USAA Eagle Navigator Credit Card: Military Benefits and How to Maximize Value

Whether you’re traveling on orders or just want a card that respects your service, the Eagle Navigator delivers reliable value. In fact, we named it the Best Travel Rewards Card on our Best Credit Cards for Veterans & Military Retirees list and Best for Flexible Travel Rewards and an Annual Bonus on our Best USAA Credit Cards page.

Here’s the insider tip that makes this card stand out: A TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry application fee credit is included with the Eagle Navigator, even though the annual fee is only $95. With most other cards, you’d need to pay annual_fees, annual_fees, or even annual_fees a year (think Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Amex Platinum,) to unlock the same perk. That’s an unusual—and cost-saving—benefit for a card in this price range.

See how we rate credit cards here.

Why the Eagle Navigator Works for Military Families

USAA designs products around military life realities—PCS moves, deployments, and family travel. The Eagle Navigator fits that mission:

Built-In Military Value

• $95 annual fee offset by bonus points, $120 TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry credit (every four years), and strong rewards
• APRs often below national averages, especially for active-duty members
• No foreign transaction fees, making it PCS- and deployment-ready

Everyday Rewards on What Matters

• Earn extra on travel, transit, dining, and gas—categories most servicemembers spend heavily on
• Straightforward earning with no rotating categories to track
• Annual 10,000-point bonus for USAA Rewards Center hotel or rental car bookings

Related: The Best Travel Cards for Military Servicemembers

Military Protections & SCRA Benefits

Military life comes with constant change—PCS orders, deployments, and unpredictable schedules. The Eagle Navigator helps ease some of that strain with protections tailored to servicemembers:

• SCRA benefits: If you opened the card before entering active duty, you may qualify for capped interest rates (6% on pre-service balances) and waived penalty fees.
• Deployment support: USAA customer service reps are trained to handle PCS, deployment, and financial hardship scenarios, so you’re not stuck explaining your situation to someone who doesn’t understand military life.
• Emergency card replacement: If your card is lost or compromised while you’re deployed or PCS’ing, USAA can expedite a replacement worldwide.

Do You Need to Apply for SCRA Benefits?

Yes. Unlike MLA protections (which apply automatically on new accounts with participating banks), SCRA protections require a request:

• Log in to your USAA account and send a secure message requesting SCRA benefits
• Provide documentation such as your active-duty orders or a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• USAA will review and confirm any benefits that apply

Even though the Eagle Navigator does charge an annual fee, these protections can still provide meaningful value—especially in terms of lower interest rates and flexible servicing support during deployment.

Related: Servicemembers’ Guide to SCRA and MLA Credit Card Perks

Where the Eagle Navigator Really Stands Out

Most premium travel cards that include TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits — like the Amex Platinum (annual_fees fee), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (annual_fees fee), or Capital One Venture X (annual_fees fee) — make sense if you qualify for MLA waivers as an active-duty servicemember.

But if you’re a veteran, retiree, or family member who doesn’t qualify for those waivers, those annual fees can be tough to justify.

That’s where the Eagle Navigator™ Credit Card fills an important gap:

• $95 annual fee (not waived, but far lower than premium cards)
• Includes TSA PreCheck / Global Entry (a perk usually locked behind high annual fees)
• Annual bonus points when you book through USAA Rewards Center
• Visa acceptance worldwide — important for deployments, PCS, or international travel

For military families who want premium-style travel benefits without premium fees, the Eagle Navigator is one of the better options available.

Ready to apply? Get started here.

Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

The Eagle Navigator isn’t a luxury travel card, but it covers essentials that military families value:

• No foreign transaction fees – Save 1–3% on every purchase overseas
• Rental car coverage – Secondary rental car Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage when booked with your card
• Travel Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance – Peace of mind for you and your family on official or personal trips
• Mobile wallet support – Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
• Emergency card replacement – Rapid delivery if you’re deployed or PCS’ing
• TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit – Up to $120 every four years, helping offset the $95 annual fee while saving you time at the airport

These perks make it a reliable travel companion—even without airport lounge access or premium concierge benefits.

Applying for the Eagle Navigator

Who’s Eligible?

You must be a USAA member to apply. Membership is open to:

• Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members
• Veterans with an honorable discharge
• Eligible family members (spouses and children of members)

Check out our guide to USAA membership to learn more.

Application Process

• Apply via your USAA account or by phone
• Provide income and housing details
• Expect approval for credit scores 700+ with stable income

Important: USAA does not waive the $95 annual fee under the MLA. However, it honors SCRA protections for accounts opened before active duty.

