Kimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nea.
Kimberly Shearer Credit Cards WriterKimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nea.
Written By Kimberly Shearer Credit Cards WriterKimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nea.
Kimberly Shearer Credit Cards WriterKimberly Shearer is a credit cards enthusiast, family travel blogger and mom of three boys who lives in the Philadelphia area. She is an extreme couponer turned points and miles enthusiast who loves using credit card points to spoil her family on nea.
Credit Cards Writer Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
Dylan Pearl Credit Cards EditorOver a decade of editorial experience across a number of publications and more than 60 countries visited have given Dylan Pearl a wealth of travel knowledge, and the tools to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. Dylan has made it his mis.
| Credit Cards Editor
Updated: Jul 9, 2024, 6:18am
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For those whose credit may not qualify them for a top-of-the-line rewards card, the Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card may be a palatable alternative. The card is designed for those with average or better credit, charges no annual fees and earns 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, 2 points per dollar on gas and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Those who typically carry a balance will benefit from the card’s lower than average APR range. Be aware that in order to apply for the card, you’ll have to join Navy Federal’s credit union first, which is limited to those who serve or have served with the military, work for the Department of Defense or are family members of those who have.
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card On Navy Federal Credit Union's WebsiteOur ratings take into account the card’s rewards, fees, rates along with the card’s category. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Welcome Bonus Annual Fee Regular APR 15.24%-18.00% variable Credit Score Fair,Good,ExcellentCredit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
For Navy Federal Credit Union members who want to earn bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations while avoiding annual and foreign transaction fees, the Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card may offer a decent option. There are certainly better cards available for those with strong credit, but those with average credit histories can benefit from the card’s rewards structure. Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, 2 points per dollar on gas and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
One interesting advantage of this card is its lower than average APR range of 0.99% intro APR on purchases for the first 6 months of account opening, offer valid from 7/1/2024 through 1/1/2025 for new GO cardholders, followed by a 15.24%-18.00% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers must be completed within 60 days of account opening. Keep in mind that the lower end of this range is likely only available to those with excellent credit. Be aware that carrying a balance is never recommended with most credit cards as the accruing interest will negate the value of any rewards earned.
The card offers a few valuable perks not often seen on no annual fee cards including secondary collision damage waiver coverage for eligible rental cars. You’ll also get basic Visa or Mastercard benefits depending on which version of the card you’re approved for.
Overall, the Navy Federal Go Rewards card is an average card best for those with average credit or better. For those who may not qualify for a richer card offer, it’s an option worth exploring.
Why you can trust Forbes Advisor
Our credit card editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card On Wells Fargo's Website Welcome Bonus $200 Cash Rewards Annual Fee Credit Score Excellent, Good Regular APR 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APRCredit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months Chase Freedom Unlimited® On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website Welcome Bonus Up to $300 cash back Annual Fee Credit Score Excellent, Good Regular APR 20.49% - 29.24% VariableCredit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
The Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants, 2 points per dollar on gas and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Rewards don’t expire as long as the account remains open and there’s no limit on the amount of rewards that may be earned.
Rewards earned with the Go Rewards card can be redeemed for cash, travel, merchandise or gift cards. Reward points are worth $0.01 per point. Cash redemption increments begin at $50 (for 5,000 points).
Travel options include redeeming for airline tickets, hotels, cruises and tours and attractions.
Forbes Advisor uses data from various government agencies to determine both baseline income and spending averages across various categories. The 70th percentile of wage-earning households bring in $118,438 annually and have $39,337 in expenses that can be reasonably charged to a credit card. We base spending on that number.
Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card Rewards Potential
Restaurants Gas Stations All Other Purchases Total: 52,143 points See More See LessThe points earned would be worth $521.43 when redeemed.
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns cardholders 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when purchases are made and another 1% when they’re paid off. This rate is likely to out-earn all but the most restaurant-heavy spenders when compared to the Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card earn rate. And that’s without earning the welcome bonus.
The Citi Double Cash® Card also comes with an intro APR offer: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the standard variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on creditworthiness. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies to transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). The only potential advantage the Go Rewards has on the Double Cash is the car rental coverage. If most of your budget is spent on eating out, it might be a better option. But for most other cardholders, it doesn’t really pass muster.
Earning up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases (enroll and maintain direct deposit required; 1.5% cash back earned otherwise), the Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card offers similar benefits but a flat-rate rewards structure. Applicants for one or both of these cards should carefully examine their spending patterns to determine which card might yield better returns. Those who eat out and buy plenty of gas may benefit more from the Go Rewards, but most cardholders will see a better return with the Cash Rewards card. This card also offers a welcome bonus of $300 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 within 90 days of account opening. Plus a LTO of $98 statement credit after paying $49 or more for an annual Walmart+ membership using your cashRewards credit card. Offer available from 7/1/2024 - 10/9/2024.
Many of the two cards’ other attributes are the same, including a lack of an annual fee, foreign transaction fee, cash advance fee or balance transfer fee—but pay attention to the fine print. If you want to use your rewards for something other than straight cash back, only the Go Rewards card has the option.
With an earn rate of 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases the Chase Freedom Flex® takes the wind out of the Go Rewards’ sails. The Freedom Flex also comes with a nice intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies.
If you’re comparison shopping for a card with great balance transfer rates, the Go Rewards card won’t charge you a transfer fee, but you’ll save significantly more on the Freedom Flex’s 0% introductory balance transfer APR.
The Freedom Flex’s benefits include purchase protection, cellphone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation insurance, outpacing the Go Rewards in both rewards-earning power and additional benefits. The Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card might be easier to be approved for, but it’s hard to tell as issuers rarely release application approval rates.
This card may not float your boat but it might not sink it entirely. Navy Federal’s website says that the card is available for those with average or better credit, and we find the card to be decent for those with average credit, but less appealing to those who can qualify for a card with richer rewards. The lack of fees—especially a foreign transaction fee—may make the card a decent option for those traveling abroad whose credit can’t afford them a card with stronger rewards.