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Union Plus Credit Card Program Q&A

In October 2009, Union Plus cardholders received notification of changes in credit card terms for their accounts. Following are questions and answers related to these changes:

Q. Why is the Union Plus Credit Card program a good deal for union members?

A. The Union Plus Credit Card continues to offer rates that compare well to the competition. But more importantly, Union Privilege offers special protections for Union Plus program participants through its Union SAFE programs.  No other credit card offers this type of help:

Find out more about these benefits at UnionPlus.org/UnionSAFE.

Q. What other benefits do union members get with this program?

A. The Union Plus Credit Card program offers:

  • The Union Plus Secured Credit Card which may help members with spotty credit rebuild their credit.
  • A full-time Union Member Advocate, who is a fellow union member (OPEIU local 2) can help members to resolve issues and concerns when they need additional help.

Additionally, free credit counseling, low-cost debt management plans, and free bankruptcy counseling are available for members who find themselves needing assistance with budgeting or debt management. Members who complete a year of a debt management plan can even get their monthly fees rebated through the Union SAFE grant program.

Q. What are the major changes to Union Plus cardholdersâ?? accounts?

A. In October 2009, Union Plus cardholders received notification of changes in credit card terms. Most received an increase in their purchase rates and an increase in the rate for cash advances.

Q. Can Union Plus cardholders opt out of these changes?

A. Yes. When cardholders received their notification about the changes to their accounts, they were given information on how to opt out of the changes by phone or in writing. Please note that if the member chooses not to accept the changes, his or her account will be closed and the member must continue paying off the balance on the account under the old terms.   

Q.  When will changes from the Credit CARD Act of 2009 take place?

A. Three provisions became effective August 24, 2009:

  1. timely statements,
  2. opt out provisions for cardholders when adverse changes are made, and
  3. at least 45 days notification prior to changes to accounts. Union Plus cardholders already had these protections; therefore their accounts were not affected.

The governmentâ??s regulatory agencies are working on the details of the remaining provisions to ensure they are applied fairly across all credit issuing institutions. Those detailed instructions are scheduled to be announced to the card issuers early next year and most will be implemented by February 22, 2010. 

Find out more about the Credit CARD Act of 2009 and its impact on Union Plus cardholders.

Q. Where can Union Plus cardholders get answers to their questions about their accounts?

A. Cardholders can call 1-800-622-2580 with questions about their accounts. All calls are answered by representatives based in the United States.

 

  • Richard Clower, GMP, job loss grant recipient

    I’ve gone to our union meetings and told people to apply for these grants.

    — Richard Clower, GMP Local 125, Job Loss Grant recipient

  • Deborah Mims, APWU, disability grant recipient

    This is a great union benefit. Within a week or so of making a call, I received a check in the mail.

    — Deborah Mims, APWU Local 140, Disability Grant recipient

  • Dan Thomason, IRONWORKERS, mortgage assistance program participant

    The program is really simple to use and we were able to get the help quickly, just when we needed it. I was surprised how easy it was.

    — Dan Thomason, IRONWORKERS Local 395, Mortgage Assistance program participant

  • Maria Yaeger, AFSCME, Save My Home Hotline

    I know it's hard to ask for help, but help is out there when you call the Union Plus Save My Home Hotline. You have no idea how grateful and relieved I was to learn what they could do for me.

    — Maria Yaeger, AFSCME Local 145, Save My Home Hotline

  • Kristan McArthur, UFCW, hospital care grant recipient

    The Union Plus Grant helped me a lot. It was such a big relief after I used the $1,000 to pay off what I owed for the surgery.

    — Kristan McArthur, UFCW Local 1996, Hospital Care Grant recipient

  • Susan Geren, AFSCME, credit counseling program participant

    It was a great process. Instead of owing for life, I'll be able to pay off all my bills by 2011. I'm so grateful for the Credit Counseling Program.

    — Susan Geren, AFSCME Local 3019, Credit Counseling participant

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Most AFL-CIO and Change-to-Win unions participate in most Union Plus benefits, but some international unions elect not to offer all the programs. So in order to access all of the programs your union participates in, select your union from the drop down menu.

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    1. What your national union’s name (not just your local number)? Scroll through the list we have to see if you recognize your union.
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