Best Navy Federal Credit Card Comparison Of 2025

Navigating the sea of credit card options can be daunting, but with Navy Federal Credit Union’s diverse offerings, there’s a card for every need. This comprehensive navy federal credit card comparison will help you make an informed decision, ensuring you get the most value and benefits from your chosen card. Whether you’re looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending, earn flat-rate cash back, enjoy low interest rates, manage business expenses, or enhance your travel experiences, Navy Federal has a credit card to suit your lifestyle.

Best for everyday spending: More Rewards American Express® Card

Best for everyday spending: More Rewards American Express® Card

The More Rewards American Express® Card by Navy Federal Credit Union is made for those individuals and families looking to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases. As such, this card is especially well-suited to those who have a lot of your budget spent on groceries, gas, and dining out. Its no annual fee makes it an accessible option for a lot of users. Its a top option if you are doing a navy federal credit card comparison to find the best card for your everyday purchases.

Rewards structure

• 3x points at supermarkets: Ideal for regular grocery shoppers, offering significant rewards for one of the most common expenses.
• 3x points on gas and transit: Perfect for those who commute frequently or travel by car, providing substantial savings on fuel and transit costs.
• 3x points at restaurants: Great for food enthusiasts and those who dine out regularly, making dining experiences more rewarding.
• 1x points on everything else: Ensures that all other purchases still contribute to your rewards.

Note

• Commercial code: Reward points may vary depending on the encoding used to process the transaction. For example, some restaurants located within other establishments (hotels, casinos, etc.) may only be credited with 1 point/dollar.
• Supermarkets, warehouse clubs: Not considered a filling station and are only credited with 1 point/dollar.

Benefits

• No annual fee: This is a highly lucrative card with few restrictions and essentially no downsides; it comes with no annual fee, which applies to everyone.
• Redemption options: Just like the majority of us, these points can be redeemed for from travels to gift cards and products giving cardholders options.
• Additional benefits:
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate): 14.90%-18.00% (as of February 17, 2025). The specific interest rate you can get is based on your creditworthiness and market fluctuations relative to the U.S. Prime Rate.
  • ATM Cash withdrawal fee: $0 at Navy Federal branches or ATMs. $0.50 per domestic transaction at any other ATMs. $1.00 per foreign transaction at ATMs other than ours.
  • Balance transfer offer: Balances must be transferred from a non-Navy Federal credit card within 60 days of account opening. No reward points are earned for balance transfers. Navy Federal may change or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
  • Bonus points offer: The new cardholder offer is 20,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days. Cash advance, convenience check, balance transfer, gambling, and fees will not count toward the spending requirement and will not earn bonus points.
  • Walmart+ offer: Get a one-time $98 statement credit when you spend $49 or more on an annual Walmart+ membership. Your Walmart+ membership automatically renews each year, and your card is charged.

Drawbacks

• Limited acceptance: Since it is an American Express, there might be fewer merchants that will accept it compared to Visa or MasterCard, especially in smaller establishments or markets outside of the U.S.
• Specific categories: While the rewards are generous in certain categories, those with different spending habits may find less value in this card.

Best for flat-rate cash back: cashRewards Plus

Best for flat-rate cash back: cashRewards Plus

The newly launched cashRewards Plus credit card by Navy Federal Credit Union is tailored for members who value straightforward cash back on their everyday purchases. Offering a competitive unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, it’s an ideal option for those looking for a hassle-free rewards experience. This card is perfect for those conducting a navy federal credit card comparison to find a card that provides consistent cash back without the need for category tracking.

Rewards structure

• 2% Cash back on all purchases: The cashRewards Plus pays out 2% cash back on all purchases (no rotating categories), making it easy and miser for reward seekers.
• No caps or expirations: There are no caps on how much cash back you can get and no expiration on rewards (if your account is kept open).

Benefits

• No annual fee: The cashRewards Plus card has no annual fee associated with it, which makes it an attractive option for everyday purchases.
• No balance transfer fees: Good for those who receive balances with other cards without paying any extra fees.
• No foreign transaction fees: No additional fees on transactions made outside the U.S., making this card the perfect companion for members traveling internationally.
• No cash advance fees: Unlike many other cards, cashRewards Plus does not charge fees for cash advances.
• Free credit score access: Cardholders can monitor their credit score regularly without any extra cost.
• Collision damage waiver: Coverage of rental cars. Great for travelers.
• Introductory offer:After spending $2,000 in the first 90 days your account is open, you can earn a $200 cash back bonus. Plus, cardholders will be eligible for a one-time $98 statement credit for a statement credit for an annual Walmart+ membership. This offer extends until January 1, 2025.

