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Financial Rates:
4.0
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Customer Service:
5.0
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Website Experience:
5.0
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Bank Fees:
4.0
Pros:
- Low opening required amounts
- Variety of accounts available
- ATM fee reimbursements
- Competitive rates on most accounts
Cons:
- Must become a member first
- Accounts have tiered interest rates
- Daily cash limits on withdrawals
What You Need to Know
Navy Federal accounts have low opening required amounts. The savings account only requires $5 to open. The money market account does not have a set amount required to open, but to earn interest requires $2,500. The checking accounts do not have a set amount required to open. The CDs have tiered opening required amounts. The lowest amount to open a regular CD is $1,000. Special CD offers require lower opening amounts.
There are a wide variety of accounts offered through Navy Federal. They offer a savings account, money market account, and CDs. Their CD terms range from three-month terms to seven-year terms. Navy Federal offers five checking accounts. Those accounts include one for students, an online account, and an active duty account. Navy Federal also offers loans and credit cards.
Most Navy Federal checking accounts offer ATM fee reimbursement. Only the Everyday Checking account does not. The reimbursement amount ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the account. Some accounts require a direct deposit to earn the reimbursement.
Most all Navy Federal accounts offer competitive interest rates. The CDs offer the most competitive interest rates. Navy Federal savings and checking accounts earn interest. The rates are lower than online account rates. The money market account rates are slightly lower than online rates. These rates are higher than typical bank rates.
Before you open an account with Navy Federal, you must first become a member of the credit union. Servicemembers and veterans are eligible to join Navy Federal. Department of Defense employees are eligible. Family members of each of these groups can become members of Navy Federal Credit Union.
Navy Federal money market and Flagship checking account have tiered interest rates. To earn the most competitive rate on the MMA requires a balance of at least $50,000. The checking account requires $25,000. To earn the most competitive rate on Navy Federal CDs requires $100,000.
Navy Federal only allows for a daily cash withdrawal of $600. This includes cash from an ATM, a branch, or receiving cash back. There is a daily transaction limit of $3,000 for most checking accounts and $5,000 for the Flagship checking. Their accounts do not typically have limits on the number of transactions.
Cool Things
MakingCents
Navy Federal offers financial tools through MakingCents. On their website, you decide on your saving goals. Navy Federal then offers a variety of articles to help you learn more about how to reach your goals. These goals include getting out of debt, managing credit, and paying for college. You can learn about building your savings account or buying a home. They also offer basic information to improve your overall financial situation.
History
Navy Federal Credit Union started in 1933 with seven members. In 2016, Navy Federal allowed membership to all veterans and their families. This allowed more for more membership. By allowing veterans and their families, they welcomed over 170,000 new members.
Today, Navy Federal is the largest credit union in the world. They have over eight million members. Their assets are more than $94 billion. They have over 17,000 employees in more than 300 branch locations across the world. The credit union headquarters are in Vienna, Virginia.
Once you become a member of Navy Federal, you are always a member. It does not matter if you leave the military, move, or change jobs. You can still keep your accounts at Navy Federal.
Awards and Recognition
- Credit Union of the Year for 12 consecutive years
- Best Lender for Military and Veterans by U.S. News & World Report magazine
- Rated #1 Bank for Military Personnel by Kiplinger
- Best-in-Class for Customer Experience by Forrester
Other Benefits of Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union offers business accounts. They offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Navy Federal offers retirement and insurance options for employees. They offer business processing services as well.
Navy Federal offers a Special EasyStart Certificate. You can open this 12-month CD with only $50. You can then make up to $3,000 in additional deposits anytime. This CD earns great interest rates. Only one EasyStart Certificate per member. You must have a checking account and direct deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Navy Federal Credit Union is backed by the NCUA. The National Credit Union Association is an agency of the United States government. It protects funds deposited in credit unions, up to $250,000 per customer, per credit union. The money deposited in NCUA insured credit unions means money is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
With checks, ATM or debit cards, or electronic transfers. You can access your money through online bill pay or by visiting a local branch location.
