USAA vs. Navy Federal: Which Is the Best Choice for Military Members?
Written by
John Csiszar
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union are both top options for military members. Here’s an overview of their products, services, features and benefits so you can find the better option for your financial needs.
USAA vs. Navy Federal: At a Glance
| Feature | USAA | Navy Federal |
|---|---|---|
| Membership eligibility | Military members, veterans, pre-commissioned officers and eligible family members | Military members, veterans, department of defense personnel and eligible family members |
| Branches and ATM network | 4 branches, 100,000 ATMs | Over 350 branches, 30,000 ATMs |
| Savings APY | Up to | Up to |
| Loan Options | Auto, personal, mortgage, RV, boat, motorcycle and leisure vehicle loans | Mortgages — including VA and Military Choice loans — HELOCs, auto, personal, student and recreational loans |
| Customer service | Phone support during business hours | 24/7 phone support and weekday live chat |
| Best for | Comprehensive insurance and digital banking | Higher savings rates and in-person service |
Who Can Join USAA?
USAA membership is open to U.S. military members and veterans, pre-commissioned officers and their spouses and children.
USAA Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100,000 surcharge-free ATMs | Fewer physical branches |
| No-free checking and savings accounts | Generally low APYs on checking and savings products |
| Extensive lineup of credit cards and insurance options |
Who Can Join Navy Federal?
Navy Federal Credit Union is also open to current and former members of the U.S. military, including their families. However, membership is also offered to civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
Navy Federal Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No fees on most checking and savings accounts | Smaller surcharge-free ATM network |
| More physical branches | Some money market accounts require high minimum balances |
| Out-of-network fee rebates |
Takeaway
If you want a one-stop shop with great ATM access and solid insurance, USAA delivers. But if you like visiting branches and want higher savings returns, Navy Federal might be the smarter move.
USAA vs. Navy Federal: Membership Benefits
At the most basic level, the membership benefits offered by USAA and NFCU are similar. Both offer the following:
- No-fee, no-minimum checking and savings accounts
- Additional services like insurance, loans, credit cards and investment options
- Mobile and online banking
There are a few differences to note, however:
- USAA: Offers 100,000 fee-free ATMs but has a limited branch network, making it better suited for mobile and online banking.
- Navy Federal: Offers over 350 branches worldwide and provides access to 30,000 ATMs, offering greater in-person availability.
Here’s an in-depth look at each financial institution’s offerings.
Checking and Savings Accounts
Both USAA and Navy Federal offer free checking and savings accounts — but they differ in rates, ATM access and extra perks. Here’s how they stack up.
Checking Accounts
| Account | Fees | Minimum Balance | APY | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA Classic Checking | $0 | $25 | on balances of at least $1,000 | -100,000 fee-free ATMs -Up to $10 per month in out-of-network ATM fee rebates |
| NFCU Free Active Duty Checking | $0 | $0 | -30,000 fee-free ATMs -Up to $20 per month in out-of-network ATM fee rebates |
|
| NFCU Free Easy Checking | $0 | $0 | -30,000 fee-free ATMs -Up to $120 in annual out-of-network ATM fee rebates |
|
| NFCU Free Campus Checking | $0 | $0 | -30,000 fee-free ATMs -Up to $120 in annual out-of-network ATM fee rebates |
|
| NFCU Free EveryDay Checking | $0 | $0 | -30,000 fee-free ATMs -No opening deposit required |
|
| NFCU Flagship Checking | $10 for balances under $1,500 | $1,500 to avoid monthly fee | to | -30,000 fee-free ATMs -Up to $120 in annual out-of-network ATM fee rebates |
Takeaway
USAA stands out for its vast ATM network and mobile convenience. NFCU offers higher APYs, multiple checking options and more generous ATM rebates.
Savings Accounts
Here’s the comparison between the two banks and their savings account offerings.
| Account | Fees | Minimum Balance | APY | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA Savings | $0 | $25 | Simple, low-maintenance savings option | |
| USAA Performance First Savings | $0 | $1,000 | to | Higher rates for larger balances |
| USAA Youth Savings | $0 | $25 | Designed for minors to build savings habits | |
| NFCU Share Savings | $0 | $5 | Basic savings account with low minimum balance | |
| NFCU Money Market Savings | $0 | $2,500 to earn dividends | to | Higher returns with larger deposits |
| NFCU Jumbo Money Market Savings | $0 | $100,000 to earn dividends | to | Higher APYs for six-figure balances |
Takeaway
NFCU leads with stronger savings rates and more account choices, especially for larger balances. USAA’s savings options are simpler but generally less competitive on APY.
Credit Cards
Both USAA and Navy Federal offer an extensive range of credit cards. Here’s how they compare.
USAA Highlights
- Cash back: Up to 5% on gas and military purchases — up to $3,000 per year, 2% on groceries and 1% on all other purchases — with no annual fee.
- Travel: 3x points on travel with TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® credit every four years with a $95 annual fee.
- Balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 15 months on multiple cards.
