Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the U.S. It primarily serves members with military affiliations. It often has great rates on CDs and loans. I read on DepositAccounts.com that there was a way for the general public to join (see Little-Known Way to Qualify for Navy Federal Credit Union Membership). Because this opportunity for the general public can close at any time, I decided to join Navy Federal Credit Union now to get into the door.
[Update on May 12, 2017: The window of opportunity closed. This workaround no longer works.]
Navy League San Diego Council
The first step is to become a member of the Navy League, San Diego council. The Navy League is a non-profit organization that supports America’s sea services — the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. A council is a local branch of the organization. I joined Navy League online as an “e-member” and I typed in San Diego as my chosen local council in the online application. After paying my $25 tax-deductible membership fee online, I received a confirmation email from the Navy League.
Paper Application By Mail
I then printed out the Navy Federal Credit Union membership application form and I filled it out by hand. I marked “Association/Community/Company” in Section B. I left Section C Affiliation blank. I checked Employed Outside the Government in Section D. The Member Savings Account was required. I also opened an Everyday Checking account, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance. According to comments on DepositAccounts.com, a checking account is needed for transferring money out of the credit union by ACH pulls because the Member Savings Account does not accept ACH pulls.
I attached a printout of the receipt email from the Navy League, with an arrow drawn pointing to the San Diego council. I also attached a check for $5 payable to Navy Federal Credit Union as the deposit to the Member Savings Account. Although the application didn’t ask for it, I also included a copy of my driver’s license because many other banks and credit unions want it as proof of identity.
I sent these by mail to the address at the bottom of the Navy Federal Credit Union membership application form.
Welcome Email and Debit Card
I received a welcome email from Navy Federal Credit Union within a week after I sent the paper application and the supporting documents by mail. I received a debit card and a PIN mailer in separate envelopes another few days later. However, I wasn’t able to activate the debit card because the activation system asked for an Access Number, which I didn’t have.
The Access Number is similar to the membership number at other credit unions. The welcome email from Navy Federal showed a truncated Access Number. I could’ve called customer service to get my full Access Number but I deliberately avoided calling. I just wanted to see what would happen if I didn’t call.
Welcome Letter and Online Banking
I received in the mail a welcome letter and another letter about how to access online banking after another week. The welcome letter had my full Access Number. I used it to activate the debit card. The online banking instructions letter told me how to get the username and temporary password for online banking.
After I put in my username and temporary password in online banking, I was asked to change the password and choose the answer to a security question (“your favorite …”). So far so good, but after I did all that I got an error saying the system could not proceed. I figured maybe the system was having a temporary problem. When I tried again the next day I still received the same error.
Calling Customer Service
I was forced to call customer service after all. The customer service rep was friendly but she couldn’t figure it out either. I went through a password reset process with her and I still got the same error. The customer service rep said she would call someone else for help. Meanwhile, by trial and error, I chose a different security question and a different answer. Then it worked! Apparently, the system didn’t like the answer I gave to the security question but it didn’t tell me I had to give a different answer.
It was smoother after I got into online banking. I was able to change the user name under Settings. I added the Navy Federal checking account as a linked account in my primary checking account. I was able to verify the random deposit. I set up a once-a-year $10 transfer to it to keep it active, just in case.
***
It took 19 days from the day I sent the application by mail to the day I got into online banking, with some weekends and holidays in between. When I opened a checking account with a large national bank, it took maybe no more than 19 minutes. I’m writing down these detailed steps and bumps in the road to show that using a credit union requires some patience. Even the largest credit union in the country with geographically dispersed members still has quite some ways to become digital-first. I was determined to become a member because I believe patience will be rewarded in the end.
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Mrs. Picky Pincher says
Yowza! That’s a lot of work to become a member, but credit unions do take membership seriously. Many of the members-only banks and credit unions do offer better interest rates and rewards programs than normal banks. I use one currently and we get pretty decent interest rates (not that we pay interest–nice try, bank) and rewards programs.
FinanceIdiot says
Thank you for posting!
