Past overdrafts, unpaid balances, and forced account closures can make it harder to open another checking account. Many financial institutions review this history before they approve a new member.
Navy Federal Credit Union has different membership rules and account options than most banks. Here’s how its application review works, who can join, and which checking account may fit your needs.
Navy Federal Credit Union Doesn’t Use ChexSystems
Navy Federal Credit Union doesn’t use ChexSystems when it reviews membership and checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report shouldn’t automatically prevent you from opening an account.
Navy Federal can still verify your identity and review other information before it approves membership. Incorrect application details, identity verification problems, suspected fraud, or money owed directly to Navy Federal can affect the decision.
The credit union doesn’t publish every reason it may deny an application. Not using ChexSystems removes one common barrier, but it doesn’t guarantee approval.
Navy Federal May Review Other Account Information
Navy Federal can use other sources to confirm your identity and assess the application. This review may include information that isn’t part of your ChexSystems consumer report.
Possible concerns include:
- Identity verification problems: Navy Federal may request more documents when it can’t confirm your identity.
- Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or false application information can lead to a denial.
- Previous Navy Federal debt: Money owed from an older Navy Federal account may affect your eligibility.
- Membership problems: You must qualify through Navy Federal’s approved field of membership.
- Funding issues: Problems with the deposit used to establish membership can delay or prevent account opening.
Be accurate when you complete the application. Navy Federal may ask for documents that confirm your military connection, household relationship, address, or identity.
You Must Qualify for Navy Federal Membership
Navy Federal membership isn’t open to everyone. You must have an eligible military, Department of Defense, or family connection.
Membership is available to:
- Servicemembers: Active Duty members from all branches of the U.S. military can join.
- Veterans and retirees: Veterans, retired servicemembers, and eligible annuitants can qualify.
- Reservists and National Guard members: Eligible reservists and National Guard members can become members.
- Department of Defense employees: Certain civilian employees, contractors, retirees, and government employees assigned to Department of Defense installations may qualify.
- Family members: Immediate family and eligible household members of qualifying members can join.
Eligible family relationships can include parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and household members. Navy Federal may request information about the person who makes you eligible.
You must open a Membership Savings Account with at least $5 to establish and maintain membership.
Navy Federal Doesn’t Offer Second Chance Checking
Navy Federal doesn’t advertise a checking account as second chance checking. Its regular checking accounts are available to approved members who meet the requirements for each account.
The lack of a ChexSystems review can still make Navy Federal an option for eligible applicants with negative banking records. Membership and account approval aren’t guaranteed after serious fraud, identity concerns, or unpaid Navy Federal debt.
Navy Federal currently offers Free EveryDay Checking, Free Easy Checking, Free Active Duty Checking, Free Campus Checking, and Flagship Checking.
Free EveryDay Checking Has No Monthly Fee
Free EveryDay Checking is Navy Federal’s basic checking account. It has no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement.
The account includes:
- Debit card access: Make purchases and withdraw money with a Navy Federal debit card.
- Digital banking: Review balances, transfer money, and manage payments online or through the mobile app.
- Mobile deposits: Deposit eligible checks through the Navy Federal app.
- Bill Pay: Schedule eligible one-time and recurring payments.
- Paper checks: Order checks when you need them.
- ATM access: Use Navy Federal and eligible network ATMs.
Free EveryDay Checking can work well for members who want simple checking without direct deposit or monthly activity requirements.
Other Navy Federal Checking Options
Navy Federal offers checking accounts for members with specific banking needs.
Free Easy Checking requires qualifying direct deposit or at least 20 Navy Federal debit card transactions during each statement period. Eligible members can receive up to $10 in ATM fee rebates per statement period.
Free Active Duty Checking is intended for Active Duty and retired military members with qualifying military direct deposit. It includes early access to eligible military pay and up to $20 in ATM fee rebates per statement period.
Free Campus Checking is available to members from ages 14 through 24. It has no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement.
Flagship Checking pays higher dividends on larger balances. It charges a $10 monthly service fee when the average daily balance falls below $1,500.
Free EveryDay Checking is likely the simplest choice for members who don’t need military direct deposit benefits, student features, or higher-balance dividends.
Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Anyway
Navy Federal may not review ChexSystems, but inaccurate information can still cause problems when you apply elsewhere.
Check your ChexSystems consumer report for:
- Unknown accounts: An unfamiliar account may indicate identity theft or mixed consumer information.
- Incorrect balances: Confirm that each reported amount is accurate.
- Paid debts shown as unpaid: A resolved debt should display the correct status.
- Wrong closure reasons: Make sure the former financial institution reported the account correctly.
- Incorrect dates: A reporting error may make an old problem look more recent.
Accurate negative information can generally remain for five years. Paying a valid balance usually doesn’t remove the entry early, but the reporting institution should update the payment status.
What You Need to Join Navy Federal
You can apply for membership online or by phone. Have the information needed to prove your identity and eligibility.
Prepare:
- Social Security number: Navy Federal uses it to verify your identity.
- Government identification: Provide a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or another accepted document.
- Home address: Include your current physical and mailing addresses.
- Eligibility information: Provide details about your military, Department of Defense, family, or household connection.
- Opening deposit: Deposit at least $5 into the required Membership Savings Account.
- Contact information: Provide a current phone number and email address.
Navy Federal may request more documents when it can’t confirm your eligibility or identity electronically.
What to Do if Navy Federal Denies You
Ask Navy Federal which part of the application caused the denial. A ChexSystems entry shouldn’t be the reason, but an eligibility, identity, fraud, or previous account issue may have affected the decision.
Check that your name, Social Security number, address, and eligibility details were entered correctly. Ask whether you can provide additional documents or correct the application.
When you don’t qualify for membership, consider another credit union or bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems. Compare account fees, membership restrictions, opening deposits, ATM access, and overdraft policies before you apply.
Other Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
Navy Federal Credit Union is a great choice if you qualify for membership, but it’s not the only option available. These banks also skip ChexSystems checks and make it easier to open a new account.
SoFi
- Up to $400 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
- No minimum opening deposit
- Earn up to 3.80% APY
- Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
- Early pay with direct deposit
Current
- Build credit and earn points with every swipe
- No minimum opening deposit or maintenance fees
- Get paid up to 2 days faster
- No credit check or ChexSystems
Chime
- Up to 3.75% APY on a high-yield savings account
- Over 47,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Up to $200 fee-free overdraft coverage
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
Learn More
- Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Take the first step to rebuilding your banking history with our list of banks that do not use ChexSystems for account approval.
- Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Find a credit union that will work with you, not against you. Learn about the credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems.
- Am I in ChexSystems? – Unsure if you’re in ChexSystems? Learn how to find out and take control of your financial status.
- How to Get Out of ChexSystems – Learn how to get out of ChexSystems in four simple steps.
- Second Chance Checking Accounts – Take control of your financial future with our list of over 450 banks that offer second chance checking accounts.
Jake is a personal finance writer with a background in consumer lending and credit counseling. He specializes in credit education, debt management, and helping readers understand the financial systems that affect their daily lives. His goal is simple: cut through the jargon and give people the information they actually need.