- Secured cards: Credit limits of $250 to $5,000 backed by a security deposit — ideal for building or repairing credit.
NFCU Highlights
- Cash back: Up to 2% cash back with cashRewards Plus and a $250 welcome bonus after qualifying purchases.
- Travel: 3x points on travel and a free year of Amazon Prime with a $49 annual fee.
- Dining and groceries: 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations.
- Low APR: Some cards offer APRs as low as 10.99% with no annual fee.
Takeaway
Which bank is better for credit cards: USAA or Navy Federal? USAA stands out for its introductory APR offers and balance transfer options, while Navy Federal excels in everyday rewards for travel, groceries and dining.
USAA vs. Navy Federal: Loan Rates and Options
Both credit unions provide a full range of loans — from mortgages and auto loans to personal and recreational options.
USAA Loans
Offers auto, personal, mortgage, RV, boat, motorcycle and leisure vehicle loans.
- USAA mortgage rates: Start at 5.95%
- USAA auto loan rates: Start at 4.29%
NFCU Loans
Navy Federal offers mortgages — including VA and Military Choice loans — HELOCs, auto, personal, student and recreational loans.
- Navy Federal VA mortgage rates: As low as 5.56% with 0% down
- Navy Federal auto loan rates: Start at 3.89%
Takeaway
NFCU generally offers lower starting rates on mortgages and auto loans, while USAA provides a wider variety of loan types to fit different member needs.
Customer Service and Support
Where can you get the best customer service — USAA or Navy Federal? Here’s a rundown:
- USAA: You can reach a live customer service agent at 800-531-8722 Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.
- Navy Federal: You can reach customer service at 888-842-6328. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and live chat support is offered daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Takeaway
If around-the-clock support matters to you, Navy Federal provides stronger accessibility.
Digital Banking Experience at USAA vs. Navy Federal
Both USAA and Navy Federal offer feature-rich mobile apps with bill pay, transfers and account management tools, but their app experiences differ slightly.
USAA App
Included extras like roadside assistance, insurance claims and digital ID card access.
- App Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Navy Federal App
The Navy Federal Credit Union mobile app supports card management, mobile deposits and bill pay.
- App Store: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Google Play: 3.1 out of 5 stars
Takeaway
USAA’s app performs well across platforms, while NFCU’s app is excellent on iOS but weaker on Android devices.
Insurance Products
Insurance can be a major deciding factor for military members and their families — here’s how USAA and Navy Federal compare.
USAA Insurance
USAA offers an incredibly diverse line of insurance products, covering nearly anything a member could need — auto, homeowners, renters, life insurance and even specialized options like aviation, flood, pet, travel and cyber coverage.
Navy Federal Insurance
Navy Federal Credit Union also provides extensive insurance services, but they are broken down into just three categories — life insurance, guaranteed asset protection and Liberty Mutual auto and home insurance.
Takeaway
If insurance coverage is a priority, USAA has the clear advantage with its extensive lineup of policies.
Military-Specific Benefits
When comparing the best military banks, USAA and Navy Federal both deliver a variety of military-focused benefits. Below are some of the most notable offerings from each.
| USAA | NFCU |
|---|---|
| Up to a 30% discount on auto and property insurance with USAA SafePilot | Up to $20 in ATM fee rebates, free military checks and early access to military pay with qualifying military direct deposit with the Active Duty Checking account |
| Life insurance starting at $14 per month | A 0.25% APR discount on select loans if you have direct deposit |
| Discounts of up to 35% on car rentals, and 40% on Disney and Universal Studios tickets | 100% financing options on loans that are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs |
| 20% off one-way rentals with Budget Moving Trucks | A 100% financing option is available for Military Choice Home Loans |
The Bottom Line: USAA vs. Navy Federal
Both USAA and Navy Federal are outstanding choices for military members and their families, but each caters to different financial needs.
Choose USAA If
- You want a single platform for banking, insurance and investing.
- You value mobile convenience and ATMs for on-the-go banking.
- You need specialized insurance products, from auto to aviation to cyber coverage.
Choose Navy Federal If
- You prefer in-person banking and a large branch network.
- You want higher APYs on savings.
- You’re looking for strong rewards cards for travel, dining and everyday spending.
USAA vs. Navy Federal FAQ
Still deciding which financial institution fits your needs? These quick answers break down the most common questions about joining, savings rates, auto loans and more.- Can I join both USAA and Navy Federal?
- Yes. Many military members choose to hold accounts at both to take advantage of the unique perks.
- Who has better savings rates?
- Navy Federal has rates that go up to 2.15%Â APY on jumbo money market accounts.
- Who has better auto loan rates, USAA or Navy Federal?
- Navy Federal generally offers lower starting rates — around 3.89%, compared to 4.29% at USAA.
- Who has better VA loan rates, USAA or Navy Federal?
- Navy Federal has the advantage with VA rates as low as 5.56% and 0% down options.
Elizabeth Constantineau contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Oct. 9, 2025.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
