How To Get a Navy Federal Account Without Being in the Military
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Navy Federal Credit Union provides membership to people from all branches of the armed forces. Read on to see if this credit union is the right fit for you.
Can You Join Navy Federal If You’re Not a Military Service Member?
Navy Federal Credit Union membership involves specific requirements to join. Essentially, you must have some affiliation or association with some branch of the armed forces. If you weren’t in the military, you have to be a:
- Civilian who has worked for an area of the military
- A family or household member of a Navy Federal member
Navy Federal Membership Eligibility
NFCU is member exclusive no matter if you are using it for:
- Free active duty checking options
- Interest rates
- Prepaid cards
- ATM fee rebates
- Digital banking and mobile app features
Here are some eligibility requirements you should familiarize yourself with before applying.
Members of the Armed Forces
This includes:
- Veterans
- Active service members
- Annuitants affiliated with the armed forces as well as retirees
Those in the following branches of the U.S. armed forces can qualify to join Navy Federal Credit Union:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Delayed Entry Program
- Department of Defense officer candidates or ROTC
- Department of Defense reservists
- Marine Corps
- National Guard
- Navy
- Space Force
Family or Household Members
Immediate family or household members of Navy Federal members are also eligible for NFCU membership.
Existing NFCU Members
You can submit an online application for a minor if you are their parent, grandparent or guardian.
Other Individuals Eligible for Membership
Outside of being actively involved in the armed forces, there is also room for eligibility if you are a Department of Defense contractor, civilian employee or retiree.
Alternative Ways To Qualify for a Navy Federal Account
If you are related to someone who serves or has served in the military but does not have a Navy Federal account, it may be possible to join.
According to Navy Federal, immediate family members include:
- Parents and grandparents
- Children and grandchildren
- Siblings and spouses
If your family can’t or doesn’t want to join Navy Federal, you can still join but you may need one of the following documents:
- Driver’s License with Veteran’s designation
- State-issued Veteran ID Card
- Military orders
- Leave orders
- Earning statement (LES)
- Enlistment papers
- Proof of direct deposit from DoD
- Pension papers from DoD
- DD 214
- NGB 22
Thanks!
Call 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch to sign up for membership this way.
Types of Accounts Offered by Navy Federal
Navy Federal offers a variety of accounts, including:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Certificates of deposit
- Money market accounts
- Retirement and education savings options
How To Get a Navy Federal Account
If you qualify to become a Navy Federal member, it is good to know that membership is valid for life unless you close your account.
To see if you qualify to join, you can apply online, call the credit union or apply in person at your local Navy Federal branch. Here is what you’ll need:
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID
- Social Security number
- Money to fund the account via either your credit card or your bank account number and routing number
Verifying Your Eligibility
If you apply for a Navy Federal Account online, you’ll first have to choose a statement that describes you best — otherwise known as an eligibility choice. Some examples of eligibility choices are:
- I’m serving or have served in the military.
- I’m related to a Navy Federal member.
- I live with a Navy Federal member.
- I’m eligible through a Select Employee Group.
Once you choose the eligibility statement that applies to you, you’ll find out what you need to do next. For example, if you choose, “I live with a Navy Federal member,” you’ll be required to provide:
- Your sponsor’s Navy Federal access number
- The last four digits of your sponsor’s Social Security number and their date of birth
Maximizing Your Navy Federal Membership
To maximize your Navy Federal membership, consider taking advantage of options the credit union offers that align with your financial goals. For example, if you’re interested in financial education resources, the credit union offers everything from expert advice to budget calculators within the “Smart Money Strategies” section of its website.
If you need assistance with investment tools and services, look into Navy Federal’s investment services. You can also apply for credit cards that offer:
- Llower-than-average APRs
- Bonus points
- Benefits, like one year of Walmart+
Additionally, Navy Federal offers a full suite of loans, such as:
- Home
- Auto
- Personal
- Student loans
Final Take To GO
Though joining Navy Federal Credit Union isn’t possible for everyone, it is possible for more than just active military personnel. You can still qualify to join if you are in the immediate family or household of a Navy Federal member; a minor with a parent, grandparent or guardian who is an existing NFCU member; or a contractor, civilian employee or retiree who has worked for the Department of Defense.
FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about whether you can join Navy Federal Credit Union without being in the military.- Can anyone get an account with Navy Federal?
- No, unfortunately, you either need to be a member of the military or armed forces, be a family or household member of a Navy Federal member, or have worked for some branch of the military. Below is an outline of eligibility requirements for NFCU:
- Members of the armed forces, including veterans, active service members, annuitants affiliated with the armed forces as well as retirees, are eligible to join Navy Federal.
- Immediate family or household members of Navy Federal members are also eligible for NFCU membership.
- Existing NFCU members can submit an online application for minors who are their children or grandchildren or are under their guardianship.
- Outside of being actively involved in the armed forces, there is also room for eligibility if you are a Department of Defense contractor, civilian employee or retiree.
- No, unfortunately, you either need to be a member of the military or armed forces, be a family or household member of a Navy Federal member, or have worked for some branch of the military. Below is an outline of eligibility requirements for NFCU:
- Can I join Navy Federal if my spouse is a member?
- Yes, immediate family or household members of Navy Federal members, including spouses, are eligible for NFCU membership.
- What if I have no direct military connection?
- You can join Navy Federal without being in the military if you are in the immediate family or household of a Navy Federal member, retired from the military, a contractor for the Department of Defense, or a civilian employee or retiree who has worked for the Department of Defense.
- How long does the application process take?
- As long as you have all of the required information, you should be able to fill out your application within a few minutes.
- Are there any fees for opening an account?
- No, However, you must open a Membership Share Savings account with at least $5 to join Navy Federal Credit Union.
Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting of this article.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
