Navy Federal vs USAA Credit Cards – What’s Best? [2024]

In our military family, a debate we have from time to time involves Navy Federal and USAA.

My partner has been using USAA for years, and I use Navy Federal. Both USAA and Navy Federal focus on serving military members and their families, and if you’re on this page, it is safe to say you’re trying to figure out which is better for you.

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is the largest credit union in the United States, serving millions of members worldwide. Established in 1933, NFCU initially catered to Navy Department employees, expanding its membership to all branches of the military (and their families) over time. It offers a wide range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards. NFCU is known for its commitment to serving military personnel and their families, providing competitive rates and tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs.

USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is a diversified financial services group that primarily serves military members, veterans, and their families. Founded in 1922 by a group of army officers, USAA initially focused on providing auto insurance to military personnel. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of financial products and services, including banking, investment management, retirement planning, and insurance for property, life, and health. USAA is known for its dedication to serving the military community, offering competitive rates, excellent customer service, and specialized support tailored to the unique needs of military families.

Navy Federal Credit Cards

Navy Federal Credit Union offers six different credit cards, all with different features and rewards. Most of NFCU’s credit cards do not have an annual fee.

Card	Welcome Bonus	Ongoing Rewards	Credit Needed	APR	Annual Fee
cashRewards	$200	1.75% cashback	Average to Excellent	14.90% – 18.00%	–
More Rewards	20K Points	3X points at restaurants, groceries, gas + 1X points everywhere else	Average to Excellent	14.90% – 18.00%	–
Flagship Rewards	35K Points	3X points on travel + 2X points everywhere else	Very good to Excellent	15.24% – 18.00%	$49
GO REWARDS	10K Points	3X points at resutrants, gas + 1X points everywhere else	Average to Excellent	14.24% – 18.00%	–
Platinum	Balance Transfer Offer	–	Average to Excellent	11.24% – 18.00%	–
nRewards	–	–	Rebuilding credit	18.00%	–

USAA Credit Cards

USAA has seven different credit cards, all with different features and fees. Only one of USAA’s credit cards has an annual fee.

Card	Welcome Bonus	Ongoing Rewards	Credit Needed	APR	Annual Fee
Eagle Navigator	30K Points	3X points on travel, 2X everywhere else	Very good to Excellent	20.15% to 28.40%	$95
Rewards Amex	Balance Transfer Offer	3X on dining, 2x on groceries and gas, 1X everywhere else	Average to Excellent	15.15% to 31.15%	–
Rewards Visa	Balance Transfer Offer	2X on dining, gas + 1X everywhere else	Average to Excellent	15.15% to 31.15%	–
Cashback Rewards Plus	–	5% on gas + 2% on grocery + 1% everywhere else	Average to Excellent	17.15% to 31.15%	–
Preferred Cash Rewards	Balance Transfer Offer	1.5% everywhere	Average to Excellent	17.15% to 31.15%	–
Rate Advantage	Balance Transfer Offer	–	Average to Excellent	12.15% to 29.15%	–
Secured	–	–	Rebuilding credit	28.15%	–

Who has the best credit cards?

Navy Federal Credit Union is better for credit cards in most scenarios. They offer the best welcome bonuses, attractive ongoing rewards, and the lowest APR and fees. USAA does win if you value 5% cash back on gas with their Cashback Rewards Plus card, but that card’s interest rate goes up to over 30% so be sure to always pay your balance in full. My personal favorite Navy Federal credit card is the Flagship Rewards card which offers a large welcome bonus, and amazing ongoing rewards (2X points everywhere), with a very low annual fee of $49 per year. Navy Federal’s cashRewards card is also impressive – it offers 1.75% cashback (if you have direct deposit with them) and no annual fee.

Closing Thoughts

Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA are both popular banks and great choices for military members and their families. Both banks offer an impressive credit card portfolio for all members of the military, no matter your rank. Navy Federal edges out USAA with their credit cards thanks to low-interest rates and the best rewards but you really can’t go wrong with either bank. Just be sure to pay your balance in full every month to avoid interest!

Do you prefer USAA or NFCU? Leave a comment below!