What types of merchants are included in the “travel” rewards category?

The travel category includes select merchants in airlines , transportation , and lodging . These purchases may qualify for travel rewards when made directly with eligible merchants. Airlines Qualifying purchases typically include: Airline tickets purchased directly from the airline May not qualify: In-flight purchases, airline miles, or non-ticket items Tickets purchased through travel agencies , discount travel sites , vacation clubs , or tour operators unless the merchant is classified under the airline category Transportation Qualifying purchases typically include: Car rentals booked directly with the rental agency Local transit and commuting services such as buses, taxis, limousines, cruises, and tour operators May not qualify: Rentals booked through third-party platforms or bundled packages Services like freight railroads, ambulance transport, moving companies, boat rentals, tolls, parking garages, and RV/truck rentals unless classified under transportation Lodging Qualifying purchases typically include: Hotel stays booked directly with the hotel Motels, inns, and bed & breakfasts May not qualify: Hotel bookings made through travel agencies, discount sites, or bundled packages On-site purchases (e.g., restaurant or entertainment) unless coded as lodging Hotel points, short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb), timeshares, campgrounds, and trailer parks unless classified under lodging Note: Merchant categories are determined by the merchant’s payment processor , not by First Tech. We group similar merchant codes to help you earn rewards, but we don’t control how businesses are classified.

First Tech Odyssey Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®

Premium travel rewards without the premium price

Enjoy 3x points on travel and hotels, plus World Elite Mastercard® benefits—all with a $0 intro annual fee.

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Odyssey Rewards Apply Now

New cardmember offer

30,000 bonus points

That’s $300 in value

Earn 30,000 bonus rewards points when you spend $3,000 in your first 90 days.To qualify for the 30,000 Rewards Points bonus, purchases totaling $3,000 must post to account within 90 days of account opening. Rewards Points will be awarded on the second statement following qualification for the bonus. Points have no cash value until redeemed. Points can be redeemed for travel or cash back in the form of a statement credit or a transfer to a First Tech Rewards Checking® account. The value of points may be lower depending on redemption method chosen. Credit card account must be in good standing (i.e., not in default, closed, inactive, or otherwise not in good standing) for points redemption.

Apply online in minutes with a simple, secure application and fast decision. Then start using your card right away with instant digital access upon approval.

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Travel smarter with premium benefits

Enjoy premium travel perks and rewards without the high annual fees that often come with them.

3x points on travel and hotels, 2x on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 1x on all other purchases.First Tech does not have the ability to control how a retailer chooses to classify their business and reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify for Rewards points. Rewards points are not accrued for returned purchases, balance transfers, finance charges, fees, cash advances, purchases of cash or cash equivalents (prepaid debit cards or other stored value/reloadable cards), interest charges, gambling chips, lottery tickets, travelers’ checks, or insurance. Points have no cash value until redeemed.
Unlimited points that never expire, so your rewards are ready to go when you are.To qualify for the 30,000 Rewards Points bonus, purchases totaling $3,000 must post to account within 90 days of account opening. Rewards Points will be awarded on the second statement following qualification for the bonus. Points have no cash value until redeemed. Points can be redeemed for travel or cash back in the form of a statement credit or a transfer to a First Tech Rewards Checking® account. The value of points may be lower depending on redemption method chosen. Credit card account must be in good standing (i.e., not in default, closed, inactive, or otherwise not in good standing) for points redemption.
Airport lounge access: Priority Pass membership includes access to 1,800+ airport lounges worldwide.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
24/7 concierge service: Get help with travel planning, dining reservations, and more—whenever you need it.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.

Premium benefits. Lower annual fee.

Start with no annual fee your first year, then just $75 annually.No application fees, No Balance Transfer fees, No Cash Advance fees, No Foreign Transaction fees, No Minimum Interest Charge. Balance Transfer APR will be the same as your Purchase APR. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Balance Transfer APR will vary with the Prime Rate. Cash Advance APR is 18.00%. The interest rate is based on credit worthiness and credit history. All loans are subject to approval according to the First Tech lending policies. Credit Union membership is required and subject to approval. Rates, terms and conditions subject to change and some restrictions may apply. $0 Annual Fee for the first year, $75 thereafter.
That’s less than many travel cards, so you can enjoy more perks without the higher cost.

