Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards
vs. Alliant Visa Signature Card

Both the Alliant Visa Signature Card and the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of annual fees, a commonality that likely brought you here. Navy Federal cashRewards edges ahead with its higher cash back rate and a welcome bonus that adds immediate value.

However, the Alliant Visa Signature Card's potential for up to 2.5% cash back could sway those who qualify for Tier One Rewards. While the Navy Federal card is more accessible with its lower credit score requirement, the Alliant card's higher cash back rate for top spenders is a compelling reason to consider it.

You might prefer the Alliant Visa Signature Card if you're a high spender who can take full advantage of the 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of purchases by meeting the Tier One Rewards criteria. This card also offers purchase and travel protections, making it a solid choice for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards on their spending without worrying about foreign transaction fees.

You might prefer the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards if you value a straightforward rewards program with a lower APR range. With up to 1.75% cash back on purchases when you have direct deposit, this card also offers a spend-based welcome bonus and no fees on balance transfers or cash advances, which can be beneficial for managing existing debt or unexpected expenses.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and additional features will illuminate which card aligns with your financial needs. This section offers a clear view of each card's advantages and limitations. For instance, if avoiding balance transfer fees is a priority, the Navy Federal cashRewards stands out, whereas the Alliant Visa Signature may appeal more to those aiming for higher cash back percentages.

The Navy Federal cashRewards card edges out slightly with a potential 1.75% cash back rate for those with direct deposit, compared to the Alliant Visa Signature's 1.5% to 2.5% cash back.

The Alliant card's higher rate applies only to the first $10,000 of purchases for those who meet the Tier One Rewards criteria, which includes having an Alliant High-Rate Checking account and meeting certain monthly requirements.

For Navy Federal members who can ensure direct deposit, the consistent 1.75% rate on all purchases can accumulate rewards quickly. The Alliant Visa Signature remains compelling with its tiered rewards system, especially for those who can consistently qualify for the Tier One Rewards. The Navy Federal cashRewards card also offers a unique co-branded benefit, providing a statement credit for Walmart+ membership, which can be an added perk for frequent Walmart shoppers.

Now, let's take a closer look at the bonus categories for each card in the following table.

Both the Alliant Visa Signature and Navy Federal cashRewards cards offer non-expiring rewards, ensuring long-term value for cardholders. While specific redemption options are not detailed, both typically allow for cash-equivalent redemptions such as statement credits and gift cards, providing flexibility in how you can use your cash back.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Navy Federal cashRewards and the Alliant Visa Signature based on their performance in various use cases, such as cash back and balance transfers. For this comparison, both cards are assessed in the cash back category, where they score highest.

The evaluation considers factors like the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. Other considerations include annual fees, issuer satisfaction and recommended credit. For a detailed understanding of our ranking process, you can review our ranking methodology.