Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union Review

Credit cards can be complex financial tools, but when used wisely, they can offer significant benefits, including cash back, rewards, and interest-free periods. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union. This card is particularly notable for its attractive rewards program tailored towards UCLA-related purchases, making it an interesting option for students, faculty, and UCLA community members.

Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union Review

The Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union is designed to offer substantial rewards on select UCLA purchases and a solid cash back rate on all other spending. This card boasts a 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases and a 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn a $50 bonus after spending $500 within the first three months of account opening.

Key Features

1. Cash Back Rewards:
– 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases.
– 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
2. Sign-Up Bonus:
– $50 bonus when you spend $500 within the first three months.
3. Introductory APR:
– 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers.
4. Regular APR:
– Variable APR ranging from 18.40% to 28.40%.
5. Fees:
– Annual Fee: $0
– Balance Transfer Fee: $2 or 2% (whichever is greater, maximum fee $50)
– Cash Advance Fee: $2 or 2% (whichever is greater, maximum fee $50)
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $15
– Return Payment Fee: Up to $25
6. Credit Score Requirement:
– Fair (580-669)
7. Additional Benefits:
– No foreign transaction fees
– Payment flexibility

Bruin Choice Visa® Key Takeaways

The Bruin Choice Visa® is particularly beneficial for UCLA students, faculty, and staff who frequently make purchases at UCLA. The 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases is a standout feature, allowing cardholders to maximize their rewards on campus-related spending. The card also offers a generous 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, making it a solid everyday card.
The introductory 0% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers provides a valuable window for new cardholders to manage their finances interest-free. However, it’s important to note the regular APR range of 18.40% to 28.40%, which can be quite high for those who carry a balance.
The $50 bonus for spending $500 within the first three months is a modest but welcome incentive for new cardholders. Additionally, the lack of an annual fee and no foreign transaction fees make this card a cost-effective option for those who travel or study abroad.

Bruin Choice Visa® Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee:
– This card does not charge an annual fee, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious individuals.
2. No Foreign Transaction Fees:
– Cardholders can use the card abroad without incurring extra charges, a valuable feature for students studying overseas or frequent travelers.
3. Generous Cash Back on UCLA Purchases:
– The 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases is a significant benefit for those affiliated with the university.
4. Introductory 0% APR:
– The 0% APR for the first six months on purchases and balance transfers is a great feature for new cardholders looking to make large purchases or consolidate debt.
5. $50 Sign-Up Bonus:
– The $50 bonus for spending $500 in the first three months is an easy-to-achieve reward.

Cons

1. High Regular APR:
– The variable APR of 18.40% to 28.40% can be high, especially for those who carry a balance.
2. Extra Fees:
– Although the card has no annual fee, it does have fees for balance transfers, cash advances, late payments, and returned payments.

Bruin Choice Visa® Benefits

The Bruin Choice Visa® offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for UCLA community members:

Cash Back Rewards

The standout feature of the Bruin Choice Visa® is its cash back rewards program. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases, which can include a variety of on-campus expenses such as dining, bookstore purchases, and event tickets. This makes it an excellent choice for students and staff who frequently spend money on campus.
The 1.5% cash back on all other purchases is also competitive, providing a solid return on everyday spending. This makes the card not only useful for specific UCLA-related expenses but also for general use.

Introductory 0% APR

The introductory 0% APR for six months on both purchases and balance transfers is a significant benefit. This feature allows new cardholders to make large purchases or transfer existing balances without incurring interest for the first six months. It’s an excellent way to manage expenses or pay down debt more efficiently.

No Annual Fee and No Foreign Transaction Fees

The absence of an annual fee makes the Bruin Choice Visa® a cost-effective option. Cardholders can enjoy the benefits and rewards of the card without worrying about an annual cost.
Additionally, the lack of foreign transaction fees makes this card ideal for international travel. Whether you’re studying abroad or traveling for leisure, you won’t incur additional charges for using your card overseas.

Sign-Up Bonus

The $50 bonus for spending $500 within the first three months is a straightforward and achievable reward. This can be an easy way to earn some extra cash back, especially for new cardholders who plan to make significant purchases shortly after opening their account.

Payment Flexibility

The card offers flexible payment options, allowing cardholders to manage their finances more effectively. With online account management and the ability to pay bills online, it provides convenience and ease of use.

Conclusion

The Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union is a compelling option for UCLA students, faculty, and staff. Its generous 5% cash back on select UCLA purchases and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases make it an excellent choice for those who spend money on campus and beyond.
The introductory 0% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers provides a valuable interest-free period, while the $50 sign-up bonus is an easy-to-achieve reward. The lack of an annual fee and no foreign transaction fees further enhance the card’s appeal.
However, potential cardholders should be mindful of the high regular APR, which can range from 18.40% to 28.40%. It’s essential to pay off balances in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Overall, the Bruin Choice Visa® offers a robust rewards program and valuable benefits, making it an excellent choice for those affiliated with UCLA. Whether you’re looking to maximize rewards on campus purchases, take advantage of an interest-free period, or enjoy the convenience of no foreign transaction fees, this card has much to offer.
If you are a member of the UCLA community, the Bruin Choice Visa® from Wescom Credit Union could be a smart addition to your wallet, providing both financial flexibility and substantial rewards.