Navy Federal Credit Union: Reviews: Checking, Savings, CD, Money Market and IRA Accounts

The 7 million members have made Navy Federal Credit Union among the largest credit unions in the world, taking advantage of a bevy of perks that the credit union offers.

In order to become a member, you or a relative must be among the following:

Once you become a Navy Federal Credit Union member, you can always be a member regardless of whether you change employers, retire, get married, or move.

Navy Federal Credit Union provides a variety of personal banking products like checking account and savings accounts options along with CDs, money market accounts, and IRA savings.

In this review, we’ll go over their personal banking products and compare them against some of the best in the industry.

Navy Federal Credit Union’s Most Popular AccountsAPY

Account Type

Account Name

Compare Rates from Similar Accounts

0.25%

Savings

Navy Federal Credit Union Share Savings

1.85%

Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings

on Synchrony Bank’s secure website

2.00%

CD Rates

Navy Federal Credit Union 12 Month CD

2.45%

Synchrony Bank 12 Month CD

on Synchrony Bank’s secure website

2.60%

CD Rates

Navy Federal Credit Union 3 Year CD

2.55%

Ally Bank High Yield 3 Year CD

on Ally Bank’s secure website

3.00%

CD Rates

Navy Federal Credit Union 5 Year CD

3.00%

Barclays 60 Month Online CD

on Barclays’s secure website

Navy Federal Credit Union checking account options

Navy Federal Credit Union’s savings account

Navy Federal Credit Union CD rates

Navy Federal Credit Union’s money market accounts

Navy Federal Credit Union’s IRA accounts

Overall review of Navy Federal Credit Union’s banking products

Navy Federal Credit Union’s Flagship Checking account has some noteworthy features. It is an interest-bearing account with tiered dividends (the credit union equivalent of interest) based on your balance. There’s a big jump from the lowest to the highest tier, which at $25,000 will give you a 10-basis-point bump to the highest APY.

There is no minimum opening deposit, but you’ll pay a $10 monthly fee if your balance is below $1,500 during the statement period. Another benefit of this account is that deposits to your account are generally available the same day or the next business day. If a check deposit will be available the following business day, the first $200 is made available on or before the first business day following the deposit.

In terms of making withdrawals, members with a Flagship checking account can withdraw from their account for free when using any Co-Op Network ATM. There is a $1 charge for any PLUS System ATM (overseas included). Be mindful that the owner of a non-Navy Federal Credit Union ATM may charge a fee, but the credit union will refund up to $10 in ATM fee charges per statement cycle.

Like all Navy Federal Credit Union checking accounts, this account has free online banking, online deposits, direct deposit, online statements, and checking protection options.

Flagship Checking would be a good option for someone looking for an interest-bearing account with extra perks and who can maintain enough funds in the account to avoid the monthly fee.

Applying for a Flagship Checking account is easy and you can do it online. You’ll be able to create your own account and join the Navy Federal Credit Union if you haven’t done so already.

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While the free EveryDay Checking account doesn’t have any fees or minimum opening deposit requirements, the interest rate is quite low and there are no rate tiers like the Flagship Checking account.

This account would be ideal for a member who just wants a basic checking account with no fees and minimum balance requirements.

Applying for a Free EveryDay Checking account is easy and you can do it online. You’ll be able to create your own account and join the Navy Federal Credit Union if you haven’t done so already.

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Navy Federal Credit Union’s e-Checking account is similar to their Free EveryDay checking account in terms of interest rate and $0 minimum opening deposit.

This account does have a $5 monthly maintenance fee that can be waived if you set up direct deposit or make 20 Visa debit card transactions per statement cycle.

If you want to make sure you avoid the monthly maintenance fee, you might be better off with the Free EveryDay Checking unless you plan on setting up direct deposit and making at least 20 debit card transactions per month anyway.

Applying for an e-Checking account is easy and you can do it online. You’ll be able to create your own account and join the Navy Federal Credit Union if you haven’t done so already.

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This checking account allows early access to military pay with direct deposit. The interest rate is very low, so if you’re looking for a better return on your money, you may want to consider the Flagship Checking account.

Still, this account comes with free personalized checks, no monthly service fees, and ATM fee rebates of up to $20 per statement period.

There’s also no minimum opening deposit, making it accessible to many active duty members of the credit union.

Applying for a Free Active Duty Checking account is easy and you can do it online. You’ll be able to create your own account and join the Navy Federal Credit Union if you haven’t done so already.

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This account is ideal for full-time students from ages 14 – 24. There is no minimum balance requirement and no minimum opening deposit.

If you withdraw funds at non-Navy Federal Credit Union ATMs and incur an ATM fee, the credit union will refund it up to $10 per billing cycle.

This account doesn’t really offer any significant benefits or features that would set it apart from the other checking accounts, besides the fact that it is available to minors. Still, an under-18 customer may find a much better interest rate on a checking account at another bank.

Applying for a Campus Checking account is easy and you can do it online. You’ll be able to create your own account and join the Navy Federal Credit Union if you haven’t done so already.

