How to Become a Navy Federal Member

Established during the Great Depression, Navy Federal Credit Union’s founding principle was to assist Navy Department employees in achieving their financial objectives by providing affordable loans and secure savings opportunities. The credit union’s mission revolves around fostering the financial well-being of military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Understanding Membership Eligibility

Membership with Navy Federal Credit Union is available to a broad field of individuals connected to the armed forces and the Department of Defense. This includes active duty servicemembers across all branches, such as the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Those in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), DoD Officer Candidate programs (like ROTC), and DoD Reservists are also eligible. Veterans, retirees, and annuitants from any branch of the armed forces qualify for membership, regardless of their length of service.

The field of membership also extends to Department of Defense (DoD) civilian personnel who support the armed forces. This category encompasses DoD civilian employees, U.S. government employees assigned to DoD installations, and DoD contractors working on U.S. government installations, along with DoD civilian retirees and annuitants. Beyond direct military or DoD affiliation, immediate family members of eligible individuals can also join. This includes parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children (including adopted and stepchildren), and grandchildren. Even household members, defined as those who share an address with and may contribute to major utility bills for an eligible individual, can qualify. Once an individual becomes a member, they maintain their membership for life.

Preparing Your Application Information

Before initiating the membership application, prospective members need to gather specific personal and verification documents. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for identification purposes, along with a current home address. Applicants must also provide a valid driver’s license or another form of government-issued identification.

For individuals qualifying through military or Department of Defense affiliation, specific documentation may be necessary to verify eligibility. This could include military orders, a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), a DD-214 form, or a state-issued veteran ID card. If applying through a family member, applicants may need to provide the sponsor’s last name, their Navy Federal access number or the last four digits of their Social Security Number, and their date of birth, along with their relationship to the sponsor. An initial deposit of at least $5 is required to establish and maintain the membership savings account.

Submitting Your Membership Application

Once all necessary information and documentation have been prepared, individuals can proceed with submitting their membership application. Navy Federal Credit Union offers several convenient methods. Many applicants choose to apply online directly through the Navy Federal website, a process which can typically be completed quickly.

Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at one of Navy Federal’s branch locations, where staff can provide assistance. For those who prefer, applications can also be submitted over the phone or by mail, typically by sending the completed form to a designated P.O. Box. After submission, Navy Federal reviews the provided information for verification. If applying through a family member, the credit union may confirm the relationship and the sponsor’s eligibility. Upon successful verification and initial funding, new members gain access to various financial services.