PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card comes from BECU at $0/yr; the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card | PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | No welcome bonus | 15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days |
| Bonus value (est.) | $0 | $128 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $0 in 0 mo | $1,500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | BECU | PenFed |
| Card category | low-interest | cashback |
| Best earning category (All_purchases) | 0x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Editorial take: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card or PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card has the bigger bonus, 15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days, worth roughly $128, versus No welcome bonus (~$0) on the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card.
- Is the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card.
- Can I have both the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card and PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (BECU and PenFed) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card or the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. BECU Secured Low Rate Credit Card: $0 spend in 0 months. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: $1,500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.
