Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) was founded in 1933 and is a member-centric financial services organization dedicated to providing maximum value for more than 13 million members worldwide.
With $178 billion in assets, NFCU fosters financial health and well-being for the military, Veterans, and their families with various options, including several credit card options.
The Quick List
Here’s a quick look at the best Navy Federal credit cards for various categories based on our reviews. An in-depth analysis of each card can be found further down this page.
- Cash Back: Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards
- Restaurants: Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card
- Low Interest: Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card
- Excellent Credit: Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card
- No Annual Fee: Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards American Express® Card
- Building Credit: Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Card Benefits
NFCU credit cards offer robust features and benefits tailored to meet their members’ diverse needs. Known for their competitive rewards structures, NFCU credit cards provide excellent value through cash back, points, and travel perks designed to maximize everyday spending and enhance travel experiences.
These cards are highly regarded for their user-friendly policies, including low or no annual fees, generous credit limits, and flexible redemption options. NFCU’s commitment to exceptional customer service and support ensures a positive experience for cardholders, reinforcing the credit union’s reputation for member satisfaction.
The combination of valuable rewards, accommodating policies, and superior service makes Navy Federal Credit Union credit cards a compelling option for consumers seeking to optimize their financial activities.
Included With All Cards
- An average credit card APR that’s nearly 7% lower than the industry average
- 24/7 help from U.S.-based member service team
- Zero Liability policy for unauthorized transactions
- No balance transfer or foreign transaction fees
- Fraud notifications
- Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card
- Access to your credit score
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
Find Out if You’re Prequalified
If you’re already a member, you can find out if you prequalify for a credit card before you apply. You’ll need to answer three questions:
- Are you on active duty?
- What’s your annual income?
- What’s your monthly housing expense?
Navy Federal will pull your information and run a quick credit check without affecting your credit score. This will let you know if you’re eligible to receive a specific card before submitting your application, resulting in less of a risk of being denied.
Being prequalified doesn’t guarantee you can receive a card. If your application isn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter from Navy Federal within 30 days explaining the reason why. Also, prequalification is not the same as preapproval.
Both will determine whether you are eligible to be a cardholder, but the member generates a prequalification, while the financial institution generates a preapproval.
Interested in joining Navy Federal Credit Union? Get started here.
NFCU Credit Card Benefits, Rates and Fees
Navy Federal offers members six choices of credit cards so that you can easily tailor a card to your specific needs and spending patterns. Here’s a quick overview of each.
Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards
NFCU cashRewards Review
Summary
The NFCU cashRewards card earns up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases (enrolling and maintaining direct deposit is required; 1.5% cash back is earned otherwise) and has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No balance transfer fees
- Low regular APR on purchases
Cons
- Average cash-back rewards
- Direct deposit with Navy Federal is required to receive the full 1.75% cash back
- Requires good/excellent credit
Current Card Offer and Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn $300 cash back after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Also, earn a one-time $98 statement credit when paying $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership. Offer available from 7/1/2024 – 10/9/2024.
- Rewards Rate: Earn up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases to members with direct deposit at Navy Federal
- Annual Fee: No annual fee
- APR: 15.90 – 18.00%
- No balance transfer fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
- No rewards limit
- No rewards expiration while account is open
- Collision Damage Waiver
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card
GO REWARDS® Review
Summary
If you don’t quite qualify for a top-tier rewards card, the Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card is a solid alternative worth considering. It’s geared towards those with average or better credit, has no annual fees, and lets you earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, 2 points per dollar on gas, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Plus, if you usually carry a balance, you’ll appreciate the card’s relatively low APR range. Just remember: to apply for this card, you’ll need to be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union, which is open to military members, Department of Defense employees, and their families.
Pros
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Those with average credit may qualify
- Low intro APR on purchases for the first six months
Cons
- Credit union membership required
- Limited extra benefits
Current Card Offer and Features
Rates & Fees:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $0
- Cash Advance Fee: $0.50 per domestic transaction (no fee if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 0.99% intro APR for six months, 15.24% – 18% (V) APR after that
- Balance Transfer APR: 15.24% – 18% (V) APR
Rewards:
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants
- Earn 2 points per $1 on gas
- Earn 1 point per $1 on everything else
- No limit on the total number of points you can earn
- Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, and merchandise
- No rewards expiration while the account is open
- Earn more rewards by shopping with your Navy Federal credit card at Member Deals
Additional Info:
- No Cash Advance Fee if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM; otherwise, $0.50 per domestic transaction
- Zero Liability policy for unauthorized purchases and fraud notifications
- Ability to freeze and unfreeze your cards
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card
Platinum Credit Card Review
Summary
The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card might be a great option for those who want to tackle high-interest credit card debt. This card, available on both the Visa and Mastercard networks, has no annual or balance transfer fees.
