Notre Dame PRO from Celtic Bank Review

The Notre Dame PRO Mastercard from Celtic Bank is designed to cater to a wide range of consumers, especially those who prioritize travel, entertainment, and dining. With attractive cashback rewards and no annual fee, it aims to offer value without the burden of extra costs. As a financial expert, I have analyzed the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this credit card to provide you with an in-depth review. Let’s delve into the details to help you determine if the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

Notre Dame PRO Mastercard Key Takeaways

Before we dive deeper into the specifics, here are some key takeaways that summarize the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard:
– Cashback Rewards: Earn 3% cashback on travel and entertainment, 2% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases.
– Annual Fee: None.
– Introductory Offer: Complimentary one-year membership to Priority Pass™ Select (valued at $99) upon spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 18.24% to 25.24%.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
– Additional Benefits: Includes cell phone protection and collision damage waiver for rental cars.

Notre Dame PRO Mastercard Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Annual Fee

One of the most appealing aspects of the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard is its $0 annual fee. This makes it a cost-effective option for those who want to maximize their rewards without incurring extra costs each year.

2. High Cashback Rates on Travel and Entertainment

With 3% cashback on travel and entertainment, this card is especially beneficial for frequent travelers and those who enjoy entertainment activities such as concerts, movies, and more. This rate is competitive compared to many other cards in the market.

3. Decent Dining Rewards

Earning 2% cashback on dining is another attractive feature, making it a good choice for those who frequently eat out.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. You can use your card abroad without worrying about additional charges on your purchases.

5. Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select Membership

The introductory offer of a complimentary one-year membership to Priority Pass™ Select (valued at $99) adds substantial value, especially for those who often find themselves waiting in airports.

6. Additional Protections

The card offers cell phone protection and a collision damage waiver for rental cars, providing extra peace of mind for users.

Cons

1. No Balance Transfer or Cash Advance Options

One of the major drawbacks is the unavailability of balance transfers and cash advances. If these features are important to you, you might need to consider other options.

2. Variable High APR

The variable APR ranging from 18.24% to 25.24% can be quite high, especially for those who carry a balance month-to-month. It’s crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges.

3. Limited Cashback Categories

While the cashback rates are attractive, the categories are somewhat limited. If your spending doesn’t align significantly with travel, entertainment, or dining, you might not maximize the rewards potential.

Notre Dame PRO Mastercard Benefits

Cashback Rewards

The primary benefit of the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard is its cashback rewards system. Here’s a closer look at how you can earn and redeem your rewards:
– 3% Cashback on Travel & Entertainment: This includes expenses such as airline tickets, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and entertainment events like concerts and movies.
– 2% Cashback on Restaurants: Whether you’re dining out at a fancy restaurant or grabbing a quick bite at a fast-food joint, you earn 2% cashback on all dining purchases.
– 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases: For all other purchases, you earn a standard rate of 1% cashback.

Travel Benefits

For those who travel frequently, the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard offers several travel-related benefits:
– Priority Pass™ Select Membership: Upon meeting the introductory offer requirements, you receive a complimentary one-year membership to Priority Pass™ Select. This membership grants you access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, providing a comfortable space to relax and enjoy amenities while waiting for your flight.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save on international purchases with no additional charges for transactions made outside the United States.
– Collision Damage Waiver: When renting a car, this card provides a collision damage waiver, covering rental car damage and offering significant savings on additional insurance costs.
– Cell Phone Protection: The card also includes cell phone insurance, which covers situations where your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, adding a layer of security to your valuable device.

Rate and Fee Information

Understanding the rates and fees associated with the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard is essential for managing your finances effectively:
– Purchase APR: The variable APR ranges from 18.24% to 25.24%, depending on your creditworthiness.
– Introductory APR for Purchases: None.
– Balance Transfer APR: Not applicable as balance transfers are not available.
– APR for Cash Advances: Not applicable as cash advances are not available.
– How to Avoid Paying Interest: Your due date is at least 23 days after the close of each billing cycle. You will not be charged any interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month.
– Fees:
– Annual Fee: $0
– Return Payment Fee: Up to $37
– Late Payment Fee: Up to $25

Additional Features

The Notre Dame PRO Mastercard also offers several other features that enhance its usability:
– Manage Your Account & Pay Your Bill: You can easily manage your account and pay your bill online through Celtic Bank’s website. This convenience ensures you stay on top of your payments and account activity.
– Customer Service: Celtic Bank provides customer service support to assist with any queries or issues you might encounter.

Credit Score Requirements

To qualify for the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard, you generally need a good to excellent credit score, typically ranging from 670 to 799. If your credit score falls within this range, you have a higher likelihood of approval.

Conclusion

The Notre Dame PRO Mastercard from Celtic Bank is a solid choice for individuals who prioritize travel, entertainment, and dining in their spending habits. With its attractive cashback rates, no annual fee, and valuable travel benefits, it offers significant value without the burden of extra costs. The complimentary one-year Priority Pass™ Select membership is a notable perk for frequent travelers, providing access to airport lounges worldwide.
However, the card does have its limitations. The absence of balance transfer and cash advance options might be a deal-breaker for some, and the high variable APR necessitates diligent balance management to avoid hefty interest charges. Additionally, if your spending does not align significantly with the cashback categories, you might not fully maximize the rewards potential.
Overall, the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard is a versatile and rewarding option for those who travel frequently, dine out often, and seek a card with no foreign transaction fees. By leveraging the card’s benefits and managing your spending wisely, you can enjoy substantial rewards and added protections that enhance your financial well-being.
In summary, the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard from Celtic Bank stands out as a travel-friendly card with competitive cashback rewards and no annual fee. It’s well-suited for individuals with good to excellent credit who want to earn rewards on their travel, entertainment, and dining expenses while enjoying added travel benefits and protections. If these features align with your financial goals and lifestyle, the Notre Dame PRO Mastercard could be a valuable addition to your wallet.