FAQs

There are three ways to activate your debit or credit card. Do not activate your plastic card before it arrives! Mail theft could put your account at risk.

1. Activate your card online:
   • Visit Card Center in Digital Banking
   • Click on Digital Card Controls at the very top
   • Enter the secure access code that will be sent to confirm your identity
   • Click on Activate Card
   • Select the card from the dropdown
   • Enter the expiration date and CVV on your card
   • Click Submit
2. Activate your card by calling 888.691.8661 from the phone number we have on file for you and follow the prompts (you can verify or update your phone number in the Profile & Settings section of Digital Banking).
3. Activate your card at an ATM or by making a point of sale (POS) purchase - use this method only if you have your PIN.

Once activated, you can manage your cards with convenient online Card Tools like text alerts, locking and unlocking your card, notifying us when you’ll be traveling, and more. You’ll be automatically enrolled to receive fraud alerts.

Yes, you can authorize other users such as family members to use your Stanford FCU credit card, however please note that you will be responsible for all of their charges. You can easily add up to four authorized users through Digital Banking. This will result in new cards with the same card number and new expiration dates and CVV numbers being mailed to your primary address on record.

• Log in to Digital Banking’s Card Center to Add Authorized User
• Choose your credit card from the drop-down menu
• Complete the form (you’ll need the name, birth date and social security number for each authorized user)
• You’ll receive a confirmation email when complete, and the cards will take 5 to 7 days for delivery
• If you don’t have the social security number for your user you can call us at 888.723.7328 to add them.

Note that the card activity for all users will be reported to the credit bureaus, which could help a family member build credit.

If you don’t qualify for another Stanford FCU credit card, you may be offered the Cash Rewards credit card.

The Cash Rewards credit card earns 1% cashback on all purchases. Cashback is credited to your account each month. There are no annual fees, and no cash advance or balance transfer fees. There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases in other countries.

The Cash Rewards credit card has the following features:

• Online management tools in Card Center, like text alerts and locking/unlocking your card
• Tap and pay
• Mobile wallet compatibility
• Instant digital card for online purchases and subscriptions

The Cash Rewards credit card also comes with the following benefits:

• Emergency card replacement
• Emergency cash disbursement
• Roadside dispatch
• Visa® offers and perks
• Zero Liability
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Personal identity theft
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Purchase security – extended protection
• Purchase security

View the Cash Rewards credit card’s rates and fees.

If you don’t qualify for another Stanford FCU credit card, you may be offered the Secured Credit Card.

The Secured Credit Card is a way to build or rebuild good credit. The Secured Credit Card uses your savings account as collateral, and it works just like any other credit card. There are no annual fees, and no cash advance or balance transfer fees. There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases in other countries.

The Secured Credit Card comes with the following features:

• Online management tools in Card Center, like text alerts and locking/unlocking your card
• Tap and pay
• Mobile wallet compatibility
• Instant digital card for online purchases and subscriptions
• Credit limits from $500 to $1,000
• Backed by your savings account at 110% of the credit limit

The Secured Credit Card also comes with the following benefits:

• Emergency card replacement
• Emergency cash disbursement
• Roadside dispatch
• Visa^® offers and perks
• Zero Liability
• Purchase security – extended protection

View the Secured Credit Card’s rates and fees.

Do I need to be a member of the credit union to get a Rewards Credit Card?

Yes, you must become a member before you can use any products or services. When you apply for your credit card, you can become a member at the same time by opening a checking (spending) or savings account with a minimum deposit of $5.00. Stanford FCU will put the $5.00 requirement into the savings account on your behalf. It represents your ownership share, allowing you to fully participate and vote at our annual membership meeting. Membership eligibility is required, and you must have a U.S. address.

Who can get the Stanford Alumni or Athletics^® Fan Rewards Visa^® Credit Card?

The Stanford Athletics^® Fan Rewards Card is available to all Stanford fans! The Stanford Alumni Rewards Visa Credit Card is only available to Stanford alums, although sports fan alums may prefer the Stanford Athletics Fan Card - both cards support the Stanford Alumni Association and have the same features and benefits.

In addition to the rewards points, what other benefits do I get with a Stanford Alumni or Athletics^® Fan Rewards Visa^® Credit Card?

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• No balance transfer or cash advance fees
• Manage your card with convenient online tools like text alerts, locking and unlocking your card, notifying us when you’ll be traveling, and more
• Emergency Card Replacement and Emergency Cash Delivery
• Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
• Roadside Dispatch
• Concierge Services

Learn more about all the extra benefits available with your credit card!

How long does it take to receive the Card?

You should receive your new credit card within 10 business days after you’re approved. If you do not receive it within 10 days, please contact Stanford FCU at 888.723.7328. If you are an alumni, please call 888.371.8584.

What is the bonus point value?

Earn one (1) point for every $1 spent (more if it’s 2X or 3X points). Each point is worth $.01, so 2,500 points have a $25 value. The bonus points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, merchandise, hotels and airfare. You can redeem your points through Digital Banking. The maximum points earned per calendar year are 12,000 points for the 3X category and 6,000 points for the 2X category. The 1X category has no point maximum.

What are the rates and fees associated with the Rewards Credit Card?

Please visit our Rates and Fees page.

Does the Stanford Alumni Association or Stanford Athletics^® receive compensation from Stanford FCU?

Yes. Both the Stanford Alumni Association and Stanford Athletics^® have sponsorship and licensing agreements with Stanford Federal Credit Union. These programs assist in supporting activities and services for the Athletics Department, alums and students.

All of our credit card options have no annual fee, no balance transfer fees, no cash advance fees, and no foreign transaction fees! Most options earn rewards points with every purchase. Visit our Credit Cards web page to view our different card options, and visit our Card Benefits web page to explore the additional benefits available for each card.

