Premier Visa® from Zions Bank Review
In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, choosing the right credit card can make a significant difference in managing your expenses and maximizing your rewards. The Premier Visa® from Zions Bank is one such card that has garnered attention for its competitive cash back and points rewards system, alongside a comprehensive suite of travel benefits. In this detailed review, we will explore all aspects of the Premier Visa®, helping you decide if this card should be your next financial tool.
Premier Visa® from Zions Bank Key Takeaways
The Premier Visa® from Zions Bank offers a robust rewards program that caters to both frequent travelers and everyday spenders. Here are the key takeaways:
– Rewards Structure: Earn 2.5% cash back or 2.5x points on all travel purchases, and 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points on everything else.
– Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $150 cash or 15,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first 90 days.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, $95 thereafter.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 19.49% to 27.49% for purchases and balance transfers.
– Travel Benefits: Includes trip cancellation insurance, travel accident insurance, and lost or delayed baggage reimbursement.
– Credit Requirement: Suitable for those with good to excellent credit (670-799).
Premier Visa® from Zions Bank Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Attractive Rewards Program: The 2.5% cash back or 2.5x points on travel purchases and 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points on other purchases is competitive, especially for those who frequently travel.
2. Sign-Up Bonus: The $150 cash or 15,000 points bonus for spending $4,000 in the first 90 days is a substantial incentive.
3. First Year Fee Waiver: The $0 annual fee for the first year provides a risk-free trial period to evaluate the card’s benefits.
4. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation, travel accident insurance, and lost or delayed baggage reimbursement add significant value for frequent travelers.
Cons
1. Annual Fee After First Year: The $95 annual fee after the first year may be a deterrent for some users, especially those who do not travel frequently.
2. High APR Range: With a variable APR ranging from 19.49% to 27.49%, carrying a balance on this card can become costly.
3. Spending Requirement for Bonus: The $4,000 spending requirement within 90 days to earn the sign-up bonus may be challenging for some users.
Premier Visa® from Zions Bank Benefits
Rewards Program
The Premier Visa® from Zions Bank stands out with its compelling rewards structure. Cardholders earn 2.5% cash back or 2.5x points on all travel purchases. This includes airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points.
The flexibility of choosing between cash back and points is a significant advantage, allowing users to tailor their rewards to their preferences. Points can often be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even statement credits, providing a versatile rewards system.
Sign-Up Bonus
The card’s sign-up bonus is a highlight, offering $150 cash or 15,000 points when you spend $4,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. This bonus can provide a substantial boost to your rewards balance early on and is especially appealing for those planning significant purchases or travel in the near term.
Travel Benefits
Frequent travelers will appreciate the comprehensive suite of travel benefits that come with the Premier Visa® from Zions Bank:
– Trip Cancellation Insurance: This benefit reimburses you for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled due to covered reasons such as illness or severe weather.
– Travel Accident Insurance: Provides coverage for costs and losses associated with unexpected events incurred while traveling, offering peace of mind during your journeys.
– Lost and Delayed Baggage Reimbursement: Compensates you for lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, ensuring that you are not left out of pocket for essential items during your travels.
Annual Fee
The Premier Visa® from Zions Bank has a $0 annual fee for the first year, making it an attractive option for those looking to try out the card without any upfront cost. After the first year, the annual fee is $95. While this fee is relatively moderate, it is essential to consider whether the card’s benefits and rewards justify this cost based on your spending habits and travel frequency.
APR and Fees
The card comes with a variable APR ranging from 19.49% to 27.49% for purchases and balance transfers. It is crucial for cardholders to avoid carrying a balance on this card, as the high APR can lead to significant interest charges.
– APR for Cash Advances: 28.49% – 29.49% Variable.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, $95 thereafter.
– Balance Transfer Fee: Typically, a fee applies, so it’s important to review the terms if you plan to transfer a balance.
Conclusion
The Premier Visa® from Zions Bank is a compelling option for those seeking a robust rewards program and comprehensive travel benefits. With 2.5% cash back or 2.5x points on travel purchases and 1.5% cash back or 1.5x points on everything else, coupled with a generous sign-up bonus, this card is well-suited for frequent travelers and everyday spenders alike.
However, the $95 annual fee after the first year and the high variable APR are factors to consider carefully. For users who can maximize the travel benefits and rewards while avoiding carrying a balance, the Premier Visa® offers significant value. As always, it is essential to evaluate your spending habits, travel frequency, and financial goals to determine if this card aligns with your needs.
Ultimately, the Premier Visa® from Zions Bank stands out as a versatile and rewarding credit card, offering excellent value for those who can leverage its benefits effectively.