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Defender Rewards Cards placed flat on a textured wooden plank surface. The background features American flag.

PENFED DEFENDER REWARDSTM VISA SIGNATURE® CARD

Introducing Defender Rewards™

Meet the all-new Defender Rewards™ card, designed to help military families earn more on everyday spending.

Today's Rates

Putting your goals within reach. Take advantage of our low-interest lending options and experience the difference with member-focused banking.

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APR*

Rates as low as

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APR3

Rates as low as

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APR1

Rates as low as

Defender RewardsTM — Built to reward those who serve

Promo graphic showing a close-up of a vehicle being filled with gas, emphasizing a 5x earnings points on fuel purchases.

DEFENDER REWARDS™

Pump up your points

Wherever your orders take you, earn 5X points when you fuel up at the pump and EV charging stations.

Man holding a shopping bag with a symbol 3x earnings points on purchases.

DEFENDER REWARDS™

Honoring how you live and serve

Earn 3X points at military exchange stores and commissaries — both online and on-base.

A fully packed backpack with a symbol 3x earnings points points on purchases.

DEFENDER REWARDS™

Ready for anything

From camping accessories to new athletic gear, earn 3X points at sporting goods stores.

PenFed: A story of service

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1935

Our Beginning

Founded as the War Department Federal Credit Union to serve the civilian employees of the U.S. Department of War, we started small—built on a shared belief in people helping people. From the beginning, our focus was simple: put members first, offer practical financial solutions, and build trust that lasts.

1935: The Munitions Building on Constitution Avenue, the birthplace of today’s PenFed Credit Union.
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1947

Post-War Growth

We became Pentagon Federal Credit Union, a name that reflected our growing community and expanding reach. As membership increased, so did our commitment to serving more people with the same care and integrity.

 PenFed transitioned to its new home within the newly completed Pentagon.
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1970

Community Expansion

We began serving all Department of Defense employees and their families nationwide. From coast to coast, military families found a trusted financial partner who understood their needs—your mission became our mission.

PenFed began serving all Department of Defense (DoD) employees and their families nationwide.
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2001

Heroes First

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes was established to give back to those who serve and sacrifice. We empower Veterans with the tools and resources, so their transition from military service to civilian life is successful.

PenFed launched its Foundation to provide financial support and stability for military heroes.
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2015

Fresh Forward

We refreshed our brand to reflect who we had become—a modern, national credit union rooted in service. This evolution marked our readiness to meet changing member needs while staying true to our values.

PenFed launched a comprehensive brand refresh to modernize its identity for a growing national membership.
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2019

Open to All

We opened membership to everyone, expanding our reach to welcome more members into the PenFed family. We made it easier for people nationwide to benefit from great rates and trusted financial guidance.

grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new PenFed credit union branch
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Today

Leading with Purpose

Serving nearly million members with $ billion in assets, we remain committed to our values. From humble beginnings to a national community, we’ve never forgotten what matters: you. Better rates, fewer fees, and service that puts your needs first.

Leading with Purpose

Why PenFed?

A happy woman relaxes on a blue couch at home while scrolling through her PenFed financial accounts on a smartphone.

Member-owned, not shareholders

PenFed is one of the nation’s leading federal credit unions. We work for our members, not shareholders, backed by NCUA coverage up to $250,000. Membership is open and eligibility is broad.

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NCUA insured up to $250,000 per account

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Member-owned with open membership eligibility

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Award-winning service and fast loan closings

Showing up for our communities

PenFed supports the people and places around us through service, partnership, and programs that help communities thrive.

PenFed celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

HONORING HERITAGE

PenFed celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

PenFed celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month while recognizing 20 years of serving members and communities in Puerto Rico.