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Home / Reviews / PENFED / Pathfinder Review
Live data · Feb 16, 2026

Pathfinder Review 2026

EDITOR'S PICKUpdated Feb 16, 2026·CardStack Data Team
Quick Answer

The Pathfinder earns X on all purchases with a $95 annual fee.

2.5/5
Overall
3.0/5
Value
PAT
Pathfinder
$95/yr
VS
DEL
Delta SkyMiles Blue
$0/yr
Full comparison

Rewards Structure

CategoryRateEffective ¢/$MCCs
Everything Else1X pts/$1.00¢All

Benefits

Effective Annual Fee

Annual fee–$95
Net annual cost–$95 effective cost
Financial disclaimer: CardStack is not a financial advisor. Credit card terms, APRs, and fees are set by PENFED and subject to change. Verify all information on the issuer's website before applying.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • No foreign transaction fees

Weaknesses

  • $95 annual fee
  • 1X base rate on non-bonus spending

Who This Card Is For

International Travelers
No foreign transaction fees
Value Seekers
Strong rewards relative to $95 fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pathfinder worth $95/year?
For moderate spenders, generally yes. The Pathfinder offers rewards and benefits that typically exceed the $95 annual fee for anyone who uses the bonus categories regularly.
What credit score is needed for the Pathfinder?
Most successful applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher. Higher scores significantly improve approval odds.

Methodology

This review draws on data from 35+ independent sources including official product pages, the CFPB Credit Card Agreements Database, community approval datapoints, expert point valuation sources, and our proprietary MCC verification database. Rankings are data-driven with no affiliate influence on placement. Card terms were last verified on February 16, 2026. Full methodology: cardstack.co/methodology.