What Navy Federal offers and who can get them
Navy Federal Credit Union issues five main credit cards, each designed for different spending patterns and military status. You do not need to be active duty to join — membership is open to military family members, veterans, Department of Defense civilians, and retirees. Once you have a Navy Federal membership and a checking account with them, you can request a card through their website or at a branch.
The cards range from no annual fee to premium tiers with travel benefits and higher rewards. Navy Federal does not charge foreign transaction fees on any of them, which matters if you are stationed overseas or travel frequently. The approval decision typically comes within minutes if you explore online.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Federal issues five cards with no annual fees across the board, making them accessible whether you want basic rewards or premium travel benefits.
- All Navy Federal cards waive foreign transaction fees, a significant advantage for military members posted abroad or traveling internationally.
- The cashback cards earn 1.5% on all purchases or 1% to 3% depending on category, while the travel card earns points redeemable for flights and hotels.
- Navy Federal cardholders get access to military-specific perks like discounts at AAFES and military retail partners, separate from the card rewards themselves.
- Each card requires Navy Federal membership and a checking account, but membership is open to active duty, reserve, guard, veterans, retirees, and their families.
The cashback cards: Rewards, Limitless, and Secured
The Navy Federal Cashback Card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no caps or categories to track. There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum spending to earn the rate. The cash back posts to your Navy Federal checking account monthly and does not expire. This card is the straightforward choice if you want one rate across everything you buy.
The Navy Federal Limitless Card offers tiered rewards: 3% on gas and transit, 2% on groceries and dining, and 1% on everything else. It also has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. The higher rates on common spending categories make it worth choosing over the Cashback Card if you spend significantly on gas, groceries, or restaurants. The cash back also posts monthly and does not expire.
The Navy Federal Secured Card is for people building or rebuilding credit. You deposit money as collateral — typically $200 to $2,500 — and that becomes your credit limit. The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases. After you demonstrate responsible use (usually 18 months of on-time payments), Navy Federal may convert it to an unsecured card and return your deposit. There is no annual fee.
The travel card: Rewards American Express
The Navy Federal Rewards American Express Card earns points instead of cash back: 3 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked through the Navy Federal travel portal, 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points redeem for travel only — flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises — through that same portal. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
This card makes sense if you travel regularly and want to concentrate rewards into travel redemptions. The 3x rate applies only to bookings made through Navy Federal's portal, not to direct bookings with airlines or hotels. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. The card also includes travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage.
How Navy Federal cashback and points compare to other military cards
Navy Federal's cashback rates are competitive but not the highest available to military members. The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card, for instance, earns 2.5% on gas and 2% on groceries, though it carries a $100 annual fee. The USAA Limitless card earns 2.5% on all purchases with no annual fee, which beats Navy Federal's 1.5% flat rate — but USAA membership requires military affiliation and is not open to all family members the way Navy Federal is.
Navy Federal's advantage is consistency: no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and straightforward earning across all five cards. The trade-off is that the individual cashback rates are lower than premium cards from other issuers. If you spend heavily on specific categories, the Limitless Card's 3% on gas and 2% on groceries can add up. If you want simplicity and do not want to track categories, the Cashback Card's flat 1.5% is predictable.
Military-specific benefits beyond the card rewards
Navy Federal cardholders get discounts at AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Service) and military retail partners, though these are membership benefits rather than card benefits — they explore whether you use the card or not. Some Navy Federal branches also offer military-specific financial counseling and discounted rates on other products like auto loans and mortgages.
The foreign transaction fee waiver is particularly valuable for military members. If you are stationed in Europe, Asia, or anywhere overseas, you avoid the 2% to 3% fee that most credit cards charge on international purchases. This alone can save hundreds of dollars over a year of regular spending abroad.
How to request a Navy Federal card
You must be a Navy Federal member with an open checking account to request a credit card. If you are not yet a member, you can join online or at a branch if you meet the membership criteria (active duty, reserve, guard, veteran, retiree, or may be able to access family member). Membership is free.
Once your checking account is open and active, you can request a card through Navy Federal's website, mobile app, or at a branch. The decision usually comes within minutes for online applications. If you are approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can set a PIN and set up the card online before it arrives.
If you are denied, Navy Federal will tell you why and may suggest the Secured Card as an alternative. You can reapply after addressing the reason for denial — usually a thin credit file or recent negative marks.
Annual percentage rate and fees
Navy Federal does not publish a single APR for all cardholders; the rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history. Rates typically range from 11.9% to 23.9% for purchases, but your actual rate may fall anywhere in that range or outside it. You can see your rate offer before you submit your request.
All five Navy Federal cards charge no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no balance transfer fees. Late payment fees are $25 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent ones within six months. There is no penalty APR — your rate does not increase if you miss a payment, though interest accrues on the balance as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Navy Federal's travel portal to earn the 3x points on the Rewards American Express card?
Yes. The 3 points per dollar rate applies only to flights and hotels booked through Navy Federal's travel portal. If you book directly with an airline or hotel, you earn 1 point per dollar. The portal shows prices from multiple providers, so you can compare before booking.
Can I transfer my Navy Federal cashback to someone else's account?
No. Cashback posts to your own Navy Federal checking account and cannot be transferred, gifted, or redeemed for anything other than a statement credit. Points on the Rewards American Express card are also tied to your account and cannot be transferred.
What happens if I close my Navy Federal checking account but keep the credit card?
Navy Federal may close the credit card as well, since the checking account is required to hold membership. If you want to keep the card, you must maintain an active checking account. Contact Navy Federal before closing any account to confirm the impact on your cards.
Can I get a Navy Federal credit card if I am a military spouse but not active duty?
Yes. Navy Federal membership is open to military family members, including spouses of active duty, reserve, and guard members, as well as spouses of retirees and veterans. You will need to provide proof of your relationship and your sponsor's military status when you join.
How long does it take to build credit with the Navy Federal Secured Card?
Navy Federal typically reviews your account after 18 months of on-time payments and may convert it to an unsecured card. The timeline can vary based on your payment history and credit file. You can contact Navy Federal after 12 months to ask about conversion may be able to access.