It looks like you're using an outdated browser.
For a better experience, we recommend switching to a more modern browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Learn more.

News & Tips

Comparing the Differences: Visa Platinum vs. Visa Signature

When you’re looking to apply for a credit card, you’ve probably quickly discovered that Visa® offers a wide spectrum of options. You can’t go wrong with choosing Visa Platinum® or Visa Signature® at Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU), as each credit card brings its own type of purchasing power and benefits to the table. Though with everything from rates to perks, you may find yourself on the fence as you’re making your decision between the two cards. With this article’s credit card comparison between SCCU’s Visa Platinum and Visa Signature, you’ll have a much better idea of which card is better for you. 

Main Difference Between Visa Signature and Visa Platinum

The main difference between Visa Signature and Visa Platinum is the rewards programs and minimum credit limits. However, if you’re looking for a card with cash back33, Visa Platinum is your best bet. If you prefer more travel benefits, then you’ll love Visa Signature43. Learn more about cash back vs. points rewards here. Also, each has a different “as low as” rate and rates range, which changes periodically, and you’ll find our current rates and ranges here

Main Similarities Between Visa Signature and Visa Platinum

Both Visa Signature and Visa Platinum credit cards offer several similarities with the intent of helping you save money:

  • Both offer 0% APR introductory rates on purchases and non-SCCU balance transfers for the first six months.13 (By transferring other credit card balances to your SCCU credit card, you can pay them off without worrying about accruing more interest.)
  • Both cards offer low variable rates after the introductory rate (depending on creditworthiness at the time of application).
  • Even better, both have no annual fees, no cash advance fees, and no balance transfer fees. 
  • Both cards also have your back with roadside dispatch benefits. 
  • You can make purchases with them however you like—with just a swipe, the chip, a tap (contactless), or through digital wallet (learn more about its benefits here). 

Security Protections for All SCCU Visa Credit Cards

With any SCCU credit card you choose, you can count on additional protections with their security features, such as Visa Zero Liability Protection14, which means you won’t be responsible for unauthorized transactions on your account. Plus, each credit card has ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock46, which will notify you of potential threats to your identity. 

With 2Way Text Fraud Alerts, you’ll receive a text message notifying you of any suspicious credit card activity. Plus, with the Card Control companion app (downloadable through the SCCU Mobile app), you’ll be able to see card transactions, turn cards ”on” or “off,” and much more! If your card is ever lost or stolen, you can report it to us even after hours, and we’ll help you replace your card in a timely manner. Learn more about how to arm yourself against fraud on our Fraud Prevention Center page here.  

What is a Visa Signature card?

With a Visa Signature card, you’ll be able to earn points on qualifying purchases and redeem them for cash back, exclusive experiences, and merchandise. 

Benefits of the Visa Signature Credit Card

Let’s place Visa Signature under the spotlight and highlight its best features and benefits:

  • Rewards program: With Visa Signature’s points program at SCCU, you’ll earn on every type of qualifying purchase! Plus, you could potentially get a greater return on your investment on your redemptions than you would with cash back. 
    • For every dollar you spend with a Visa Signature, you’ll earn:
      • 3 points on grocery & entertainment purchases
      • 2 points on restaurant purchases
      • 1 point for every other type of purchase
    • Then, you can redeem those points for cash back, vacation getaways and cruises, gift cards, theme park tickets, live concerts/sports, entertainment, and more. 
    • So, let’s say you spend $400 a month on groceries and $250 a month on restaurants, you’ll earn 20,400 points for the year, so you’re earning just from eating! Plus, if you spend $400 on other purchases a month, that’s another 4,800 points for the year. With that total amount of points, you’ll have enough to buy two tickets to Busch Gardens®, for example! See all the rewards you could redeem with Visa Signature points here.
  • Travel benefits: Whether you’re a jet-setter for business or pleasure, traveling offers a chance to make new memories…but sometimes comes with unexpected problems. Visa Signature’s got your back when you’re on the go with its travel and emergency assistance services47! Plus, you’ll get complimentary concierge services to help you plan for that dream vacation and more. See helpful tips about traveling with your credit card here.
  • More deals: Visa Signature cardholders also enjoy access to oodles of offers and deals for anything from travel and dining to entertainment and shopping (terms and conditions may apply)
  • Credit limit: Visa Signature is ideal for those with well-established credit because this type of credit card offers a minimum starting credit limit of $5,000, which is higher than most cards.