What to Expect During the Approval Process

Once you apply for the USAA Eagle Navigator™ Credit Card, your application will go through USAA’s standard credit review. Here’s how it works:

• Application Review – USAA evaluates your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and membership status. Applicants with good to excellent credit (typically 700+) and steady income often receive a decision within minutes online.
• Verification – If needed, USAA may ask for additional documentation, such as proof of income or verification of military affiliation (especially for family members applying).
• Decision and Card Delivery – If approved, your card typically arrives within 7–10 business days. You’ll also gain instant access to your account through the USAA mobile app and online portal.

USAA does not offer pre-approval for the Eagle Navigator. Submitting an application will result in a hard credit inquiry on your credit report.

Related: How to Improve Your Credit Score

How It Compares: Eagle Navigator vs. NFCU Flagship Rewards

Both USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) offer premium travel rewards cards for military members. Here’s how the Eagle Navigator stacks up against NFCU’s Flagship Rewards Visa Signature®, as well as a mainstream competitor, the Chase Sapphire Preferred®.

Takeaway

• Choose Eagle Navigator if you want a modest annual fee with extras like TSA PreCheck/Global Entry and annual bonus points, plus Visa acceptance worldwide.
• Choose NFCU Flagship Rewards if you want similar earnings at a lower annual fee.
• Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® if you want the flexibility of transferable points and a larger welcome bonus.

Related: The Best Navy Federal Credit Union Cards

Who Should Consider the Eagle Navigator vs. Alternatives

The Eagle Navigator™ Credit Card is a strong choice if you:

• Already bank with USAA and want your rewards tied to the same ecosystem
• Value Visa’s worldwide acceptance (important for PCS moves and overseas deployments)
• Want a straightforward, reliable rewards card without tracking rotating categories
• Can justify the $95 annual fee with the TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit, annual bonus points, and everyday rewards

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Want no annual fee — in that case, the Navy Federal More Rewards Amex® is a solid option with 3× points on groceries, dining, and gas
• Want a direct peer alternative — the Navy Federal Flagship Rewards Visa Signature® is closest, with a lower annual fee ($49) and 2x points on all purchases, along with a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit
• Want premium travel perks (airport lounge access, luxury hotel benefits) — cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve® are better, though they come with higher fees if you’re not eligible for MLA benefits
• Want flexible travel partners and point transfers — the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers strong transfer partners for the same $95 fee
• Prefer a cash-back structure — a flat-rate card like the Citi® Double Cash (2% back) may provide more value and give you access to travel redemptions

The Eagle Navigator sits in the middle: not luxury, not bare-bones, but a military-focused, value-first travel rewards card. If you need simplicity and global acceptance, it’s tough to beat.

Ready to apply? Get started here.

Maximizing Your Eagle Navigator Benefits

This isn’t a card you need to overthink. A few simple habits will help you get the most from it:

• Use it for gas, dining, and travel to maximize points
• Book hotels or rental cars through the USAA Rewards Center each year to trigger the 10,000-point annual bonus—worth about $100 in travel, which alone can offset the $95 annual fee
• Redeem points for travel rather than gift cards or cash back. For example, 30,000 points from the welcome bonus can equal about $300 in flights or hotel stays when booked through USAA
• If you opened the card before entering active duty, request SCRA benefits to lower rates and waive fees
• Add it to your mobile wallet for secure, convenient payments while traveling or PCS’ing

Is the Eagle Navigator Worth It?

Yes—if you want a dependable, military-focused rewards card. Here’s why:

• The $95 annual fee is modest compared to premium travel cards and is offset by bonuses and perks
• Visa’s global acceptance makes it practical for PCS moves and deployments
• Rewards categories align with military spending habits (gas, dining, travel)
• SCRA protections and USAA’s military-trained service team provide peace of mind

It’s not a luxury card with lounge access or luxury credits. Instead, it’s a steady, servicemember-first option—ideal if you already bank with USAA or want a card that just works without micromanagement.

Bottom Line

The USAA Eagle Navigator™ Credit Card is a practical, military-aligned card that delivers reliable rewards and benefits. For $95 a year, it offers:

• Strong everyday rewards
• Travel and military protections
• Visa’s worldwide acceptance
• Support from a bank built for servicemembers

For servicemembers and veterans who want value, simplicity, and trust, the Eagle Navigator is a card worth considering.

Ready to apply? Get started here.

Fact-checked by Ariana Arghandewal.

About Post Author

Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet’s founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air National Guard.

Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then.

Featured In: Ryan’s writing has been featured in the following publications: Forbes, Military.com, US News & World Report, Yahoo Finance, Reserve & National Guard Magazine (print and online editions), Military Influencer Magazine, Cash Money Life, The Military Guide, USAA, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications.