How to Become a Navy Federal Member

Navy Federal Credit Union operates as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to serving the military community and their families. Established in 1933, its mission centers on prioritizing members’ financial goals and providing tailored services. The credit union has grown significantly to become one of the largest worldwide, known for its commitment to those who serve.

Eligibility Requirements

Becoming a Navy Federal Credit Union member depends on a direct or indirect affiliation with the armed forces or the Department of Defense. Service members across all branches of the U.S. military are eligible, encompassing active duty personnel from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. This eligibility also extends to veterans, retirees, and annuitants from these branches, regardless of their length of service. Individuals participating in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) or those in Officer Candidate/ROTC programs also qualify for membership.

Department of Defense (DoD) civilians constitute another significant group eligible for membership. This includes current DoD civilian employees, retirees, and U.S. government employees assigned to DoD installations. Additionally, DoD contractors assigned to U.S. government installations can also qualify, establishing a broad scope of civilian affiliation.

Eligibility further extends to immediate family members of qualified individuals, broadening access to the credit union’s services. This includes spouses, parents, and grandparents of eligible service members, veterans, or DoD personnel. Children, including adopted and stepchildren, as well as grandchildren and siblings of eligible members, can also join. Even household members, defined as those who share a common address and contribute to major utility bills, may be eligible for membership.

Information and Documents Needed for Application

Before beginning the application process, prospective members need to gather specific personal and financial information. This includes a full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) for identification purposes. A current home address and contact information, such as a phone number and email address, are also required to facilitate communication and account management.

Applicants must also provide a government-issued identification document. This typically includes a driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, or a passport. For military-affiliated applicants, a military ID can also serve this purpose. To fund the initial Membership Savings Account, applicants will need a credit card or bank account and routing number. A minimum deposit, typically $5, is necessary to open this account.

Verification of eligibility often requires specific documentation, especially for those joining through military or family connections. Service members or veterans might need to provide their military ID or discharge paperwork, such as a DD-214 form. Family members applying through an eligible relative may need to supply information about their sponsor, including their last name, Navy Federal access number or the last four digits of their Social Security Number, and their date of birth, along with proof of relationship.

Applying for Membership

Once all necessary information and documents have been collected, individuals can proceed with submitting their membership application. Navy Federal Credit Union offers several convenient methods for applying, including online, by phone, or in person at a branch location.

For online applications, individuals typically visit the Navy Federal website and locate the “Join Now” or “Become a Member” portal. The online application guides users through providing their prepared personal details and eligibility information. This digital submission is often the fastest method, with the process potentially taking around 10 minutes if all information is readily available.

Alternatively, applicants can choose to apply by phone by calling Navy Federal’s member services. A representative will assist in collecting the required information over the phone. For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction, visiting a Navy Federal branch allows for direct assistance from staff who can guide the applicant through the forms and verify documents on-site. After submission, applicants can expect a confirmation, and account opening typically processes within 7 to 10 business days.