The three ways to transfer money into Navy Federal savings
You can move money from your Navy Federal checking account to savings through online banking, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. The online and app methods are when ready—the money appears in your savings account within seconds. A branch transfer also happens when ready if you do it in person during business hours.
If you're transferring from an account at a different bank, the process takes longer. You can set up an external transfer through Navy Federal's online banking, which typically takes one to three business days. Alternatively, you can initiate the transfer from your other bank and have them send money to your Navy Federal savings account using your account number and Navy Federal's routing number.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money to arrive and whether you're moving funds within Navy Federal or from somewhere else. For most people, the online or app method is fastest and requires no trip to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your Navy Federal checking and savings accounts happen when ready through online banking or the mobile app.
- External transfers from another bank to your Navy Federal savings account take one to three business days to complete.
- You need your Navy Federal savings account number and the routing number 256074974 to receive transfers from outside banks.
- Navy Federal does not charge a fee for transfers between your own accounts, whether you do them online, through the app, or at a branch.
Transferring from Navy Federal checking to Navy Federal savings online
Log into Navy Federal's online banking portal using your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for the "Transfers" or "Move Money" option in the main menu—the exact label varies depending on when your account was set up, but it's always in the top navigation.
Select "Transfer between my accounts" or the equivalent option. Choose your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination. Enter the amount you want to move and review the details before confirming. The transfer completes when ready, and you'll see the updated balance in both accounts right away.
Keep a record of the confirmation number Navy Federal displays after the transfer goes through. You won't need it for most situations, but it's useful if you ever need to dispute or verify the transaction with Navy Federal customer service.
Using the Navy Federal mobile app to transfer money
Open the Navy Federal mobile app and sign in with your credentials. Tap the account you want to transfer from—usually your checking account—and look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" button. This is typically near the top of the account details screen or in a menu labeled "More" or "Actions."
Select your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The app will show you a summary of the transfer before it processes. Once you tap the final confirmation button, the money moves when ready. You'll receive a notification on your phone confirming the transfer is complete.
The mobile app works the same way whether you're using an iPhone or Android device. If you haven't downloaded the Navy Federal app yet, you can find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching "Navy Federal Credit Union."
Transferring money from another bank to Navy Federal savings
If your money is at a different bank, you have two options: initiate the transfer from Navy Federal's side or from your other bank's side. Both methods work, but they take different amounts of time.
To initiate from Navy Federal, log into online banking and select "Transfer" or "Move Money," then choose "From another financial institution" or "External transfer." You'll need to provide your other bank's name, your account number there, and your routing number at that bank. Navy Federal will verify the account, which usually takes one business day. Once verified, you can transfer money whenever you want, and it typically arrives within one to three business days.
To initiate from your other bank, log into that bank's online banking and set up a transfer to Navy Federal. You'll need Navy Federal's routing number, which is 256074974, and your Navy Federal savings account number. The transfer time is the same—one to three business days—but you're controlling the process from your existing bank rather than setting up a new connection at Navy Federal.
What information you need for external transfers
If someone else is sending you money or you're setting up a transfer from another account, provide them with your Navy Federal savings account number and Navy Federal's routing number: 256074974. That's all they need to send you money.
Make sure the person sending the money specifies that it's going to your savings account, not your checking account, if you have both. Some transfers can be sent to the wrong account if the sender doesn't specify which one. If this happens, contact Navy Federal and they can usually move the money to the correct account for you, though it may take a business day.
Transfer limits and fees
Navy Federal does not charge a fee for transfers between your own accounts, whether they're both checking, both savings, or one of each. This applies to transfers you make online, through the app, or at a branch.
There are no limits on how many transfers you can make between your Navy Federal accounts in a month. However, federal law historically limited savings account transfers to six per month, though this rule was suspended in 2020. Navy Federal currently allows unlimited transfers, but it's worth confirming the current policy on their website or by calling 1-888-842-6328 if you plan to move large amounts frequently.
External transfers—money coming from or going to another bank—may have different rules depending on the other bank. Your other bank might charge a fee or have limits on how much you can transfer at once. Check with them before initiating the transfer.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
Transfers between your Navy Federal accounts happen when ready. If you transfer from checking to savings at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, the money is in your savings account by 2:01 p.m. You can see it reflected in your balance when ready.
External transfers—from another bank into Navy Federal—take longer because the banks have to communicate through the Federal Reserve's systems. A transfer initiated on a Tuesday morning typically arrives by Thursday. If you initiate it on a Friday, it may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday of the next week, because the Federal Reserve doesn't process transfers on weekends or federal holidays.
If a transfer hasn't arrived within three business days, contact Navy Federal. Delays are rare, but they do happen, and Navy Federal can investigate where the money is and help resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic transfers from checking to savings?
Yes. In Navy Federal's online banking, look for "Scheduled Transfers" or "Recurring Transfers" under the Transfers menu. You can set up a transfer to happen weekly, biweekly, monthly, or on a date you choose. This is useful if you want to move a fixed amount to savings automatically without having to remember to do it manually each time.
What if I transfer money to the wrong account by mistake?
If you transferred to the wrong Navy Federal account (for example, to checking instead of savings), contact Navy Federal when ready. They can usually move the money to the correct account within a business day. If you transferred to the wrong person's account at a different bank, the process is more complicated and may not be reversible, so double-check account numbers before confirming any transfer.
Do I need to be a Navy Federal member to receive a transfer?
Yes, you need an active Navy Federal savings account to receive transfers. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to open an account first. Navy Federal membership requirements vary—some accounts are open to military members and their families, while others are open to the general public. Check Navy Federal's website to see which accounts you're may be able to access to open.
Why is my transfer taking longer than expected?
External transfers usually take one to three business days, but delays can happen if the transfer was initiated late in the day, over a weekend, or on a federal holiday. The Federal Reserve doesn't process transfers outside business hours. If it's been more than three business days, contact Navy Federal with the confirmation number from your transfer so they can track it down.