The National Consumer Law Center, a longtime opponent of some credit union payday loan alternative programs, has recommended qualities that a credit card that is "safe" for consumers would have. The eleven qualities are those which many credit union issued cards have already.

Among the qualities listed in the Beyond the Credit CARD Act: Features of a Safer Credit Card include things like a "single, reasonable interest rate" and "few and modest fees that cover relevant costs but are not hidden profit centers."

"These goals, described in detail below, build upon the protections that the Credit CARD Act has achieved and address the improvements that remain," the organization wrote. "Some of these recommendations are appropriate for every card. Some could be features of a safer card for more vulnerable consumers."