What the Redstone Credit Card offers
Redstone Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Redstone Bank, a federally chartered credit union based in Colorado. The card earns cash back on purchases across different categories — typically 1.5% on most purchases, with higher rates on specific spending categories like gas and groceries. There is an annual fee, and the card targets people with fair to good credit rather than those building credit from scratch.
The card's main appeal is straightforward cash back without bonus categories that reset or require set up. You earn the same rate whether you spend $100 or $10,000 in a month. The trade-off is that the cash back rate is modest compared to cards aimed at people with excellent credit, and the annual fee reduces the value unless you carry a balance or spend consistently.
Key Takeaways
- Redstone Credit Card earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases, with higher rates available in specific categories like gas and groceries depending on the card version.
- The card carries an annual fee that you pay whether or not you use the card, so the cash back needs to exceed that fee for the card to add value.
- Redstone Bank is a credit union, so you may need to join the credit union or meet membership requirements to open the card.
- The card works best for people with fair to good credit who spend consistently and want straightforward rewards without tracking bonus categories.
Redstone Bank membership and how to open the card
Redstone Bank is a credit union, not a traditional bank, so opening a Redstone Credit Card typically requires membership. Membership rules vary — some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area, while others require you to work for a specific employer, belong to a certain organization, or have a family member who is already a member. You will need to contact Redstone Bank directly or visit their website to confirm whether you meet their membership criteria.
Once you are a member, you can open the credit card through the bank's website or by visiting a branch. The process process is standard: you provide your Social Security number, income, employment history, and existing debts. Redstone will pull your credit report and make a decision, usually within a few business days. If you are approved, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Annual fee and when it makes financial sense
The Redstone Credit Card charges an annual fee — the exact amount depends on which version of the card you choose, as Redstone offers multiple tiers. A card with a $95 annual fee, for example, requires you to earn at least $95 in cash back during the year just to break even. At 1.5% cash back, that means you need to spend roughly $6,300 per year, or about $525 per month.
If you spend less than that threshold, the annual fee costs you money. If you spend more, the cash back begins to add value. The higher the annual fee, the more you need to spend. Compare this to no-annual-fee cards that earn 1% cash back on all purchases — those cards have no spending threshold and may be better if your monthly spending is under $500.
Cash back categories and earning rates
Redstone offers different card versions with different category bonuses. A common structure includes 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with higher rates — often 2% or 3% — on specific categories like gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants. The exact categories and rates depend on which card version you hold, so confirm the specific terms when you explore.
Unlike some rewards cards, Redstone does not require you to set up categories or track quarterly bonus limits. You earn the stated rate automatically on every purchase in that category. This simplicity means you do not have to remember to opt in or worry about losing bonus rates if you forget a step, but it also means you cannot earn extra rates by meeting spending thresholds.
How cash back works and redemption options
Cash back on the Redstone Credit Card accrues as you spend. Most credit unions allow you to redeem cash back as a statement credit, a check, or a deposit to a linked bank account. Some cards also let you redeem for merchandise or gift cards, though the cash value is typically lower. Check with Redstone on the specific redemption options available with your card.
There is usually no minimum redemption amount, so you can cash out $5 if you want to. There are no expiration dates on cash back — it does not disappear if you do not use it within a certain period. This means you can let cash back accumulate if you prefer to redeem in larger chunks, or you can redeem monthly if you want the money right away.
Interest rates and balance transfer terms
The Redstone Credit Card carries a variable purchase APR and a cash advance APR, both of which depend on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Credit unions typically offer competitive rates, but you will not know your exact APR until after you explore and are approved. The card may or may not offer a 0% introductory APR period for purchases or balance transfers — this varies by card version and current promotions.
If you plan to carry a balance, the APR matters more than the cash back rate. A card with 2% cash back but a 22% APR costs you money if you revolve a balance. Use the card for purchases you pay off in full each month, or compare the APR to other cards before explore if you expect to carry a balance.
Who this card fits and who should look elsewhere
The Redstone Credit Card works well for people who spend $500 or more per month, have fair to good credit, and want straightforward cash back without complex bonus categories. If you are a Redstone Bank member already, the process is straightforward and the rewards are straightforward to track. The card also suits people who value the credit union difference — Redstone is member-owned and may offer better customer service than large national banks.
The card is less suitable if you spend under $500 per month (the annual fee will cost you money), if you have excellent credit and may have access to for premium cards with higher cash back rates, or if you do not meet Redstone's membership requirements. People building credit from scratch should look for cards designed for that purpose, as Redstone typically requires fair credit or better. If you want to maximize rewards, cards with rotating bonus categories or higher flat rates may deliver more value, though they require more active management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Redstone Bank member to get the card?
Yes, Redstone Credit Card is only available to Redstone Bank members. Membership requirements vary — some people are may be able to access based on geography, employer, or family connection. Contact Redstone directly to confirm whether you meet their membership criteria before you explore for the card.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Redstone does not publish a minimum credit score, but the card is marketed toward people with fair to good credit, typically a score of 650 or higher. Your exact approval odds depend on your full credit profile, not just your score. If you have been denied by other lenders recently, call Redstone to ask whether the card is a realistic option.
Can I redeem cash back as a statement credit?
Most Redstone cardholders can redeem cash back as a statement credit, though the exact redemption options depend on your card version. Log into your account online or call Redstone to see what options are available to you and how to request a redemption.
Is there a sign-up bonus?
Redstone occasionally offers sign-up bonuses on new cardholders, but these are not permanent features and change based on current promotions. Check Redstone's website or call them directly to see whether a bonus is available when you explore.
What happens if I close the card — do I lose my cash back?
Cash back you have already earned remains yours even if you close the card. You can redeem it before or after closing the account. However, you will still owe the annual fee for the year in which you close the card, unless you close it within the grace period after the fee posts.