What is a Visa Platinum card?

Visa Platinum is popular thanks to its cash back rewards, with a minimum credit limit of $1,000. 

Benefits of the Visa Platinum Credit Card

Let’s give Visa Platinum a play-by-play of its top features and benefits:

  • Cashback rewards: You’ll earn 2% cash back on streaming services, 1.5% at gas stations and EV charging stations, and 1% on all other purchases33 with eligible online and in-store retailers, and redemption will be credited to your SCCU Savings or Checking account. Many Visa Platinum cardholders love that cash back offers a lot of convenience with earning and flexibility to redeem it for cash value. Better yet, as long as your account remains open and in good standing, your cash back will have no expiration date.
  • Lower rates: Visa Platinum offers an “as low as rate” that is 1% lower than Visa Signature (based on creditworthiness). This means that if you happen to carry a balance, you’ll potentially accrue less interest and save more money.  

Which is better: Visa Platinum or Visa Signature?

Ultimately, the winner of the credit card comparison between a Visa Platinum and Visa Signature depends on your overall goals and interests:

Team Visa Signature: Best for those who are looking for a higher credit line and who like to travel and redeem points for cash back, exclusive products, and experiences. So, if you’re interested in potentially saving more money on deals and offers, this card has your name on it. 

Team Visa Platinum: Best for those who prefer cash back over other types of rewards programs. Plus, if you tend to carry a balance, you could save more money with a lower rate. 

You could have both types of credit cards as long as you meet each card’s standard guidelines and creditworthiness, as well as the overall amount of credit you have with SCCU. 

What credit score do I need to have to get a Visa Platinum or Visa Signature card? 

You can check out your credit reports on AnnualCreditReport.com, which is free to see once a year. If you see any errors, be sure to report them to the bureau(s). Keep in mind that you have multiple credit scores, but FICO® is one of the most common scoring systems. You can see your FICO credit score in your SCCU Online and Mobile Banking accounts for free. Here’s a breakdown of the FICO scoring system:

  • Exceptional: 800-850
  • Very Good: 740-799
  • Good: 670-739
  • Fair: 580-669
  • Poor: 300-579

To get the lowest rate for either a Visa Platinum or a Visa Signature, a credit score of at least 760 or higher is ideal (subject to change). Applicants will need a minimum credit score of 660 to get the stamp of approval (subject to change). If you’d like to request a credit limit increase, feel free to reach out to one of our Team Members

The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll also get a lower rate on your credit card as well as other loans, lower insurance policy premiums, and lower deposit requirements for renting an apartment. If you’d like to learn more about how you can build or improve your credit score, check out this article for ideas

Why apply for a Visa Signature or Platinum Credit Card at SCCU?

Our priority is providing the best possible service for our members. As a credit union, we’re a not-for-profit financial institution that exists to serve our members, not stockholders. Every member owns an equal share of the credit union, and as such, we’re a member-owned cooperative. Anyone who lives or works in these 34 counties can become a member with just a $5 Share Savings deposit.

Unlike banks, we don’t offset our services and low rates with hidden fees, so you won’t have to worry about them with any of our credit cards. We offer a variety of personal Visa credit cards and a Visa Platinum card for businesses. So it’s easy to find the one that best suits your needs! You can apply for any of them easily online. 

If you have any questions, you can reach out to us via the method that works best for you: chat live with us, give us a call, send us a WhatsApp text message, or schedule an appointment at any of our 65 branches, and a Team Member will be happy to help. 

