Navy Federal® Credit Union GO REWARDS®

For a no-fee credit card, the Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS card offers a pretty decent rewards rate on dining out and gas. Where this card really shines is with its low APR on purchases and balance transfers for those who qualify.

Review

Navy Federal Credit Union, with more than 7 million members, is the nation’s largest credit union. It offers financial products, including credit cards, that charge lower rates and fees than many banks typically offer. The Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS card is no exception, offering a variable annual percentage rate as low as 10.24% on purchases and balance transfers for those who qualify.

The card pays 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, 2 points per $1 spent on gas and 1 point per $1 on all other spending. If you dine out frequently or put a lot of miles on your car, this is a card to consider.

The rewards program here is fine, but few cards offer such an appealing combination of rewards, no annual fee, a low interest rate and reduced or eliminated fees.

Here’s an example: You’ll pay no balance transfer fee and no foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.

For this, you’ll sacrifice the sign-up bonus so many rewards cards — including those that charge no annual fee — offer new cardholders.

Keep in mind that to apply for a Navy Federal Credit Union-branded credit card, you have to be a member of the credit union. Eligibility is restricted to those who serve or have served in the military or who have an immediate family member in the military.

Who should get this card

If your credit is just good and not excellent, you could benefit from the low APR and OK rewards structure of this card.

Fees and APR

• This card has a variable APR on purchases and balance transfers of 10.24% to 18.0% based on creditworthiness.
• You’ll pay no foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
• There are no fees to transfer a balance.
• Late payments won’t affect your APR but you may be subject to a late fee of up to $20 every month you are past due on the minimum payment.

Extras, perks and using points

GoREWARDS points expire 4 years from the end of the month in which they were earned. There is no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn.

You have to have a minimum of 1,000 points to redeem. Each point is worth about 1 cent and can be redeemed through the Navy Federal Credit Union portal by logging into your account and selecting “Redeem Rewards.” Points can be used for travel purchases, gift cards, or cash back deposited to your Navy Federal savings account.

Receive collision damage waiver coverage for 15 days or less when you pay for the rental with the card.

As a Visa Signature card, this card comes with benefits including access to a Visa signature concierge and special savings and upgrades at select hotels and auto rental companies.