Navy Federal Credit Union Savings Accounts: Rates & Options

Navy Federal Credit Union has just one basic savings account option. Members of the Navy Federal Credit Union start their membership by depositing $5 into a member share savings account. The Navy Federal savings rate is 0.25 percent APY and compounded monthly. The $5 deposit is refunded when membership is canceled.

Aside from this basic savings account, NFCU offers two types of money market savings accounts that earn interest based on the amount that you’ve put into the account.

Overall, Navy Federal Credit Union earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from Bankrate.

Navy Federal Credit Union savings rates

Here’s a breakdown of Navy Federal’s savings rates as of Jan. 5, 2021.

Account name APY Minimum deposit Member share savings account 0.25% $5

Navy Federal also offers a money market savings account and jumbo money market savings account with tiered APYs.

Account name APY Minimum daily deposit Money market savings account 0.40% $0 to $9,999* Money market savings account 0.45% $10,000 to $24,999 Money market savings account 0.50% $25,000 to $49,999 Money market savings account 0.50% $50,000 and over Jumbo money market savings account 0.25% $0 to $99,999 Jumbo money market savings account 0.55% $100,000 to $249,999 Jumbo money market savings account 0.60% $250,000 and over

*Minimum daily balance of $2,500 required to earn dividends.

How Navy Federal Credit Union compares to top-yielding banks

Navy Federal Credit Union’s savings account pays more than the national average and it’s not far off from the top-yielding account, however, Navy Federal requires a steep minimum deposit of $250,000 to earn the top APY. This is considerably higher than other banks, such as Vio Bank, which offers a competitive rate with a $100 minimum deposit.

One benefit of Navy Federal’s savings account: It charges no fees, unlike some banks. The main drawback for would-be members is that they aren’t eligible to join, even with the generous membership policy that includes grandparents, siblings and grandchildren of veterans or active-duty military members.

How to become a member of Navy Federal Credit Union

To take advantage of Navy Federal savings accounts, you must be a member. Membership is given only to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their relatives, plus Department of Defense civilians.

This membership policy has allowed the credit union to grow from just seven members in 1933 to more than 9 million today. Members can access their accounts online or over the phone with 24/7 stateside customer service. NFCU’s website offers a variety of educational content related to savings, as well as a savings calculator to help you plan for future financial goals.

Other savings options at Navy Federal Credit Union

In addition to a basic savings account and the higher-interest money market accounts, Navy Federal Credit Union offers certificates of deposit (CDs) for short-term and mid-term savings. For saving up for smaller-ticket items like a down payment on a new car, you can put your money in CD with a duration of as short as three months. Navy Federal also offers variable-rate CDs that give you better interest rates as the market changes.

Finally, Navy Federal offers education savings accounts and retirement savings accounts to meet your long-term financial goals.