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5.3

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: May 5th, 2024

Founded in 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) was created to assist members of the U.S. military and their families. To be eligible for an NFCU credit card, you must be a member of the credit union (which is only available to active duty and retired military members), a civilian employee or retiree of the Department of Defense, a contractor who works on U.S. government installations, or an immediate family member of an NFCU member.

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The Good

  • Competitive APRs
  • Rewards programs
  • Limited annual fee
  • Low late payment fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Fraud safeguards

Competitive APRs

Navy Federal Credit Union's APRs range from 8.24 to 18.00 percent*, which is extremely competitive when compared to rates offered by other top credit card companies. However, NFCU does not offer an introductory rate of 0 percent like many other companies in the industry.

Rewards Programs

When it comes to rewards options, Navy Federal Credit Union offers several programs for its cardholders to participate in. Customers can earn cash back and points that may be redeemed for consumer items and travel.

Limited Annual Fee

Annual fees for almost every Navy Federal Credit Union card are $0, which is an awesome money-saving feature. The company does charge an annual fee of $49 for its Visa Signature Flagship Rewards card.

Low Late Payment Fee

Navy Federal Credit Union charges $20 for every late payment, which is one of the lowest fees in the industry. Most credit card companies charge late payment fees upward of $35.

No Foreign Transaction Fee

Navy Federal Credit Union does not charge a fee for foreign transactions, which is an especially nice feature for cardholders who travel frequently.

Fraud Safeguards

Each of Navy Federal Credit Union's cards have a zero liability policy, meaning that cardholders are not held financially liable for unauthorized charges if their card is lost or stolen. In addition, all NFCU credit cards are embedded with an encrypted microchip to provide additional fraud protection.

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The Bad

  • Limited availability
  • No free credit score tracking

Limited Availability

Navy Federal Credit Union's cards are only available to members of the United States military and their families, which is very respectable. However, non-military members should be aware that NFCU's services are not available to them.

No Free Credit Score Tracking

Some credit card companies provide their customers with free credit score tracking so that they can stay on top of their credit score. Unfortunately, Navy Federal Credit Union does not offer this benefit.
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The Bottom Line

Navy Federal Credit Union offers competitive APRs, rewards programs, limited fees, and fraud safeguards. However, NFCU's services are only available to members of the U.S. military and their families and the company does not provide free credit score tracking.

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Star Rating

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4.7

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30 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

83%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

7%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

3%

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Francis Adesuyi

I have never had a bad experience with Navy Federal - EVER.I have credit cards, checking accounts and have had personal and auto loans with them.I have gone overseas and not had any issues.

8 months ago Edited March 29, 2024

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Mark Cave

I have 2 credit cards with Navy Fed, I get excellent Cashback and awesome customer service. Their app is easy to use. Their rates are better than most cards out there. They are very generous with their credit limits. I highly recommend them.

1 year ago

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enelson3903 Bowie, MD

Navy Federal is very good with their credit card. They are easy to increase your limit when you pay on time. The rewards are great, and the customer service is always helpful. I enjoy Navy Federal so much move my house and car under them because of the customer service.

2 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Navy Federal is an awesome credit union to handle my charge card. The have given me the absolutely lowest rates without high fees. They manage billing easy and help with any credit transaction issues very well. Overall superb service for my Navy Federal credit card.

4 years ago

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claire irish Santa Ana, CA

they have pretty good interest rates and fantastic customer service. like cannot say enough good things about their customer service. their rewards are pretty good, i have the cashback rewards card. wish my interest rate were lower but that'll always be true

6 years ago

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Lisa C Johnson Rockville, MD

I needed a bank for savings. Navy Federal was suggested to me. The employees are friendly. The hours are extended where I can go after work. My husband and I have car loan with them. The loan manager helped us to get the best percentage and monthly payments. I am satisfied with the outcome. I was able to be a member because my father was in the military. Its nice for family members to be a part of the credit union. I feel they give the best service. I think they are trustworthy.

3 years ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

The credit cards through NFCU have great cash back opportunities and you can build a high credit limit easily. You also get to pick from a variety of colors- as a woman I appreciate that!

