Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for membership?

Eligibility depends on a few variables. Veterans, retired servicemembers and Active Duty in all branches of the armed forces are eligible for membership. That includes:

• Active Duty members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard
• Delayed Entry Program (DEP) candidates 
• DoD (Department of Defense) officer candidate/ROTC
• DoD Reservists
• Veterans, retirees and annuitants

Our field of membership also covers DoD civilian personnel who support our armed forces. This includes:

• DoD civilian employees
• US Government employees assigned to DoD installations
• DoD contractors assigned to US Government installations
• DoD civilian retirees and annuitants

Eligibility also extends to certain family members of those who meet this criteria. See details below or for more information, visit our Membership Eligibility page.

How can I join Navy Federal if I’m not in the military?

Immediate family and household members (including roommates) of current and retired members of the armed forces, DoD personnel and current Navy Federal members are eligible to join. Immediate family includes: 

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Spouses
• Siblings
• Children (including adopted and stepchildren) 
• Grandchildren

For more information, visit our Membership Eligibility page.

What information do I need to provide to show I’m eligible for membership through a relative or household member?

In addition to the personal information you'll need to supply for yourself, you'll also need to provide the following details about your sponsoring member:

• Last name
• Access Number or last 4 digits of their Social Security number and their date of birth
• Relation to you (e.g., spouse, grandfather) 

Am I still eligible for membership if the Veteran or servicemember in my family is deceased?

Yes, you're still eligible for membership. Keep in mind you may be asked to submit documentation like a DD-214 form proving your deceased family member would have been eligible for membership.

How can I invite family or friends to join Navy Federal?

You can refer your eligible friends and family members by visiting our Membership Referral page. Remember, your immediate family members and household members are eligible if you're a current Navy Federal member.

What are the benefits of joining Navy Federal Credit Union?

Visit our Value of Membership and Offers and Discounts pages to learn more about the benefits of Navy Federal membership, including low fees and great rates to exclusive member perks and financial tools and products. 

What documents or information will I need for the application?

You'll need the following documents and information:

• Social Security number^{Footnote 1}
• Driver’s license or government ID^{Footnote 1}
• Current home address^{Footnote 1}
• Credit card or bank account and routing number to fund your account^{Footnote 2}

Note: You’ll need these for any joint owners you’d like to add. A Membership Savings Account with a $5 minimum balance is required to establish and maintain membership.

How long is the membership application process?

The application process typically takes 5 minutes. 

When will I receive my debit card?

If you open your checking account online or over the phone, we’ll mail your debit card to the address listed on your application within 1 business day. Actual delivery of the card depends on postal service in your area. You can also open a checking account in a branch and receive your debit card while you’re there.

I received my debit card. How do I activate it?

Activate your debit card by calling 1-888-842-6328 or by signing in to your account via digital banking.* Learn more about the features and functions of your new debit card.

How do I add funds to my savings account?

You can fund your savings account via digital banking, at a branch or ATM, by mailing a check or by calling us at 1-888-842-6328. Learn more about savings account options at Navy Federal.

Can I have more than one savings or checking account?

Yes. There’s no limit to the number of savings or checking accounts you can have.

How do I access my account?

Our digital banking tools give you quick, direct access to your funds. You can access your accounts and automate your finances using our mobile app or online banking to quickly and easily manage your money on the go. Explore these convenient features we offer:

• Never miss a payment with free, online Bill Pay.
• Easily transfer money to another member. If you're transferring money to non-members, Zelle®^{Footnote 3} makes it simple, too. 
• Quickly deposit checks into your account safely and securely with Mobile Deposit.

For more information, visit our mobile and online banking page.

How do I add a joint owner to my account?

To add a joint owner, you and the other person need to visit a branch together to validate their identity and start the enrollment process. If they’re not available, you can initially open your account as an individual and then request an application to add them later.

How many joint owners can I have on each savings or checking account?

You can have up to 3 joint owners on each of your savings or checking accounts.

Are joint owners considered members of Navy Federal?

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.

What does joint ownership with survivorship mean?

Joint ownership with survivorship means that if one of the owners of the account dies, the surviving owner will inherit their share. 

Without survivorship, their share would pass to their estate or heirs, rather than to the surviving owner.