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  • 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 Membership Benefits 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 do I need to apply?

    To get started, have the following ready: 

  • How long is the membership application process?

    The application process typically takes less than 15 minutes.

  • 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:

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

  • What are the differences between account access roles?

    Navy Federal offers a few different ways to share your accounts with others—even if they aren’t members. You get to choose how much access and responsibility you want to give.

    • Joint Owner: This person has full access and equal ownership of the account. They can move money, make deposits and withdrawals, and do anything you can—online or in person. They share responsibility for everything that happens in the account, but they don’t automatically become a Navy Federal member.
    • Trusted User: This person can access your account through mobile or online banking, but only with the permissions you set. You can give them permission to move money, pay bills or just view your account. You can easily update their access any time using mobile banking. They don’t own the account or have any liability, and they don’t automatically become a Navy Federal member.
    • Authorized User: This person can use your credit card account to make purchases and complete other transactions such as making payments, balance transfers and cash advances. They may access credit card account transaction history, but they can’t access your other Navy Federal accounts. Authorized uses don't own the account, have no obligation to make payments on the account, and don't automatically become Navy Federal members.

  • What is a Joint Owner?

    A Joint Owner has full access and equal ownership of the account. They can move money, make deposits and withdrawals, and do anything you can—online or in person. They share responsibility for everything that happens in the account, but they don’t automatically become a Navy Federal member.

    Best for: Anyone who needs to share full control of an account.

  • What is a Trusted User?

    A Trusted User can access your account through mobile or online banking—with permissions you set. Their permissions range from "View Only" to "Move Money," depending on what you allow. They don’t have ownership or liability for the account and don’t automatically become a Navy Federal member.

    Best for: Caregivers, family members or trusted individuals who need limited or specific access without full ownership.

  • What is an Authorized User?

    An Authorized User can use your credit card account to make purchases and complete other transactions such as making payments, balance transfers and cash advances. They may access credit card account transaction history but they can’t access your other Navy Federal accounts. Authorized uses don't own the account, have no obligation to make payments on the account and don't automatically become Navy Federal members.

    Best for: Helping a family member make purchases or build credit without giving access to all your Navy Federal accounts.

  • Do Joint Owners, Trusted Users or Authorized Users become Navy Federal members once I add them to my account?

    No. Adding someone as a Joint Owner, Trusted User or Authorized User doesn't make them a Navy Federal member. Membership is a separate process with additional benefits.

  • Can a Trusted User move money or pay bills?

    It depends on the access you allow. Some Trusted Users may only be able to view balances and transactions, while others may be allowed to move money or make payments.

  • What is the difference between a Joint Owner and a Trusted User?

    The biggest difference is ownership and responsibility.

    • A Joint Owner has equal rights and liability on the account
    • A Trusted User has access only, with no ownership or liability

  • Can an Authorized User see my other accounts?

    No. Authorized Users only have access to the specific credit card they're added to. They cannot view or manage your other accounts.

  • Which option should I choose?

    It depends on the access and responsibility you want to give.

  • How do I add a Joint Owner to my account?

    If you’re opening your membership with a Joint Owner or co-applicant, they must be present during the enrollment process in order to validate their identity. 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 a savings account?

    You can have up to 3 Joint Owners on a savings account.

  • 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?

    If one of the owners of the account dies, the remaining owner will inherit the deceased party’s share. Without survivorship, if the primary owner of the account dies, their share passes to their estate or heirs. If the Joint Owner dies, their share will pass back to the primary owner.

Disclosures

1

You will need these for any joint owners you would like to add.

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2

A Membership Savings Account with a $5 minimum balance is required to establish and maintain membership.

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3

U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes. Zelle® and the Zelle®-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Note: This service is not intended to replace the current member-to-member transfer options Navy Federal offers. It is available for members who do not have the option to complete an internal transfer or an ACHO (Automated Clearing House Operation) with an account and routing number. Members can also send funds to non-Navy Federal members.

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