I joined in December by sending PDF copies of my driver’s license and passport, membership application, and membership league receipt to [email protected] (sample email below). I received email notification my application was approved 3 business days later. I called NFCU and funded the everyday checking and savings accounts over the phone with a credit card for $250 each (500 free credit card points). After the call I could log into the account immediately.
To: [email protected]
Subject: Membership Request for John Doe
Attached: Copy of driver’s license and passport, membership application, Navy League receipt
Hello,
I would like to apply to join Navy Federal as a member of the San Diego chapter of the Navy League of the United States. I have attached my membership application form, copies of two forms of ID, and a copy of my membership status and dues to the San Diego chapter of the Navy League.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
Thank you!
-John
Harry Sit says
Because the membership application has your Social Security Number and date of birth, I don’t like sending it by email.
Shon says
So you printed out the PDF application, filled it out and scan it to email them?
Lisa H. says
Once you joined the San Diego chapter; paid the $25, how soon did you get your receipt? Was it via email?
Craig says
(section F: employment information) did you fill that information in and did you use current or real employment info there?
jim says
Can you buy the cd’s with credit cards also from NFCU?
FinanceIdiot says
Not sure about CDs, but they definitely won’t let you put more than $250 towards one account of any kind with a credit card. Unless you need $250 to hit a signup bonus, it’s probably not worth it.
Kevin says
This may be a silly question, but can someone help me understand the WHY behind joining NFCU? In other words, what makes them worth joining? Thanks!
Harry Sit says
It has a history of offering great rates on CDs and loans.
Mary says
Currently I work in the financial services industry at a credit union (aka CU) and let me tell you, there is a big difference in banks vs CUs. So, Navy Federal is the largest credit union out there and is excellent at providing online services at a low price point. I’ve been a Navy Fed member since I was quite small and encourage any of my friends who are able to join to do so. It’s sooooo easy to finance through them, my friend refinanced her car with Navy Fed completely online and loved it. They are a full service institution, offering everything from auto loans to mortgages.
Anyways. If you don’t know about credit unions being better at banking services, there are fewer fees across the board and those fees that are assessed are significantly lower. CUs are well-known to have better loan rates and terms. But that doesn’t even touch the way the organization is structured compared to banks. For instance, you are considered a shareholder in the CU, which is where the $5 refundable minimum balance goes…. but as a shareholder you have the ability to vote for the Board of directors, or even be on the board for that matter. It’s a whole different mentality to banking. And Navy Fed is one of the top credit unions to join.
Dtee says
Hi,
Thank you for the post Harry!
If join NFCU, do you know if I can invite my spouse as well? Or do I have to create a separate membership for her?
Also, I’m planning to get her into NFCU to get good rates on student loans.
Harry Sit says
Once you become a member, your spouse can also join as the spouse of an existing member.
Dtee says
That’s awesome! Thanks for the reply Harry! As always, love your post and blog. 🙂
John says
Hi Harry,
Is there a hard pull on your credit report?
And when you mention history of great rates, can you provide an example of what was their highest offer recently?
Harry Sit says
No idea about hard pull or not. I don’t watch it that closely. Right now they have a 2% 17-month max $50k. They had 2.5% 30-month no cap in Jan. 2016.
Mary says
Most of the time there will be a hard pull on your credit if you open any banking account. I’m sure there would be, but that’s not a bad thing – it shows the institution is following due diligence to protect the assets of its members.
That being said, most individual inquiries (or hard pulls) on a credit report won’t significantly decrease your overall score, perhaps a reduction of 2-4 points temporarily.
Caleb says
Is this a no brainer to join? For example, “if you’re ever going to get a mortgage, do this now”. Any thing like that which makes this valuable, if I don’t intend on opening the 17 month CD? Thanks
Harry Sit says
I’m not buying any CD now. I just joined to keep my option open in the future. $25 donation to a non-profit is worth it to me.
Malav says
are their mortgage rates are better than market?
Dan says
If a family member (son) works for the armed forces, does that make you eligible?
Harry Sit says
Call the credit union to find out.
Steve says
I am going to notify Navy Federal Credit Union right away about this loop hole in its membership which allows the general public to join a credit union that is only for U.S. Department of Defense.