 


Common Checking Account Fees to Avoid
August 21, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
Opening a checking account? Let’s help you steer clear of common fees. We’ll guide you through them and share how to open a Free Checking account at SCCU.
How to Help Kids and Teens Save More Money
June 20, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
This article will cover a variety of tips to help kids and teens learn practical hands-on ways to build essential money management skills.
Definitive Guide to Student Credit Cards
May 28, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
High school students can practice financial responsibility through a student credit card!
How to Open a CD in Florida with Space Coast Credit Union
April 26, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
See all the steps to open a CD in Florida with Space Coast Credit Union.
Does Paying Off Loans Early Hurt Your Credit?
April 5, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
Are you worried about what will happen to your credit score if you pay a loan off early? Learn more here.
Why Visa Signature is the Best Points Credit Card (With No Annual Fee!)
February 23, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
Looking to get a credit card? Here are numerous reasons why Visa Signature is the best points-based credit card (with no annual fee!).
How Do Credit Card Balance Transfers Help Slash Debt?
January 22, 2024 By Space Coast Credit Union
Learn more about what a balance transfer is and how it can help you cut down on debt and save more money.
Secured Credit Cards vs. Secured Loans
December 15, 2023 By Space Coast Credit Union
Secured lending refers to loans requiring collateral for loan approval. Types of collateral loans include secured credit cards & loans secured by bank accounts.
10 Easy Ways to Save Money in College
August 31, 2023 By Space Coast Credit Union
Here are 10 ways to save money while in college, allowing you to spend less time staring at an empty bank account and more time living the fun college life.
Alternative Ways to Save for Retirement Beyond 401(k)s
August 18, 2023 By Space Coast Credit Union
Perhaps your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) or you’re self-employed. See some of the best alternative ways to save for retirement.
How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?
July 27, 2023 By Members' Watchdog
You might receive offers in the mail or at stores to apply for a credit card. But you might be concerned that having too many credit cards may negatively impact your credit.
How to Choose the Best Student Checking Account for Teens
June 2, 2023 By Members' Watchdog
We break down how to find the best student checking account for teens in just five steps. See them here!
Money Market Accounts: Everything You Need to Know
March 10, 2023 By Members' Watchdog
Money market accounts offer a plethora of savings benefits. Explore them all here.
How CD Laddering Works and Benefits of this Savings Strategy
February 13, 2023 By Space Coast Credit Union
Laddering CDs involves opening multiple CDs with staggered maturities. Let’s break down CD ladders so you can divide and conquer! 
Debit Card vs. Credit Card: Which One is Better?
February 3, 2023 By Space Coast Credit Union
We’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of debit cards vs. credit cards. Plus, we’ll answer when’s the best time to use each card.
How to Make a Budget
December 28, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
In this article, we’ll break down how to make a budget for beginners and how to stick to a budget once you’ve created one.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs): What You Need to Know
December 19, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a special type of savings account with a guaranteed rate of return over a certain timeframe so you can give your savings a raise even while you sleep!
10 Tips to Improve Your Financial Wellness
December 9, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
We’re sharing our top financial tips, with words of wisdom from SCCU Team Members, to help you improve your overall financial wellness.
Building Credit with a Secured Credit Card
November 25, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
When you’re seeking a Visa card and all its conveniences—but facing a roadblock with a lack of credit history—a secured credit card can help.
Benefits of a Visa Signature® Credit Card at SCCU
October 19, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Visa Signature offers a rewards program, travel perks, low variable rates, security features, and more. We’ll give you the 360-degree view of why this card is worth having in your pocket.
The Ultimate Guide on High-Yield Savings Accounts & Saving Money
October 4, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
By regularly depositing your hard-earned money into a high-yield savings account, you could be on a faster path to achieving your dreams.
Florida Credit Unions: Why Choose Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU)?
September 23, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
We offer a full financial suite of products and services. Let’s dive into all of them!
How to Consolidate Debt
September 16, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Perhaps unexpected expenses are piling up, and you’re scrambling to figure out how to pay them all. We’ll cover how to consolidate debt in this article, which could be a light at the end of the tunnel for you. 
Why Visa Platinum is the Best Cash Back Credit Card
September 9, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Who doesn’t love earning money while spending money? Space Coast Credit Union’s (SCCU)’s Visa® Platinum—the star of the best cash back credit cards—gives you the power to do just that.
How a Good Credit Score Can Impact Purchasing Power
August 26, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
You’re probably well aware of what a credit score is, but what exactly determines your overall credit, and how does it benefit you?
Money Market vs. CD: Which is Better?
August 19, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Both CDs and money market accounts offer low-risk ways to earn more interest on your savings. Find out which one's for you here.
