Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards
vs. USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Both the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card and the USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of annual fees or foreign transaction costs. The Navy Federal cashRewards edges out with a higher cash back rate for those with direct deposit and a generous introductory offer. It is more accessible to those with fair credit, making it a versatile option for a broader audience.

However, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards card is still a strong contender, especially for those who can benefit from its introductory APR offer.

You might prefer the Navy Federal cashRewards if you're looking for a card with a competitive cash back rate and a valuable welcome bonus. With a lower APR range and the potential to earn 1.75% cash back on all purchases with direct deposit, it's a strong choice for those who want to maximize their rewards.

You might prefer the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards if you prioritize security features and travel benefits. While it doesn't offer a welcome bonus, it provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases and an introductory APR offer. These features make it a solid option for those who value consistent rewards and added protections on their spending.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will clarify which card aligns with your financial needs. Review subtle differences, like Navy Federal cashRewards' higher cash back rate with direct deposit vs. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards' broader eligibility for rewards. Specifics, such as the variable APR range for each card, will guide your choice.

The Navy Federal cashRewards offers a competitive edge with a potential 1.75% cash back on all purchases for those who enroll in direct deposit. The cash back rate without direct deposit matches the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards at 1.5%.

The USAA card maintains simplicity with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, without caps or category restrictions.

While both cards offer similar rewards for general spending, the Navy Federal card can provide greater value for those who meet the direct deposit requirement. The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards card's most compelling feature is its straightforward, no-fuss cash back on every purchase, making it a consistent earner for those who prefer simplicity over maximizing rewards. Review the table below for a comparison of the bonus categories for each card.

The Navy Federal cashRewards card allows you to redeem cash back at any time, with no minimum redemption amount, ensuring you can use your rewards as soon as you earn them.

Similarly, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards card offers unrestricted access to your cash back, with no expiration date, allowing you to redeem rewards on your own schedule.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Navy Federal cashRewards and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. These cards score highest in the cash back use case.

The evaluation considers factors such as the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements, among others, contribute to a comprehensive score that reflects the card's value in specific scenarios. For a deeper understanding of our scoring process, you can review our ranking methodology.