HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association has released a statement marketing credit union-issued credit cards as beneficial. Credit unions have sometimes been slow to market their credit cards on the basis of their lower fees and more consumer friendly card management practices.

In its announcement, the PCUA pointed out that credit union cards in the state carried an average annual percentage rate of 11.03%. The national average, the PCUA reported, is 14.39%.

The difference was even more striking when it came to fees. The association reported that the average late fee for credit union cards in the state was $15.50 and the over limit fee average was $16.82. By comparison, nationwide late fees averaged $34.09 and over limit fees $36.53. Further, 96% of credit unions did not charge an annual fee and 92% did not charge a fee on inactive accounts.

"Our research validates what we have been saying, that consumers save money by using credit unions-which is very important during our rough economic times," said PCUA CEO Jim McCormack. "Further, other studies have consistently shown credit unions provide better customer service as well."