What the Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card offers
The Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card is a rewards credit card available only to Navy Federal Credit Union members. It earns cash back on all purchases — 1.5% on everything, with no bonus categories, no rotating categories, and no caps on how much you can earn. There are no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum redemption amount.
The card is issued by Navy Federal Credit Union, which is a federal credit union open to active-duty military, veterans, retirees, and their families. If you are not already a member, you must open a Navy Federal account before you can request the card.
Cash back appears as a statement credit each month, or you can redeem it manually through your Navy Federal online account. The card carries a variable APR that depends on your creditworthiness and current Navy Federal rates.
Key Takeaways
- The Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no annual fee, but membership in Navy Federal Credit Union is required.
- You must be may be able to access for Navy Federal membership — active-duty military, a veteran, a retiree, or a family member of one — before you can request the card.
- Cash back is credited to your account monthly and can also be redeemed manually through your Navy Federal online banking portal.
- The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for travel outside the United States.
- The APR is variable and will be disclosed when you request the card, based on your credit history and Navy Federal's current rates.
Who can get this card
You must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to request the Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card. Navy Federal membership is open to active-duty service members in any branch of the U.S. military, military retirees, veterans with a discharge status of honorable or general, and when ready family members of those groups.
If you are not yet a member, you can open a Navy Federal account online or at a branch. You will need to provide proof of military status or a family relationship to someone with military status. Acceptable documents include a military ID, discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a birth certificate showing your relationship to a sponsor.
Once your Navy Federal account is open and active, you can request the cash rewards card through your online account or by calling Navy Federal's card services line.
How to request the card
Log into your Navy Federal online account and navigate to the Cards section. You will see the Cash Rewards Card listed among available options. Select it and follow the prompts to provide the information Navy Federal needs — your income, employment status, and confirmation of your current Navy Federal accounts.
Navy Federal will perform a credit check and make a decision within minutes to a few business days. If you are approved, the card will be mailed to the address on file with your account. Most cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also request the card by phone by calling Navy Federal's member services line or visiting a Navy Federal branch in person. A representative can walk you through the request process and answer questions about the card's terms before you submit.
Activating and using the card
When your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. Navy Federal sends set up instructions with the card itself. You can set up online through your Navy Federal account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the Navy Federal mobile app.
Once activated, the card works like any other credit card. Swipe, insert, or tap it at merchants that accept Visa. Your purchases will post to your Navy Federal credit card account within one to two business days, and the 1.5% cash back will be calculated and credited each month.
Set up automatic payments through your Navy Federal account to avoid missing a due date. You can pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum due — Navy Federal will show all three options when you log in.
How cash back works and when you receive it
Every purchase you make earns 1.5% cash back, calculated on the amount you charged. If you spend $1,000 in a month, you earn $15 in cash back. There are no bonus categories, no quarterly rotations, and no upper limit on earnings.
Cash back is credited to your account automatically each month, usually between the 15th and the end of the month. You will see it as a statement credit on your Navy Federal credit card statement. The credit reduces your balance due.
If you prefer to keep the cash back separate rather than have it credited automatically, you can redeem it manually through your Navy Federal online account. You can request a check, a transfer to your Navy Federal checking or savings account, or a statement credit whenever you want.
Fees and interest rates
The Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card has no annual fee. You will not be charged for carrying the card or for having an account open.
There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the card internationally without paying a percentage markup on currency conversion. The card still earns 1.5% cash back on foreign purchases.
If you carry a balance, you will pay interest at the card's variable APR. Navy Federal will disclose the exact rate when you request the card. The rate can change over time as Navy Federal adjusts its rates, but changes are subject to federal credit card regulations.
Late payments, returned checks, and other account issues may result in fees — Navy Federal's fee schedule is available on their website and in your cardholder agreement.
Comparing this card to other Navy Federal options
Navy Federal offers several other rewards cards. The Navy Federal Cashback Visa Signature Card earns 1% cash back on all purchases and includes additional benefits like travel insurance and purchase protection, but it also has an annual fee. The Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card earns points instead of cash back and has different earning rates by category.
If you do not want a rewards card, Navy Federal also offers a basic Visa card with no annual fee and no rewards. The choice depends on how much you spend and whether you prefer cash back, points, or no rewards program at all.
Compare the cash back rate, annual fee, and any other benefits against your own spending patterns. If you spend heavily and want the simplest rewards structure, the 1.5% flat rate with no annual fee may be the best fit. If you spend less or want additional cardholder protections, a different Navy Federal card might suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be active-duty military to get this card?
No. Navy Federal membership is open to active-duty service members, military retirees, veterans with an honorable or general discharge, and their when ready family members. If you fall into any of those categories, you can become a Navy Federal member and request the card.
Can I use this card if I do not have a Navy Federal checking account?
Yes. You need a Navy Federal membership, but you do not need a checking account. You can open a Navy Federal savings account instead, or just hold a membership with the credit card as your only product. Navy Federal will mail statements and allow you to manage the card online.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Any cash back that has already been credited to your account stays with you. If you have uncredited cash back pending for the current month, Navy Federal will credit it before closing the account. You can redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or a transfer to another Navy Federal account.
Can I transfer my Navy Federal Cash Rewards Card balance to another card?
Navy Federal does not offer balance transfer options on this card. If you want to move a balance, you would need to request a different Navy Federal card that offers balance transfers, or use a card from another issuer. Check Navy Federal's current card offerings for balance transfer options.
Is there a limit to how much cash back I can earn?
No. There is no cap on cash back earnings. You earn 1.5% on every dollar you charge, no matter how much you spend in a month or year.