You need to be military-connected and meet Navy Federal's membership requirements

Navy Federal Credit Union is not open to everyone. To open an account, you must fall into one of their membership categories: you're on active duty, retired, a veteran, in the Reserve or National Guard, a Department of Defense civilian employee, or a family member of someone in one of those groups. If you don't fit any of those categories, Navy Federal won't let you join, and you'll need to look at other banks or credit unions instead.

Once you confirm you're may be able to access, the actual account opening takes about 15 to 30 minutes online or in person. Navy Federal has branches at military installations and also operates online, so you can often complete the process without leaving your home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be military-connected — active duty, retired, a veteran, Reserve or National Guard member, a DoD civilian, or a family member of one of these — to join Navy Federal.
  • You'll need a government-issued ID, proof of your military status or connection, and your Social Security number to open an account.
  • Opening an account online takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.
  • Navy Federal offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, so you can choose which products fit your needs.
  • If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and military documentation; if you open online, you'll upload images of these documents.

Proving your military connection

Navy Federal needs to verify that you actually belong to one of their membership categories. The documents they accept depend on which category you fall into. If you're active duty or Reserve, bring your military ID card. If you're retired, bring your military retiree card or a retirement certificate from your branch. If you're a veteran, bring your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or a Veterans Health Identification Card.

If you're a Department of Defense civilian, bring your DoD ID card. If you're a family member, you'll need to show your relationship to the military-connected person — usually a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers — plus their military documentation. Navy Federal staff can tell you exactly which document works for your situation if you call 1-888-842-6328 before you go in.

Opening an account online

Navy Federal's website lets you start an account from your computer or phone. Go to navyfederal.org and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You'll answer questions about yourself, including your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number.

When prompted, you'll upload photos of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and your military documentation. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the card. Navy Federal's system will read these images to verify your identity and membership status. If the upload fails, you can try again or call their membership team to finish by phone.

After Navy Federal approves your information — usually within a few hours to one business day — you can log into your account and start using it. You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can make transfers and pay bills online before it arrives.

Opening an account in person at a branch

If you prefer to open your account face-to-face, Navy Federal has branches at most military installations and some civilian locations. Find the nearest branch at navyfederal.org/locations. Bring your government-issued ID, your military documentation, and your Social Security number (you can write it on a piece of paper if you don't have a card).

A Navy Federal employee will review your documents, answer questions about the account types available, and help you choose which products you want to open. They'll enter your information into their system while you're there. You'll walk out with temporary access to your account and can start using it the same day, though your debit card will still arrive by mail.

Choosing which account types to open

Navy Federal offers several account types, and you don't have to choose just one. A checking account is for everyday spending — you get a debit card and can write checks. A savings account is for money you want to set aside and earn interest on. A money market account combines features of both and usually pays higher interest if you keep a larger balance.

Most people open a checking account first because they need a place to receive their pay and pay their bills. You can add a savings account later if you want a separate place to save. Navy Federal doesn't charge monthly fees on most of these accounts, but they do require a minimum opening deposit — usually $25 to $100 depending on the account type. Ask the staff or check their website for the current minimum before you go in.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit of your military pay or other income. You'll need your account number and Navy Federal's routing number (which is 256074974). Your payroll office or employer can enter this information, and your pay will go directly into your account on payday.

You can also transfer money from another bank account you own, set up bill pay to send money to creditors or service providers, and use Navy Federal's mobile app to check your balance and move money around. If you have questions after you open your account, Navy Federal's customer service is available by phone at 1-888-842-6328 or through their website chat.

What to do if you're not sure about your may be able to access

If you're unsure whether you fit Navy Federal's membership categories, call them before you try to open an account. Their membership team can answer questions about whether a family member counts, whether your DoD civilian job qualifies, or whether your discharge status makes you may be able to access as a veteran. This saves you time if it turns out you don't may have access to.

If Navy Federal tells you that you don't meet their requirements, you can open an account at a traditional bank like Chase or Bank of America, or at another credit union that serves your area. Your local community bank may also have lower barriers to membership than Navy Federal does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Navy Federal account if I'm married to someone on active duty but I'm not military myself?

Yes. Spouses of active duty, retired, and veteran service members are may be able to access to join Navy Federal. You'll need to show your marriage certificate and your spouse's military documentation or ID card when you open your account.

What if I don't have a military ID card anymore?

You can use your DD Form 214 (discharge papers) if you're a veteran, or a retirement certificate if you're retired. If you're active duty or Reserve and your ID expired, bring the expired card plus a letter from your command confirming your status, or call Navy Federal to ask what other documents they'll accept.

How long does it take to get approved after I explore online?

Navy Federal usually approves online applications within a few hours to one business day. You'll receive an email when your account is ready to use. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online and set up direct deposit before the card arrives.

Do I have to open a checking account, or can I just open a savings account?

You can open just a savings account if that's what you need. However, most people open a checking account because they need a place to receive their pay and pay bills. You can add other account types later if your needs change.

What if I live overseas and can't visit a branch?

You can open your account entirely online from anywhere in the world. Upload photos of your ID and military documentation through Navy Federal's website, and they'll verify your information remotely. Your debit card will be mailed to your address on file.