BEST OF
Best Navy Federal Credit Union Cards of January 2021
With over 8 million members, Navy Federal is the nation's largest credit union, and its mission is to provide financial products to those who have served our country. Its membership is restricted to current or former members of the military, current or former employees of the Department of Defense or DOD contractors, or immediate family members of someone who fits the criteria.
Navy Federal's roster of credit cards includes some standout features, including no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer fees and rewards that never expire. Read on to see our picks for best-in-class.
With over 8 million members, Navy Federal is the nation's largest credit union, and its mission is to provide financial products to those who have served our country. Its membership is restricted to current or former members of the military, current or former employees of the Department of Defense or DOD contractors, or immediate family members of someone who fits the criteria.
Navy Federal's roster of credit cards includes some standout features, including no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer fees and rewards that never expire. Read on to see our picks for best-in-class.
Best Navy Federal Credit Union Cards From Our Partners
Our pick for
Everyday spending
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
9.65% - 18.00% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
For an annual fee of $0, the Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card is ideal for rewards-hungry households that rack up big bills on groceries, gas, dining and transit.
For an annual fee of $0, the Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card is ideal for rewards-hungry households that rack up big bills on groceries, gas, dining and transit.
Pros
For busy households, the Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card offers triple points back on groceries, gas, dining and transit. All other purchases earn 1 point. The card also grants discounts on car rentals and at select restaurants. Terms apply.
Cons
American Express may not be as widely accepted internationally as Visa and Mastercard. If you do most of your shopping at warehouse clubs or discounters, you won't earn the elevated rewards rate.
- 3X points at supermarkets
- 3X points on gas and transit
- 3X points at restaurants and on food delivery
- 1X points on everything else
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
9.65% - 18.00%, Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months.
Recommended Credit Score
The fuss-free Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card comes with a decent rewards rate on all eligible purchases and some nice extras, too, like cell phone protection and travel protection.
The fuss-free Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card comes with a decent rewards rate on all eligible purchases and some nice extras, too, like cell phone protection and travel protection.
Pros
Earn a solid, straightforward 1.5% cash back on your purchases and redeem rewards as soon as you earn them, as a statement credit or to your Navy Federal bank account. During the application process, you can choose to have either a Visa or a Mastercard as the payment network. Each comes with perks specific to the brand.
Cons
Depending on your spending patterns, other cards may ultimately help you earn more back. If you’re seeking a 0% intro APR offer, look elsewhere.
- 1.5% cash back on purchases
- Start redeeming rewards as soon as you earn them
- No annual fees
- No balance transfer fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
Our pick for
Travel card
Annual Fee
$49
Regular APR
9.99% - 18.00%, Variable
Intro APR
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
This card allows users to rack up travel rewards quickly for a relatively low cost of ownership. It also offers some perks typically found on cards with higher annual fees.
This card allows users to rack up travel rewards quickly for a relatively low cost of ownership. It also offers some perks typically found on cards with higher annual fees.
Pros
For an annual fee of $49, you'll earn triple points on travel, but also double points on all other spending, making it a great choice for everyday spending, too. Plus get a generous sign-up bonus: None. Get a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees, up to $100 once every four years, plus other travel perks such as travel and accident insurance and auto rental coverage.
Cons
There's no premium lounge access, free-checked-bag perks or any of the high-end extras that come with pricier travel credit cards. Generally, you'll have to book your travel plans through Navy Federal's Rewards Service Center, which could be limiting.
- 3X points on travel
- 2X points on everything else
- Receive statement credit (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA Preè
Our pick for
Low interest
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
5.99% - 18.00%, Variable
Intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months
Recommended Credit Score
This card offers a trio of coveted "zeroes": a $0 annual fee, a 0% intro APR offer for balance transfers, and $0 in balance transfer fees. And if you typically carry a balance on your credit card, you also may be eligible for a low ongoing APR.
This card offers a trio of coveted "zeroes": a $0 annual fee, a 0% intro APR offer for balance transfers, and $0 in balance transfer fees. And if you typically carry a balance on your credit card, you also may be eligible for a low ongoing APR.
Pros
For those who qualify, this card offers one of the lowest ongoing APRs on the market: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 5.99% - 18.00%, Variable. Cardholders also get cell phone protection, travel and emergency assistance, extended warranty service and collision damage waiver coverage.
Cons
The Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card doesn't offer any rewards.
- Enjoy the lowest rate of Navy Federal Credit Union's credit cards
- No annual fees
- No balance transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
Our pick for
Poor credit
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.00%, Variable
Intro APR
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
Secured credit cards are for building or repairing credit, but this card offers rewards, too, along with some perks not typically found on cards in its class.
Secured credit cards are for building or repairing credit, but this card offers rewards, too, along with some perks not typically found on cards in its class.
Pros
You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent. You'll also get an automatic review of your account starting at six months to see whether you can graduate to an unsecured card. Nice extras include cell phone protection and collision damage waiver coverage.
Cons
The minimum required opening deposit is $200, which may be a barrier for some. The ongoing APR is 18.00%, Variable. If you think you'll need to carry a balance, other secured cards may offer a lower rate.
- 1X point per dollar spent
- No annual fees
- No balance transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- No cash advance fees
- Deposit at least $200 into your savings account (before submitting your application) to back your spending. Once approved, the deposit will determine your card’s credit limit and be held
Last updated on December 21, 2020
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.
