Offers and Discounts for Academy Members
Great Rates and Rewards
Building a strong financial foundation is important. That’s why we offer juniors and seniors attending a service academy special rates and incentives. It’s easy to get started.
Your Exclusive Offers
You can apply in minutes by visiting a branch.
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Career Kickoff Loan for Academy
If you need a loan to get started, we offer a low 1.25% APR on a 60-month loan of up to $32,000. We’ll even defer your payments until 90 days after you graduate.Footnote 1
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GO REWARDS® Credit Card
Open a GO REWARDS card, and you could enjoy a 0% intro APR for 6 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days. After that, our lowest variable APR of 11.49% will apply.Footnote 2
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Free Active Duty Checking®
Get up to $240 a year in ATM fee rebates,Footnote 3 free military checks and early access to military pay with direct deposit.
Your Member Benefits
Once you become a member, you’re part of our family. We’re dedicated to providing you all the support you need to reach your financial goals along with the banking experience you deserve.
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Exceptional Service
Our stateside member reps are here for you 24/7. Reach us online, over the phone or at a branch.
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Powerful Products With Great Rates
Get access to excellent member benefits, including competitive rates, superior service and free checking options.
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Low Fees, Low Charges
Since we're a not-for-profit organization, one of the benefits of membership is that we keep our fees and charges low.
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Convenient Banking
With multiple ways to bank, you get access to your money the way you want it, when you want it—on your mobile device,* online, in person or at an ATM.
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Home Buying Made Easy
We're a top VA lender. If you've used up your VA eligibility, check out our Military Choice Home Loan, a great option for servicemembers and Veterans.
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Member Offers & Discounts
Enjoy member-exclusive offers, discounts and benefits that could save you money on auto insurance, car rentals and more.
Learn More about Member Offers & Discounts
Membership Is a Big Deal
Our members could earn and save $461Footnote 4 per year by banking with us. See how you can take advantage of your new membership perks.
Navigating Life in the Military
From transitioning into and out of military life, to being deployed and living overseas, your life is unique. Here are some resources to help you out, no matter where you are.
We Serve Where You Serve
Finding a nearby branch or no-fee ATM couldn’t be easier. Use our locator tool to find one close to you.
Learn More about our branch locator tool to find one near you.
Career Kickoff Loan FAQs
Who's eligible to apply?
Juniors and seniors currently attending the following military academies—and who are Navy Federal members—are eligible to apply:
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- U.S. Naval Academy
Applicants must be Navy Federal members. If you're not already a member, you can join today! Please note, the Career Kickoff Loan is only available to current students—not graduates.
How do I apply for the Career Kickoff Loan for Academy?
Use one of the following options to apply:
- In person at one of our branches
- Online via our document portal. Fill out an application and upload it into our Document Upload Portal using Career Kickoff Documents as the file type.
What type of information do you collect when I apply for the loan?
You’ll need to provide:
- Branch of Service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy)
- Graduation Date
- Requested Loan Amount (up to $32,000)
- Phone Number
- Proof of Enrollment (signed letter from Command)
How do I submit my Proof of Enrollment?
Bring your Proof of Enrollment to your local branch or submit it online via our Document Upload Portal by following these steps:
- Sign in
- Choose Proof of Enrollment
- Select "Career Kickoff Documents" as the file type
- Click Submit
Do I have to direct deposit my military pay into a Navy Federal checking account?
Yes, you must have direct deposit to your Navy Federal checking account set up for your military pay. This must be maintained throughout the life of the loan.
How soon will I receive a decision after I submit my loan application?
We'll try to provide you a decision within 24 hours. If you provided your email address during the application process, we'll send you a follow-up email with more details.
Can I electronically sign my loan?
Yes. Email notifications are sent with directions on how to electronically sign your Promissory Note.
Once my loan is approved, how do I receive my loan funds?
Your funds will be deposited into either your Navy Federal savings or checking account.
When will I have to make my first payment?
You won't have to make your first payment until 90 days after you get commissioned.
How can I use the loan funds?
The money can be used for expenses such as buying uniforms, consolidating high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans, etc.), paying off transition expenses or buying a car.
Do I need a co-applicant?
No, you won't need a co-applicant to apply.
Will my credit be pulled for review?
Yes, the application is subject to credit approval.
Free Active Duty Checking® FAQs
Who's eligible for Free Active Duty Checking?
Free Active Duty Checking is designed for Active Duty and retired military personnel and reservists with a Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) direct deposit. However, if you're a member between the ages of 18 and 24 and in the ROTC or OCS programs, the Free Campus Checking account is a great option to use until you enlist.
How do I qualify for Free Active Duty Checking?
Your DFAS direct deposit makes you eligible for Free Active Duty Checking. Your direct deposit must post to your Free Active Duty Checking account within 90 days of account opening. If military direct deposit stops for more than 90 days, the account converts to a Free EveryDay Checking account.
What are the benefits and features of a Free Active Duty Checking account?
You’ll have early access to your pay, rebates on ATM fees (up to $240 a year), no monthly service fees and free personalized checks.
Are there any fees?
No. There's no monthly service fee associated with Free Active Duty Checking.
Is there a minimum balance requirement?
No. There's no minimum balance requirement to open the Free Active Duty Checking account.
What happens if I open Free Active Duty Checking but it turns out I don't have a qualifying deposit? (Or something similar)
A qualifying military direct deposit of net pay must post to your Free Active Duty Checking account within 90 days of account opening. If the military direct deposit stops for more than 90 days, the account simply converts to a Free EveryDay Checking account.
Can I change to a different checking account later?
Yes. It's easy to change to a different checking account.
Disclosures
Credit subject to approval. Loan available to juniors and seniors enrolled in US Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, US Military Academy, or US Naval Academy. Maximum loan amount of $32,000 at 1.25% APR; maximum term of 60 months. Repayment may be deferred until 90 days after graduation. Interest accrues from the date the loan is disbursed. Applicant must establish and maintain a Navy Federal checking account with direct deposit of pay within 90 days of the loan date and throughout the term of the loan. If direct deposit is not maintained, or if the member separates from the academy early, the interest rate on the loan will convert to the applicable credit tier’s prevailing personal loan rate. Payments on the loan begin immediately upon early separation from the academy. See loan agreement for additional terms and conditions. Example: The maximum loan amount after a 3-month period deferment would be $32,799. A loan of $32,799 for 60 months at 1.25% APR would have a monthly payment of $564.97.
↵As of 12/11/2024, a rate of 11.49% APR will apply and vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate. ATM cash advance fees: None if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. Otherwise, $0.50 per domestic transaction or $1.00 per foreign transaction. Balance transfer offer: Offer valid for balances transferred from non-Navy Federal credit cards within 60 days of account opening. Balances transferred are not eligible to earn rewards. Maximum total transfer amount is limited to your available credit line. Balance transfers using convenience checks are excluded from this offer. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Navy Federal reserves the right to end or modify this offer at any time.
↵Up to $20.00 in ATM fee rebates per statement period.
↵Dollar value shown represents the results of the 2023 Navy Federal Member Giveback Study. The Member Giveback Study takes into consideration internal market analyses comparing Navy Federal products with industry national averages, as well as member discounts, incentives, and other savings.
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