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It’s clear that their Flagship Checking account is the best in terms of APY, but you have to deposit $25,000 to reach the highest APY tier. The low rates and the monthly maintenance fees on some of Navy Federal Credit Union’s checking accounts can lead military members and their families to consider other banking options.

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The Basic Savings account comes with membership to Navy Federal Credit Union. There are no monthly service charges and any charges that might trigger an overdraft will get rejected.

The interest rate is very low compared to their certificates and even their Flagship Checking account.

There is a $3 inactivity fee per quarter if members age 24 and over have less than $50.00 in their account, no activity in 12 months, and no other Navy Federal Credit Union products.

All in all, you’d probably be better off storing your savings in one of Navy Federal Credit Union’s certificates or money market accounts.

This account comes with your membership to Navy Federal Credit Union. All you’ll have to do is apply for become a member and deposit your funds.

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If you’re looking to get the best return for your money, you’d be better off with a higher-yielding savings account.

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Navy Federal Credit Union’s share certificates are their most-standard type of certificate of deposit. While the credit union does offer variable CD rates, this one provides customers with a guaranteed fixed rate.

The rates are pretty competitive, but you must meet the minimum opening deposit to open an account and it’s pretty steep. The other downside is that there’s only a slight rate increase for deposits at or over $100,000. That’s a lot of money that might gain a better return in another investment as opposed to a CD.

Dividends are compounded daily and credited monthly. There is an early withdrawal penalty if you need to take money out before your CD matures so it’s important to choose your term wisely and base it on by when you’d want to start using the money.

Opening a share certificate with Navy Federal Credit Union is easy and can be done online. You need to either be a current Navy Federal Credit Union member and/or have online banking with the credit union to apply.

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The Special EasyStart Certificate is a 12-month CD with a much-higher interest rate than the credit union’s share certificates. The minimum opening deposit is also very low and reasonable allowing more people to open an account despite what their budget is.

Another perk of having this account is that you can make additional deposits (up to $3,000) at any time. Generally, CD products only allow you to make an initial deposit then lock in your rate for a specific term. With the Special EasyStart Certificate, you can add more money as you go.

This account would be great for someone who wants to see a guaranteed return on short-term savings.

Opening a Special EasyStart certificate with Navy Federal Credit Union is simple and can be done online. You need to either be a current Navy Federal Credit Union member and/or have online banking with the credit union to apply.

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The EasyStart Certificate has a lower rate than the Special EasyStart Certificate and it has a higher minimum opening balance.

However, it’s lower than regular certificate shares with Navy Federal Credit Union so you can open this account if you can’t meet the $1,000 minimum opening deposit requirement.

With this account, you can also make deposits at any time of at least $10 or more to grow your savings. This certificate could be a good option for someone looking to ladder their savings. For example, instead of opening one 5-year certificate for $20,000, you could open five certificates for $4,000 at various different terms.

Opening an EasyStart certificate with Navy Federal Credit Union is simple and can be done online. You need to either be a current Navy Federal Credit Union member and/or have online banking with the credit union to apply.

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Navy Federal Credit Union’s SaveFirst Account is ideal for members looking for a high-yield savings vehicle, but without a lot to contribute to the minimum opening deposit.

The APY isn’t as high as some of Navy Federal Credit Union’s other certificates and there are only two terms to choose from, but you only need a $5 deposit.

Dividends are compounded daily and you can make deposits to your account at any time to grow your account.

Opening a SaveFirst account with Navy Federal Credit Union is simple and can be done online. You need to either be a current Navy Federal Credit Union member and/or have online banking with the credit union to apply.

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This certificate has a variable APY which sets it apart from the other certificates. The rate is pretty competitive, but the downside is that it can fluctuate on the 12th and 24th month from the purchase date.

The minimum opening deposit is higher than the SaveFirst and Easy Start certificates and members can only add funds to their account on its 12-month and 24-month anniversary dates.

If you opened an account with a smaller opening balance and could only add funds annually, you may not see much of a return on your investment.

This account would be ideal for a member who doesn’t want to have a locked savings rate for several years.

Opening a 3-Year Variable certificate account with Navy Federal Credit Union is simple and can be done online. You need to either be a current Navy Federal Credit Union member and/or have online banking with the credit union to apply.

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The $1,000 minimum opening deposit for standard share certificates is a middle-of-the-road option: it isn’t the highest, but it’s not the lowest market offering right now. One clear benefit is that the credit union offers different options for certificates, flexible terms, and the ability for members to add funds to their certificate after opening, but before the maturity date.

The one major downside is that Navy Federal Credit Union’s competitive certificate rates aren’t an option for just anyone. You must be a service member, employed by the Department of Defense, or related to someone who is in order to qualify.

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The Standard Money Market Savings account has tiered interest rates based on your account balance. In order to earn interest, your account must have a minimum balance of $2,500.

Interest is compounded monthly and credited monthly. Federal Reserve Regulation D allows a maximum of six transfers and/or withdrawals per calendar month.

Navy Federal Credit Union will honor any checks or ACH debits that exceed the monthly limit, but an excessive item fee per check will be debited from your account. This is why it’s best to limit your withdrawals to six per month or fewer with a money market account.

