PenFed Credit Union credit cards
Open-membership credit union with strong gas and cash-back cards. Announced the Defender card in July 2026.
About PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union is a federal credit union open to the general public, best known in cards for strong gas and cash-back rewards on cards such as the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature, the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature and the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards card. In July 2026 it announced the PenFed Defender Card, aimed at gas, grocery and dining spending.
PenFed suits you if you want credit union rates and rewards but do not have a military or employer connection, since you become a member by opening a savings account, and a $5 deposit is all it takes. You can start a card application before you are a member, and PenFed sets up membership along the way. The limitation: you must keep that membership account to hold a card, and PenFed has far fewer branches than the big banks, so most service happens online or by phone.
Notable PenFed Credit Union cards
- PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature
- PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature
- PenFed Pathfinder Rewards
- PenFed Defender (announced)
PenFed Credit Union cards compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Intro APR | Foreign fee | Credit needed | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PenFed Credit UnionPenFed Defender 4097 7907 1032 7153 VALID THRU 01/31TAYLOR REED PenFed Defender CardMilitary families and commuters |
None | 5x gas and EV charging; 3x groceries, dining, streaming, sporting good… | None | None | PenFed membership required | — |
Approval rules and tips
Membership required: anyone can join by opening a PenFed savings account with $5. Approval then depends on your credit profile and income.
- Membership is required, but PenFed creates it during the account application; a $5 savings deposit opens the membership account.
- You can apply for a PenFed card even if you are not yet a member.
- Expect a hard credit inquiry once you submit a full card application.
- Have your Social Security number ready, since PenFed requires it to open an account.
How to apply for a PenFed Credit Union card
Apply at penfed.org or in the PenFed app. If you are not yet a member, PenFed sets up your membership during the application, which includes opening a savings account with at least $5. Have your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, date of birth, address, income and housing costs ready. A full card application involves a hard credit inquiry.
Customer service: www.penfed.org
PenFed Credit Union FAQs
What credit cards does PenFed Credit Union offer?
PenFed Credit Union's notable cards include PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature, PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards, PenFed Defender (announced). See the cards we review below for fees, rewards and APRs.
Does PenFed Credit Union have special approval rules?
Membership required: anyone can join by opening a PenFed savings account with $5. Approval then depends on your credit profile and income.
How do I apply for a PenFed Credit Union credit card?
Apply on www.penfed.org. Check any pre-qualification tool first — it uses a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score.
Can anyone join PenFed?
Yes. PenFed membership is open to the general public rather than only military or government workers. You join by opening a savings account, and a $5 deposit is all it takes. PenFed creates your membership during the account application, and you need a Social Security number to open an account.
Is PenFed a bank or a credit union?
PenFed is a federal credit union, which means it is owned by its members rather than outside shareholders. Deposits are insured by the NCUA rather than the FDIC, and you need to hold a membership savings account to use its credit cards and loans.