Credit cards that fit your life

Solarity Visa® puts the power of payment versatility in your hands. Whether you’re on a trip to Greece or a trip to the grocery store, enjoy quick, convenient access to your available credit limit, no annual fee, no cash advance fee and local servicing.*

Platinum Visa Icon

Platinum Visa

Convenient, easy-to-use line of credit

Share Secured Visa Icon

Share Secured Visa

Ideal for establishing or rebuilding credit

 

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Student Visa

For members ages 15-20

Solarity Credit Union Credit Cards Washington

Reasons to love our credit cards

  1. No annual fee and no balance transfer fee
  2. No minimum interest charge
  3. No cash advance fee and the same rate as purchases
  4. Visa Account Updater (VAU) to keep transactions seamless
  5. Visa Secure for peace of mind while shopping online
  6. Near real-time fraud notifications with Visa Purchase Alerts
  7. Cash advances at more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide
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Visa Secure and Visa Account Updater

Visa Secure
Visa Secure (formerly Verified by Visa) simply means you get access to an added layer of protection, keeping your money safer while you are shopping online. When making a purchase from a merchant participating in Visa Secure, you may be guided through an extra step to confirm your identity. No need to do anything on your part other than follow the prompts. Visa Secure does the work to ensure it’s an authorized transaction.

Visa Account Updater
Visa Account Updater (VAU) automatically sends cardholder data to participant merchants when the card information is updated. It offers a seamless account update process without the need for direct action on your part. For example, if your phone bill automatically charges to your credit card every month, without the VAU, you would need to update your card info yourself in the event of a new card. With VAU, Visa will send the updated card info to that merchant for you. 

If you do not wish to have your card information automatically sent to participant merchants in the event of a new card, you can opt out by calling 800.347.9222.

Please note: you must opt out before your old card has expired, or within 24 hours of ordering a new card when the old card is lost or stolen.

Common questions about credit cards

 

To activate your Solarity debit or credit card, call 833.233.1603 and follow the automated prompts. If you run into any issues or prefer in-person assistance, feel free to stop by your nearest Solarity branch. We're happy to help!

Visa Purchase Alerts is an easy-to-use tool that helps members track spending and identify fraudulent activity early. Customize your alerts by choosing which debit or credit card transactions should trigger a notification and receive near real-time updates via text or email.

It only takes three steps to enroll in Visa Purchase Alerts:

1. Check to see if your Visa account is eligible.

2. Register your mobile device and/or email to receive Visa Purchase Alerts.

3. Choose the notification triggers that match your needs, such as transactions exceeding a set amount and online or international purchases being made.

Visa has developed a program that helps confirm your identity when you make an online purchase. This service helps make shopping online more secure by protecting against unauthorized use of your Visa card. There’s no need to download anything, install software, or register for an account. During an online purchase from your desktop, mobile or other digital device, you may be guided through an extra check to verify your identity. This helps us ensure you’re you and better protects you from fraud.

This service automatically works at checkout at participating merchants. There is no need to download anything, install software or register for your account to get this added layer of protection. When using this service, you may occasionally be prompted at checkout to verify your identity, but this is to ensure you’re you and protect you from fraud.

There is no cost to you for this service! Solarity covers the cost on your behalf to ensure you have this added protection and peace of mind.

Visa® Credit Card Rates

Rates accurate as of April 29, 2026
APR as low as* Minimum payment (percent of balance) Maximum limit
11.80% 3% $50,000

Disclosures

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) accurate as of date shown and subject to change. Rate is dependent on qualification and approval. Special terms and conditions may apply. Rate may be higher based on credit history and term. No annual fee or balance transfer fee. No cash advance fee. Interest on cash advance starts accruing immediately until the balance is paid in full. Late fees will be assessed if a payment is made after the due date.

Helpful articles and information

 

What is compound interest and how does it work?

Apr 30, 2026, 23:38 PM by Bryan Nemeth
Compound interest is one of the most powerful ways to grow your savings. By earning on both your balance and your past earnings, your money can build momentum over time. In this article, learn how compound interest works, why it matters and how small, consistent contributions can lead to meaningful growth.

Want your money to grow without constantly adding more to it? That’s the power of compound interest.

Compound interest is one of the most effective ways to build savings over time because it allows your money to earn returns on both your original balance and the earnings already added to it. The longer your money stays in an account and continues to grow, the more powerful compounding can become.

Whether you are building an emergency fund, saving for a future goal or simply looking for smarter ways to grow your balance, understanding compound interest can help you make better decisions.

What is compound interest?