Additional information

Rick Conyers, assistant vice president of credit card products at Navy Federal, highlighted the value of the card: “Our members value simplicity and rich rewards on their everyday spending. cashRewards Plus delivers on these values with unlimited 2% cash back on all spending categories and a $0 annual fee.”

Drawbacks

• Membership requirement: To apply for the cashRewards Plus card, you must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union. While membership is now open to a broader range of individuals, it may still be a barrier for some.
• Credit limit for 2% cash back: The full 2% cash back rate is only available to members with a credit limit of $5,000 or more. Those with a lower credit limit will earn 1.5% cash back instead.

Best for low interest: Platinum Credit Card

Best for low interest: Platinum Credit Card

When looking at a navy federal credit card comparison, the Platinum Credit Card is a standout choice for those who want to minimize interest charges and enjoy a range of benefits without an annual fee. This card is an excellent fit for:

• Individuals who carry a balance on their credit card and want to minimize interest charges.
• Disciplined spenders who can manage their credit and avoid late payments.
• Those looking for a straightforward, no-frills credit card without complex rewards programs.
• Navy Federal Credit Union members or people who can join (usually with a military, Department of Defense or family connection).

For a navy federal credit card comparison, the Platinum Credit Card has a low APR and very cheap benefits.

Rewards structure

• Low APR: The Platinum Credit Card features a low Annual Percentage Rate (APR) with rates ranging from 10.99% to 18.00% as of February 17, 2025, based on creditworthiness and linked to the U.S. Prime Rate. That makes this card particularly advantageous to those looking for a balance transfer or to buy time if you need to carry a balance.
• No annual fee: This is one of the distinct advantages of this credit card as it comes with no annual fee.
• Balance transfer offer (limited time): Balance transfer offer available as of February 17, 2025. Balances also have to be transferred from non-Navy Federal cards within 60 days after opening an account, and applications must be completed by March 31, 2025.
• Standard credit card benefits: Traditional benefits of all Visa or Mastercard benefits including fraud protection and zero liability on fraudulent purchases.

Benefits

• Significant interest savings: The low APR is the main advantage, potentially saving cardholders a good deal in interest charges compared to cards with higher rates.
• No annual fee: This lowers the cost of having the card.
• Balance transfer opportunity (limited time): This is a helpful solution to consolidate debt and save on interest.
• Access to navy federal’s services: By joining Navy Federal Credit Union, you have access to a range of financial products and services.

Drawbacks

• Limited rewards: This is not a rewards card. But if you want cashback, points or miles, this is probably not your card. It’s meant for low interest, not rewards accrual.
• APR varies: The actual APR you receive will depend on your creditworthiness, meaning not everyone will qualify for the lowest advertised rate.
• Balance transfer restrictions: The balance transfer offer has limitations (such as time frame and eligible cards). Make sure to read the fine print to understand all conditions.
• ATM fees for cash advances: While Navy Federal ATMs are free, using other ATMs for cash advances will incur fees. This is not unique to this card but is important to be aware of.

Best for business expenses: GO BIZ® Rewards Credit Card

Best for business expenses: GO BIZ® Rewards Credit Card

The GO BIZ® Rewards Credit Card by Navy Federal Credit Union is designed for business owners who want to streamline their business expenses and earn rewards on their purchases. Ideal users include:

• Business owners who want to keep their business and personal finances separate.
• Those who need to track and manage business expenses efficiently.
• Navy Federal Credit Union business members or those eligible to become members (generally with ties to the military, Department of Defense, or their families).

When looking for the best credit cards in a navy federal credit card comparison, the GO BIZ® Rewards Credit Card stands out for its business-focused features and rewards.

Rewards structure

• 1 point/dollar spent: Get 1 point per dollar on all eligible business purchases. There is no limit to the amount of points you earn.
• Points expiry: Points expiration is 4 calendar years after the month of entry, provided you keep the account open.
• No annual fee: The card has no annual fee, which helps minimize the costs for businesses.
• No foreign transaction fees: No charge for international purchases.
• ATM cash advance fees: No charges if you do it at a Navy Federal location or ATM. If done at another machine, it costs $0.50 for domestic and $1.00 for foreign transactions.

