The Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards® Secured Credit Card is a low-rate card designed to help build credit. This review examines the features, fees and benefits of this card in detail, helping potential customers determine whether it meets their needs. The first part of the review looks at how secured cards work, including what they are and why having one can be beneficial for individuals with limited or no credit history. Next, an analysis of the key features and fees associated with the Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards® Secured Credit Card is provided. Finally, a summary of its advantages and disadvantages is presented in order to provide readers with an overview of the card’s overall value. By considering all these aspects critically, consumers will have a better understanding of the product before making their decision.
Overview Of The Card
The Navy Federal Credit Union NREwards Secured Credit Card is a credit card designed for individuals who have had difficulty establishing or rebuilding their credit. The primary benefit of the card is that it offers an opportunity to establish and build good credit history with responsible use, while also providing rewards points on purchases made using the card.
This secured credit card requires applicants to place a refundable security deposit, which becomes their spending limit. No annual fees are charged, but there are interest charges associated with balance carried over from one billing period to another. Additionally, cash advances cost more than regular purchase transactions. Rewards earned can be redeemed for merchandise and travel-related items through the NRewards program as well as at participating retailers.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for the Navy Federal Credit Union Nrewards® Secured Credit Card are straightforward. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a member or eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union. Membership with Navy Federal is available to those who serve, or have served in the U.S. Military, Department of Defense personnel, civilian employees of the DoD, family members of current members, and others associated with select military organizations such as USAA and PenFed. In addition to being an eligible member, applicants must also provide proof of identification and agree to a credit check prior to acceptance into this program.
To apply for the card, eligible customers can choose from either an online application process or by visiting one of their local branches for assistance. Before submitting an application it is important that potential customers read through all terms and conditions carefully before signing any documents related to the card agreement. Once approved and issued, customers may begin enjoying all features offered with this secured credit card option
Fees And Interest Rates
The Navy Federal Credit Union Nrewards® Secured Credit Card offers competitive fees and interest rates. It is important to understand the structure of these charges as part of the review process.
First, there is an annual fee associated with this card that is currently $0 annually. There are also no foreign transaction fees when using this card outside of the US. Additionally, balance transfers have a 3% fee with a minimum transfer amount of $200.
The APR for purchases on this card ranges from 8.99%-18%. This rate changes depending on your creditworthiness at the time you apply for it and will likely increase over time if payments are not made on time or in full each month. Late payment fees can be up to $37 per incident, while returned payments cost up to $20 each occurrence. Knowing what potential costs may come with this card helps consumers make an informed decision about whether or not they want to use it.
Benefits And Rewards
The Navy Federal Credit Union NREwards® Secured Credit Card offers many benefits and rewards to its cardholders. These include no annual fee, a low fixed APR rate, access to exclusive military discounts, the ability to earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards, mobile payments acceptance, free online account management tools, and fraud protection services. Additionally, this secured credit card does not require customers to have perfect credit scores in order to qualify for approval.
Cardholders who use their Navy Federal Credit Union NREwards® Secured Credit Card responsibly and make timely payments may ultimately qualify for an unsecured credit card or even receive a higher spending limit without having to increase their security deposit. This provides customers with the opportunity to build their credit scores over time while enjoying all of the perks associated with using a secured credit card.
Pros And Cons
The Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards® Secured Credit Card offers many advantages for those looking to establish or rebuild credit. The application process is quick and easy, with no annual fee and a low APR of 13.99%. Additionally, cardholders receive the added benefit of earning rewards points on purchases which can be used toward travel, merchandise, cash back, gift cards, and more.
On the other hand, there are several drawbacks associated with this secured credit card. One issue is that the amount you deposit into your security account may not exceed $5,000. Furthermore, applicants must also have military affiliation in order to qualify for approval. Finally, if payments are late by 60 days or more then interest rates will increase significantly as well as any applicable fees.
Alternatives To Consider
When deciding whether the Navy Federal Credit Union nRewards® Secured Credit Card is the best option for a consumer, there are alternatives to consider. The Capital One Secured Mastercard offers no annual fee and allows individuals to build credit with responsible use of their card. Its initial deposit requirement of $49, $99 or $200 will determine an individual’s starting amount of credit line. Additionally, this card also offers access to higher lines of credit with timely payments over time. Another alternative is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card which features cash back on all purchases as well as a free account monitoring service that helps maintain healthy credit usage habits. This secured card requires a minimum security deposit equal to your chosen limit between $200 and $2,500; however, customers can increase their limits without additional deposits after eight months if they qualify based on payment history and other criteria. Both the Capital One Secured Mastercard and the Discover it® Secured offer flexible terms and conditions depending on spending behavior.
The type of secured card ultimately chosen should be tailored to fit one’s financial needs and goals in order to make sound decisions regarding personal finances. It is important for consumers to compare different cards’ rewards programs, fees and interest rates before making any commitment so that they can choose the most suitable product for them.
Conclusion
The Navy Federal Credit Union Nrewards® Secured Credit Card offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to build or rebuild credit. The eligibility requirements are relatively straightforward and the fees and interest rates are competitive when compared with other cards in the same category. Additionally, card holders can enjoy a variety of benefits such as access to exclusive rewards programs, cash back bonuses on qualified purchases, and no annual fee.
Despite these advantages there are drawbacks that should be considered before applying for this card. For example, although it is possible to earn rewards points, the value received from them may not necessarily outweigh their cost in terms of APRs and fees associated with redeeming them. Furthermore, while payment activity will help improve one’s credit score over time, it may take longer than average due to the secured nature of the card itself.
Overall, the Navy Federal Credit Union Nrewards® Secured Credit Card is a solid option for individuals who would like to establish or re-establish their credit history over time without having to pay high fees or interest rates. Before deciding whether this card is right for you however, make sure to weigh all your options carefully in order to ensure that you find the best product suited for your financial needs and goals.