Who can join a military credit union? Hint: It’s not just service members!

See if you’re eligible today
Directly above shot of parents lying down on bed with son and daughter at home

For years, military credit unions have delivered competitive rates, low fees, and flexible support that adapts to life’s changes–benefits long enjoyed by those with ties to the military community. With roots in serving military families, they also offer financial guidance to help you build a strong foundation–whether you’re saving for what’s next or planning long-term. And if you think you might not be eligible, you might be surprised.

So Who Can Join?

Current and Former Service Members

As expected, anyone wearing the uniform is eligible to join a military credit union. Active Duty, Reservists, and National Guard included.  And even if you’re no longer wearing a uniform (i.e. Veteran) you’re still eligible!

Immediate Family Members

In addition to current and former service members, spouses, children (including adopted and stepchildren) siblings, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren of service members can also join. That means, for many families, a single military connection can extend membership opportunities to several generations.

Household Members

Some credit unions like Navy Federal, even extend eligibility to household members living with an eligible member—making membership possible for more people in the same home, even if they’re not directly related. This is usually surprising to even the most seasoned NFCU member.

Military Civilians

Certain military credit unions also extend eligibility to Department of Defense civilians, contractors working on DoD installations, and DoD civilian retirees and annuitants. Navy Federal for example, includes all of these groups.

Many military credit unions, including Navy Federal, make it easy for members to refer others. If you’re a Navy Federal member, you can use this link to refer others and help someone take advantage of the unique benefits of a military credit union.


This article was sponsored by Navy Federal Credit UnionThis credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Image used for representational purposes only; does not imply government endorsement.

Justin Burgess Avatar

Justin Burgess

Contributing Writer

Justin Burgess joined the Army in 2006 as an infantry officer and served two combat tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. He left the military in 2016 to learn what it was like to be a civilian. Since then Justin has published several novels and hundreds of articles for The Duffel Blog. When not writing or busy with his day job he likes to hunt and hike the North Georgia mountains.