Checking Accounts & the Navy Federal Debit Card
With free cutting-edge tech and tools all in one place, it's simple to manage your money.
I Can Be Fee-Free
Your money goes further when you’re not paying monthly service fees,Footnote [1] ATM feesFootnote [2] or non-sufficient funds fees. And, if you accidentally spend more than you have, you have a choice of overdraft protection plans.
My Money Moves at My Speed
Pay bills, split costs or buy the things you need—you can do it all easily and securely in seconds. A lightning-fast direct deposit setup makes depositing your paycheck faster and easier. And, with Zelle®Footnote [3] built into our banking app,* you can send money to friends and family—even if they don’t bank at the same place. And best of all, there's no fee!
I’m Ready for Anything
To make the right decisions and get to the next level, you can get a complete picture of your finances and a way to manage your money effectively. Your personalized dashboard can show all your accounts and investments in one place—even those from other banks. And you can even monitor your credit score—all for free.
My Credit is Under Control
Now you have the opportunity to build your credit history with the recurring payment reporting tool powered by Bloom+.Footnote [4] You can report recurring payments you're already making—like rent, cell phone and utilities—to the eligible credit bureau.Footnote [5] These payments aren't automatically reported.
My Security Is a Priority
You can relax knowing your money and personal details are safe with an enhanced set of security strategies and systems. State-of-the-art fraud prevention systems protect you around the clock. Plus, you can check your security health in the app in seconds in our free mobile app* or online.
Award-Winning Support
We have more than 380 branches worldwide. In addition to our ATMs, you have access to a network of 30,000+ fee-free CO-OP ATMs in the US and Canada. And, if you have a question or a glitch, you can reach a real person—real fast. Chat with us online. Visit a branch. Call us anytime. Our award-winning team is here by phone 24/7, even at 3 am on holidays!
Compare Checking Account and Apply Online
Free Active Duty Checking®
Designed for Active Duty or retired military life, you can now access your military pay 1 business day earlier. Includes ATM fee rebates. Account requires qualifying direct deposit.
Free Easy Checking
Simplifies banking on the go—it’s 100% digital. Get e-statements, move money electronically and more. Includes ATM fee rebates. Account requires qualifying direct deposit. No minimum balance required.
Free EveryDay Checking
This is our standard, basic account. All members are eligible for this requirement-free, fee-free account. No minimum balance required.
Flagship Checking
Earn more money on your money—the higher your balance, the greater your dividends. Includes ATM fee rebates. $1,500 minimum balance.
Free Campus Checking
Free Campus Checking provides convenient banking for members ages 14-24, with ATM fee rebates and no service fees. No minimum balance required.
Business Checking Accounts
Designed specifically for business owners. Earns dividends to multiply your money and includes secure access to digital banking. Requires business membership.
You Can Open a Checking Account Online—Instantly
- Choose the account that fits you the best and click Open Now button. A sign-in screen will appear.
- Sign in, confirm your contact information and complete the rest of the short form.
- Click submit
If you’re not already a Navy Federal member, confirm your eligibility and join. (You can apply online, visit a branch or call us.) You’ll need to provide identification like name, address and SSN, and deposit $5 to establish and maintain membership. Then set up your username and password.
Curious about how much more you could earn?
Check out all our available rates for each checking account and find the perfect fit to help your money grow faster.
Here's what our members say:
"I love banking with NFCU, the online services flow smoothly, the customer service is exemplary and all my accounts pay me to be here!"Footnote [6]
-Navy Federal Member Georgia
See How My MakingCents Makes Banking Better
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a checking and a savings account?
The main difference is how they’re used. Checking accounts are for everyday spending, like paying bills and making purchases. There’s easy access to your money and typically no limits on transactions. Savings accounts are for setting money aside for future goals or unexpected expenses. Some financial institutions may limit certain savings withdrawals or transfers (for example, a set number a month).
Is there a difference between a checking account with a credit union and one with a bank?
Checking accounts at banks and credit unions work similarly. The difference comes down to ownership. Banks are owned by shareholders and focus on profits. Credit unions are owned by their members and generally return earnings to them through better rates, lower fees and discounts. Navy Federal members can earn and save up to $473 per year, just by banking with us.Footnote [6]
Can I open a checking account online without a deposit?
Yes. You can open a Navy Federal checking account online with a $0 opening deposit/with no deposit. If you choose Flagship Checking, you'll need to maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 to avoid a monthly service fee.
Does a Navy Federal checking account earn dividends?
Yes. All Navy Federal checking accounts earn dividends, so your money can grow, but stays available for everyday spending.
Will I be charged for using ATMs?
You can use Navy Federal and Co-op’s 30,000 ATMs fee free. If you use an out-of-network ATM, several of our accounts offer ATM fee refunds. To find a fee-free ATM nearby, check out our branch and ATM locator.
Can I set up my checking account to automatically pay bills?
Yes, it’s easy to set up automatic payments—up to a year in advance. You can also set up a notification to alert you when a payment is due.
What’s an overdraft and is there a way to avoid it?
An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have in your account, which can lead to charges. To help avoid overdrafts, keep an eye on your balance and recent transactions. You can also set up a notification to alert you when your balance drops below a certain amount. Overdraft protection may help reduce or prevent fees. We offer 3 types of overdraft protection plans.
Does Navy Federal have a mobile app?
Yes. It’s easy to manage your money no matter where you are with our free mobile app. Check your balance, pay bills, make deposits or transfer money to friends and family—even check your credit score—all with no fee. Lose your debit or credit card? No problem. You can freeze or unfreeze it instantly. Plus, you can do most of what you’d do in a branch, all from your smartphone or tablet.
Disclosures
For Flagship Checking, no monthly service fee if average daily balance is $1,500 or more; $10 if less than $1,500.
↵Up to $10 per statement period with Free Easy Checking, Flagship, and Free Campus Checking accounts; up to $20 per statement period with Free Active Duty Checking®. Direct deposit required in order to receive ATM fee rebates for Flagship Checking.
↵Zelle® and the Zelle®-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.
↵Using Bloom+ does not guarantee any specific results, including any improvement to your credit score. The Bloom+ service is intended to help enrich the data set that is used to calculate your credit score by using alternative repayment history that is commonly not used in various credit score models. There are many factors that are generally used in credit score models, and, therefore, Bloom+ cannot predict with certainty how its service will change your credit score, nor can Bloom+ control which credit scoring models will take the furnished repayment data through Bloom+ into consideration.
↵Bloom+ reports eligible recurring bills to TransUnion.
↵The views expressed in the reviews are solely those of the individuals posting them. The testimonials are substantively the words of the individual reviewer, but may have undergone minor clerical revisions to ensure readability, add context, or protect private information. Any imagery displayed is for decorative purposes only and is not necessarily associated with the reviewer.
↵The Contactless Indicator, consisting of four graduating arcs, is a trademark owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.