Credit unions generally offer lower interest rates and fees, and tend to be more relaxed with more low, or no, hassle deals, and more flexibility when customers are overextended or late with payments.

Look at how penalties are applied via a credit union -- for example late payments tend to have a longer period before they are assessed and the fee itself tends to be lower than the big bank cards.

In the fine print you might find that mistakes on your part don't lead as quickly to penalties or higher rates as they do with the banks.

Credit unions are also more likely to offer people with damaged credit the chance to get a card. Like any card that piece of plastic would have higher rates and other limits -- like a lower credit limit. But it can still be very valuable for people trying to repair their credit.

Check out and see how the credit union will handle problems if you have them -- most credit unions boast that they will work harder to handle such problems as a missed payment than the big boys of the industry will.

Another credit union boats if the willingness to go out of their way to accommodate members of a member's family. So if want a card and intend to have sons and daughters, or even mom and dad, get a card too, a credit union might be a good place to start your inquiries.

But credit unions, especially the smaller ones, usually offer fewer perks than the big cards companies. So if you want air miles or product warranty extensions with your card banks will give you more of your sort of choices. Your CU card is likely to be a Plain Jane.

Credit unions are owned by their members and do not have to show a profit as banks do to support their shareholders. It gives the CUs an edge in a number of areas and explains the better range of credit card rates you find at your CU.

But not all credit unions offer credit cards. Small credit union members might find they can't get plastic.

Search here to find a credit union credit card.