Accessibility for military
PenFed has branch locations in the following locations:
- Hagatna, Guam
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Kadena, Japan
- Puerto Rico
Military members might find this convenient if they find themselves deployed to one of these locations.
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Compare PenFed Credit Union banking products: Savings and Checking
This military-focused credit union offers no-fee savings accounts — and high APYs on its checking account.
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PenFed caters to the military community, but it’s not necessarily a requirement to apply. You can earn up to 0.50% on it’s checking account with a balance from $20,000 to $50,000. Its savings accounts are free, but fall short with a low 0.05% if you have a balance less than $250,000.
Am I eligible?
PenFed is a little vague about its exact criteria for membership, but you’re a shoo-in if you identify with one of the following:
- Member of an affiliate partner, which include:
- American Red Cross
- American Society of Military Comptrollers
- National War College Alumni Association
- Military Officers Association of America
- United States Department of Energy
- United States Army Warrant Officers Association
- Navy League of the United States
- Coast Guard Auxiliary Association
- Marine Corps League
- Active member of the military
- Veteran
- Employee of the United States Government
If you don’t meet any of these requirements, contact PenFed to see if there’s another way you could qualify.
What banking products does PenFed Credit Union offer?
PenFed puts its focus on savings products like free savings accounts, money markets and CDs. But it also offers a checking account, personal loans, mortgages and credit card products.
Personal banking
Checking
- Access America Checking. Deposit $25 to open an account, and waive the $10 monthly service fee by maintaining a balance of $500 or by setting up a monthly direct deposit of at least $500. Accounts with balances between $500 and $49,999 can earn an APY of 0.20%, while balances of $50,000 qualify for an APY of 0.50%.
Savings
- Regular Savings. This free savings account requires just $5 for the initial deposit, and establishes your membership with PenFed Credit Union. All account balances earn an APY of 0.05%.
- Premium Online Savings. An account for those with large savings, there’s no monthly maintenance fee, but to earn the 1.80% APY you need a daily account balance of $250,000.
- Money Market Savings. Streamline your savings by setting up a monthly direct deposit to this travel-oriented savings account. You can only transfer or withdraw your funds once a year on October 1.
- Money Market. These accounts work like savings, but with easier access to your account with checks and a debit card. Deposit $25 to get started, and earn tiered APYs depending on your balance:
- Less than $10,000 earns 0.05% APY
- $10,000–$99,999 earns 0.10% APY
- $100,000+ earns 0.15% APY
- Money Market Certificates. Terms range from six months to seven years, with APYs ranging from 1.70% to 2.50%. Get started with a minimum deposit of $1,000. But keep in mind there’s a penalty for withdrawing funds early.
Other personal products
- IRAs. Plan for retirement with savings or investment accounts. Certificates and Roth IRAs are also available.
- Credit cards. Earn cashback and bonus points with a PenFed credit card.
- Loans. PenFed Credit Union loans lends you cash to pay for a car, higher education or other expenses.
- Mortgages. Take out a mortgage for a new house or refinance one you already own; you can also apply for a home equity loan.
PenFed doesn’t offer banking products to small or commercial businesses, so entrepreneurs should scout accounts elsewhere.
Why should I open an account at PenFed Credit Union?
PenFed Credit Union online banking platform offers standard features like automatic bill pay, mobile check deposit and an ATM locator. Other features include:- Checking account APY. With an industry average at 0.06%, PenFed’s minimum 0.20% on its checking account is a nice feature — but you have to maintain a $500 daily balance.
- Easy ATM access. PenFed is part of the AllPoint ATM network, which gives members free access to over 68,000 ATMs spread across the nation.
- Strong app. The PenFed Mobile App is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.2 out of 5 stars in the Apple Store, with users reporting a positive experience banking from a smartphone.
What should I look out for?
Typical of a credit union, PenFed is designed to be a one-stop financial hub for users rather than a one-off provider. But, before signing up, keep in mind these drawbacks:
- Scant checking account options. PedFed only offers one checking account option for members.
- Limited access within the US. Branch locations are essentially nonexistent in the northwest, and there are just 46 overall. If face-to-face interaction is important to you, verify a nearby hub first.
- $30 fee for nonsufficient funds. PenFed will ding you with a $30 fee each time your account falls below $0. And there’s no limit as to how many times a day it can charge you. So a bad day and low balance could be very expensive to remedy.
- Low APY on Regular Savings account. With the national average hovering at 0.09% APY, the basic account falls short with a low 0.05% APY.
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PenFed customer service
Got questions? Here’s how to get in touch with customer service:
- Phone. Call 800-247-5626.
- Email. Write to info@penfed.org.
- Electronic message. Send a note through the PenFed website, whether or not you have an account.
- Fax. 800-557-7328.
- Snail mail. General letters should be addressed to:
Box 1432
Alexandria, VA
22313-2032
Bottom line
Folks looking for a full-service financial provider might enjoy PenFed’s breadth of options, from basic savings accounts to credit cards. But if you’re looking for lower initial deposits or higher APYs on basic savings, see what competitors have to offer.
Frequently asked questions
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