What you need to open a Navy Federal account

Navy Federal accepts new members if you have a military connection — active duty, retired, veteran, or a family member of someone in one of those groups. You do not need to visit a branch in person. Most people open an account online in about 15 minutes, though Navy Federal will mail you a debit card and checks afterward, which takes another week or two to arrive.

Before you start, gather a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license or passport works), your Social Security number, and a small amount of money to deposit — Navy Federal does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you will need funds in the account to use it. If you are opening an account as a family member of someone in the military, you will also need their service member ID number or sponsor information.

Navy Federal checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a system banks use to see if you have had problems with past accounts. This is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score. If you have been denied a bank account before, Navy Federal may still work with you — call their membership services line at 1-888-842-6328 to ask before you explore online.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a military connection — active duty, retired, veteran, or a may have access to family member — to join Navy Federal.
  • You can open a checking or savings account online without visiting a branch, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • You will need a photo ID, your Social Security number, and a small deposit to fund the account.
  • Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within one to two weeks after your account opens.
  • Navy Federal does not perform a credit check when you open an account, only a banking history review.

Membership verification: proving your military connection

Navy Federal needs to confirm you are may be able to access before your account is active. The easiest path depends on which group you fall into. If you are active duty or retired military, you can use your military ID number or your service member ID. If you are a veteran, you will need your VA claim number, discharge papers (called a DD Form 214), or a Veterans Health Identification Card.

Family members — spouses, children, parents, or siblings of someone in the military — can join under a sponsor's information. You will need the service member's full name, date of birth, and service member ID number. Navy Federal will verify this information with the Department of Defense, which usually takes a few minutes during the online process but can take up to one business day.

If you do not have these documents handy, you can still start the online process and upload them later. Navy Federal gives you a window of time to submit proof before they close your account, so do not delay — check your email for instructions on where to send documents.

Opening an account online step by step

Go to navyfederal.org and click "Open an Account" or "Join Now" at the top of the page. You will be asked to choose between a checking account, a savings account, or both. Most people start with a checking account because it comes with a debit card and online bill pay. A savings account is separate and earns a small amount of interest on the money you keep there.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Navy Federal will ask about your military status — select the option that matches your situation (active duty, retired, veteran, or family member). If you are a family member, you will enter the service member's information at this step.

Next, Navy Federal performs the ChexSystems check and verifies your identity. This usually happens when ready. You will then choose a username and password for online banking, set up security questions, and decide whether to receive statements by email or mail. Finally, you will fund the account — you can transfer money from another bank account, or if you do not have one, you can deposit cash at a Navy Federal branch or ATM once your account number is issued.

After you submit, Navy Federal sends a confirmation email with your account number and temporary login information. Your debit card ships within one to two business days, and checks take about five to seven business days. You can use your account online and at ATMs when ready, even before the physical card arrives.

What happens if you cannot verify your military connection online

Sometimes the Department of Defense verification system is slow or your information does not match exactly — a middle initial difference or an outdated address can cause a delay. If this happens, Navy Federal will send you an email asking for documents. You can upload them through your online account or email them to the address Navy Federal provides.

Acceptable documents include a military ID card, a DD Form 214 (discharge papers for veterans), a VA benefits letter, or a dependent ID card. If you are a family member and the service member's information did not verify, ask the service member to contact their branch's personnel office to confirm their information is current in the Department of Defense system.

While you wait for verification, your account is usually frozen — you cannot withdraw money or use your debit card, though you can still log in and see your account. Once Navy Federal confirms your military status, your account unfreezes within a few hours. This process typically takes one to three business days.

Setting up online banking and your debit card

Once your account is open, log in to navyfederal.org or read the Navy Federal mobile app to set up online banking. You can transfer money between your checking and savings accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and check your balance anytime. Navy Federal also offers a feature called "eStatements" — digital versions of your monthly statement that you can view online instead of receiving paper in the mail.

Your debit card arrives in the mail with a temporary PIN. When it arrives, call the number on the back of the card or log into online banking to set up it and change the PIN to something only you know. Once activated, you can use the card at any ATM, any store that accepts Visa, and online. Navy Federal does not charge a fee when you use their ATMs, but other banks' ATMs may charge you a small fee.

Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government agency (like Social Security) pays you. You can find your Navy Federal account and routing numbers in online banking under "Account Details." Direct deposit is free and usually takes one to two pay periods to start. Once it is set up, your paycheck or benefit payment goes straight into your account without you having to do anything.

Fees and account features you should know about

Navy Federal does not charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking or savings accounts. There is no minimum balance required to keep the account open. However, some actions do have fees: overdrafts (spending more than you have) cost money, and if you withdraw from your savings account more than six times in a month, Navy Federal charges a fee for each withdrawal over six.

Your checking account comes with online bill pay at no cost, which means you can pay companies and people directly from your account without writing checks. You also get fraud protection — if someone uses your debit card without permission, Navy Federal will investigate and usually refund the money while they look into it.

Navy Federal offers other products once your account is open: credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages. You do not need these to have a checking account, and you should not feel pressured to open them. Start with your checking account, use it for a few months, and then decide if you want to explore other products.

What to do if your process is denied

Navy Federal may deny your process if you do not have a military connection, if ChexSystems shows serious problems with past accounts (like unpaid overdrafts or fraud), or if your identity cannot be verified. If this happens, Navy Federal sends you a letter explaining the reason.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can dispute the information — contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 to see what they have on file and correct any errors. If you were denied because you do not have a military connection, you are not may be able to access for Navy Federal, but you may be able to open an account at a traditional bank or a different credit union that does not have military membership requirements.

If you believe Navy Federal made a mistake, call their membership services line at 1-888-842-6328 and ask to speak with someone about your denial. Bring any documents that prove your military status or correct the information Navy Federal has about you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Navy Federal account if I am a military spouse?

Yes. Spouses of active duty, retired, and veteran service members can join Navy Federal. You will need your spouse's service member ID number, full name, and date of birth to complete the online process. Navy Federal verifies this information with the Department of Defense.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

You can use your account online and at Navy Federal ATMs when ready after your process is approved, usually within minutes. Your debit card arrives in the mail within one to two business days and is ready to use once you set up it. Checks take five to seven business days to arrive.

What if I do not have a military ID card?

You do not need a military ID card to open an account. Veterans can use a DD Form 214, a VA benefits letter, or a Veterans Health Identification Card. Family members can use the service member's information instead. If you do not have any of these, call Navy Federal at 1-888-842-6328 to ask what documents they will accept.

Can I open an account for my child?

Navy Federal offers youth accounts for children under 18, but the rules vary by state. A parent or guardian must open the account with the child, and the parent's name is on the account. Call Navy Federal at 1-888-842-6328 to ask about youth accounts in your state and what documents you will need.

What if I move after I open my account?

You do not need to close your account or do anything special. Log into online banking, go to "Account Settings" or "Profile," and update your address. Navy Federal will send future statements and cards to your new address. Your account number and routing number stay the same.