Welcome to Navy Federal (2024)

FAQs

Is Navy Federal hard to get in? ›

So you're thinking of joining Navy Federal Credit Union? Good news. If you're a servicemember, veteran of any branch of the armed forces or a Department of Defense employee, then you're eligible to join. Your immediate family and household members are also eligible.

If qualified, the approval process could take seconds. If additional documents are required, it can take up to 30 days to receive a decision. You can sign up for text notifications,* and we'll send you a text letting you know our decision.

As the largest credit union in the country, Navy Federal serves those who meet its membership requirements with an array of affordable banking options. While there isn't an extensive number of physical locations, its lower loan rates and higher savings interest are attractive draws to many. More than 30,000 free ATMs.

Text, Social security number, Driver's license or government ID, Credit card or bank account and routing number. And when you do join, you can enjoy low fees market-leading rates, member-exclusive discounts, easy digital banking and award-winning service.

Co-signers and secured options available: While it doesn't disclose its minimum credit requirements on its website, Navy Federal does allow for co-signers and offers secured loans for those with less-than-stellar credit.

As a Navy Federal member, you can share membership with your friends and family members. Eligible family members include your spouse, parents, siblings, grandparents, children, stepchildren and grandchildren.

In cases where applications require more attention, we'll send you an email and/or a text. If approved for an auto loan, we'll mail you a check or you could pick it up at your nearest branch. Once you pay the seller, ensure the title is received by Navy Federal within 90 days of purchase.

Please Note: Positions at Navy Federal are very competitive, and there are often many qualified candidates applying to each job. It's also important to point out that recruiters are not selecting the candidate for the job; that's a decision that comes solely from the hiring manager.

If you have average credit — generally defined as FICO scores between 630 and 689 — and are eligible to apply for it, the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card is a great deal: It offers a solid rewards rate of up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases, if you qualify, for an annual fee of $0.

One drawback is Navy Federal's membership, which is limited to active duty military service personnel, veterans, retirees, their families and Department of Defense employees and contractors. But if you fall into one of these categories, you may want to consider managing your personal finances with Navy Federal.

Which is better, Navy Federal or USAA? ›

Which Bank Is Better: USAA or Navy Federal? While both institutions have your banking and credit needs covered, USAA and its partners offer more when it comes to insurance, retirement and investing services. Navy Federal Credit Union, however, offers business banking while USAA does not.

Bottom line: Wells Fargo has a large branch network and offers a debit card on its savings account, while Navy Federal Credit Union has better customer reviews, more free checking account options, and lower minimums on its CDs.

No. A joint owner shares access to your account but isn't necessarily a member of Navy Federal. To become a member, you or one of your family or household members must have ties to the armed forces, DoD or National Guard.

Our FreshStart Checking is a second chance account for those who may have a record of accounts in unfavorable standing with other financial institutions. Mistakes are made but should never define who we are.

Navy Federal Credit Union membership is open to DoD civilian employees, DoD contractors assigned to U.S. government installations, U.S. government employees assigned to DoD installations, as well as DoD civilian retirees and annuitants.

The Navy Federal credit card approval requirements include a credit score of at least 700 (good credit), in most cases. You might be able to get other Navy Federal Credit Union credit cards with bad credit. You also have to be an NFCU member to apply for one of their credit cards.

The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850. The higher your score, the better.

Does Navy Federal Conduct a Hard Pull for Membership? Navy Federal does not carry out a hard credit pull when you apply for membership. However, you may expect a hard pull if you apply for any form of credit, be it a credit card, a personal loan, an auto loan or a mortgage.