Yes. With mobile banking, you can view account balance, transfer money, and deposit checks.
The savings account and money market account does not have a fee. The only fees with CDs are from withdrawing the money before the CD reaches maturity.
The interest rates for Navy Federal accounts are competitive with most online accounts. Everything for the account is online. Accounts have low opening required amounts. You must become a member before you can open any Navy Federal accounts.
Navy Federal offers security measures that comply with federal law. Their computers have safeguards. Their buildings and files are secure. You can freeze your debit or credit card if they are stolen or misplaced.
The CDs offer the most competitive rates. Other account interest rates are competitive with online accounts but slightly lower. Most accounts have tiered interest rates. To earn the most competitive rate requires a large account balance.
Yes. Navy Federal Credit Union offers business accounts through Operation: Thriving Business. Through this they offer checking and savings accounts for new or established businesses. Business loans, credit cards, and processing services are available for businesses.
The interest rates are higher than typical bank rates. Everything for the account is online.
Yes. Each of the checking accounts earns interest. The Flagship checking account earns the best rate. To earn that rate requires an account balance over $25,000. Lower balances earn interest, just not the most competitive rate.
By phone, email, mail, or through online chat. You can visit a local branch location or follow Navy Federal Credit Union on Facebook and Twitter.
Yes. Free bill pay is available for Navy Federal accounts.
Yes, at a local branch location or at select Navy Federal ATMs
Cash and direct deposits are typically available the same business day. The first $200 of check and mobile deposits are available the same day. The rest of the deposit is typically available the next business day.
Yes. Money can be directly deposited into Navy Federal accounts.
Bank Contact Information
Navy FederalPO Box 3000
Merrifield, VA 22119-3000
1-888-842-6328
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| Savings (Rate as of 12/30/2024) | |
| APY | 3.80% |
|---|---|
| Rate | 3.73% |
| Min to Open | $0 |
| Min to Earn APY | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0.00 |
| Min to Avoid Fee | $0 |
| Checkbook | No |
| Member FDIC. | |
| Savings (Rate as of 12/30/2024) | |
| APY | 3.80% |
|---|---|
| Rate | 3.80% |
| Min to Open | $0 |
| Min to Earn APY | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0.00 |
| Min to Avoid Fee | $0 |
| Checkbook | No |
| Member FDIC. Promoted offer: It only takes about 5 minutes to open a fee-free account. |
|
| Savings (Rate as of 12/30/2024) | |
| APY | 4.35% |
|---|---|
| Rate | 4.35% |
| Min to Open | $100 |
| Min to Earn APY | $5,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0.00 |
| Min to Avoid Fee | $0 |
| Checkbook | No |
| Member FDIC. Promoted offer: CIT Bank, a division of First Citizens, 125+ years of experience. |
|
| Savings (Rate as of 12/30/2024) | |
| APY | 4.30% |
|---|---|
| Rate | 4.21% |
| Min to Open | $0 |
| Min to Earn APY | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0.00 |
| Min to Avoid Fee | $0 |
| Checkbook | No |
| Member FDIC. | |
The rate information is obtained by Bankrate from the listed institutions. Bankrate cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability of any rates shown. Institutions may have different rates on their own websites than those posted on Bankrate.com. The listings that appear on this page are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where, and in what order products appear. This table does not include all companies or all available products.
All rates are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on location. These quotes are from banks, thrifts, and credit unions, some of whom have paid for a link to their own website where you can find additional information. Those with a paid link are our Advertisers. Those without a paid link are listings we obtain to improve the consumer shopping experience and are not Advertisers. To receive the Bankrate.com rate from an Advertiser, please identify yourself as a Bankrate customer. Bank and thrift deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Credit union deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
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1 APY stands for Annual Percent Yield. It's different from Rate because it takes into account compounding interest for the year.
2 MMA stands for Money Market Account. It's a savings and checking hybrid, allowing you to earn interest and use checks 6 times a month.