Odyssey Rewards World Elite MasterCard by First Tech FCU Review – 30,000 Point Sign Up Bonus ($300)

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers the Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard. Let’s take a look at that card in this review.

Card Basics

  • Sign up bonus of 30,000 points after $3,000 in spend within the first three months
  • Card earns at the following rates:
    • 3x on travel
    • 2x on dining
    • 1x on all other purchases
  • Annual fee of $75 is waived first year
  • Chip & PIN
  • 0% Introductory APY on balance transfers for 12 months (no balance transfer fees)
  • 0% cash advance fee
  • No foreign transactionf ees
  • APR starting at 11.74%

How Much Are Points Worth?

Whenever a card earns points I immediately want to know how much they are worth. According to this they can be redeemed at a rate of 100 points = $1 for travel, merchandise, gift cards and more. The same page mentions statement credit but it’s unclear if it’s at the same rate or not. According to the comments it seems like statement credit might not be an option and a $50 Amazon gift card costs 6,200/6,400 points.

Who’s Eligible?

As far as I know First Tech FCU doesn’t have any eligibility requirements and everybody should be eligible.

Our Verdict

Card is really only worth considering for the sign up bonus and maybe the 3x on travel spend (you can earn at high rates on restaurants and all other purchases with other cards). A sign up bonus worth $300 with no annual fee the first year is actually pretty good, fingers crossed they don’t have strict approval requirements and that points can be redeemed for statement credit.Share your experiences in the comments below.

Hat tip to reader Mark O
    William Charles
  • On June 26, 2017, 13:00

View Comments (26)

  • I was approved for a First Tech FCU credit card (not this one) so I figured I'd share my experience. They are EXCRUCIATINGLY slow. Approved on 11/9/20. Got an email asking for an online signature on 11/18/20. Got a balance transfer confirmation on 11/20/20 (which I set up when I applied). Got my card mailed to me on 11/29/20, but I couldn't use it because I need the PIN which is mailed separately. Got the PIN on 12/1/20. Tried to set up online registration. Website couldn't find my info. I need a DIFFERENT PIN to set up account registration, and have to call them to get it. Called the number. "Due to the novel coronavirus, we are experiencing higher than usual call volume and are unable to take your call at this time..." WTF does covid have to do with picking up the phone? People get covid and then call the bank?

    I guess I'll try again tomorrow...and the next day...and the next...

  • In case anyone is looking for info on First Tech requirements for credit card approval - I spoke with an underwriter who denied my app for the Choice Rewards card (am looking for a good balance transfer card) and said that anything over $75K in total available revolving credit is a red flag to them. She recommended I close the cards I'm not using to lower my available credit and then call her back for reconsideration in 2 months. It's advice counter to most of what I've read, but they look at much more than just the credit score. Having $160K in available credit was the most important reason for denial, but she also recommended showing different kinds of credit like mortgage, etc. I think I'll just give up on getting this card.

  • By the way, you'd need to be approved for minimum 25k limit. From the comments, it sounds like First Tech is very inquiry sensitive. However, I got approved for 50k limit even with 20+ inquiries in my CR. Maybe because I had a checking account with them for some time.

  • Got this card recently. Went to Walgreen's to purchase Vanilla GC. The register prompted to input PIN, and there wasn't any way around it. Anyone have idea, if this would run as Debit/Cash advance when I have to input PIN?

  • Anyone have any other DP's on approvals/denials? Seems like we have little info to go on.

  • Most credit unions seem to require proof of income and generally hate self-employed people. This card is probably a no-go for me since First Tech is apparently both Chex-sensitive and inquiry-sensitive, but for those who went for this, how's the application/approval process? Thanks.

  • If you churn, don't even bother applying. Their credit requirements make Chase's 5/24 look like candy.

    They look at how many new accounts you have, total available credit, etc. I got one card from them very early on and tried applying for another card later on and it was a no go.

    My wife has significantly fewer accounts/inquiries and she also got denied on her first application.

    • What written reason did they give for the denials? Did you try to get them to reconsider the application?

Leave a Comment