Benefits

• Significant rewards: Points for every purchase a business makes, with no limits or restrictions.
• No annual fee: Makes the card more cost effective.
• No foreign transaction fees: Very useful for companies that deal with foreign clients.
• Multiple cardholders: Makes it easier for businesses with many employees to control expenses.
• Zero liability policy: Any risk of an unauthorized transaction is automatically assumed by the card issuer.
• Access to navy federal’s services: A Navy Federal Credit Union membership grants you access to various financial products and services.

Drawbacks 

• Membership requirement: The GO BIZ® Rewards card application can only be made by already registered users of the Navy Federal Credit Union. With other relatively simple criteria, this one might be a little harder for some people.
• Variable APR: The variable ongoing APR for business credit cards is set to increase from 17.40% to 18.00% as of February 3, 2025, subject to market changes and US Prime Rate changes.
• No interest-free financing: This card does not allow for purchases or balance transfers to be financed in any way without charging interest.
• Specific exclusions for rewards: Net purchases that are eligible for rewards include cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, gambling, finance charges, late fees, returned checks, ATM cash advances, and annual fees.

Best for travel: Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card

Best for travel: Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card

The Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card from Navy Federal Credit Union is tailored towards avid travelers who want to optimize their travel-related purchases. Suitable users are:

• Individuals who travel frequently for work or leisure.
• Those who want to earn higher rewards on travel expenses.
• Navy Federal Credit Union members or those eligible to become members (generally with ties to the military, Department of Defense, or their families).

In a navy federal credit card comparison, this card stands out due to its travel-focused benefits and rewards.

Rewards structure

• 3 Points/dollar on travel: Points can be earned on travel expenditures such as airlines, hotels, and car rentals at the rate of 3 points for every dollar spent.
• 2 Points/dollar on other purchases: Earn points at the rate of 2 for every dollar spent on miscellaneous purchases.
• Points expiry: No expiry for points in your account as long as the account is active.
• Introductory bonus offer: Earn 35,000 points after spending $3,500 in net purchases within 90 days of account opening.
• No annual fee for the first year: The card has a $49 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.
• APR: Starting February 17, 2025, the range will be from 15.49% to 18.00% APR depending on credit score, and will change along with the market corresponding to the U.S. Prime Rate.

Benefits

• No foreign transaction fees: Ideal for international travelers, as there are no additional fees for transactions made abroad.
• Global Entry/TSA Pre✓® statement credit: Receive up to $100 in statement credits for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application fees every 4 years.
• Amazon prime membership credit: Receive a statement credit for an annual Amazon Prime membership fee.
• Access to visa signature benefits: Includes travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, and more.

Drawbacks

• Annual fee: The card has a $49 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. This may be a consideration for those looking for a no-fee card.
• Membership requirement: To apply for the Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card, you must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union. While membership is open to a broader range of individuals, it may still be a barrier for some.
• Rewards exclusions: Rewards are earned on eligible net purchases, excluding cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, gambling, or fees of any kind, including finance charges, late fees, returned check fees, ATM cash advance fees, and annual fees. Cash-equivalent transactions may also not earn rewards.

How to apply for a Navy Federal credit card

Navy Federal awards credit cards in a simple and seamless manner. For assistance, follow these steps: Confirm your eligibility. Make sure you are Navy Federal eligibility before applying. Membership is available to:

Check your eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet Navy Federal’s eligibility criteria. Membership is open to:

• Currently serving, retirees, and former military members.
• Civilians working for the Department of Defense.
• Close relatives of eligible members.

You must be a member to apply for any of Navy Federal’s credit cards. If you’re not already a member, you’ll have to join the credit union. Membership is widely available to include military personnel (active duty, retired, veterans), Department of Defense civilians and direct family members of these service members. Finding out your eligibility before applying can save you time and make filling out the application easier.

Gather necessary documents

To complete your application, you’ll need the following documents:

• Social Security number
• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
• Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)

Getting your documents in place before you start the application process makes it considerably smoother. You usually need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of income. These items will help to confirm your identity and screen for financial soundness. Accurate, up-to-date information can expedite the review and approval process.

Submit your application

You can also apply for a Navy Federal credit card in person at one of the military installations, online or over the phone. After applying, you’ll usually have a decision in a couple of days. Navy Federal supports online, phone, and in-person at a branch submission of your application. You can fill out the application online, which is fast and easy. Those applications are typically processed within a few days by the credit union after submission. You will receive notification of their decision, and if approved, your new credit card will be sent to you promptly.

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