
The nRewards Secured Credit Card is a great option for those looking to rebuild their credit or establish a new credit history. It's designed for people with little to no credit history or those who have experienced financial difficulties.
To qualify for the nRewards Secured Credit Card, you'll need to make a security deposit, which will become your credit limit. This deposit is refundable when you close your account or upgrade to an unsecured credit card.
The nRewards Secured Credit Card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which means it can help you build a positive credit history over time. Regular on-time payments and responsible credit behavior are key to rebuilding your credit.
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Pros and Cons
The nRewards Secured Credit Card has some great benefits that set it apart from other secured credit cards. One of the standout features is that you earn 1 point for every dollar spent on all purchases, which is a common practice for many credit cards.
Here are some of the pros of the nRewards Secured Credit Card:
- Earns 1 point for every dollar spent on all purchases
- Your security deposit earns dividends, just like it would in a savings account
- Navy Federal will review your account after three months to see if you're eligible for additional credit with no deposit required; six months to see if you're eligible for the cash Rewards unsecured card
The nRewards Secured Credit Card offers a great way to build your credit while also earning rewards on your purchases.
How You Earn, How to Redeem
The nRewards Secured card rewards you with 1 point for every dollar you spend on all purchases. This is a decent rate, but keep in mind that some other cards offer even better rewards for specific types of purchases.
You won't have to worry about limits on the points you can earn with the nRewards Secured card, which is a plus. This means you can earn as many points as you want, without any restrictions.
One thing to note is that you can redeem your points for merchandise, gift cards, or cash back. This gives you a good range of options to choose from when it's time to redeem your rewards.
Rates and Fees
The nRewards Secured card has a standard APR of 18%, which is considered high, but it's still a good option for those who want to maintain a balance.
It's worth noting that the card has no annual fee, processing fee, or foreign transaction fee, making it a great choice for those who want to avoid extra charges.
The card also has a penalty fee for late and returned payments, which can climb as high as $20.00, so be sure to make your payments on time.
Having a no-fee structure is a huge benefit, as it will give you a better chance of using your credit line responsibly and building a stronger credit profile over time.
The nRewards Secured card requires a minimum $200 security deposit, which establishes your credit limit of the same amount, so make sure you have that available.
Overall, the nRewards Secured card has a straightforward fee structure that makes it easy to understand and use.
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Account Management
With the nrewards secured credit card, you can manage your account online through the issuer's website, where you can view your balance, payment history, and credit limit.
To make a payment, you can use a bank transfer, mail a check, or set up automatic payments from your bank account. The issuer also offers a mobile app for account management on-the-go.
Make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can be 24.99% APR.
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Account Reviews at 3 & 6 Months
At Navy Federal Credit Union, your account will be reviewed after three months to see if you're eligible for an upgraded credit limit without providing additional deposits.
This review is a great opportunity to get a higher credit limit, which will give you more wiggle room when keeping your credit utilization below 30 percent.
At six months, Navy Federal will review your account again for eligibility to have the hold removed and upgrade to the cashRewards credit card.
Graduating to an unsecured credit card after only six months with a secured card is a great chance for budding credit builders to get on the right track with financial responsibility.
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Report Distribution
The Navy Federal nRewards card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which helps maintain a healthy credit score. This is a great feature for cardholders who want to track their credit history.
The Navy Federal nRewards card specifically reports to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion on a monthly basis. This ensures that your credit information is up-to-date and accurate.
Regular reporting to credit bureaus can help you stay on top of your credit score and identify any potential issues early on.
Account Management
Account management is a crucial aspect of using a secured credit card. You can get your security deposit back when you upgrade to an unsecured credit card or close your secured credit card account, as long as your account is in good standing and your balance is paid in full.
Navy Federal Credit Union will review your account after three months to see if you're eligible for an upgraded credit limit without additional deposits. This is a great opportunity to increase your credit limit and have more wiggle room when keeping your credit utilization below 30 percent.
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Secured credit cards typically report to the major credit bureaus, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a key benefit of using a secured credit card, as it can help you build credit over time.
You can use your secured credit card anywhere credit cards are accepted, just like an unsecured credit card. However, some secured credit cards may have limited rewards or fees, so be sure to check the terms before applying.
Here's a comparison of secured and unsecured credit cards:
Navy Federal Credit Union will review your account again at six months to see if you're eligible for the hold to be removed and the cashRewards credit card. This is a great chance to graduate to an unsecured credit card and start building even more credit.
Credit and Benefits
The nRewards Secured Credit Card offers some unique benefits that set it apart from other secured credit cards. You can review your credit limit within the first three months of using your credit card.
One of the standout features of this credit card is its cashback points system. For every dollar spent on your credit card, you earn 1 point. This means the more you buy, the more points you earn.
You can exchange your points for cash, a gift card, or merchandise. This can be a great way to get some rewards back on your purchases. Just be aware that points expire after four years, so use them before that time.
The nRewards Secured Credit Card also offers a $0 annual fee and $0 transfer fee, making it a relatively low-cost option. Additionally, it reports your credit history to the three main US credit agencies, which can help you build credit over time.
Here are some of the benefits offered by this credit card:
- You can review your credit limit within the first three months of using your credit card.
- You can withdraw and withdraw the savings account withholding every six months.
- There is no limit on rewards.
- $0 annual fee.
- $0 transfer fee.
- Report your credit history to the three main US agencies.
- It has a cashback points system.
Compare Alternatives
The nRewards Secured card is a solid choice for service members, but it's not the only option. You can also consider the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card, which has a lower WalletHub rating of 3.3.