It offers a 0.99% APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months, then an 11.99%-18.00% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. This offer is valid from July 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025, for new card members who sign up within 60 days to transfer their balance.
Pros
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Low interest rates
Cons
- There is no promotional interest rate on purchases
- No rewards program
- There are longer promotional APR periods available
Current Card Offer and Features
- Regular APR: 11.99%-18.00% variable
- Purchase intro APR: N/A
- Balance transfer intro APR: 0.99% on balance transfers for 12 months followed by an 11.99%-18.00% variable APR, offer valid from 7/1/2024 through 1/1/2025 for new cardmembers who sign up within 60 days to transfer their balance.
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: None
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: None
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card
Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card Review
Summary
If you’re open to credit cards with annual fees, the Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card is absolutely worth considering. It offers 3 points per dollar on travel and 2 points on everything else, making it superior to a 2% cash-back card for frequent travelers.
The card includes perks like travel accident insurance, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee waivers, and no foreign transaction fees, adding convenience and flexibility. However, some may find the benefits limited for a card with an annual fee. The APR ranges from 16.49% to 18.00%, but it is advisable to avoid carrying a balance to prevent interest charges.
Pros
- 3 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
- Relatively low APR
- No cash advance fees
- A free year of Amazon Prime®
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
- For a card with an annual fee, it seems a little light on benefits
Current Card Offer and Features
- Welcome Offer: 40,000 bonus points (a $400 value) after spending $3,500 within 90 days of opening your account, plus a free year of Amazon Prime (a $139 value). Offer available from 7/1/2024 – 1/1/2025
- Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on everything else
- Receive Statement Credits (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®
- Regular APR: 16.49%-18.00% variable
- Purchase intro APR: N/A
- Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
- Annual fee: $49
- Balance transfer fee: N/A
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: None
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards American Express® Card
More Rewards American Express Card Review
Summary
The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card is an excellent choice for everyday use, earning 3 points per dollar on restaurants, food delivery, supermarkets, gas, and transit, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. It’s a great fit for most people willing to join the credit union.
Alongside its strong rewards program, the card offers premium retail benefits like purchase damage and theft protection, price protection, and extended warranty, making it a versatile and valuable option for everyday spending.
Pros
- Generous rewards on common spending categories
- Benefits such as price protection and extended warranty
- There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee
- Strong new cardholder bonus offer
Cons
- No 0% intro APR
- Minimum redemption for cash back is $50
Current Card Offer and Features
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a one-time $98 statement credit when you pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership using your More Rewards credit card. (Offer available from 7/1/2024 – 1/1/2025.)
- No annual fee
- 3X points per dollar spent at restaurants and on food delivery, at supermarkets, on gas and transit, and 1X point per dollar on everything else
- Points redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, and merchandise
- Earn up to 25% off car rental, plus car rental loss & damage insurance
- Entertainment Access: Get early access to purchase tickets for shows, sports, and concerts nationwide, all year round
- Roadside Assistance: Get access to pay-per-use roadside assistance.
- North America car rental loss and damage insurance. Provides coverage in excess of other insurance against damage or loss when your rental car is charged to the card.
- Retail Protection: Provides coverage for lost, stolen and damaged retail goods within 90 days of purchase.
- Extended Warranty: Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty, on warranties of 12 months or less, for eligible items you purchase with the card.
- Return Protection: If you try to return an item and the merchant won’t accept it, this benefit may refund you. Provides coverage for up to 90 days from date of purchase.
- Best Value Guarantee (Price Protection): If you find a better advertised price for an eligible item you purchased within 30 days, you can request a refund of the difference in price.
- Travel and Car Rental Discounts: Get up to 30% discount on select hotels when you book through Booking.com on the American Express® travel site and up to 25% off with major car rental companies worldwide.
- Regular APR: 15.90%-18.00% variable APR
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card
nRewards Secured Credit Card Review
Summary
The Navy FCU nRewards® Secured Credit Card is perfect for those building or rebuilding credit. It has no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees at Navy Federal branches or ATMs, making it cost-effective compared to other secured cards.
This card earns an unlimited 1 point per dollar on eligible purchases, which is rare for secured cards. What sets it apart is the quick upgrade path to partially unsecured and then wholly unsecured accounts, making it a standout option for improving your credit.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earns rewards points, which is rare on a secured card
- Qualify with bad credit
Cons
- As a secured card, the account requires a deposit
- There is no sign-up bonus or introductory APR period for new cardholders
Current Card Offer and Features
- 1X point per dollar spent
- No annual fees
- No balance transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
- No rewards limit
- Points redeemed for cash, statement credit, gift cards, and merchandise
- Secured card with deposit required
See our complete review of Navy Federal nRewards card here.
On Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website.
