Collabria is the issuer for 98% of credit union credit cards in Canada. It's owned by Desjardins but partners with credit unions across the country to develop unique, co-branded cards that meet each institution's distinct needs.
Specifically, Collabria issues personal, business, and commercial cards in the Visa and Mastercard networks. This variety means it's easy for credit unions to customize the cards they offer their members.
This article explains more about Collabria cards, reviews its rewards program, and discusses a few of its top card products.
Key Takeaways
- Collabria is an institution that provides and powers credit cards for credit unions in Canada.
- Collabria issues many types of personal and business credit cards, including cash back, travel, and balance transfer cards.
- Both Visa and Mastercards are available through Collabria.
- Credit unions work with Collabria to determine what card types and features they want to offer their members.
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What are Collabria credit cards?
Essentially, Collabria Financial Services Inc. is a behind-the-scenes provider that powers credit cards for credit unions and other financial institutions. Its credit cards are designed by its partners, featuring each institution's logo, colours, and artwork, while Collabria's name only appears on the back of the card in small black-and-white text.
Launched in 2015, Collabria now issues 98% of all credit union credit cards in Canada.
Although Desjardins doesn't technically issue Collabria credit cards, Collabria is owned by Desjardins. You won't see Collabria-branded credit cards, but it issues these types of credit union credit cards:
- No-Fee Cash Back
- No-Fee Classic
- Centra Gold
- Travel Rewards Gold
- Visa Infinite
- World Mastercard
- Cash Back Visa Infinite
- Cash Back World Elite Mastercard
- US Dollar
Flex Rewards program
Collabria's rewards credit cards participate in their Flex Rewards program, which lets cardholders choose from a variety of redemption options. Points never expire, and member support is available 24/7.
Here are a few of the redemption choices that can come with rewards credit cards:
- Cash rewards: Members may choose cash back as a statement credit or a deposit with the credit union that issued the card.
- Merchandise: Cardholders can redeem points for items from the Flex Rewards catalogue, including Best Buy merchandise.
- Gift cards: Users can select gift cards from popular merchants and retailers across Canada.
- Travel and entertainment: Members can book flights with over 100 airlines or choose hotel stays at over 8,000 participating hotels. Exclusive experiences and travel packages are also options.
- Charitable donations: Collabria works with Canada Helps to allow cardholders to donate their points.
Pros and cons of Collabria credit cards
One of the biggest pros of Collabria credit cards is the range of card types it offers. On the other hand, Collabria cards typically have rather high fees and interest rates.
Here's a look at the main benefits and drawbacks of these credit cards:
Pros:
- Collabria issues all kinds of cards. Whether your credit union wants to offer a cash back, rewards, travel, US Dollar card, or anything else, Collabria can work with you.
- You can get business cards, too. Collabria doesn't just issue consumer credit cards; you can also work with them to provide business and commercial credit cards.
- Collabria supports local businesses. The issuer specifically works with credit unions to provide branded credit cards with features that are important to their members.
Cons:
- Collabria doesn't issue American Express. Credit unions can only offer Visa and Mastercard through Collabria.
- The cards typically have high interest rates and fees. There are exceptions, but for the most part, Collabria credit cards charge fees and interest rates similar to cards from big banks.
- Collabria struggles with poor customer service. The issuer has poor TrustPilot and BBB ratings, with users reporting long wait times, payment processing delays, and charging errors.
Best Collabria credit cards
As Collabria issues such a wide variety of card types for a long list of Canadian credit unions, it's difficult to narrow titles down to just a top few. That said, these Collabria credit cards issued by Steinbach Credit Union stand out.
| Card name | Card type | Earn rate | Annual fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCU Cash Back World Elite Mastercard | Flexible rewards | 1.75% | $120 | Learn more |
| SCU Centra Visa Gold Card | Flexible rewards | 1.75% | $50 | Learn more |
| SCU World Mastercard | Flexible rewards | 1.75% | $120 | Learn more |
SCU Cash Back World Elite Mastercard
The SCU Cash Back World Elite Mastercard is a great example of a premium rewards credit card from Collabria. The card gives members the chance to earn increased reward points on everyday spending and a huge list of insurance coverage.
Cardholders can redeem points for statement credits, travel, donations, and merchandise through the Flex Rewards program.
SCU Centra Visa Gold Card
The SCU Centra Visa Gold Card is a solid entry-level credit card from Collabria. Again, Steinbach Credit Union offers this low-fee credit card, and with no income requirements, it's fairly easy to qualify for.
Cardholders won't get the great rewards rate of a premium card, but the tradeoff is that you'll get lower interest rates across the board – perfect for people with existing debt or looking to build credit.
SCU World Mastercard
Steinbach also offers the SCU World Mastercard, which is a middle-of-the-road rewards card. The income requirements aren't as steep, so more credit union members could qualify for it, while still earning Flex Rewards points.
The card also offer surprisingly comprehensive insurance coverage, with 9 types of insurance. This includes mobile device coverage, which is quite rare and very convenient.
FAQ
What types of Collabria credit cards are there?
Collabria only offers Visa and Mastercards, but works with a long list of credit unions to issue rewards cards, travel cards, cash back cards, US Dollar credit cards, and balance transfer credit cards. Collabria also issues business and commercial credit cards.
Are there any Collabria Mastercards?
Yes, Collabria and some partnering credit unions issue Mastercard credit cards, while also issuing Visas with other credit unions. Unfortunately, Collabria is unable to issue American Express credit cards, as these are only issued directly by the card network itself.
How do I contact Collabria credit card?
You can contact Collabria cardholder support by calling 1-855-341-4643. If you're outside of Canada or the U.S., you can call collect at 1-647-252-9564. Cardholders can also email [email protected] with inquiries. Collabria's support center is available 24/7.
Is Collabria owned by Desjardins?
Yes, Collabria is a credit card issuer owned by the Desjardins credit union group, which provides credit card options to 98% of credit unions in Canada. That said, cards issued by Collabria are branded by the credit union offering them, not Desjardins.
How do I make a Collabria credit card payment?
If you hold a Collabria credit card, you can pay through your CardWise or MyCardInfo account. You should also be able to pay via online banking (on a desktop or in the mobile app), in person at your local branch, or by mailing a cheque.
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