How to Become a Navy Federal Credit Union Member

Navy Federal Credit Union operates as a member-owned financial institution. It primarily serves the armed forces community, including active duty personnel, veterans, and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, along with their eligible family members. As one of the largest credit unions globally, Navy Federal has grown to serve over 13 million members across more than 90 years.

Eligibility Requirements

Membership at Navy Federal Credit Union is extended to individuals with ties to the U.S. armed forces and the Department of Defense. This includes active duty members across all branches: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Veterans are also eligible, regardless of their length of service.

Beyond uniformed service members, eligibility also covers Department of Defense civilians. This category includes DoD civilian employees, U.S. government employees assigned to DoD installations, DoD contractors working at U.S. government installations, and DoD civilian retirees and annuitants.

Immediate family members of eligible individuals can also join. This includes parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children (including adopted and stepchildren), and grandchildren. Household members who share a residence with an eligible individual may also qualify for membership.

Preparing Your Application Materials

Before initiating a membership application with Navy Federal Credit Union, gathering specific documents and information streamlines the process. You will need a valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is also a required piece of personal data for the application.

Proof of your current home address is necessary, which might be confirmed through your identification or a recent utility bill. You will also need a credit card or bank account and routing number to facilitate the initial funding of your new membership account. This initial deposit is typically a minimum of $5 and establishes your membership savings account.

For those joining based on military service, documentation such as a military ID or a DD-214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) may be required to confirm eligibility. If applying through a family or household member, you might need to provide their last name, the last four digits of their Social Security Number, their date of birth, and specify your relationship to them.

The Membership Application Process

Once all necessary information and documents are prepared, applying for Navy Federal Credit Union membership can be completed through several convenient methods. Prospective members can apply online via the Navy Federal website, by phone, or in person at one of their branch locations. The online application typically involves navigating to the “Join Now” section and inputting the gathered personal and eligibility details into the digital form.

During the online submission, you may be prompted to upload digital copies of supporting documents to verify your identity and eligibility. After submitting the application, a membership savings account must be opened with a minimum deposit of $5. This initial deposit can usually be made using a credit card or by transferring funds from another bank account.

Following application submission, processing times can vary. Some applications might take between 3 to 15 business days, depending on workload and whether additional documentation or verification is required. After approval, new members receive information on how to access their accounts and begin utilizing their credit union benefits.