FREE CHECKING
Discover what is best for you
Digital banking tools, early direct deposit, and easy access to your money with PenFed Checking.
MEMBERSHIP
Banking that gives back
Join a credit union that combines great financial value with a long tradition of service, support, and community.
WHO CAN JOIN
Membership that welcomes everyone1
Join with a $5 savings account or automatically with an auto loan, credit card, home loan or eligible product.
Eligibility
Open to all. No military affiliation required.
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens.
Must be 18+ years old or have a guardian on the account.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
What you get as a PenFed member
More than great products, membership means having a financial partner invested in your goals.
CREDIT CARDS
Get more back from every swipe
Whether you're looking for cash back, travel rewards, or no annual fee options, find a card that fits your lifestyle.
AUTO LOANS
Affordable auto loans
Get pre-qualified for an auto loan in minutes with no impact to your credit score.
HOME LOANS
Stress-free home buying
Take the next step toward a home you'll love with confidence.
HOME EQUITY
Easily tap into your home's value
Turn your home's equity into more possibilities for whatever comes next.
PENFED ADVANTAGE
Why members choose PenFed
As a not-for-profit credit union, we pass our earnings back to you through lower rates, fewer fees, and better returns.
Lower Loan Rates
Save thousands over the life of your auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan with rates well below national averages.
Fewer Fees
No hidden charges or surprise fees. More breathing room in your monthly budget.
Higher Savings Yields
Earn competitive dividend rates on savings and certificate accounts.
Banks vs. Credit Unions
Unlike traditional banks, PenFed Credit Union is member-owned and focused on delivering value to the people it serves. That means lower loan rates, higher savings yields, fewer fees, and personalized service backed by NCUA insurance up to $250,000 per account.
With open membership and broad eligibility, it's easy to enjoy the benefits of belonging.
PenFed Advantage
Lower Loan Rates
Save thousands over the life of your auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan with rates well below national averages.
Fewer Fees
No hidden charges or surprise fees. More breathing room in your monthly budget.
Higher Savings Yields
Earn competitive dividend rates on savings, money market, and certificate accounts.
Banks vs. Credit Unions
Unlike traditional banks, PenFed Credit Union is member-owned and focused on delivering value to the people it serves. That means lower loan rates, higher savings yields, fewer fees, and personalized service backed by NCUA insurance up to $250,000 per account.
With open membership and broad eligibility, it's easy to enjoy the benefits of belonging.
Lower Loan Rates
Save thousands over the life of your auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan with rates well below national averages.
Fewer Fees
No hidden charges or surprise fees. More breathing room in your monthly budget.
Higher Savings Yields
Earn competitive dividend rates on savings, money market, and certificate accounts.
Banks vs. Credit Unions
Unlike traditional banks, PenFed Credit Union is member-owned and focused on delivering value to the people it serves. That means lower loan rates, higher savings yields, fewer fees, and personalized service backed by NCUA insurance up to $250,000 per account.
With open membership and broad eligibility, it's easy to enjoy the benefits of belonging.
STEPS TO APPLY
Join in just minutes
Ready to join?
It takes just a few minutes and $5 to become a member. No military affiliation needed.
FAQs
Membership is open to individuals across the United States.
No. While PenFed has a proud history of serving the military community, membership is available to everyone who qualifies through an eligible product relationship.
Simply apply for an eligible PenFed product and complete the account-opening process.
No membership fee is required.
Checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and other eligible PenFed products.
When filling out the membership application, you will need to provide:
- Government-Issued Photo ID:
- Valid Driver’s License
- State Identification Card
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) / eligible non-citizen documentation
- Identification / Tax Number:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Personal & Contact Details:
- Full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address
- Current physical addres
- Initial Deposit / Funding Information:
- Routing and account number (or debit card) to fund the $5 minimum deposit into your Regular Share / Savings account, which establishes your membership.
Applying to join PenFed is designed to be quick and straightforward:
Disclosures
1
To receive any advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed Credit Union.