1 year ago

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Emma Morrill

Navy Federal has good rates however when switching my credit card over to them I was offered an extremely low credit limit. Despite having multiple cards in good standing with limits over two thousand, they set my initial limit to $500. Their reasoning was because although my credit score was high I was technically a new customer to them and they don’t take into account previous bank statements that were not through them.

1 year ago

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Sonya Parker Mesa, AZ

Navy Federal is by far the best credit union around. Easy to do business with and excellent financial products. The only drawback is you have to be military or know someone in the military that is able to sponsor you for membership.

1 year ago

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Deanna Moore Dumfries, VA

Great experience with Navy Federal. I love that they offer solutions that match every stage of my life - from my first job in high school, through college, to a professional career - and everything along the way (house, cars, etc.).

4 years ago

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Rommie Bishop III Rexburg, ID

Navy Federal is the bank I currently am with, and have been for about 6 years now. 6 years, and EVERY time I have talked with their customer service I've been thoroughly impressed with their kindness and accommodation. I see no reason to switch banks and hope I never do.

4 years ago

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Nazjah Yates Jacksonville, FL

I have been using Navy Federal since i was old enough to get my first debit card. Navy Federal has helped me a lot when my card information got stolen and also when I lost my card. They called me, and we handled the situation promptly. I would recommend navy federal because I feel that they really care about their customers.

4 years ago

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Diogenes DeFawkes Warner Robins, GA

I banked with them for several years despite the fact their nearest branch was a 2 hour drive from where I live. I finally closed out my account when when they wanted to charge me a $40 declined transaction fee for a streaming service renewal that tried to clear less than an hour before my deposit cleared.

2 years ago

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Ben Crisp Temecula, CA

My family has banked with navy federal for a longtime now and we have never had a problem with it. There are credit card options for every situation and the rates are amazing. There really no way to lose with navy federal.

5 years ago

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Sheu Nafisat

Navy federal is an excellent company you can always rely on, if you call them, their staff is always friendly and helpful.I had a great experience

10 months ago Edited June 28, 2024

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Maurice Lundie Norcross, GA

"I have found Navy Federal to be the best financial institution. They truly care about veterans and provide great services."

11 months ago

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Josh Domeier

They get the best out of them all they never fail they always come through and they always give you what you need thanks Navy seals teams for your hard work

1 year ago

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Jordan Bell Orem, UT

Navy Federal has amazing credit cards. The one I have with them is great, I get lots of points that never expire and I can use them pretty much for everything.

2 years ago

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Tiffany I Gaithersburg, MD

Quick approval and my card is linked to my checking/savings. I can easily pay off my bill and every time I shop with that card I earn points. And there’s no annual fee.

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Beachnut The Cajun Camper Mandeville, LA

I like Navy Fed. I do. I like what they stand for. But, I do think they could do more/offer better APRs and such to their customers. I probably won't ever leave Navy Fed...but, who knows!

4 years ago

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Charlie Mableton, GA

Great for military service members. Ease of service. No hidden fees. very friendly and values their customers

6 years ago

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Maya My McDonough, GA

Navy Federal has lower fees than a typical credit card company but they also have higher expectations and the perks were mediocre. I didn't cancel my card but I barely use it.

1 year ago

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Sean Zernickow Monument, CO

Love this place. Products and services are constantly expanding and they make their clients aware of promotions, etc... Have several accounts here.

2 years ago

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Bella Mee Mobile, AL

I absolutely enjoy navy federal bank the customer service is wonderful and I would recommend them to anyone I have no complaints .

2 years ago Edited April 6, 2022

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Jodianna

I enjoy how secure and easy the card is. I can easily check my bank statements online. Customer service is also helpful.

3 years ago

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Gerbungis

i love banking here, it is a great company.

7 months ago

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Angel Casey Tallahassee, FL

Navy Federal is personally my favorite bank and the app they have is very easy to use.

3 years ago

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Aaron And Cortney Kelly Layton, UT

Great customer service and great rewards program

7 years ago

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Toriana Winston Fayetteville, NC

Great for my small business account. Customer service is awesome.

1 year ago

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loretta burdine Atlanta, GA

They don't do business with me I suppose that they don't think my score is good enough

7 years ago