Navy Federal® Credit Union Go Rewards® credit card review

For a no annual 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

The Navy Federal Credit Union, with more than 9 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 — capped at 18 percent. The Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS card is no exception, offering a variable annual percentage rate as low as 8.99% on purchases and balance transfers for those who qualify.

You can earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants and on gas with 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, low fees and low interest. For example, you won’t pay a balance transfer fee and no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the U.S. To make it even easier to switch cards, new cardmembers that apply before March 1, 2021, can enjoy a six-month 1.99 percent intro balance transfer APR (8.99 percent to 18 percent variable APR ongoing).

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, are civilian personnel with the Department of Defense or are an immediate family member of either.

Who should get this card

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

Fees and APR

• This card has a variable APR on purchases and balance transfers of 8.99 percent to 18 percent based on creditworthiness (six-month 1.99 percent intro balance transfer APR if applying before March 1, 2021).
• You’ll pay no annual fee, balance transfer fee, cash advance fee (at Navy Federal branch ATMs) or foreign transaction fee.
• Late payments may trigger an 18 percent penalty variable APR and a late fee of up to $20 every month you are past due on the minimum payment.

Extras, perks and using points

GO REWARDS points don’t expire and there is no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn. There are also no minimum redemption requirements for most travel, cash and merchandise rewards, but you can’t make partial redemptions (meaning you can’t pay with points and cash if your points don’t cover the whole purchase).

Each point is worth 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.

Depending on your credit card network and credit limit, you can also enjoy a portfolio of valuable benefits. If you qualify for Visa Signature or World Mastercard perks, you may receive travel and purchase protections and discounts, including rental car collision damage waiver coverage (for 15 days or less). Plus, you could have access to other nice extras like cellphone protection, concierge services and hotel savings and upgrades with select brands.

The information about the Navy Federal® Credit Union GO REWARDS® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.