What the Navy Federal Travel Card Does
The Navy Federal Travel Card is a rewards credit card issued by Navy Federal Credit Union, available to members who meet their membership requirements. The card earns points on purchases — typically higher rates on travel and dining, lower rates on other spending — that you can redeem for travel-related rewards like flights, hotel stays, or statement credits.
The card is not a charge card that requires you to pay the full balance monthly. You carry a balance month to month if you choose, though you will pay interest on that balance at the card's variable rate. The card comes with no annual fee, which means you are not charged just for holding it.
Navy Federal offers this card primarily to active-duty military, veterans, retirees, and their families who are members of the credit union. If you are not yet a member, you must open a Navy Federal membership first — membership itself is free, but you must meet one of their membership categories.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member before you can open the travel card, and membership requires military affiliation or family connection to someone with that affiliation.
- The card earns rewards points on all purchases, with higher earning rates on travel and dining categories than on other spending.
- Points can be redeemed for travel rewards, statement credits, or other redemption options depending on what Navy Federal offers at the time you redeem.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, so carrying a balance costs you money beyond the purchase price.
- You can check your rewards balance and redeem points through Navy Federal's online portal or mobile app once your account is open.
Who Can Get a Navy Federal Travel Card
Navy Federal membership is the first requirement. You are may be able to access for membership if you are active-duty military (any branch), a veteran with a discharge that was not dishonorable, a military retiree, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, a Department of Defense civilian employee, or a family member of someone in one of those categories.
Once you are a Navy Federal member, you can request the travel card. Navy Federal will review your credit history and account standing with them. They do not publish a specific credit score requirement, but like most credit card issuers, they typically approve applicants with good to excellent credit and a history of responsible account management.
If you are not yet a Navy Federal member, you can open a membership online or at a branch. Membership is free. You will need to verify your military status or family relationship, which Navy Federal can often do electronically if you have a military email address or a DEERS record.
How to Open a Navy Federal Account and Request the Card
Start by going to the Navy Federal website and selecting the option to open a new membership. You will provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Navy Federal will ask you to verify your military status — you can do this with a military email address, a military ID number, or by uploading a copy of your military ID or discharge papers.
Once your membership is approved, you can request the travel card through the same online portal or by calling Navy Federal directly. You will provide information about your income, employment, and existing debts. Navy Federal will pull your credit report and make a decision, usually within a few business days.
If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will set up it through Navy Federal's website or app before you can use it. If you are denied, Navy Federal will send you a letter explaining the reason, and you can contact them to discuss whether you can reapply later.
Understanding the Rewards Structure
The Navy Federal Travel Card earns points on every dollar you spend. The exact earning rate depends on the category: you earn more points per dollar on travel purchases (flights, hotels, rental cars, gas) and dining, and fewer points per dollar on other purchases. Navy Federal updates these rates periodically, so check their website for the current earning structure before you explore.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. You can accumulate points over time and redeem them when you have enough for the reward you want. There is no limit to how many points you can earn.
You earn points only on purchases you make with the card. Balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not earn points. If you return an item, Navy Federal removes the points you earned on that purchase.
How to Redeem Your Rewards Points
You can see your current points balance in Navy Federal's online banking portal or mobile app. To redeem, log in and navigate to the rewards section. Navy Federal typically offers several redemption options: you can book travel directly through their travel portal, transfer points to airline or hotel partners, or take a statement credit that reduces your card balance.
The value of your points varies by redemption method. A point redeemed for a statement credit might be worth less than a point used to book a flight through Navy Federal's travel portal, depending on the price of the flight and current promotions. Compare the options before you redeem to get the most value.
There is no minimum number of points you must have to redeem, though some specific rewards may require a certain balance. You can redeem points as often as you want, and the redemption is usually processed within a few business days.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Costs
The Navy Federal Travel Card has no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest at the card's variable annual percentage rate (APR). The APR is not fixed — it changes based on the prime rate and Navy Federal's pricing. Your specific rate depends on your creditworthiness and credit history.
The card also charges standard fees for certain actions: a cash advance fee if you withdraw cash, a late payment fee if you miss a due date, and a returned payment fee if a check or automatic payment bounces. Navy Federal does not charge a foreign transaction fee, which can be useful if you travel internationally.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you carry a balance, the interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount, so even a small balance costs you money over time.
Managing Your Account and Staying in Good Standing
Once your card arrives, set up it through Navy Federal's website or app. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders so you do not miss your due date — missing payments damages your credit and triggers late fees. You can make payments online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail.
Monitor your account regularly for fraud. Navy Federal offers fraud protection, but you are responsible for reporting unauthorized charges quickly. Log into your account at least monthly to review your transactions, or set up alerts through the app to notify you of large purchases or cash advances.
Keep your Navy Federal membership active. If you close your membership or let it lapse, your travel card will close as well, and you will lose access to any unredeemed points. Your membership stays active as long as you maintain at least one open Navy Federal account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be on active duty to get the Navy Federal Travel Card?
No. Navy Federal membership is open to active-duty military, veterans, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, Department of Defense civilians, and family members of any of those groups. Once you are a member, you can request the travel card regardless of your current military status.
What happens to my points if I close my card or my Navy Federal account?
If you close the card but keep your Navy Federal membership open, you typically keep your points and can redeem them. If you close your entire Navy Federal membership, you will lose any unredeemed points. Contact Navy Federal before closing an account if you have a large points balance you want to redeem.
Can I use this card outside the United States?
Yes. The card works internationally and does not charge a foreign transaction fee, which makes it useful for travel abroad. You will still earn rewards points on international purchases. Notify Navy Federal before you travel so they do not flag your transactions as fraud.
How long does it take to get approved for the card?
Navy Federal typically makes a decision within a few business days of your request. If approved, your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives if Navy Federal provides it to you when ready after approval.
What is the difference between this card and Navy Federal's other credit cards?
Navy Federal offers several credit cards with different rewards structures and features. The Travel Card focuses on travel and dining rewards. Other Navy Federal cards may emphasize cash back, have different earning rates, or target specific spending patterns. Compare the current offerings on Navy Federal's website to see which card matches your spending habits.