Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® from First Technology Federal Credit Union Review

As a seasoned financial expert, I have had the pleasure of reviewing numerous credit cards, each with its unique set of benefits and pitfalls. Today, I turn my focus to the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® from First Technology Federal Credit Union. This card stands out in the competitive credit card market, primarily due to its impressive rewards structure, lack of annual fees, and attractive introductory balance transfer offers. Throughout this review, I will delve into the various aspects of this card, providing you with an informed and comprehensive analysis to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your financial needs.

Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® Key Takeaways

Before we dive into the detailed review, let’s highlight some of the key features and benefits of the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard®:
– Rewards Structure: Earn 2x points on all everyday purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus rewards points when you spend $3,000 within the first two months of account opening.
– Annual Fee: None.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 13.50% to 18.00%.
– Introductory APR for Balance Transfers: 0% for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening.
– Additional Benefits: No foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
– Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).

Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee: One of the most attractive features of the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® is the absence of an annual fee. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to maximize their rewards without worrying about recurring charges.
2. Generous Rewards Program: Earning 2x points on all everyday purchases is a significant advantage. Unlike many other cards that offer higher rewards only on specific categories, this card provides a straightforward and lucrative rewards structure.
3. Attractive Sign-Up Bonus: The 20,000 bonus rewards points for spending $3,000 within the first two months is a substantial incentive. This bonus can be a great way to kickstart your rewards accumulation.
4. Introductory APR on Balance Transfers: The 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first twelve billing cycles can be a lifesaver for those looking to consolidate debt or manage existing balances more effectively.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees: For frequent travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant benefit, allowing you to use your card abroad without incurring additional costs.
6. Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: These features add an extra layer of security to your purchases, making the card even more valuable.

Cons

1. No Intro APR on Purchases: While the card offers an introductory APR on balance transfers, it does not extend the same benefit to purchases. This could be a drawback for those looking to finance large purchases over time.
2. Variable APR: The variable APR ranging from 13.50% to 18.00% can be relatively high, especially for those who do not qualify for the lower end of the spectrum.
3. Good to Excellent Credit Required: With a required credit score range of 670-799, this card may not be accessible to those with fair or poor credit.

Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® Benefits

Rewards Program

The Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® offers a robust rewards program that is both simple and rewarding. Cardholders earn 2x points on all everyday purchases, which can quickly add up, especially for those who use their card frequently. This straightforward earning structure eliminates the need to track spending in specific categories, making it easy for users to maximize their rewards.

Sign-Up Bonus

The 20,000 bonus rewards points for spending $3,000 within the first two months is a generous offer, equivalent to a significant amount of cashback or travel rewards, depending on how you choose to redeem your points. This bonus can be particularly appealing for new cardholders looking to make a big purchase or several smaller ones shortly after opening their account.

No Annual Fee

The absence of an annual fee is a standout feature of the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard®. Many rewards cards come with hefty annual fees that can eat into the value of your rewards. With this card, you can enjoy all the benefits without any recurring charges, making it a cost-effective option for most consumers.

Introductory APR on Balance Transfers

The 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first twelve billing cycles is a significant benefit for those looking to manage existing debt. By transferring balances from higher-interest cards, you can save on interest payments and potentially pay off your debt faster. However, it’s important to note that this offer is only available for balances transferred within the first 90 days of account opening.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For those who travel internationally, the absence of foreign transaction fees can result in substantial savings. Many credit cards charge a fee of around 3% on transactions made abroad, which can add up quickly. With the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard®, you can use your card overseas without worrying about additional charges.

Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

These features provide added peace of mind when making purchases. Purchase protection can cover eligible items against theft or damage within a certain period, while extended warranty protection can extend the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases. These benefits can be particularly valuable for big-ticket items.

Competitive APR

The variable APR ranging from 13.50% to 18.00% is relatively competitive compared to other rewards cards. While it may not be the lowest available, it is still reasonable, especially for those who qualify for the lower end of the range.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® from First Technology Federal Credit Union is a well-rounded credit card that offers a compelling mix of rewards, benefits, and cost-saving features. Its standout features include a straightforward and lucrative rewards program, a generous sign-up bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. These benefits make it an excellent choice for everyday use and travel alike.
However, the card is not without its drawbacks. The lack of an introductory APR on purchases and the requirement for good to excellent credit may limit its appeal to some consumers. Additionally, while the variable APR is competitive, it may not be the best option for those who typically carry a balance.
Overall, the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® is a strong contender in the rewards card market, offering significant value to those who can take full advantage of its features. Whether you’re looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, manage existing debt with a balance transfer, or travel without incurring foreign transaction fees, this card has much to offer. As always, it’s essential to consider your unique financial situation and spending habits when choosing a credit card. With its impressive array of benefits, the Blazers Rewards World Mastercard® is certainly worth considering for your wallet.