Southland News

Why debit card rewards are so rare—and how Southland is changing the game

April 1, 2025 | 4 min

When you think of rewards points, your mind probably jumps to credit cards. That’s because the vast majority of rewards programs are tied to credit card spending—not debit cards. But what if you could earn valuable rewards without the risk of high-interest debt?

That’s exactly what Southland Credit Union offers with our exclusive debit card rewards program, Enjoy! Rewards—one of the few of its kind in the industry.

The rarity of debit card rewards

Unlike credit cards, which generate revenue for banks and credit unions through interest and fees, debit cards are linked directly to your checking account. This means financial institutions have little incentive to offer rewards on debit purchases. As a result, most banks and credit unions don’t provide any debit card rewards program at all.

But at Southland, we believe our Members deserve more. That’s why we offer an industry-leading 3X points on everyday debit card purchases—with no caps on earning or redeeming points!

Even more points on groceries and utilities

Not only does Southland provide a rare debit card rewards program, but we also go above and beyond by offering triple points and letting Members choose how they earn. Enjoy Your Way lets you pick three categories for 3X points with Enjoy! Rewards Checking, so you can earn more on what matters most right now: dining out, grocery runs, streaming and bills, road trips or travel plans.

Very few financial institutions offer any rewards on debit purchases, let alone triple points on essential spending categories. That means Southland Members can maximize their rewards without increasing their spending—and without taking on credit card debt.

Credit card rewards vs. debit card rewards

While credit card rewards are widely available, they come with a catch: debt and high interest rates. If a balance isn’t paid in full each month, interest charges can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.

With Southland’s debit card rewards program, Enjoy! Rewards, you can enjoy the perks of earning points without the worry of accumulating debt. Every purchase helps you rack up points that can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, merchandise and more!

Start earning rewards today

If you’re a Southland Member, it’s easy to get started. You can convert your existing Southland checking account to Enjoy! Rewards Checking by completing this simple online form – you can continue using your debit card as usual and we’ll take care of everything for you.

If you’re a Southland Member without a checking account, you can open an Enjoy! Rewards Checking account online through your Digital Banking account, or in any Southland branch.  

Not a Member yet? Join Southland Credit Union today and start earning rewards for the spending you already do—without the risk of credit card debt.

Ready to start earning?

Learn more about Southland’s debit card rewards program.

 

Membership is subject to eligibility. All new accounts will be verified through ChexSystems and are subject to credit approval. Terms, rates, and financing are subject to credit approval. 

Enjoy! Rewards: Enjoy! Rewards Checking and/or an Enjoy! Rewards Visa® Platinum credit card is required to participate in the Enjoy! Rewards program. Program conditions and restrictions may apply. Not available on all Southland Visa cards.

Points: You’ll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with an Enjoy! Rewards debit card. Debit card purchases earn one point per every three (3) dollars of each qualifying transaction. Enjoy your way – Earn 3X Points (1 base point plus 2 bonus points) per every three (3) dollars of each qualifying transaction for the two categories you choose. These include retailer/service providers whose Visa Merchant Category Code (MCC) is classified as grocery (5300,5411 and 5499), utility (4814, 4816, 4899 and 4900), gas (5541, 5542 and 5552) restaurants (5812 and 5814), and travel (4511, 7011, 7512/3000-3308, 4722, 4111, 4121 and 4131). Additional points accumulated for other banking relationships, products and services. For complete details, refer to Enjoy! Rewards Program Terms and Conditions at SouthlandCU.org/enjoy. Offer is subject to change without notice.
 
ATM and Digital Banking: Unlimited FREE ATM Transactions at Southland Network ATMs, which includes all Southland and CO-OP® ATMs. Use of an out of network ATM will result in a $3.00 withdrawal fee, per transaction and inquiry, and possible third-party surcharges. Web/App access is needed to use Digital Banking. You may be charged access rates depending on your carrier. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges. Some restrictions may apply. Mobile Deposits are available to Members in good standing only.
 
Direct deposit: Early access depends on the timing of the submission of the deposit from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the deposit is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.