Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards
vs. USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Both the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card and the USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of annual fees or foreign transaction costs.

The Navy Federal cashRewards edges out due to its no-fee policy and lower APR. However, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card's high cash back rate, especially on gas and military base purchases, makes it a strong contender, particularly for those who frequent these categories. Both cards are tailored to benefit the military community.

You might prefer the Navy Federal cashRewards if you value a higher cash back rate on all purchases and want to avoid annual and foreign transaction fees. With a relatively low standard APR and no rewards cap, this card is suitable for those who want simple and consistent rewards. The $100 bonus offer is an added perk for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.

You might prefer the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus if you frequently spend at gas stations, grocery stores and military bases and want to earn up to 5% cash back. If you plan to transfer a balance, the 0% introductory APR for 15 months could provide significant savings. However, you should consider the balance transfer fee and the variable APR after the introductory period.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will clarify the distinctions between the Navy Federal cashRewards and USAA Cashback Rewards Plus cards. Whether you prioritize lower fees or higher rewards, review the information below to find which card fits your spending habits and financial needs.

The Navy Federal cashRewards card edges ahead with a flat rewards rate of 1.75% cash back on all purchases for those enrolled in direct deposit and 1.5% for non-enrollees. This straightforward approach to earning rewards makes it a strong contender for those who value simplicity and consistent cash back on every purchase.

On the other hand, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card stands out for its 5% cash back on gas and military base purchases, a rate hard to beat for eligible spenders. It also offers 2% cash back on groceries, though it's capped at $3,000 per year. If you frequently spend at gas stations or shop on base, the USAA card could be the more lucrative option.

The table below compares the bonus categories of both cards, helping you to discern which card best suits your spending patterns.

The Navy Federal cashRewards allows you to redeem cash back at any time, with no minimum threshold, ensuring immediate access to your earned rewards. Additionally, these rewards do not expire as long as your account is active.

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus also provides flexibility, permitting redemptions in increments of just $1. Your cash back doesn't expire while your account is open.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Navy Federal cashRewards and the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus using a comprehensive scoring system.

For cash back cards, the most significant factors include the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements, along with annual fees and issuer satisfaction, contribute to a card's overall score. For a detailed understanding of our ranking process, you can review our ranking methodology.