Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card Review

Since the Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card offers a flat 1.5% cash back on everything you buy, it’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t like complicated rewards programs but would like to earn something from their credit card purchases. With a lower-than-average APR and few fees, this card may also be a smart choice if you have to carry a balance. Just keep in mind you have to be affiliated with the armed forces or government to apply and will probably need good credit.

• Simple rewards: The Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back for each dollar you spend. This simple rewards formula means you’ll never have to worry about bonus categories or earning caps. 
• Low interest rates and fees: This card has no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, no foreign transaction fee, and minimal cash advance fees. The ongoing variable APR range is also lower than you’ll find with competing cards. 

• Must be a Navy Federal customer: If you’re not already a Navy Federal Credit Union member, you’ll have to join to apply for this credit card. To qualify, you must be a military veteran, active duty military, a Department of Defense civilian or government employee, Army or Air National Guard, Delayed Entry program personnel, or a family member of someone who meets one of these requirements.
• Limited redemption options: Unlike some other cash-back credit cards that let you redeem points for gift cards, this card only lets you redeem rewards for statement credits to your credit card or a Navy Federal bank account. 

This card’s rewards scheme is simple enough for anyone to understand and keep track of. Once you sign up, you’ll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on everything you buy. The rewards you earn are unlimited and they’ll never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. 

Your cash-back rewards will show up in your account the same day as the transaction posts. You can redeem them for a statement credit or cash in your Navy Federal bank account whenever you’d like—there’s no minimum. Cardholders manage rewards redemption via the app or online.

Obviously, you’ll get the most value from your rewards if you pay your credit card bill in full each month and avoid interest payments altogether. But if you can’t do that, this card is still a worthwhile option.

Since there’s no balance transfer fee, make sure to transfer any balances you may be carrying on higher-APR cards. Not only is the ongoing APR on this card below average, but you’ll get a 1.99% introductory APR on balance transfers made in the first 30 days you have the account and on new purchases made for your first 12 months. Both promotions will give you 12 months at that low rate before the ongoing APR kicks in.

This card has one benefit that was deemed “excellent” by editors of The Balance.

• Cellphone insurance: Qualify for this coverage when you pay the bills on up to three cell phones with your credit card. This coverage is limited to reimbursement for damage or theft in amounts up to $600 per claim, minus a $50 deductible. An annual cap of $1,000 per year also applies. 

When you apply for this credit card, you may be approved for either a Visa Signature or a World Mastercard version. Your cardholder benefits can vary depending on the card you’re approved for, but they may include:

• Concierge for booking event tickets, travel, and other services
• Secondary auto rental coverage
• Refund when merchant won’t accept returned item
• Lowest advertised price match
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Roadside assistance hotline
• Travel and emergency hotline
• Extended warranties

The Navy Federal cashRewards Card gives cardholders access to their FICO score for free as well as 24/7 stateside customer service assistance. 

Navy Federal Credit Union does have its own mobile app that lets you track your spending, pay your bill, and redeem rewards from your mobile device. Their app has received decent ratings from consumers, with 4.4 out of 5 possible stars on Google Play and 3.4 out of 5 stars on iTunes. 

Navy Federal cashRewards credit card security is standard for the industry, including benefits like 0% fraud liability and account monitoring. If your card is lost or stolen, they also let you temporarily freeze and unfreeze your account. 

The Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card is surprisingly free of fees and hidden charges. You won't pay an annual fee or be charged a fee for balance transfers or foreign transactions. The fee for cash advances at an ATM is $1, at most.