Navy Federal Credit Union offers various credit cards designed to meet different financial needs, from low-interest options to rewards-based cards. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel perks, or a secured card to build credit, Navy Federal has options for eligible members.
If you’re thinking about applying, it’s important to know what credit score is typically required and what other factors can affect your approval. While your credit score is a key consideration, lenders also look at income, debt levels, and overall financial history.

Credit Score Needed for a Navy Federal Credit Card
Most Navy Federal credit cards require a credit score of 700 or higher, placing them in the good to excellent credit range. This applies to their flagship rewards cards as well as their low-interest options. However, approval isn’t solely based on credit score—factors like income, credit utilization, and payment history also play a role.
Even if your score is slightly below 700, a strong financial profile with steady income and responsible credit use may improve your chances. If your credit needs work, focusing on paying down existing balances, making on-time payments, and limiting new credit applications can help strengthen your profile before applying.
What else do you need to get approved for a Navy Federal credit card?
While having a credit score of 700 or higher is important when applying for a Navy Federal Credit Card, it’s not the only factor that Navy Federal Credit Union considers. Other factors such as your income, debt, and any negative items on your credit report are also taken into account.
To increase your chances of getting approved for a Navy Federal Credit Card, you should have a strong credit history, steady income, and low credit utilization. Using too much of your existing revolving credit is a sign that you may not be able to pay back your debts. Additionally, having too many credit inquiries can lessen your chances of approval.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved for a Navy Federal Credit Card
If you’re interested in applying for a Navy Federal Credit Card, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of approval. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Check Your Credit Scores and Reports
Before applying for a new credit card, it’s good to know your credit scores and what’s on your credit reports. This information can help you identify areas of improvement and address any negative items on your report.
Reduce Your Credit Utilization
Credit card issuers want to see a low credit utilization rate. If you’re using too much of your existing revolving credit, it’s a sign that you may not be able to pay back your debts. To improve your credit utilization, try paying down your balances or applying for a credit limit increase.
Avoid Applying for Too Much Credit
Having too many credit inquiries on your credit report can make you appear as a riskier borrower. To avoid this, try to limit your credit applications to only the cards you really need.
Remove Negative Items from Your Credit Report
One of the best ways to improve your credit scores is by removing negative items from your credit report. Late payments, collections, charge offs, foreclosures, repossessions, and bankruptcies can all have a negative impact on your credit.
Consider working with a credit repair company like Credit Saint to dispute these items and potentially have them removed from your credit report. You can get a free credit consultation by visiting their website and filling out the form.
Conclusion
While having a credit score of 700 or higher is the minimum recommended score for a Navy Federal credit card. However, other factors such as income, debt, and credit utilization are also considered.
To increase your chances of approval, check your credit scores and reports, reduce your credit utilization, and avoid applying for too much credit.
Additionally, consider working with a credit repair company to remove negative items from your credit report. By taking these steps, you can improve your financial health and be more likely to be approved for a Navy Federal credit card.