Comparing the Differences: Visa Platinum vs. Visa Signature
July 21, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
With everything from rates to perks, you may find yourself on the fence as you're making your decision between Visa® Platinum or Visa Signature®. This article provides a comparison between the two to help you decide.
Hurricane Preparation Checklist
July 13, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
It's always a good idea to prepare for a hurricane before it's even on the radar. Here's a checklist to help you get started.
What is the Difference Between an IRA and a 401(k)?
June 29, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Not sure if it's better to get an IRA or a 401(k)? Learn more about their differences here and how they can help you save for retirement.
How to Switch to a Free Checking Account in 5 Steps
June 22, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
From depositing checks to paying bills, your checking account should work FOR you and not against you with unnecessary extra monthly fees. See why it's worth switching to a Free Checking account at SCCU.
Unleash the Hidden Benefits of Digital Wallet
February 23, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
You’re walking along the beach and begin to feel thirsty. Your heart sinks once you realize your wallet is over a mile away. But then you realize that you have your phone with you, which means you can still access all of your cards through your digital wallet app! Learn more about all of its benefits here.
Which Credit Card Benefits are Better: Cash Back or Points?
February 15, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Credit cards offer several benefits from covering emergencies to earning rewards. But with so many card options available (and vying for your attention) with cash back or points, it can be overwhelming to choose a rewards program that’s best for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type to help you score rewards in no time! 
A Beginner’s Guide to Free Checking (What It Is & Why You Need It)
January 28, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Checking accounts are like a Grand Central Station for your money—flowing in and out with deposits and withdrawals. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts, but what exactly is a free checking account and why should you get one?
The Beginner's Guide to a Good Credit Score (& How to Get One)
January 7, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
When you want to borrow money—perhaps for a mortgage or a car loan—or to get approved for a credit card, lenders typically require a decent credit score. But, what is a good credit score, and how can you make sure you have one?
Visa® Platinum Benefits: A Guide to Receiving Credit Card Rewards
December 21, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Today, strategically selecting whether or not to use a credit card and which one to use can be part of savvy financial management. We're taking a look at why the Visa® Platinum credit card at SCCU may be the one for you.
10 Creative Ways to Save Money
December 10, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Saving money can be challenging. But after the holiday season, it’s often a top New Year’s resolution. From joining special savings accounts to making some daily item switches, we’ve rounded up 10 ways that could save you thousands of dollars a year! 
Holiday Shopping with Credit Cards Do’s and Don’ts
November 12, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Here are our top do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while holiday shopping with credit cards. 
What are Secured Credit Cards?
September 28, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Maybe you’ve run into the following paradox: How do I get a credit card with less-than-perfect credit (or no credit) if I need a credit card to build my credit? You’re in luck because secured credit cards break this cycle!
7 Savvy Skills Teens Gain from a Student Checking Account
September 21, 2021 By Carmen Tapanes
While teens can watch hundreds of videos on the Internet about finances, experience is often the best teacher when it comes to managing money. But it can feel overwhelming for them to know where to start learning the fiscal ropes. Opening a checking account gives them a learner’s permit to handling financial matters with the peace of mind of having an adult as the co-owner. 
How to Choose the Best Free Checking Account
September 14, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
When searching for the right checking account, most people would prefer one that’s “free” — and rightly so. But it can be hard to know what exactly “free” means today when we know that fees and terms are often the name of the game. The reality is that financial institutions will define "free" in different ways.
Choosing the Best Credit Card to Fit Your Needs (+ Where to Get It)
July 23, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Credit cards can be an excellent tool for building credit when you’re financing purchases both big and small. Most credit cards today deliver some form of benefit with membership—accumulating points, cash back, airline miles, or other deals, consumers have a wealth of choices.
Financial Peace: Pay Your Dues & Your Debts + Restore Hope in 5 Simple Steps
February 3, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Discover how to obtain financial peace in 5 simple steps. Learn how to pay off your debts the right way and educate yourself on how to live financially free.
The Definitive Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom
January 29, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
This guide offers steps that you can put into practice immediately as you work towards financial freedom.
4 Perfect Times to Consider a Personal Loan
February 16, 2017 By Space Coast Credit Union
Virtually everything costs money, and it’s often more than you’d expect it to be.
Common Mistakes During Open Enrollment
November 3, 2016 By Space Coast Credit Union
Be sure to watch out for these three common pitfalls when enrolling in workplace benefits.
Was this helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!