Discover Hidden Credit Card Perks Every Traveler, Shopper, Foodie And Saver Should Know With Tips From OnPoint (Photo) -02/24/25

Maximize your credit card benefits and save more money with a few simple steps

 

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Feb. 24, 2025 -- Consumers in the United States have an average of 3.9 credit cards in their wallets, but the majority are not taking full advantage of their rewards and benefits. Nearly 70% have unused cash back, points, and miles. OnPoint Community Credit Union is offering expert advice to consumers on how to unlock these perks and get the most value from their credit cards.

 

"When used responsibly, credit cards can offer a wealth of benefits that can enhance our everyday lives," says Hannah Lewis, Hollywood Fred Meyer branch manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "By tapping into these perks, consumers can stretch their dollars further and make the most of their travel, shopping, and dining experiences."

 

Here's how consumers can start leveraging their credit card perks today:

 

For travelers.

1. Relax in style at airports. Choose a premium credit card that provides complimentary lounge access with amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks.
2. Save time with expedited security programs. Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry using a card that reimburses the application fee, making travel more seamless.
3. Protect your trips with built-in insurance. Use your credit card's travel insurance and trip interruption coverage to safeguard against unexpected delays or cancellations.
4. Travel abroad without extra fees. Select a card that waives foreign transaction fees to save money on international purchases.
5. Save on rideshares. Check your card's rideshare discounts to enjoy savings on services like Lyft or Uber during your travels.

For shoppers.

1. Maximize rewards with bonus categories. Choose a card with rotating bonus categories (like dining, travel, or online shopping) and plan your purchases accordingly to earn higher cash back or points.
2. Get extra warranty protection. Use a card offering extended warranty coverage for major purchases to ensure additional peace of mind.
3. Protect your purchases. Leverage purchase protection benefits to cover items against theft or damage within the eligible time frame after purchase.

For foodies.

1. Earn more rewards while dining out. Use a card that offers higher reward multipliers for restaurant purchases to make dining out more rewarding.
2. Enjoy free food delivery. Take advantage of credit cards offering free delivery services through partnerships with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
3. Indulge in exclusive culinary experiences. Explore your card's perks for access to exclusive dining events, chef's tables, or priority reservations at popular restaurants.

For savers.

1. Snag monthly promotions. Keep an eye out for exclusive cardholder deals, such as retailer discounts or bonus points, to stretch your budget further.
2. Save on daily essentials. Use a cash-back card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and utilities to accumulate savings over time.
3. Refer and earn rewards. Share your card referral link with friends or family to earn referral bonuses, often in the form of points, miles, or cash back.

Maximizing your credit card perks can turn everyday spending into significant savings. For more information on how to take advantage of credit card rewards, visit OnPoint Community Credit Union.

 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 594,000 members and with assets of $9.7 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

 

Call For Nominations: OnPoint Community Credit Union Kicks Off Its 16th Annual Prize For Outstanding Educators And Schools Making An Impact (Photo) -02/18/25

OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education recognizes inspiring educators and schools with financial support -- including paying four mortgages or rents for a full year

 

PORTLAND, Ore., -- For 16 years, OnPoint Community Credit Union has honored Oregon and SW Washington educators with its Prize for Excellence in Education. This May, OnPoint will award $193,000 to the winning educators and schools nominated by their students and community. While every year is a big celebration, the 16-year mark has additional meaning for OnPoint.

 

"Our credit union was founded by 16 schoolteachers, and 2025 marks the 16^th year of this incredible program that honors and gives back to the amazing educators in our community," said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. "These individuals have such an indelible impact on the young minds they nurture, and that deserves to be celebrated. We encourage the community to help us thank and reward these teachers by nominating them for recognition."

 

Four winning educators will have their mortgage or rent paid by OnPoint for one year. Four runners-up will each receive a $5,000 cash prize. The OnPoint Prize also includes the Community Builder Award for innovative school projects. Four schools will receive $2,000, and a fifth school selected by community votes will receive $5,000.

 

About the Nomination Process

Anyone can nominate an outstanding educator or apply for a Community Builder award at onpointprize.com. Educators may also nominate themselves. Applicants must be full-time or job-share classroom teachers, counselors, school administrators or librarians for grades Pre-K-12. They must work in an accredited public, private or charter school, located within any county that OnPoint serves. OnPoint also accepts applications for the Community Builder awards within those same counties. The nomination period closes at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, April 8. Educator of the Year finalists and Community Builder winners will be announced May 7.

