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Finding a rewards credit card that’s light on fees can be a challenge. The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card is as close as it gets — and you’ll even earn up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases. However, to qualify, you’ll need to have ties to the military and join the credit union.
Review: Is the Navy Federal Cash Rewards the best credit card for you?
The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card is ideal for credit union members looking for a simple yet reliable card. It comes with a welcome bonus offer of Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card, and if you’ve got a direct deposit set up with Navy Federal, you can earn 1.75% cash back on all your eligible purchases (otherwise, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back).
To be eligible for the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card (or any card from Navy Federal), you’ll need to be a member of the credit union. Active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Department of Defense (DOD) officers or reservists, retirees, veterans, and their family members are all welcome to join.
Navy Federal allows its cardholders to redeem their rewards, with no minimum attached. The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card is a cost-effective choice: There’s no annual fee to worry about, and all foreign transaction fees are waived.
Not only that, but the ongoing interest rates on the card are lower than the industry standards. The purchase and balance transfer APR will fall between Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card, depending on your creditworthiness. New cardholders also receive a Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card (followed by a Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card APR).
When applying, you can choose between a Visa Signature or a World Mastercard, where you’ll enjoy additional perks on top of what’s offered by Navy Federal. Both networks are accepted by millions of retailers around the world, so you can’t go wrong with either network.
However, the World Mastercard may be the better option as cardholders enjoy unique benefits like a free ShopRunner membership for complimentary two-day shipping at various stores, price protection, and more.
If you don’t qualify for the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card, there are other similar cash-back cards that don’t require membership. You may want to consider the Citi® Double Cash Card for 2x points (2% cash back) on all purchases (1 point when you buy, and 1 point when you pay), or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® for bonus categories and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases – more on this below.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn rewards with the Navy Federal Cash Rewards credit card
The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card earns 1.75% cash back on eligible purchases for cardholders with direct deposit with the credit union. If you aren’t enrolled in direct deposit, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on purchases instead.
This additional 0.25% in earnings can add up over time, and the more you spend, the more cash back you’ll earn. For instance, if you spent $30,000 on the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card in a year, you’d earn an additional $75 in rewards from the difference alone.
You’ll qualify for the higher 1.75% earning rate once you set up direct deposit or an ACH transfer from your employer, military pay, or certain government agency pay or benefits deposited into your Navy Federal account. Note that if you want to keep getting 1.75% cash back from Navy Federal, you’ll need to keep up your direct deposit.
How to use rewards from the Navy Federal Cash Rewards card
Redeeming your cash-back rewards is easy with the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card. When you log into your account online or through the Navy Federal app, you’ll see your rewards balance by selecting your card.
Then, you can redeem your cash-back rewards for any amount, whether you’ve accrued $5 or $500. You’ll choose between redeeming your cash back directly into your Navy Federal bank account or for a statement credit on your card balance. Your rewards will only expire if you ever decide to close your account.
Navy Federal Cash Rewards card benefits and features
For a no-annual-fee cash-back card, the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card comes with a decent selection of lifestyle and travel benefits. Many of the card’s perks will also depend on whether you choose between a Mastercard and Visa, so it’s worth skimming through the World Mastercard benefits guide here, and the Visa Signature guide here.
Complimentary car rental insurance
You’ll receive complimentary car rental coverage when you use your Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card to pay for your eligible vehicle and decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver. This is secondary to your personal insurance and will cover the remainder of the charges for physical damage and theft, reasonable towing charges, and more.
Purchase protection
The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card offers purchase protection. When paying for an eligible new purchase with your Navy Federal card, you can be reimbursed for damage or theft within the first 90 days of purchase. The coverage maximum will depend on your card network, whether you choose Mastercard or Visa.
Travel assistance services
If you run into any snafus on your trip, you can get access to travel assistance services for legal, medical, or other referrals. While it’s free to contact this hotline, you’re on the hook for any third-party costs they arrange for you.
Fees and costs
The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card offers cash-back rewards at a lower-than-average cost. Cardholders enjoy:
No annual feeNo foreign transaction feesNo balance transfer feesNo cash advance fees
In addition, there’s a Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card (then a Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card APR).
Comparison: Navy Federal Cash Rewards vs other Navy Federal Credit Union cards
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
Annual fee
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate
1.75% cash back on all purchases (if you have direct deposit at Navy Federal Credit Union)
1.5% cash back on all purchases (without direct deposit)
3x points at restaurants and on food delivery
3x points at supermarkets
3x points on gas and transit
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
3x points on travel
2 points per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus offer
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
Card benefits
Car rental insurance
Purchase protection
Travel and emergency assistance services
Visa Signature or World Mastercard benefits (depending on the version you choose)
No foreign transaction fees
Car rental insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Purchase protection
Extended warranty
No foreign transaction fees
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Car rental insurance
Travel accident insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Lost luggage reimbursement
Purchase protection
No foreign transaction fees
Navy Federal Cash Rewards vs other cash-back credit cards
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual fee
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards rate
1.75% cash back on all purchases (if you have direct deposit at Navy Federal Credit Union)
1.5% cash back on all purchases (without direct deposit)
1 point (1% back) per dollar when you buy, plus 1 point per dollar (1% back) when you pay your bill
5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% cash back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% cash back (1.5x points) on everything else
Welcome bonus offer
Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Card benefits
Car rental insurance
Purchase protection
Travel and emergency assistance services
Visa Signature or World Mastercard benefits (depending on the version you choose)
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Citi Entertainment
Citi® Double Cash Card, then a Citi® Double Cash Card APR
Extended warranty
Car rental insurance (secondary in the US, primary otherwise)
Trip interruption/cancellation insurance
Travel and emergency assistance services
Chase Freedom Unlimited®, then a 14.99%–23.74% variable APR
Review
Chase Freedom Unlimited card review
Navy Federal Cash Rewards card frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards card?
To be considered for the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card, you’ll first need to be a member of the Navy Federal Union. Current and retired servicemembers from all branches of the armed forces are eligible for membership. Immediate family members and household members can also qualify, as well as Department of Defense Civilians. You can find the full list of eligibility requirements here. Note that a $5 minimum balance for your Navy Federal savings account is required to keep your credit union membership.
It takes about 10 minutes to apply for a membership, and you can do it entirely online, by calling 888-842-6328, or by visiting a branch in person. You’ll need to provide your Social Security Number, home address, driver’s license or government ID, and form of payment to fund your account.
What credit score do you need for the Navy Federal cashRewards card?
The Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card is intended for people with average to excellent credit. For your best chances of approval, you’ll want to maintain a FICO credit score of at least 630. If you need to improve your credit score, the Navy Federal Credit Union® nRewards® Secured Credit Card is a great option to consider.
On the bright side, Navy Federal offers a prequalification tool for its members, so that you can find out if you’ll qualify for the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card before submitting an official application.
Can I use an ATM with a Navy Federal cashRewards credit card?
Yes, and there are no cash advance fees if you withdraw money at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. For all other ATMs, there’s a $0.50 charge per domestic transaction and a $1 charge for foreign transactions.
How often can you get a credit limit increase on the Navy Federal cashRewards card?
You can submit a credit line increase request when logged into your online banking account, and you’ll want to prepare relevant information like your employment, income, and housing expenses. In general, Navy Federal will consider credit line increases once every six months.