Rewards & next steps

How to Apply for the Navy Federal cashRewards Card

★Here's how to get the most from this card. Follow the steps below, then apply on the issuer's official site.

Applying for the Navy Federal cashRewards card is a two-part process: establishing (or confirming) your Navy Federal membership, and then applying for the card itself. If you're not already a member, you'll need to verify your eligibility and open a share (savings) account before or during the card application.

The steps below outline the general process based on how Navy Federal structures membership and card applications; exact screens and required documents can vary, so treat this as a roadmap rather than a script.

Step by step

1. Confirm your Navy Federal membership eligibility: Check whether you qualify through military service (active duty, veteran, retired), Department of Defense civilian or contractor status, or a family relationship to an existing member. If you're not yet a member, you'll typically need to open a Navy Federal share (savings) account first.
2. Gather your financial information: Have your Social Security number, employment and income details, housing payment, and existing debt obligations ready — standard information any card issuer needs to evaluate creditworthiness during the application.
3. Apply online or by phone: Submit the cashRewards application through Navy Federal's website or by contacting a representative. Navy Federal will run a credit check as part of underwriting, and your approved credit limit determines whether you receive the standard cashRewards (1.5%) or cashRewards Plus (2%) version.
4. Review your terms before activating: Once approved, check your card agreement for your actual APR, credit limit, and any current welcome-bonus requirements (such as a minimum spend within a set number of days) before you start using the card, since these can differ from the general figures advertised.

Tips & mistakes to avoid

• Check your credit report before applying and address any errors or high balances, since the difference between the 1.5% and 2% tier often comes down to the credit limit you're approved for.
• If you're applying for a welcome bonus offer, read the exact spend threshold and time window in the current terms — these change between promotional periods and are easy to misremember from an older review.
• Pay your statement balance in full each month; the flat cash-back rate is only a net benefit if you're not paying it back out in interest on a carried balance.
• If you plan to use the balance-transfer intro APR, complete the transfer within the first 60 days of account opening — transfers made after that window won't qualify for the promotional rate.

FAQ

Will applying for this card hurt my credit score?

Applying triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score, similar to applying for any credit card. The impact is typically minor and fades over time if you manage the account responsibly.

Do I have to be active-duty military to apply?

No. Navy Federal membership also extends to veterans, retirees, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors, and eligible family members of current members — not just those currently serving.

How long does approval take?

Many applicants receive an initial decision quickly after submitting an online application, though some applications require additional review and take longer. Navy Federal will notify you of your approved credit limit, which determines which version of the card (cashRewards or cashRewards Plus) you receive.

Advertiser disclosure: general information only, not financial advice. We are an independent publisher, not a card issuer or lender. Confirm current terms on the issuer's official site.