VISA Classic, The Basics!  Online Account Access

Making Sense of Plastic Promos

Theres a battle raging. And were not talking the Dark Side of the Force vs. the Jedi Knights. Were talking about the battle for consumers wallets and for survival in the credit card market. That's why some 7,000 credit card issuers are deluging you and other consumers with their latest, greatest, gotta-have, must-see credit card offerings.

What's a shopper to do?

Fall back on the basics--What's it going to cost you to use the card? A lot depends on how you use the card.

If you carry over a balance, a card with a low annual percentage rate (APR) is what you're after. Credit union variable-rate credit cards charge an average APR currently more than one percentage point lower than bank credit cards.

If you always pay your balance in full, interest rate isn't an issue so choosing a card with no--or the lowest--annual fee makes sense. Fewer credit unions than banks charge annual fees to begin with and, of those that do, the average fee is more than $2.25 less than the annual fee on the average bank credit card.

Check out fees--With all the attention surrounding interest rates, especially short-term teaser rates, it seems many card issuers have switched tactics to rely more heavily on fees as their moneymaker. According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, government data show credit card fee income is one of banks fastest-growing sources of income.

In particular, late fees on bank credit cards are soaring, with the most exorbitant topping out at $35. To add insult to injury, some issuers are charging a penalty interest rate on top of a late fee. A relatively new cash cow, the penalty rate hikes a cards interest rate--permanently--above 20% once the cardholder misses a payment due date. Ouch!

And watch for shortened grace periods: Some have shrunk from 25 days to 20, leaving cardholders with an even narrower window of opportunity for mailing payments on time.

For the straight scoop about the FCFCU credit card program, contact us today or apply now. And stop paying more for credit than you have to.

Cash Advance Service Available

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Range for Purchases*	VISA Classic 9.99% - 10.99%
Grace Period for Purchases	25 Days
Method of Computing the Balances for Purchases	Average Daily Balance (including new purchases)
Annual Fee	Free*  ($20.00 fee if card is used less than eleven transactions in a twelve month period.)
Minimum Payment Fee	2% or $25 whichever is greater
Transaction Fee for Purchases	None - $0
Late Payment Fee	$25.00**
Over-the-Credit Limit Fee	$20.00***
Cash Advance/Balance Transfer Fee	1% or $5 Minimum ($50.00 Maximum)

* Interest Rates based on current credit report score range.

**Ten (10) or more days late.

***New balance less any fees if more than 1% over your credit limit.

The information about the costs of the card described in this application is accurate as of August 2005.  This information may have changed after that date.  To find out what may have changed, contact the credit union.

Need a Credit Line Increase?

You're at the store, ready to make that purchase and there's not quite enough available on your credit card account to make it happen. Now, at Fairfax County Federal Credit Union you can call and *request that your credit line be increased.

It's convenient and you can call anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and request your increase. If you are approved, the credit increase will be available immediately for your use, and it's as easy as a telephone call.

If an increase on your account would help your finances, call 703-218-9900 and make a request today!

Lost/Stolen Credit Cards:            800-449-7728 or 800-654-7728

Lost/Stolen Check Cards:           800-472-3272