Members of the $45 billion Navy Federal Credit Union that carry one of its credit cards have just gained access to a new retail member benefit, the CU has announced.

Navy Federal partnered with Cartera Commerce to give its  members access to a Member Mall, a new Web portal to more than 700 online retailers that includes discounted prices and free shipping. 

Navy Fed members with credit cards will be able to access the portal from a link within their Navy Federal online accounts and then use it to access the retailers.

When they visit the retailers via the portal, the members are able to receive some beneficial prices and earn extra rewards points when they use their Navy Federal cards, even if those cards do not normally carry a rewards program.

Retailers participating in the online mall include name brands from a wide variety of national chains, according to the CU.

“We wanted to release Member Mall in time for the holiday shopping season to give our members access to exclusive deals and special offers from thousands of online merchants to earn cash back or points for every purchase,” said Anthony Gallardy, vice president for Consumer and Credit Card Lending at Navy Federal.

Navy Federal spokesman Donovan Fox noted that some purchases made through the Member Mall also receive free shipping to anywhere in the U.S. 

This will make it possible for any Navy Federal member anywhere in the world that can access the CU's website to purchase and send some holiday gifts to his or her loved ones at a reduced price and with free shipping.