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P.S. If you’re not yet a First Tech member, there are many ways for you to qualify.

Rewards and benefits

Earn more on travel and enjoy premium perks along the way.

Travel rewards: 3x points on travel and hotels, 2x on dining (including takeout and delivery), and 1x on all other purchases.First Tech does not have the ability to control how a retailer chooses to classify their business and reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify for Rewards points. Rewards points are not accrued for returned purchases, balance transfers, finance charges, fees, cash advances, purchases of cash or cash equivalents (prepaid debit cards or other stored value/reloadable cards), interest charges, gambling chips, lottery tickets, travelers’ checks, or insurance. Points have no cash value until redeemed.
Low annual fee: $0 intro annual fee, then $75 after your first year—lower than many travel cards.No application fees, No Balance Transfer fees, No Cash Advance fees, No Foreign Transaction fees, No Minimum Interest Charge. Balance Transfer APR will be the same as your Purchase APR. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Balance Transfer APR will vary with the Prime Rate. Cash Advance APR is 18.00%. The interest rate is based on credit worthiness and credit history. All loans are subject to approval according to the First Tech lending policies. Credit Union membership is required and subject to approval. Rates, terms and conditions subject to change and some restrictions may apply. $0 Annual Fee for the first year, $75 thereafter.
Unlimited points that never expire, so your rewards are ready to go when you are. To qualify for the 30,000 Rewards Points bonus, purchases totaling $3,000 must post to account within 90 days of account opening. Rewards Points will be awarded on the second statement following qualification for the bonus. Points have no cash value until redeemed. Points can be redeemed for travel or cash back in the form of a statement credit or a transfer to a First Tech Rewards Checking® account. The value of points may be lower depending on redemption method chosen. Credit card account must be in good standing (i.e., not in default, closed, inactive, or otherwise not in good standing) for points redemption.
Airport lounge access: Entry to Priority Pass™ airport lounges worldwide.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits. Enrollment is required. Complimentary membership (a $99 annual value) is included for Odyssey cardholders. Lounge visits may be subject to a per-visit fee and provide access to a more comfortable airport experience, with complimentary food, drinks and amenities.
Hotel and travel perks: Room upgrades (when available) and exclusive travel and lifestyle offers.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
Dining and experiences: Restaurant reservations, sports and entertainment events and curated experiences.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
Concierge service: 24/7 help with travel planning, dining reservations, and more.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
Member offersCertain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
o Lyft: $5 credit after three rides/month + 10% off airport rides
o Peacock: $3 off monthly subscription
o Instacart: $10 off your second order + 3 free months of Instacart+

Redeem points for travel, cash back, and more—so you can choose what works best for you.

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Premium travel service.

Travel with added peace of mind—before, during, and after your trip.Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.

24/7 concierge services
Travel medical emergency service and travel medical protection
24/7 roadside assistance
Car rental coverage, including coverage for loss of use
Trip cancellation and trip interruption
Worldwide automatic travel accident and baggage delay coverage

Learn even more about travel services available to Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard cardholders.

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Digital banking

First Tech Federal Credit Union Managed Cards App Screenshot

Tools that help you manage your card anytime, anywhere

Use your card right away with instant digital access at approval and add it to your digital wallet—no need to wait for your physical card.
Lock or unlock your card instantly for added security and peace of mind.
Stay on top of your account with the First Tech mobile app—check activity and manage your card in one place.
Track your rewards easily and view your balance on the go.
Pay your way with Apple Pay®, Google Pay®, Samsung Pay®, and more.

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Security

Feel protected with built-in safeguards and security benefits.

Mastercard ID Theft Protection™: Monitoring and support to help minimize the impact of identity theft and assist with restoration. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
Mastercard Zero Liability Protection: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made in-store, online, by phone, or via mobile device and ATM transactions. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.
Mastercard Global Assist: Worldwide assistance for lost and stolen cards and emergency cash advance access. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Benefits are subject to change without notice. Mastercard benefits are subject to the terms and conditions in the guide to benefits. Call the Mastercard Assistance Center at ‌1.‌800.‌MASTERCARD (‌1.‌800.‌627.‌8372) for more information or for assistance with these benefits.