Compound interest is the process of earning returns on both your original deposit and the interest or dividends already added to your account.

Unlike simple interest, which only earns based on your starting balance, compound interest allows previous earnings to continue generating growth.

For example:

  • You deposit $1,000 into savings
  • Your account earns interest
  • The next time earnings are calculated, they are based on your original $1,000 plus the earnings already added

Over time, this creates a snowball effect where growth can continue building on itself.

How compound interest works

Compound interest depends on a few key factors:

  • Your starting balance

    The more money you begin with, the more opportunity there is for earnings to build.

  • Your interest rate or APY

    A higher annual percentage yield, or APY, can help your balance grow faster.

  • How often earnings are added

    Interest may be added daily, monthly or quarterly depending on the account. More frequent compounding can help increase growth over time.

  • Time

    Time is one of the most important ingredients. The longer your money remains in the account, the more opportunities it has to compound.

Why compound interest matters

Compound interest can make a meaningful difference in how quickly your savings grow.

  • It helps your money grow faster

    Because you are earning on previous earnings, balances can increase more efficiently over time.

  • It rewards starting early

    Even small balances can grow significantly when given enough time.

  • It makes consistency more valuable

    Regular contributions paired with compounding can create strong long-term results.

  • It builds momentum

    Watching your savings grow can encourage better financial habits and continued progress.

Compound interest example

Let’s compare two savers who each deposit $5,000 and leave it untouched for five years.

Saver A

$5,000 in an account earning 0.05% APY could grow to about $5,012.52 after five years.

Saver B

$5,000 in an account earning 5.00% APY could grow to about $6,381.41 after five years.

That is a difference of more than $1,300, without adding another dollar.

This example shows how choosing a stronger rate can have a major impact over time.

For illustrative purposes only. Actual earnings may vary based on rates, compounding frequency and account activity.

Where to earn compound interest

Several account types can help you benefit from compounding:

  • High-yield savings accounts

    These accounts often offer stronger APYs than traditional savings accounts while keeping funds accessible.

  • Certificates of deposit

    CDs may offer competitive returns in exchange for keeping money deposited for a set term.

  • Money market savings accounts

    These accounts can combine savings features with competitive earnings, depending on the institution.

  • Retirement and investment accounts

    Stocks, bonds and mutual funds may offer growth potential, but values can rise and fall and are not federally insured.

Federal protection matters

Savings accounts at banks are typically insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC. Credit union savings accounts are typically insured by the National Credit Union Administration or NCUA. This can provide added confidence for savers, especially those with larger balances.

How to maximize compound interest

You do not need a large balance to benefit from compounding. A few smart habits can make a big difference.

  • Start now

    The sooner you begin, the more time your money has to grow.

  • Choose a competitive APY

    A stronger rate can significantly improve long-term results.

  • Add money consistently

    Regular deposits can accelerate growth and build momentum.

  • Reinvest earnings

Keeping your earnings in the account allows them to continue compounding.

How round up savings can supercharge compound interest

At credit unions, earnings on deposit accounts are called dividends instead of interest. While the terminology is different, the idea is similar. Your money earns returns over time based on your balance and the account rate, helping your savings continue to grow.

With Solarity’s Round Up Savings program1, everyday debit card purchases round up to the nearest dollar and the spare change is automatically directed into a Solarity Savers account earning up to 5.00% APY2. And with compounding growth, these small deposits become more powerful over time.

That means everyday spending can quietly contribute to long-term savings growth through:

  • Automatic contributions from routine purchases
  • A competitive APY that helps balances compound faster
  • Consistent momentum without needing large deposits
  • A simple way to build savings habits over time

Instead of waiting until you have extra money to save, round ups can help you start with what you are already spending.

Start small and let compound interest do the work

You do not need a large balance to benefit from compound interest. Starting with small automatic contributions and the right savings account can create real progress over time.

Whether you are just getting started or looking to make your current savings work harder, combining Round Up Savings with Solarity Savers can be a smart way to grow your money steadily.

 

1 Upon enrollment in Round Up Savings, Solarity debit card purchases in your linked checking account will be rounded up to the nearest dollar and transferred to your Solarity Savers account. Transfers occur daily when sufficient funds are available.

2 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of 4.28.26; rates subject to change after account opening. $5 minimum to open; $0.01 minimum to earn APY. To earn the advertised APY, post and settle 20+ member-initiated transactions per month in a linked Solarity checking account. If qualifications are not met, account will earn 0.05% APY. Limit one Solarity Savers account per membership; not available for businesses. Fees may reduce earnings.