As a member of Navy Federal Credit Union for 30 years in which the only way to join as a member was you had to be in the Navy or Marines in its field of membership which was overseas
I totally disagree with Navy Federal Credit Union advertisement on TV because it gives the impression that anyone can join
Walter T. says
NFCU is well aware of this method of becoming a member, as is the San Diego council. The point is to be supportive of the Navy League. It does not hurt the NFCU to diversify its membership. In fact, it will probably make the credit union stronger, which benefits active and retired military members and their families. I understand your passion to protect an institution that is by design operated to support the military, but I submit to you that there are smart folks running the NFCU, fully capable of protecting it all by themselves. Do you think they’re not noticing all the people joining through the “loophole”, as you put it? They see it and if they want to stop it, they will.
If your concern is that all these non-military members will harm the NFCU, I question the concern. I think it’s an unfounded, knee-jerk reaction.
Mary says
Many credit unions diversify their field of membership to grow so they can provide better services, along with help a greater amount of people. It’s common for a CU to have multiple ways to join, including being a part of a specific organization or living in a particular area. (Navy Federal hasn’t opened up its membership to a community charter.). But opening up membership to those who have joined a nonprofit is very common for credit unions.
Side note…. Navy Federal isn’t just for Dept of Defense, it’s also for the family of Military servicemen and servicewomen. I’m officially a civilian and joined 30 years ago. It’s all perspective, my friend.
Yanice says
Steve,
It is not a “loophole” if they know about it..smh
Please update us on what they said about the “loophole” too.
You are a pure joke!!!
Debra Talley says
NFCU has the best spoken intelligent representatives I have had business with anywhere.I have always been treated royally,great interest,with approved quick loans of approval.Terrific Credit Union,N.F.C.U.
Debra Talley says
Navy Federal has the best agents in customer service I have ever spoken to.NFCU has treated me royally.They have great interest rates,quick emergency loans, CDs,signature loans,mortgage,car loans as well as credit counseling.
Debra Talley says
Comments are posted previously,NFCU IS GREAT IN EVERY WAY.TERRIFIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES AT CREDIT UNIONS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ON PHONE.
TJ says
Good to know. A lot of people got in a few years ago when NFCU purchased another credit union that was locaetd in San Diego.
I was eligible through my grandfather, he wasn’t a member, but he was actively receiving a Navy pension. I sent in a paper app and noted as such.
My sister and I both have had auto loans through Navy, in my case, they paid me $400 to refinance it and the $400 ended up being more than the actual interest on the loan. Kind of nutty.
In the past, they have had 0% no fee balance transfers too.
MK says
Are they generally competitive for mortgages (I technically would not be a first time homeowner)? I am currently avoiding hard pulls to buy a house within the next 6 months or year (most likely), and my only reason for joining would be if the mortgage rate (30 year fixed, 20% down) was significantly better than other institutions?
jim says
Does being a member of NFCU make one available to join USAA by any chance?
Harry Sit says
No it doesn’t.
Velm says
What is the option to choose on the application form for B. Membership Eligibility?
Harry Sit says
Association.
B H says
I completed the form and sent it in. I now got an email saying my application was pending. It would have been good to know to use “Assiciation” in section B. I selected “Civilian”
Dtee says
Hi BH,
I did the same as you and now my application is pending. I’m gonna keep my fingers crossed and hope it goes through. It’s been almost 2 weeks now.
B H says
Dee:
I got a email the next day saying they needed my drivers license and prof of address. I sent in my drivers license copy with my original forms. I will send what they requested and report back.
Harry: perhaps a small update to the article will help (about section B).
Harry Sit says
I’m not sure the different selection in section B is causing them to ask for copy of driver’s license. I updated it anyway.
B H says
Thanks Harry. Not sure why they asked me either, but its the only difference I was able to find from what I did vs. what you did.
Other difference may be that my credit is frozen…perhaps yours in not??
Appreciate your updates!
Harry Sit says
Mine isn’t frozen.
B H says
That may be the reason….when I change utility companies, I always have to send in additional prof of address and ID. They normally accept my past 3-6 month of prior utility invoices.
B H says
Finally got in! Had to call them and submit more document to validate name and address since my credit file is frozen.
malav says
has anybody used this credit union for better mortgage rates?