An ATM card can only be used at an ATM terminal to withdraw or deposit money, or at certain merchants who accept ATM transactions. A debit card can be used at ATMs as well, but can also be used to make purchases online, in stores, and at restaurants just like a credit card. However, these purchases are deducted immediately from your checking account.

A free debit card is provided when you open a checking (spending) account with Stanford FCU. Check out our spending account options to determine which account is right for you. The first box of checks is free!

Not a member yet? Joining is easy! You can open an account with Stanford FCU with as little as $5.00. Open your account online today!

Stanford FCU credit and debit cards have NO foreign transaction fees - this is great for international travelers!

Plus, you earn cash back or rewards points on all credit card purchases.

Traveling Abroad?

We offer a foreign currency exchange service, which makes it safe and easy to purchase foreign currencies at a branch.

To set a Travel Notification on your card: Submit a travel notice in Digital Banking and list all areas you may be visiting, including layover cities. Once submitted, you should receive a secure message that it has been received.

Please allow at least one business day for processing. The more advance notice you can provide, the better. If you already started your trip, please call 888.723.7328 for assistance.

Note: We do not allow card transactions in countries sanctioned by the U.S. or prohibited by U.S. law.

Exchange rates are calculated in global currency markets. The reasons for fluctuations in exchange rates include inflation, interest rates, budget deficits, public debt, trade policy, political stability, and economic performance. 

If you are traveling out of state or out of the country, be sure to set a Travel Notice so we don’t block your credit or debit card.

To set a Travel Notice on your card:

1. Log in to Digital Banking
2. Click Services > Submit Travel Notice, then follow the prompts (list all areas you may be visiting, including layover cities)
3. Once the Travel Notice is submitted, you will receive a secure Message that it has been received

Please allow at least one business day for processing. The more advance notice you can provide, the better. If you already started your trip, please call 888.723.7328 for assistance.

We do not allow card transactions in countries sanctioned by the U.S. or prohibited by U.S. law.

There could be many reasons why this is happening. Please call a Member Care Team Specialist at 888.723.7328 toll free. You can also use Chat during business hours to resolve the issue.

If you’re traveling out of state or out of the country, be sure to set a Travel Notice so we don’t block your credit or debit card. List all areas you may be visiting, including layover cities. Once submitted, you should receive a secure message that it has been received.

We do not allow card transactions in countries sanctioned by the U.S. or prohibited by U.S. law.

A Digital Card is a copy of your regular credit or debit card that’s available in Digital Banking’s Card Center. No more waiting weeks for a plastic card to arrive by mail - your card number, expiration date and CVV are available for your online shopping, subscription services, and loading into your mobile wallet.

Whether you’re waiting for your first card or a replacement card, your Digital Card is available within two days:

1. Visit Card Center in Digital Banking
2. Click on Digital Card Controls at the very top
3. Enter the secure access code that will be sent to confirm your identity

Activating your plastic card

Your regular plastic card will be mailed to your primary address and there are three easy ways to activate it. Do not activate your plastic card before it arrives! Mail theft could put your account at risk.

1. Activate your card online:
   • Visit Card Center in Digital Banking
     
   • Click on Digital Card Controls at the very top
   • Enter the secure access code that will be sent to confirm your identity
   • Click on Activate Card
   • Select the card from the dropdown
   • Enter the expiration date and CVV on your card
   • Click Submit
2. Activate your card by calling 888.691.8661 from the phone number we have on file for you and follow the prompts (you can verify or update your phone number in the Profile & Settings section of Digital Banking).
3. Activate your card at an ATM or by making a point of sale (POS) purchase - use this method only if you have your PIN.

Digital Card: use your card right away! Watch now.

The Travel Accident Insurance benefit is available with our Platinum Cash Back and Business Credit Cards. If you have additional questions, please contact the Plan Administrator listed in the benefit coverage document.

Apply for your Credit Card today! Learn more about our low-rate credit cards with rewards and virtually no fees! Our online credit card application process is secure, quick and simple. Current members can apply through Digital Banking or the mobile app. Non-members must first apply for membership online in as little as 10 minutes.

Get started by reviewing our credit card options to find the right card for whatever you need:

• Tech Card
• Stanford Alumni Rewards
• Stanford Athletics^® Fan Rewards
• Student Platinum Cash Back Rewards

All Stanford FCU credit cards have no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer or cash advance fees - we put our members first! Most of our credit cards also earn cash-back and other rewards.

Our online application process is secure, quick and simple. Current members can apply through Digital Banking. Non-members must first apply for membership online in as little as 10 minutes.

Get started by reviewing our credit card options to find the right card for whatever you need:

• Tech Card
• Stanford Alumni Rewards
• Stanford Athletics^® Fan Rewards
• Student Cash Rewards

Our online application process is secure, quick and simple. Current members can apply through Digital Banking. Non-members must first apply for membership online in as little as 10 minutes.

Our Business Rewards credit card has a low rate, virtually no fees, and you’ll earn one point for every dollar spent (two points for restaurants and food delivery like DoorDash). Your cashback will be credited to your account monthly. Click here to learn more or contact us at [email protected].

Tap to Add Card is a quick and secure way to add your debit or credit card to your Apple Wallet. Just tap your card to your phone—no typing or photos needed. Here’s how it works:

1. Open your Apple Wallet and tap the + button
2. Tap Debit or Credit Card
3. Tap Continue
4. Place the card on the back of the iPhone
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions
6. Verify your card for Apple Pay
7. Receive confirmation when the card is added and ready to use

Available only for Apple iOS 18 or later.