This account’s higher minimum balance requirement to earn APY may not appeal to some people. If you’re looking to earn interest right away and can’t deposit $2,500 to your account just yet, you may want to consider other options for money market savings.

You can apply for Navy Federal Credit Union’s Standard Money Market account easily online. Just click the orange ‘Open Now’ button for the money market account you’re interested in and complete the online application.

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While Navy Federal Credit Union’s Jumbo Money Market Savings account provides an interest rate on-par with other money market accounts, members need to maintain a six-figure balance to earn it.

That’s a lot of money and could likely get a much better return with a smaller deposit at another bank.

If you still want to look into applying for Navy Federal Credit Union’s Jumbo Money Market account easily online. Just click the orange ‘Open Now’ button for the money market account you’re interested in and complete the online application.

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If you already bank at Navy Federal Credit Union and enjoy some of their benefits, it may seem convenient to get one of their money market accounts, but you can certainly find better terms and rates elsewhere.

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Traditional IRAs are tax-deferred retirement plans meaning you don’t have to pay taxes on contributions until you withdraw funds. Roth IRAs are funded with already-taxed dollars meaning you don’t have to pay any taxes when you withdraw your money.

Some people don’t like the risk involved with investing in the stock market with an IRA. This is where IRA Certificates can come in pretty handy. You can set your term and you’ll earn a fixed rate of interest.

Navy Federal Credit Union offers flexible terms ranging from three months to seven years to accommodate anyone’s savings goals.

There are withdrawal restrictions meaning you can’t take funds out of the account early or you’ll face a penalty.

Opening an IRA Certificate and can be done online. Just go to the IRA certificates page on their website and click the orange ‘Open Now’ button under the account you wish to open to start your application.

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Navy Federal Credit Union’s EasyStart IRA Certificate currently has the same APY as their regular IRA certificate.

However, the minimum opening deposit is much lower allowing members to start saving for retirement with less money. Members can also make deposits at any time to grow their account balance. An early withdrawal penalty will apply if you try to take funds out before the end of the 12-month term.

This is a good option for members who are looking to open an IRA Certificate, but can’t afford the $1,000 minimum opening deposit for Navy Federal Credit Union’s standard IRA Certificate.

Opening an IRA Certificate and can be done online. Just go to the IRA certificates page on their website and click the orange ‘Open Now’ button under the account you wish to open to start your application.

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The minimum opening deposit for this IRA Certificate is a little higher than the EasyStart IRA Certificate, but it currently has a better interest rate and a longer term. The interest rate is subject to change each year, but is locked for a 12-month period. You can continue to add unlimited funds on the 12-month and 24-month anniversary dates after opening your certificate account.

Even though this rate is variable, the fluctuating rate will never fall more than half a percentage point below the initial rate and there is no maximum rate limit.

This IRA certificate would be ideal for someone looking to maximize their return and willing to take a small risk with a variable rate certificate.

Opening an IRA Certificate and can be done online. Just go to the IRA certificates page on their website and click the orange ‘Open Now’ button under the account you wish to open to start your application.

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This all depends on which certificate term you’re looking for. Navy Federal Credit Union has much lower rates for shorter terms 12-months and under. Their rates generally get better the longer you plan to save.

If you’re looking to save long-term in an IRA certificate, Navy Federal Credit Union’s rates are still pretty good. If you’re looking for a shorter term, you can probably find better rates at another bank.

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There’s really not much of a difference when you compare this to the standard Money Market Savings Account. It also has tiered interest rates based on your account balance and a high minimum balance requirement to meet in order to earn interest on your savings.

If you’re looking to invest in retirement, you’d probably be better off with Navy Federal Credit Union’s IRA Certificates or a traditional IRA or Roth IRA account if you’re comfortable with more risk.

To apply for Navy Federal Credit Union’s standard IRA Money Market account, go to their website then click the orange ‘Open Now’ button under the account you want to apply for.

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Navy Federal Credit Union’s Jumbo IRA Money Market savings account offers a higher rate than the standard IRA money market account, but it also requires a much higher account balance in order to earn it.

If you don’t have a six-figure balance to earn the jumbo rate, the standard IRA money market account with tiered interest rates would be better.

To apply for Navy Federal Credit Union’s Standard IRA Money Market account, go to the website then click the orange ‘Open Now’ button under the account you want to apply for.

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With Navy Federal Credit Union’s IRA Savings account, you can get the tax benefits associated with investing in a Roth, SEP, or Traditional IRA without all the stock market risk.

This account has no fees and no early withdrawal penalty from the credit union.

However, this account’s interest rate is quite low meaning it may not provide the best return for your money.

Applying for Navy Federal Credit Union’s IRA Savings account is easy and you can do it online if you’re a member. If you’re not a member, you can call the credit union to open an account.

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Navy Federal Credit Union offers a wide selection of banking products with no fees or at least waivable fees for members of the military and their family.

While the bank serves an exclusive customer base, they don’t offer exclusive banking features or highly competitive rates outside of their certificates and variable rate products. Their certificates have fair rates and terms with flexible offerings to accommodate anyone’s savings goals.

However, military families can get better rates for savings accounts, money market accounts, and IRA savings at an online bank.

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