A smiling military family of four poses together while having a picnic outdoor

HONORING 250 YEARS OF SERVICE

Two centuries of service, 90 years of commitment

Founded in 1935 to serve the military community, we’re proud to stand with those who serve and the families beside them.

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Exclusive financial benefits for your service

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Banking that deploys with you

Choose the benefits that fit your mission

Accelerated Rewards

Exclusive rewards built for military members. Enjoy additional credit card rewards on everyday purchases and travel.

Honor Advantage

VA Purchase

Buy with $01 down and competitive rates. We make the VA loan process straightforward

VA Purchase

VA Refinance

Lower your monthly payment or tap into your home’s equity with flexible options for veterans.

VA refinance

Member Discounts

From travel to tech, unlock exclusive deals and savings just for PenFed members.

member discounts
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COMING SOON

The NEW PenFed Defender Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

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COMING SOON

The NEW PenFed Defender Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

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COMING SOON

The NEW PenFed Defender Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

Get early access to details on the PenFed Defender Rewards™ Card

Be among the first to hear about our new card launching this fall with exclusive benefits for military members.

  • 5X points at the pump and EV charging
  • 3X points at grocery stores, restaurants, and streaming services
  • 3X points at sporting goods stores
  • 3X points at military commissaries and exchange stores
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Stay in control—on base or on the move

PenFed app QR code for download

Your finances, always at the ready

Manage your accounts, pay bills, deposit checks, and find nearby ATMs with the PenFed mobile app. Secure and convenient for your busy life.

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.

2019: PenFed expands its Caribbean presence by opening the new Hatillo Financial Center in Puerto Rico.
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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

Get the info you need, when you need it

An older veteran wearing a military cap sits on a park bench looking at his smartphone, with an American flag blurred in the background.

Money skills for military life

PCS orders, deployment pay, and civilian transitions all change the way you manage money. Get straightforward tips built around real military situations.

Articles:

Buying A Car After Deployment

Transitioning to Civilian Life

VA Loans: First Time Homebuyers Guide

a person accessing the cash in penfed atm

Access your cash—at home and abroad

From local errands to international travel, PenFed keeps your money within reach. Use 85,000+ fee-free ATMs across the country and easily find cash access options overseas.

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