Earning Retailer Rewards through Navy Federal Member Deals
To access Member Deals, all you need is a Navy Federal Credit Card. Rewards earned from shopping with participating merchants in Member Deals will be credited to your Navy Federal Credit Card account.
To access member Deals, simply sign in to your online account and select the credit card you’d like to use from your “Account Summary.” Click “Member Deals” under “Rewards Points,” select a merchant and start shopping.
Cookies must be enabled in your web browser to receive credit while shopping at many of NFCU’s online retailers. This enables NFCU to track purchases to successfully give rewards for shopping at Member Deals.
You cannot go shopping and give your rewards to someone else. They are non-transferable.
After you make a purchase, the retailer will report the information needed to post your rewards back to Member Deals. Member Deals will use this information to post rewards to your account.
Rewards are calculated based on the net amount of eligible purchases. Taxes, special handling charges, returns, freight or shipping costs, and any unshipped products aren’t included in the calculation.
The rewards typically post to your account within 8 weeks of the purchase date.
Also, there is no limit to the number of rewards you can earn through Member Deals.
The more you shop, the more you earn. Be aware that the available retailers may change occasionally.
Depending on the merchant, specific products, types of purchases, shipment destinations, third-party services, etc. may not be eligible for bonus rewards and merchants may exclude bonus point offers on purchases shipped outside the continental United States.
NFCU Credit Card FAQs
Will I be charged any additional fees for using my credit card overseas?
No. Navy Federal does not charge foreign transaction fees on credit cards. However, NFCU does charge $0.50 for obtaining cash advances using non-Navy Federal ATMs in the U.S. and $1.00 in foreign locations.
You can safeguard your credit card account by setting up a Travel Plan through NFCU’s mobile app or sending a secure message through online banking. You’ll need to let Navy Federal know the dates you’re traveling and where you’re going.
How does Navy Federal use the information it gathers?
They use your information to run a soft credit pull with the credit bureaus and confirm your identity.
Can I add an authorized user to my account?
Yes, you can add up to 4 authorized users. An authorized user can make purchases on your credit card account but isn’t an account owner. They aren’t financially responsible for the account, but NFCU will notify the credit bureaus that they’re authorized to use your account.
To add an authorized user, you must provide the authorized user’s Social Security Number, date of birth, address and name to be printed on their card. To get started, sign in to the mobile app, call 1-888-842-6328, or visit a branch.
How do I request a credit limit increase?
Sign in to online banking to submit your credit limit increase request. If you prefer, send a secure message through online banking or 1-888-842-6328.
You’ll need to provide updated employment information, income details, and housing expenses
To see if you qualify, Navy Federeal will pull a current credit report.
What happens if my card is missing?
If you temporarily misplace your Navy Federal credit or debit card, you can freeze it while you locate your card. Once found, you can unfreeze it in seconds on the mobile app and continue using it as you did before.
If your card is lost or stolen, or if you suspect you’re a victim of fraud or identity theft, call 1-888-842-6328 or send a secure message through online banking. NFCU will put an immediate hold on your account, and you’ll receive a new card in the mail within 7-14 business days.
NFCU’s Zero Liability policy ensures that you won’t be responsible for reported, unauthorized transactions on your account.
What kind of reviews do members give NFCU?
Based on more than 30,000 TrustPilot reviews, members give Navy Federal 4.5 out of 5 stars, including 83% of members who rate NFCU 5 out of 5 stars. Even more impressive, Navy Federal activity monitors TrustPilot and works to resolve problematic reviews, demonstrating its stated commitment to outstanding customer service.
How do I contact Navy Federal Credit Union for more information?
Phone Support
Talk to a live person anytime. Stateside member reps are available 24/7 by calling 1-888-842-6328.
Other important and international phone numbers
Business Solutions
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm ET at 1-877-418-1462.
Secure Message
If you want to discuss your account, you can sign in to online banking, choose “Messages,” and then “Send us a message.”
In Person
Team members at any branch can help. Before you go, you can book an appointment online to make your trip easier and faster.
Chat
Get your questions answered in real time. Look for the chat icon to appear on certain pages to start chatting. Stateside member reps are available Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm ET.
Social Media
Connect with Navy Federal on Facebook and Twitter.
General Mailing Address
Navy Federal
P.O. Box 3000
Merrifield, VA 22119-3000
Additional mailing addresses
Note: All rates, fees, and benefits are accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change in the future. It’s best to double-check this important information before you apply for a Navy Federal credit card.
Disclosure:
Navy Federal Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender. The products and services offered by Navy Federal are available to military servicemembers, veterans, and their families, but the credit union is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs or any other government agency. For more details about Navy Federal’s offerings and to ensure you are getting the most accurate and updated information, please visit Navy Federal’s official website.
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