 

Since 2010, the OnPoint Prize has awarded more than $843,000 in prizes to 326 local educators and schools. This year's awards include:

 

• Educators of the Year: Four educators will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive a $2,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. One educator from each category below will be chosen:
  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-12
  • Gold Star: This category recognizes one educator who is a pre-kindergarten teacher, school counselor, substitute teacher, librarian or school administrator.

 

Runners-up: Four educators, one from each of the above categories, will receive a $5,000 cash award and a $1,500 donation to each of their schools for resources and supplies.
 

• Community Builder Awards: One school, selected by community votes, will receive $5,000 for a project that will meaningfully improve that school or community. Four additional schools will each receive $2,000 for special projects.

 

Meet the 2024 Educators of the Year who had their mortgage or rent paid over the last year

 

Rachel Hertz, 1^st grade at North Star Elementary School, Bend, Ore.

For 20 years Rachel Hertz has focused on creating a sense of belonging in her students. Hertz, a proud representative of her Bolivian and Mexican heritage, ensures her classroom celebrates every student's background. She integrates social-emotional learning into her curriculum to foster a supportive space where students excel and develop resilience. Hertz's initiatives extend beyond traditional teaching methods. She hosted a team-building event for school staff, led a Lego Club to build rapport with students after school and initiated an annual Kindness Carnival to promote positive community values.

 

Sherry Reeder, 6^th-8^th grade special education teacher at Molalla River Middle School, Molalla, Ore

Sherry Reeder not only inspires kids in her classroom, but she also transforms her school community. Reeder takes a student-centered approach to create an environment where students are more than just recipients of knowledge, but active participants in the educational journey. Beyond teaching, she serves as the assistant coach for the Unified basketball and kickball teams, which give students with disabilities equal access to sports. Reeder also plans summer programs and organizes student award nights.

 

Michelle Colbert, 9^th-12^th Art and Career Technical Education at Fir Ridge Campus, Portland, Ore.

Art can be a powerful tool for youth to express themselves, and Michelle Colbert employs it to help her students feel empowered and heard. When her school returned to in-person learning after the pandemic, she challenged her students to use mixed-media self-portraits to express the impact. Colbert's industrial arts class gives students the chance to manufacture skateboards--from design and graphics to a finished, working board. She also leads the Art and AV clubs and spearheaded the first Career and Technical Education Pathways Program.

 

Dr. Traniece Brown-Warrens, Principal at Markham Elementary School, Portland, Ore.

Since becoming principal in 2022, Traniece Brown-Warrens' impact on Markham can be seen and felt everywhere. She introduced "calming corners" in each classroom to help students self-regulate their emotions and introduced a "What I Need" (WIN) initiative to address individual needs. When an ice storm left her school inoperable in January 2024, Brown-Warrens quickly stepped up to ensure all her students had a classroom to go to. She worked with other schools to serve as "hosts" for her kids, crafted new bus schedules, and set up counseling to make sure every child was supported.

 

Five innovative school projects awarded funding in 2024

 

OnPoint awarded five Community Builder grants in 2024 to fund innovative school projects that inspire students, foster community, demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and reach a broad segment of the school community.

 

The $5,000 grand prize, selected by community votes, went to Adams Elementary School in Eugene, Ore. Built in 1949, Adams occupies one of the oldest school buildings in the city. The Adams School Mural Project, which will have its unveiling on March 1, beautifies an exterior wall of the school and gave students a chance to express themselves through a large, public art piece.

 

Four schools across Oregon and Southwest Washington received the $2,000 award:

 

• Marysville Elementary School: S.T.A.R. (Students' Temporary Assistance Resource) Pantry
• Bear Creek Elementary School: Community Garden (Bend-La Pine Schools, Bend, Ore.)
• Molalla Elementary School: Outside Learning Oasis (Molalla River School District, Molalla, Ore.)
• St. Andrew Nativity School: Thriving through Middle School (Portland, Ore.)

 

For information about the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education, additional qualifications and contest rules, please visit onpointprize.com.

 

OnPoint was founded more than 90 years ago by 16 teachers. It continues to honor its roots and the dedication of educators in Oregon and SW Washington. Click here to learn more.

 

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 594,000 members and with assets of $9.7 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

 

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