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Fortune
Fortune
Casey Bond

Members of Navy Federal CU have exclusive access to this lucrative cash back card

Photo of Navy Federal Credit Union Cash Rewards Credit Card on Pink Abstract background (Credit: Photo Illustration by Fortune; Orginal photo by Navy Federal Credit Union)

Why we like this card: The Navy Federal cashRewards Card is a solid choice for those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure, offering a flat cash back rate on all purchases without an annual fee. 

Pros

  • No annual fee 
  • Welcome bonus
  • Low APR

Cons

  • Must qualify for membership with the credit union to apply
  • No introductory APR
  • Direct deposit required to earn highest rate

Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card: Overview

APR

  • Intro: N/A
  • Purchase: 14.90%–18.00% variable
  • Balance transfer: 14.90%–18.00% variable (no balance transfer fee)
  • Cash advance: 2% above your variable APR (no cash advance fee)
  • Penalty: N/A

Annual fee: $0

Foreign transaction fee: None

Late payment: up to $20

The Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card is tailored for members of the Navy Federal Credit Union, offering a range of features that make it an attractive option for those looking to earn cash back on their everyday purchases. This credit card offers a fairly straightforward cashback program where cardholders can earn up to 1.75% back on all purchases without any rotating categories or enrollment requirements. The cashback earned does not expire as long as the account remains open, and there is no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn. Additionally, the card comes with a $250 sign-up bonus to new cardholders who meet certain spending requirements.

This card also offers a number of conveniences, including identity theft protection, rental car coverage, and free FICO scores. Additionally, it carries no annual fee or foreign transaction fee and offers a competitive APR (based on the cardholder’s creditworthiness). Overall, the Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card is a cost-effective choice for credit union members who want to earn rewards on their purchases without worrying about annual fees or complicated rewards structures.

Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card: Rewards

Navy Federal offers to flat cash back rates on the cashRewards card:

  • 1.75% cash back on purchases for cardholders with direct deposit at Navy Federal
  • 1.5% cash back for cardholders without direct deposit

Currently, new cardholders can also earn a $250 cash back bonus cash back by spending $2,500 within 90 days of account opening.

Additionally, for a limited time, cardholders can get a one-time $98 statement credit when they pay $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership using the cashRewards credit card. (Walmart+ annual memberships are usually $98).

Additional benefits

In addition to cash back, the cashRewards card also comes with several other benefits, including:

  • Free FICO score: Navy Federal offers free credit scores to primary cardholders. Note that using this feature isn’t reported to the credit bureaus and won’t affect your score.
  • Collision damage waiver: You automatically have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage when you rent a car for 15 days or less and pay for the rental with your covered rewards card. The CDW coverage is secondary to any other applicable insurance or coverage available to you.
  • Complimentary Shipt membership: Enroll your card to get one month of free Shipt membership, then three months of membership at 50% off, with free delivery on orders $35+. This offer is valid from Sep 17, 2021 to Dec 31, 2024.
  • ID Navigator powered by NortonLifeLock: This service provides tools to help against the evolving threat of identity theft, including dark web monitoring, data breach notifications, stolen wallet assist, and more,
  • Roadside dispatch: Whether you need a tow or a battery jump, you can call roadside dispatch for pay-per-use roadside assistance. 

Is the Navy Federal cashRewards Card right for you?

The Navy Federal cashRewards Card is best suited for members of Navy Federal Credit Union who want a simple cash back rewards structure without an annual fee. Keep in mind that in order to join Navy Fed, you generally must be a member of the armed forces or Department of Defense, a veteran, or an immediate family member of someone who qualifies for membership. 

Credit cards similar to Navy Federal cashRewards Card

When shopping around for a cash back credit card, it’s a good idea to compare a few offers before making a decision. Consider these alternatives to the cashRewards card, which do not require credit union membership.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card vs. Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card

A similar, flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. This card offers an unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, with no additional requirements or caps. It also offers a welcome bonus of $200 to new cardholders who meet the spending requirements and an introductory 0% APR for 15 months. 

Citi Double Cash Card vs. Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card

Another cash back card with an impressive flat rate is the Citi Double Cash Card. It offers 2% back on purchases: 1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you pay it off with  no cap or rotating categories. New cardholders enjoy a 0% intro APR for 18 months. There’s no annual fee for this card.

Frequently asked questions

What credit score is needed for the Navy Federal cashRewards credit card?

According to Navy Fed, this card is available to applicants with good to excellent credit. Generally, this is a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Is the Navy Federal cashRewards card good?

The cashRewards card from Navy Federal is considered a good card thanks to its competitive and straightforward cash back rewards structure and lack of fees.

Does Navy Federal have a cash rewards credit card?

Yes, the Navy Federal cashRewards credit cards earn 1.75% cash back for cardholders with direct deposit at Navy Fed, or 1.5% cash back for cardholders without direct deposit.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

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