What bank do most military members use?

Asked by: Mrs. Hope Johns Jr.  |  Last update: June 18, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (35 votes)

Military members and veterans have many options for banking, not just military-focused banks such as USAA, Armed Forces Bank or First Citizens Bank. Credit unions frequently service military members, such as PenFed Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union and Service Credit Union.

What bank is best for military members?

Top Military Banks of 2025
  • Service Credit Union.
  • USAA.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union.
  • Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
  • Security Service Federal Credit Union.
  • Chase Bank.

Which bank is better USAA or Navy Federal?

USAA offers similar products and services to Navy Fed. However, it does not offer a money market account, which may be a drawback depending on your banking needs. It does, however, offer a larger ATM network.

What bank does the DOD use?

Community Bank is operated through a contract between a commercial financial institution and the Department of Defense. Currently the contractor is Navy Federal Credit Union.

Is Bank of America a military friendly bank?

Reduced payments. If you are eligible for military benefits and your interest rate is higher than 6% — or 4% for home loans both owned and serviced by us — your payments can be reduced to reflect the lower interest rate.

Best Banks For Veterans Part 1

17 related questions found

What is the US military bank?

Armed Forces Bank is a full-service bank founded in 1907 catering to active-duty and retired military, Department of Defense personnel, veterans, and their families, as well as civilians, in all 50 states and around the world.

What are the disadvantages of Bank of America?

The cons of banking with Bank of America include low savings rates, monthly service fees on all checking and savings accounts, and various common bank fees for personal and business banking.

What bank is on every army base?

Armed Forces Bank has proudly served active and retired military and civilian clients across California for more than 100 years, with more on-base locations than any military bank in the U.S. We offer a range of services including checking and savings accounts, money markets, CDs, and specialize in VA mortgage loans.

Is Capital One a good bank for the military?

Beyond SCRA protections, many card issuers provide additional benefits to active duty military and their spouses. For example, Capital One waives credit card fees and limits interest rates to 4 percent APR during and for a year after active duty service.

What bank do Marines use?

Navy Federal has 21 branches serving on or near Marine Corps bases. Select your post from the list below to view Navy Federal branches serving you. Note that branches with an asterisk* indicate restricted access. If your post isn't listed, there's probably a FREE Navy Federal ATM near you.

What are the disadvantages of USAA?

Cons
  • Not all homeowners can qualify for USAA.
  • Customer service hours are limited.
  • May not offer as many discounts as some carriers.

What is so special about Navy Federal bank?

Because we're not-for-profit, any surplus funds are returned to our members as dividends, reduced loan interest and improvements to our products and services. That means we have great rates, lower fees and exclusive discounts.

Is USAA for military only?

Non-Military Eligibility for USAA Insurance

Even un-remarried ex-spouses are eligible for coverage, as are widows and widowers. Many people don't realize that children and stepchildren of current and former military members are also eligible. Even adult children can apply for coverage.

What is the sister bank to the Armed Forces Bank?

Armed Forces Bank's sister bank is Academy Bank. Academy Bank is a full-service community bank with over 80 branch locations in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri.

How to qualify for USAA bank account?

Here's who's eligible for USAA membership:
  1. Active-duty military.
  2. National Guard and Reservists.
  3. Veterans who have honorably served.
  4. Contracted cadets and midshipmen.
  5. Officer and warrant officer candidates.
  6. Spouses and children of USAA members.

Which military branch uses the most money?

The Air Force receives the largest portion of the Armed Forces' funding, exceeding a quarter of the total budget. The DoD's 2024 defense budget was signed into law on December 22, 2023 at $841.4 billion, slightly less than was initially requested.

Why is Ally Bank the best?

In 2025, NerdWallet selected Ally as the best overall bank and the best institution for CDs. Best for: Those who want strong rates, minimal fees, easy access to customer support and don't need to deposit cash or access in-person services. No overdraft fees.

Which is better bank of America or Capital One?

Bank of America: Bottom line. We generally recommend Capital One over Bank of America because it offers better base earning rates and benefits. That doesn't mean Bank of America isn't competitive, but we think Capital One has the more rewarding credit cards.

Is Capital One free for the military?

One of the benefits of the Capital One Venture card for active-duty military members is the waiver of the $95 annual fee (rates & fees). The annual fee for a card that was acquired prior to active duty will be waived during your active duty service.

Which bank is better for the military?

Best Overall: Navy Federal Credit Union

Through the Navy Federal Credit Union, military service members, veterans and their families can take advantage of banking products with low fees and minimum deposit requirements and competitive rates.

Is Bank of America a good bank?

Bank of America could be a good fit for consumers who want access to a local branch, plenty of ATMs and a highly rated app. But, like many big banks, it generally offers low rates of return compared with what other financial institutions are paying out.

What bank owns Armed Forces Bank?

Armed Forces Bank has over $1.3 billion in assets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corporation, a unique $3.8 billion banking franchise that serves clients nationwide through its community and military banking subsidiaries.

What bank is safest right now?

Top 10 safest banks in the U.S.
  • American Express National Bank (Member FDIC)
  • Capital One.
  • Chase.
  • Wells Fargo.
  • Western Alliance Bank.
  • U.S. Bank.
  • PNC Bank.
  • SoFi®

Is Chase or Bank of America better?

More free transactions per month: Bank of America offers a higher number of free transactions each month than Chase, letting you save money from the start. Lower minimum balance to avoid fees: There's a much lower requirement to avoid fees than Chase. And it's monthly rather than daily.

What is the $12 fee at Bank of America?

Bank of America Advantage Plus Fees

A $12 monthly fee applies to the Advantage Plus account, but it can be waived if you: Maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance. Have at least one eligible direct deposit of at least $250. Enroll in BofA's Preferred Rewards program.