Top Credit Unions for Veterans

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we’re highlighting the top credit unions for veterans. These military-focused financial institutions provide personalized financial services and products that benefit vets in a way national banks do not. 

Since credit unions for veterans are member-owned and not-for-profit organizations, they can provide competitive rates and customized services for veterans while giving back to the communities that they serve. 

One of the main reasons these credit unions can offer such quality financial services is by partnering with an expert credit union service organization (CUSO) such as AVANA CUSO. AVANA CUSO has partnered with credit unions across the country for decades, helping these organizations diversify their lending portfolios and better support their members. 

Best Credit Unions for Veterans:

Here are some of the top credit unions for veterans: 

1. Navy Federal Credit Union

A popular option is the Navy Federal Credit Union for Veterans. With over 12.7 million members and approximately $166.1 billion in assets under management (AUM), it is the largest federally insured credit union by assets. Above all, they aim to foster financial health for members and serve their local community. Plus, they are widely considered the best credit union for veterans.  

Since 1933, Navy Federal Credit Union has been providing its members with competitive rates and helpful financial products. Such products include market-leading savings accounts, checking accounts, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and more. 

Navy Federal Credit Union stands out for Veterans with its dedicated financial services and exclusive programs designed to meet the unique needs of military members. Their commitment to offering competitive rates and personalized support ensures veterans receive the best in banking solutions.

2. PenFed

PenFed Credit Union, originally founded as the War Department Credit Union in 1935, is one of the largest and most trusted credit unions serving veterans, active-duty military, and their families. PenFed provides tailored financial services, including competitive loan options, accessible mortgage solutions, and high-yield savings accounts, all designed to support the unique needs of veterans. It is known for its industry-leading rates on auto loans and home mortgages, though it also offers competitive incentive programs on credit cards in addition to other products.  

PenFed also offers extensive financial education resources, helping veterans manage finances effectively post-service. Its mission is to help members realize their financial potential through education and encouragement. With its deep-rooted commitment to the military community and initiatives like the PenFed Foundation, which provides grants and emergency assistance to veterans, PenFed has become a vital financial institution for those who have served the nation.

Though everyone is eligible to apply for a membership, the PenFed has traditionally been a meaningful financial resource for veterans across the country.  

3. Security Service Federal Credit Union

Security Service Federal Credit Union was founded in 1956 as the United States Air Force Security Service Federal Credit Union in San Antonio, Texas. Since then, they have extended their memberships to civilians, though they remain one of the top credit unions specifically for veterans. It has approximately 800,000 members and an AUM of 10.5 Billion USD to manage.

They’re dedicated to providing strength, stability, and convenience for members to help build financial soundness with competitive products and services. Above all, they want to empower members with the knowledge necessary to make wise financial decisions. 

Some of their more notable products include their money market and savings accounts at low rates. 

4. Service Credit Union

Service Credit Union (SCU) is a credit union for veterans that is known for its high rates on savings accounts, competitive vehicle loans, and flexible credit cards. SCU was established in 1957 to support military personnel and their families, though they now have members across the globe. It has approximately 350,000 members and an AUM of 5 Billion USD to manage.

They have the goal to offer financial products and services that fit the unique needs of their members and improve their lives, especially military service members and veterans. 

Overall, they’re committed to giving back to their community and fostering long-term relationships that are fruitful for members. 

5. Andrews Federal Credit Union

Andrews Federal Credit Union (AFCU) has a long history of serving military members and their families since it opened its doors in 1948. They currently have more than 139,000 members and almost $2.5 billion in assets.

They have a mission to deliver innovative financial products and world-class service to their members to reach their financial goals. AFCU offers both personal and business banking solutions, including business credit card options, personal loans, competitive savings accounts, investment services, payroll services, and more. 

Those eligible for memberships include veterans or active military members in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and U.S. military bases throughout Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Plus, Select Employee Groups throughout Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey are also invited to apply. 

About AVANA CUSO

Established in 1998 and headquartered in Simi Valley, CA, AVANA CUSO is one of the most seasoned credit union service organizations (CUSO) focused on commercial lending. For decades, we have partnered with credit unions across the country to offer competitive and collaborative loans. We also uniquely support and guide our partners through the entire lifecycle of our loans. AVANA CUSO is a proud member of the AVANA Family of Companies.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an AVANA CUSO partner.

We have refreshed this content in November 2024 to ensure freshness for our readers.