Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Review 2024
If you’re looking for a credit card that rewards your active lifestyle, the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa could be the perfect fit. Offering impressive rewards in various categories, this card is especially beneficial for those who enjoy recreation and outdoor activities.
Introduction to Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa is a credit card offered by Bellco Credit Union. This card is specifically designed to cater to individuals with active lifestyles, offering up to three points per dollar on a range of categories, from groceries to sporting goods. However, it’s important to note that you need to be a member of Bellco Credit Union to apply for this card.
Quick Facts
- Welcome Bonus: 15,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 90 days
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 16.75% – 21.00% variable APR
- Credit Score Required: Good, Excellent
What Is the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Best For?
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa is best suited for individuals who spend significantly on recreational and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a regular at ski resorts, golf courses, or fitness clubs, this card offers valuable rewards for your spending. It’s also a solid choice for frequent shoppers at big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco, where you can earn three points per dollar.
Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Rewards
Earning Rewards
With the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa, you can earn points on every purchase without any cap. Here’s how you can earn points:
- 3 Points per Dollar: Groceries, gas, sporting goods, fitness memberships, recreational facilities, golf courses, resorts, and more.
- 2 Points per Dollar: Cable, internet, and phone services.
- 1 Point per Dollar: All other purchases.
Redeeming Rewards
You can redeem your points for various rewards, including statement credits, gift cards, travel benefits, and entertainment. Notably, if you redeem 10,000 points at a time for statement credits, you get a better value of $0.01 per point. Points can be redeemed through Bellco’s website or customer service.
Rewards Potential
Here’s an estimate of the rewards you could earn annually based on typical spending categories:
| Category | Earning Rate | Estimated Annual Spend | Estimated Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | 3X | $7,000 | 21,000 points |
| Gas | 3X | $3,000 | 9,000 points |
| Recreation Equipment | 3X | $300 | 900 points |
| Gym Membership | 3X | $300 | 900 points |
| Cable/Streaming | 2X | $800 | 1,600 points |
| Internet/Phone | 2X | $2,000 | 4,000 points |
| Everyday Spending | 1X | $20,000 | 20,000 points |
| Total | 57,400 points |
Introductory Rates
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa offers two introductory rates:
- 0% Intro APR for six months on purchases
- 3.99% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
These introductory offers are useful, though not as competitive as some other cards on the market.
Other Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Benefits
- Identity Theft Monitoring: Includes monitoring, alerts, and restoration support.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Doubles the length of warranty protection on certain purchases.
- Emergency Assistance: Includes roadside assistance and emergency service coordination when traveling.
Fine Print
Interest Rates
- Regular APR: 16.75% – 21.00% variable APR
- Purchase Intro APR: 0% for the first 6 months
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: 3.99% for the first 12 months on transfers made within the first 90 days
Fees
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
How the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa Stacks Up
Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa vs. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature is another credit union card with no annual fee, earning 5 points per dollar on gas and 3 points on groceries, restaurants, TV, radio, cable, and streaming services. However, it lacks the focus on recreational spending that the Bellco card offers.
Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa vs. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature offers 5% cash back on prepaid travel bookings and up to 5% on two chosen categories each quarter. It also provides an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, which can be more appealing for those looking for a longer promotional period.
Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa vs. REI Co-op Mastercard
For REI enthusiasts, the REI Co-op Mastercard offers 5% back on REI purchases and a $50 annual credit toward REI experiences. However, rewards can only be redeemed at REI, making the Bellco card more versatile for general spending and reward redemption.
FAQ
Is the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa for You?
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa is ideal for Bellco Credit Union members who spend a lot on recreational activities. Non-members might consider the membership process before applying, especially if they do not heavily spend on recreation.
How Do I Apply for the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa?
You can apply for the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa online through the Bellco Credit Union website. Membership in the credit union is required, which involves a one-time $5 membership fee and a $5 share deposit.
Do Points Expire?
Yes, points earned with the Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa expire three years after they are earned, so be sure to redeem them within that timeframe.
What Are the Introductory APR Offers?
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa offers 0% intro APR for six months on purchases and 3.99% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within the first 90 days of account opening.
The Bottom Line
The Bellco Colorado Rewards Visa offers excellent rewards for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, with points on various categories and no annual fee. While the introductory rates are decent, they may not be as competitive as other cards. Overall, if you’re a Bellco Credit Union member or willing to become one, and your spending aligns with the card’s rewards categories, this card could provide significant value.
For more information, visit the Bellco Credit Union website and consider your personal spending habits to see if this card aligns with your financial goals.