Learn more about the security benefits available to Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard cardholders.

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Maximize your value even further

Earn bonus cash when you pair your First Tech Odyssey card with First Tech Rewards Checking® and Savings. Get an extra 1.00% cash back, up to $30, on your monthly credit card spending and 0.50% cash back on loan payments.Rebates: All loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), credit cards, and First Tech Rewards Savings accounts must have the same primary account owner as the qualifying First Tech Rewards Checking. Only the first qualifying FTRC can receive cash back if more than one FTRC has the same primary account owner. 0.50% cash back on minimum scheduled payment amount made from a First Tech account to First Tech consumer loans, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit up to $15 per month. 1.00% cash back on all posted First Tech credit card purchases, up to $30 per month. Reimbursement of any out-of-network U.S. ATM fees, up to $10 per month for each FTRC owned by the primary account owner. Rebates will be received when qualifications are met and posted within three (3) business days after the end of the calendar month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Redeeming your First Tech credit card reward points is simple and rewarding—just like it should be.

Personal Credit Cards

You can access and redeem your rewards in just a few steps:

Log in to Online Banking or the First Tech Mobile App.
In the menu, select the Manage Cards widget.
Click on your card image to view details.
Select the Rewards tab at the top.
Follow the on-screen instructions to redeem your points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.

Note for iOS users: Due to Apple’s security settings, please use Online Banking on a desktop to access the rewards site.

Helpful Resources

Digital Banking Login

The travel category includes select merchants in airlines, transportation, and lodging. These purchases may qualify for travel rewards when made directly with eligible merchants.

Airlines

Qualifying purchases typically include:

Airline tickets purchased directly from the airline

May not qualify:

In-flight purchases, airline miles, or non-ticket items
Tickets purchased through travel agencies, discount travel sites, vacation clubs, or tour operators unless the merchant is classified under the airline category

Transportation

Qualifying purchases typically include:

Car rentals booked directly with the rental agency
Local transit and commuting services such as buses, taxis, limousines, cruises, and tour operators

May not qualify:

Rentals booked through third-party platforms or bundled packages
Services like freight railroads, ambulance transport, moving companies, boat rentals, tolls, parking garages, and RV/truck rentals unless classified under transportation

Lodging

Qualifying purchases typically include:

Hotel stays booked directly with the hotel
Motels, inns, and bed & breakfasts

May not qualify:

Hotel bookings made through travel agencies, discount sites, or bundled packages
On-site purchases (e.g., restaurant or entertainment) unless coded as lodging
Hotel points, short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb), timeshares, campgrounds, and trailer parks unless classified under lodging

Note: Merchant categories are determined by the merchant’s payment processor, not by First Tech. We group similar merchant codes to help you earn rewards, but we don’t control how businesses are classified.

Great question! When you use your First Tech credit card, the rewards you earn depend on how the merchant is classified.

Here’s how it works:

Merchant Codes:
Every business that accepts Visa® or Mastercard® is assigned a merchant category code (MCC). This code is set by the merchant or their payment processor based on the primary type of goods or services they offer.
Rewards Categories:
First Tech groups similar MCCs into broader rewards categories—like dining, travel, or groceries—to make earning rewards simple and meaningful.

Note:
Even if a merchant seems to fit a rewards category (like a bookstore selling coffee), their MCC might not match that category. That’s why some purchases may not earn the expected rewards.

We do our best to include all relevant merchant codes in each category, but final classification depends on how the merchant is coded by their processor.

Important Note on Rewards Categories

While we group similar merchant types to offer rewards, First Tech does not control how a retailer classifies their business. Rewards points are based on the merchant’s category code, which is set by their payment processor—not by First Tech.

Points begin accumulating once the transaction posts to your account.
We reserve the right to determine which purchases qualify for rewards.

Helpful Resources