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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, Coast Guard, National Guard and Space Force
  • 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
  • U.S. Government employees assigned to DoD installations
  • DoD contractors assigned to U.S. 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.

Is my family eligible to join Navy Federal?

Immediate family and household members (including roommates) of 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) 

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.

What digital banking advantages come with my account*?

Our digital banking tools gives you quick, direct access to your funds. You can access your accounts and automate your finances using online banking or our mobile app 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.

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. 

Still have questions? Visit a branch or give us a call at 1-888-842-6328.

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Disclosures

1

Zelle® is available to bank account holders in the U.S. only. To receive money in minutes, the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number must already be enrolled with Zelle®. 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.