One of the main benefits of the nRewards Secured card is its quick process for getting you from a secured card to an unsecured card. However, the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card also offers a similar process, and it's worth considering if you're looking for a more affordable option.
The nRewards Secured card has a rewards rate of 1 point per $1, but the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card does not offer any rewards. On the other hand, the nRewards Secured card has a higher APR of 18%, compared to the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card's APR of 24.89%.
Here's a comparison of the nRewards Secured card and the OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card:
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is another option to consider. It has a lower minimum security deposit amount of $49, and it also comes with no annual fee. However, the nRewards Secured card offers a better credit increase time frame, with account reviews at three months for increased limits.
It's worth noting that the nRewards Secured card and the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card both offer no foreign transaction fees, making them good options for service members stationed overseas.
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Application and Approval
To apply for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card, you can do so online, over the phone, or in person at a Navy Federal branch. You'll need to become a Navy Federal Credit Union member first, which is open to active duty or retired service members, or those with other military ties.
The online application process is straightforward, requiring you to sign in to your account and follow the steps to complete the application. To apply over the phone, simply call (888) 842-6328. Alternatively, you can visit a Navy Federal branch in person to apply.
You can also apply for the nRewards Secured Credit Card if you're already a member of the Federal Marine Credit Union. In this case, you can check your credit score without any prejudice and then finalize your application. If you're not yet a member, you'll need to sign up and open a savings account with a minimum of $5 in deposit before applying.
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Here are the application options:
- Online: Visit the card's online page and select “Apply Now.”
- Over the phone: Call (888) 842-6328 to apply over the phone.
- At a branch: Visit your nearest Navy Federal branch to apply in person.
Keep in mind that the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card accepts people with bad credit and requires a refundable security deposit of $200 to open an account.
Application Process
To apply for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card, you can start by becoming a Navy Federal Credit Union member. You can do this by being an active duty or retired service member of the armed forces, or having other ties to the military.
The easiest way to apply for the card is online, but you can also apply over the phone or in person at a Navy Federal branch.
To apply online, visit the card's online page and select "Apply Now." You'll then need to sign in to your account and follow the steps to complete the application.
If you prefer to apply over the phone, you can call (888) 842-6328. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Navy Federal branch to apply in person.
Here are the different ways to apply for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card:
- Online: Visit the card's online page and select “Apply Now.” Then, sign in to your account and follow the steps to complete the application.
- Over the phone: Call (888) 842-6328 to apply over the phone.
- At a branch: Visit your nearest Navy Federal branch to apply in person.
The Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card is a great option for people with bad credit, as it accepts applicants with less than perfect credit. However, you will need to pay a refundable security deposit of $200 to open an account.
Qualifying for Graduation
To qualify for a Navy Federal Secured card graduation, you need to make on-time payments and keep your balance under the credit limit.
You can expect Navy Federal to review your card monthly, starting after the first six months, to see if you're eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card.
The time it takes to graduate can vary, but it can take as little as 5-6 months or as long as 18 months.
Typically, people see a significant increase in their credit limit after graduation, often going from $200 to $2000 or more.
Credit and Bankruptcy
If you've gone through bankruptcy, you may still be able to get approved for a Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card. However, approval will depend on several factors, including the amount of time since the bankruptcy was discharged and your current financial situation.
You'll need to have been a member of Navy Federal for a certain period of time to be eligible for this card. The exact requirements aren't specified, but it's likely that being a member for at least a few months will be sufficient.
In general, the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card is a good option for people who are looking to rebuild their credit after financial difficulties, including bankruptcy.
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Does a Hard Pull?
A hard pull can cause your credit score to drop by 5-10 points, but most people's scores bounce back within 3-6 months with responsible credit management.
It's worth noting that the Navy Federal Secured card will do a hard pull, even if you're applying with bad credit.
This usually means you won't be able to get pre-approved for the card, and you'll have to go through the full application process.
A hard pull can stay on your credit report for up to 12 months, so it's essential to manage your credit responsibly during this time.
You can minimize the impact of a hard pull by paying your bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and not applying for multiple credit cards or loans at once.
Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy
You can get approved for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card after bankruptcy, but it's essential to understand the factors that affect your approval.
The amount of time since the bankruptcy was discharged is a crucial factor in getting approved for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card.
It's worth noting that this card is designed for individuals who are looking to rebuild their credit, making it a good option for those who have had financial difficulties, including bankruptcy.
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The Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card is a good option for rebuilding credit because it reports to all three major credit bureaus.
To get approved, you'll need to have membership with Navy Federal, which is a requirement for this card.
Here are some key factors to consider when rebuilding credit after bankruptcy:
- Membership with Navy Federal: This is a requirement for getting approved for the Navy Federal nRewards Secured Card.
- Time since bankruptcy discharge: The amount of time since your bankruptcy was discharged will impact your approval chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Navy Federal nRewards card work?
The Navy Federal nRewards Secured Credit Card requires a $200 security deposit and earns 1 point per dollar in purchases, with no annual fee. It also comes with a variable APR of 18%.
What is a typical credit limit for a secured card?
A typical credit limit for a secured card is equal to the security deposit you provide, which can range from $200 to $2,000 or more. This means your credit limit is directly tied to the amount you deposit.
Sources
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/nrewards-secured/
- https://wallethub.com/d/navy-federal-credit-union-nrewards-secured-credit-card-389c
- https://fineasier.uk/credit-card-nrewards/
- https://www.brightmoney.co/card/navy-federal-nrewards-secured-credit-card
- https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/articles/secured-vs-unsecured-credit-card/
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