Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Card
vs. Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Both the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards and the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cater to savvy spenders looking for cash back without the burden of annual fees. The Navy Federal cashRewards World edges ahead with its higher cash back rate and accessibility to a broader range of credit scores.

However, the Costco Anywhere card is a strong contender for Costco members, offering high rewards on gas, travel and dining.

While the Navy Federal cashRewards World card may be the overall winner, Costco loyalists may still find Costco Anywhere's tailored rewards more beneficial.

You might prefer the Navy Federal cashRewards World if you're looking for a card with a high overall cash back rate and a lower APR range. With up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee, it's a solid choice for everyday spending and for those who already bank with Navy Federal.

You might prefer Costco Anywhere if you're a frequent Costco shopper. The card offers high cash back on gas, travel, dining and Costco purchases. While it requires a Costco membership, the benefits can outweigh the costs if you regularly shop at Costco.

Evaluating the Navy Federal cashRewards World and Costco Anywhere cards across APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and other features will clarify which aligns with your financial habits. For instance, if you frequently shop at Costco, the Costco Anywhere card's higher cash back rates on gas and Costco purchases might be advantageous. For those seeking a straightforward cash back card, the Navy Federal cashRewards World card's lower APR range and absence of various fees could be more beneficial.

The Navy Federal cashRewards World card offers a solid 1.75% cash back on all purchases for those with direct deposit and 1.5% for those without. This straightforward, higher-than-average cash back rate makes it an attractive option for those seeking simplicity and consistent rewards across all spending categories.

On the other hand, the Costco Anywhere card has category-specific rewards, particularly for those who spend heavily on gas, dining and travel. The 4% cash back on gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 annually) and 3% on dining and travel can add up quickly for frequent travelers and commuters. Additionally, shopping at Costco with the card nets you 2% cash back, enhancing the value for Costco members.

While the Navy Federal cashRewards World card may offer a better overall cash back rate, the Costco Anywhere card's bonus categories are compelling for those who frequent Costco or spend significantly in its highest-earning categories. The table below details bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards at a glance.

The Navy Federal cashRewards World card offers immediate gratification. It allows you to redeem cash back anytime without worrying about an expiration date.

The Costco Anywhere card issues rewards annually as a certificate after your February statement, which you can use for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses until December 31 of the same year.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards based on their performance in various use cases, such as cash back and balance transfers. The highest scoring use case for the Navy Federal cashRewards World and Costco Anywhere cards is cash back.

The evaluation considers factors like the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements, along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction, play a significant role in the overall score.