Aks says
to my recollection, couple of years back consumer report has rated NFCU one of the best auto and home insurance provider.
Anybody knows if Hard Pull is only one time activity for joining NFCU?
Or will it be every time when new CD, checking, saving etc is opened?
TJ says
NFCU doesn’t offer home or auto insurance.
Char says
I don’t know if this is accurate but I heard that NFCU doesn’t charge PMI on mortgages. Can anyone verify this?
Char says
I think I’m going to join but I want to point out to others that the $25 fee for the Navy League is an annual fee. I assume you’d have to renew your membership if you intend to remain a member of the credit union. Or are you a member until you close your account?
Harry Sit says
You don’t have to renew annually. You are a member of the credit union as long as you keep the $5 member share savings account.
Malav says
It took me around 2 week to finish everything. Here is my experience.
1. Navy leagure memberhsip
2. sent docs via email, navy league email, driver license, memberhship form of navy league
to [email protected]
3. They didnt accept the email from navy league as it was not saying that, I am the member of navy league but got another email after few days from navy league, which mentions I am the member.
4. Sent that again to navy federal and on the same day they ran my credit check (hard) and next day got welcome email from them.
5. Called them and put 250 via credit card. They were not accepting 250 for each account so had to divide them between savings and checking.
over all, it was pretty simple experience for except i had to make a phone call to get access id.
oldfish says
Just FYI.
If you are not patient enough and want to know your account number (access number), you can go to http://www.navyfederal.org, click “Forget Username?”, after filling the pop-up form, you will get an email “Here is your Username” from them.
The default username is your full account number (access number). Then you can proceed to activate the debit card without calling.
Char says
The Forget Username trick doesn’t appear to be working. Now it prompts you for your account number before revealing the username.
YT says
Thanks, Harry, for the detailed instructions. I sent in paper application and photocopies of my IDs on 1/11, and finally received everything by 2/3. Now I need to join Andrews FCU for their 3% CD 😀
Manuel says
Quick question. Does it make a difference if someone is a member of the Navy League but from another council that is not San Diego? I have been a member of the Navy League of DC for some time now. Would I be able to apply to NFCU or is it only for those that are members of the San Diego council?
Thanks!
Harry Sit says
I only heard about San Diego council. Can you switch your council to San Diego?
Shon says
Can you join the NFCU if you are self-employed? Because I’m in the process of trying to get an account with them
Shon says
I have an NFCU acct I believe as long as you have some type of income coming in you can still open
Stephanie says
This door has been slammed shut for gaining access to a Navy Federal account. I sent paperwork in back in April to open an account. They cashed my checks, declined my accounts and sent no information to say I had been declined. I had to call to find that out. I was told to go to a bank branch to show my driver’s license to prove my identity. Upon doing so, I was told they now no longer accept the Navy League affiliation as a membership option. Note, they still have my money for the account deposits. The branch personnel could not do anything about that except open a ticket with the main branch in VA to investigate where the money ended up since no accounts was ever opened. Needless to say this is a big run around and I hope to get my $40 back soon.
Theresa Wilkins says
I was trying to join through the navy league an was told they are no longer accepting membership through them anymore is that true Want to make sure before I join for nothing
Harry Sit says
It’s true. Sorry you missed the window.
yvonne chandler says
Hi i submitted my application by mail to navy federal to open a credit union and they cashed my check in the beginning of the month Oct 2017 and I called so many times because no record can be found.
Louis Anderson says
This may be a dumb question but do you have to live in California to join the San Diego chapter??
Harry Sit says
Please read the update on the top. Joining the San Diego chapter no longer makes you eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union.
Jim says
Steve’s complaint’s must have led to the door getting shut.
Thanks Steve…
Apparently you’re against donations to servicemen.
One Frustrated Non Civilian says
Well, this is now a bust as the League now has a note on the website:
Please note: We are not affiliated with Navy Federal Credit Union and membership in Navy League does not make you eligible for NFCU. Has anyone tried this recently within 2022?
Harry Sit says
The window of opportunity only lasted a few months. As noted in the post, the workaround stopped working as of May 2017.