What this card offers and who can get it
The Navy Federal Credit Union More Rewards American Express Card is a cash-back card issued by Navy Federal Credit Union, a credit union that serves military members, veterans, and their families. You earn cash back on every purchase — 1% on most things, and higher rates on specific categories like gas, groceries, and dining. There is no annual fee.
To use this card, you must be a Navy Federal member. Membership is open to active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Department of Defense civilians, and their families. If you are not already a member, you can open a Navy Federal account online or at a branch before you explore for the card.
The card itself is issued by American Express, which means it works at merchants that take American Express. Not all retailers accept American Express, so check whether the places you shop most often take it before you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to get this card, and membership requires military affiliation or family connection to someone with military affiliation.
- The card earns 1% cash back on most purchases, with higher rates (typically 3% to 5%) on categories like gas, groceries, and dining, depending on the current offer.
- There is no annual fee, and cash back does not expire as long as your account stays open.
- American Express is not accepted everywhere, so confirm that your regular merchants take it before explore.
- Cash back appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed for other rewards depending on how Navy Federal structures the program at the time you explore.
How to become a Navy Federal member first
You cannot get the card without a Navy Federal account, so membership comes first. Go to navyfederal.org or visit a Navy Federal branch in person. You will need to prove your military affiliation — this might be a military ID, a discharge paper (DD Form 214), a dependent ID, or proof of employment with the Department of Defense.
Online membership typically takes a few minutes. You will provide your name, address, Social Security number, and military status. Navy Federal will verify your information and usually approve you the same day. Once your account is open, you can explore for the More Rewards American Express Card right away, either online or in a branch.
If you are explore in person, bring the same military documentation. A Navy Federal representative can walk you through both the membership and card process at the same time, which is faster than doing it online and then waiting for confirmation.
Cash-back rates and how they work
The card earns cash back on every purchase. The base rate is 1% on most things you buy. Certain categories earn higher rates — typically 3% to 5% on gas, groceries, and dining, though the exact rates and categories can change. Navy Federal publishes the current rates on their website and in your account once the card is open.
Cash back is usually credited to your card account as a statement credit, which reduces what you owe. Some versions of the program let you redeem cash back for other rewards like travel or gift cards, but the default is a statement credit. Check your card terms when it arrives to see what options are available to you.
Cash back does not expire as long as your card account stays open and in good standing. If you close the account, any unredeemed cash back may be forfeited, so keep the card active if you want to keep earning and using the rewards.
Annual fees and other costs
There is no annual fee for this card. You pay nothing just to hold it, which makes it a low-cost way to earn cash back if you already have a Navy Federal account.
You may pay interest on a balance if you do not pay your full statement by the due date. The interest rate (APR) varies based on your credit history and Navy Federal's current rates. You can find the APR range in the card's terms and conditions before you explore, or call Navy Federal to ask what rate you might receive based on your credit profile.
If you use the card for a cash advance (withdrawing cash from an ATM), Navy Federal charges a fee and a higher interest rate than regular purchases. Avoid cash advances unless you have no other option.
Where you can and cannot use this card
This card is an American Express card, so it works only at merchants that take American Express. Large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon take American Express. Many smaller stores, gas stations, and restaurants do too, but not all. Before you explore, check whether your regular merchants — your grocery store, gas station, favorite restaurants — display the American Express logo or mention it on their website.
You can use the card online, in stores, and over the phone anywhere American Express is accepted. You can also add it to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay if your phone supports it, which lets you pay by tapping your phone at checkout.
If a merchant does not take American Express, you will need a different card or payment method. Having a second card (a Visa or Mastercard) as a backup is practical if you use this card as your primary rewards card.
how the process works for the card
Once you are a Navy Federal member, you can explore for the More Rewards American Express Card online through your Navy Federal account, by phone, or in person at a branch. The online process is fastest — log into navyfederal.org, go to the cards section, and select the More Rewards American Express Card.
You will answer questions about your income, employment, and existing debts. Navy Federal will check your credit report. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will get a decision right away or within a few business days.
If you are approved, the card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. Some Navy Federal branches can issue a card in person on the spot, so ask if that option is available near you if you need the card quickly.
Comparing this card to other Navy Federal options
Navy Federal offers several other American Express cards, including the Navy Federal Cash Rewards American Express Card and the Navy Federal Flagship Rewards American Express Card. The More Rewards card is designed for everyday spending with no annual fee. The Flagship card has an annual fee but offers higher cash-back rates and additional benefits like travel insurance.
If you rarely travel and want to keep costs low, the More Rewards card is the simpler choice. If you travel frequently or spend a lot on the card, the higher rates on the Flagship card might offset the annual fee — do the math based on your own spending before deciding.
Navy Federal also issues Visa and Mastercard options if you need a card that works at more merchants. Compare which card fits your spending habits and where you shop most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be active-duty military to join Navy Federal?
No. Navy Federal membership is open to active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Department of Defense civilians, and their when ready families. If you are a spouse or child of someone with military affiliation, you can join. Visit navyfederal.org or call to confirm your specific may be able to access based on your status.
What happens to my cash back if I close the card?
Any cash back you have not yet redeemed may be forfeited when you close the account. Before closing, redeem any remaining cash back as a statement credit or other reward. If you straightforward stop using the card but keep the account open, your cash back stays safe and does not expire.
Can I use this card internationally?
Yes, American Express cards work in most countries. You will pay a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% to 3% of the purchase) when you use it outside the United States. Check your card terms for the exact fee, and consider whether the cash-back rate offsets the foreign fee for your trip.
How long does it take to get the card after I explore?
If you explore online, you usually get a decision within a few business days. Once approved, the card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Some Navy Federal branches can issue a card in person when ready, so ask your local branch if you need it faster.
What if a merchant does not take American Express?
You will need a different payment method — another credit card, debit card, or cash. Having a backup card (Visa or Mastercard) is practical if you use this card as your primary rewards card, since not all merchants take American Express.