16,272 grads of the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course already know why
The Platinum Card® from American Express is my #1 recommended card
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The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card credit card is a solid balance transfer card for military servicemembers and their spouses.
If you are interested in maximizing your military credit card benefits, I recommend starting with a no annual fee card like the NFCU Platinum card.
Currently you can save on interest with a special introductory APR on balance transfers.
- Learn how to apply for the Navy Federal Platinum credit card
- New Platinum cardholders can pay a low intro APR of 0.99% for 12 months from account opening on balances transferred within 60 days. After that, a variable APR between 8.24% and 18% applies*
- Pay no annual, balance transfer, or foreign transaction fees*
- Terms apply, see rates and fees
- See the full Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card review
You can be approved for the card with average credit, usually with a FICO score of 630 or greater. Learn how to check your credit score for free. The low credit score requirement makes it an easier card to open for younger servicemembers.
You can also sign up for my 5 day Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course and learn how to get premium cards with no annual fees.
In this post:
Navy Federal Platinum Features
This card has no annual fee, making it a great first starter card to build your credit on. You can leave this card open forever and age your credit without annual fees.
The card also has no balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees.
Low interest rates
The introductory rate is 0.99% for 12 months from account opening on balances transferred within 60 days. After that, a variable APR between 8.24% and 18% applies. You can also pay no fees on balance transfers from non-NFCU accounts.
No foreign transaction fees
No foreign transaction fees is an essential benefit on your cards when you serve in the military. If you are stationed overseas or ever travel overseas TDY/TAD or on a deployment, you will want a card without foreign transaction fees.
These fees can sometimes be as high as 3%. If you spend $1000 overseas on a trip, you'll save $30 with a no foreign transaction fee card.
Who Should Apply for the NCFU Platinum Credit Card
If you're just starting out on your military credit cards journey, you need to build your credit with a no annual fee card. Check out my strategy for best military credit cards in this article.
The first step is opening a no annual fee cash back card so you can start building your credit and become eligible for the more exotic travel rewards cards.
You can learn all about military credit cards and how to maximize your benefits in my 100% free online course. Learn how to sign up for the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course here.
Building your credit score with a no annual fee credit card is the first step to reaping the lucrative military credit cards benefits available. If you are new to credit cards or new to the military, a no annual fee card from Navy Federal is a great place to start.
As an NFCU member, you can Pre-Qualify for this card. This allows you to check you eligibility for the credit card without submitting a credit report check. A Pre-Qualify check does not affect your credit score.
NFCU Membership Eligibility
Navy Federal Credit Union, or NFCU, has been serving members of the military and their families for nearly 90 years. NFCU offers financial and banking products at competitive rates and fees. Free checking accounts and early direct deposit of military paychecks are some of the benefits available.
To become a member, you or one of your family or household members must have ties to the armed forces, DoD or National Guard. Servicemembers and immediate family are all eligibility for Navy Federal membership.
Servicemembers in all branches of the armed forces are eligible for membership. This category includes: Active Duty members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and Space Force, Delayed Entry Program (DEP), DoD Officer Candidate/ROTC, DoD Reservists, veterans, retirees and annuitants.
Eligible immediate family members include: Parents, Grandparents, Spouses, Siblings, Children (including adopted and stepchildren), Grandchildren, and Household members.
NFCU Credit Card Features
All NFCU credit cards include:
- 24/7 Access to US based member reps
- No balance transfer or foreign transaction fees
- Ability to freeze and unfreeze your cards online
- Zero Liability policy for unauthorized transaction
- Fraud notifications
- Access toy our FICO Score
Other Navy Federal credit cards include the Navy Federal cashRewards credit card, Navy Federal Platinum credit card, Navy Federal GO REWARDS® Credit Card, and the NFCU Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card.
Questions About the Navy Federal Platinum Card
Usually a 700 or greater credit score is needed for the Navy Federal Platinum Card. However, if you have other accounts with Navy Fed you may be able to open up an account with a lower credit score.
The Navy Federal Platinum card is good for balance transfers but it does not earn any reward points. If you are interested in free travel or cash back, I recommend different cards.
No, you need to be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to open a credit card. To become a member, you or one of your family or household members must have ties to the armed forces, DoD, or National Guard.