Yesterday we updated our review of the Nusenda Federal Credit Union card that earns 5% cash back in rotating categories. It’s had the same 5% categories this year and the last two years as follows:
- Q1:Â Groceries + Gas Expenses
- Q2:Â Movies, Restaurants & Home Improvements
- Q3:Â Gas & Education Expenses
- Q4:Â Restaurants, Hotels & Airfare
I thought they only serviced a small geographical area, but a few people commented that you could join a qualifying organization to become a member and get the card. I didn’t see that option when trying to sign up online, so thought that must not be the case. I contacted Nuseda and asked them about it and turns out I was wrong and my readers were right (what a surprise).
Yes [it’s possible for anybody to join], through several associations that are not geographically dependent (NM Wilderness Alliance or La Montanita Food Co-op). A one time dues payment ($10) is required, but that’s it. The easiest way to apply for the card and gain membership is to call 800-347-2838. You can also apply online, but our membership application steers you to say where you work or study. They can fill out one of those options, and someone will call to follow-up and qualify them through the associations.
I’m probably going to apply for this card, I’ve been looking for something that offers 5% back at restaurants because I have a lot of reimbursable expenses a restaurants. This gives me two quarters of that and one quarter of grocery stores, I should be able to max both of those out, but wouldn’t spent much if anything in Q3. There is also no overlap with the Chase Freedom (and I don’t really expect much if any overlap with the Discover it either).
| Nusenda | Chase Freedom | Discover it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Groceries +Â Gas Expenses | Gas stations + local commuter | Gas & ground transportation |
| Q2 | Movies, Restaurants & Home Improvements | Grocery stores + more | ? |
| Q3 | Gas & Education Expenses | Restaurants | ? |
| Q4 | Restaurants, Hotels & Airfare | Holiday Shopping | ? |
If I did max out three quarters I’d earn $225 in cash back. But I could earn $90 if I used a 2% cash back card, so really only a profit of $135. Welp, I think I just convinced myself not to sign up for this card. Would only really become profitable in year two (could just sign up for a card with a good cash back bonus instead) and more and more of my real spend will probably be going towards minimum spends in the coming years.
I applied on 05-15 and got approved on 05-18. No issues at all. $5 donation.
Unable to join, they said the credit union and qualification to donate to certain organizations only applies if you live in the NM area. Must be a new policy
+1 Have not tried to app but here is another source. https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/nusenda-credit-union/offers/
Has anyone tried recently to apply as a La Montanita Food Co-op member instead of the NM Wilderness Alliance (also mentioned in OP, requires annual $15 fee) without NM residence? There are some suggestions this could still work https://www.bankcheckingsavings.com/nusenda-credit-union-eligibility/
TB,Have you had a chance for any update on this?
Don’t waste your time applying — nor the money to join one of the associations to gain membership in the credit union before applying.
(1) If you read this thread, you probably have enough other credit cards that they will deny you — as they just did me — for the stated reason that I have too many other revolving lines of credit (in my case, only credit card account). As a data point, the only other time I have had a credit card application turned down is by Chase last year for a Sapphire Preferred because of the then-new 5/24 rule. (See comments by Michael and by Victor Debs to the other Doctor of Credit post about Nusenda for similar data points to mine.)
(2) Having now read Doc’s other post on Nusenda, Victor Debs’ comment about the complexity and difficulty of redeeming points, and the Nusenda website re same, I suspect that Victor is correct in his assessment that it would be a frustrating and time-consuming process. My guess: not worth the effort, even if you can get approved for the card.
Wondering what counts as “education”! Our daycare is affiliated with a local University and allows us to pay the bills with a credit card (and they pay the fees!).
My Citibank DoubleCash MasterCard I usually use lists the daycare payments as “OrganizationsCOLLEGES,UNIVERSITIES,PROFESSIONAL”, so maybe it would be “education.”
Can you redeem the cash back through statement credit?
Is there a sign-up bonus?
I think he said in the previous post yesterday that there is not.
Is it hard to be approved？