Navy Federal and USAA membership

[John95]

Can someone get membership from both USAA and Navy Fedetal if the person is serving in the Air Force Reserve part-time? 
Thank you!

[keekers]

Yes.

[John95]

Hi
If one’s grandfather served in the military and died in the war, can the grandson join Navy Federal? Do they ask for any documentation of the deceased grandfather?

[DONZI]

Your grandfather would qualify your membership. When I joined they didn't press for the documentation at all. I didn't have my documentation but did have my fathers... they really weren't interested in obtaining any proof of military service on the phone. Granted, at some point perhaps they will want to verify but.. seems to be a formality they don't pay much attention to these days.

[coldfusion]

They have been known to occasionally circle back later and request positive evidence of eligibility, leading to account closure/membership termination if sufficient proof was not provided. 

I've no idea what triggers their requests for proof, but they sometimes do ask for it.

[SouthJamaica]

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@John95 wrote:

Hi
If one’s grandfather served in the military and died in the war, can the grandson join Navy Federal? Do they ask for any documentation of the deceased grandfather?

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Yes.  They almost never ask for documentation.

[brk1971]

I would have to assume that they also have their system connected to one or more military verification database companies to verify information on service members (current and past).

[Binbinimiwi]

Yes, I have accounts at both banks.

I joined USAA about 15 years ago while married and my ex provided them his DD-214 via secure link while on the phone. At the time they were pretty adamant that this info was required to have an account. I have no idea what enrollment is like now.

I joined NFCU in March and they rejected my application the first time because my documents showing my eligibility didnt upload on their side. I had to call in and the CSR stayed on the phone with me to make sure membership got my docs and once they confirmed my eligibility to her she set up my accounts. So, I think it's inconsistent on their part and YMMV so you might want to count on being prepared to show proof of eligibility.

[John95]

Hello,
My grandfather fought in the WWII and died in the war. None of my parents are in the military and I don’t have any proof of my grandfather’s service for the country. As a grandson, how can I get NFCU’s membership?
Thank you!

[Anonymalous]

All Navy Fed asks when you join is which relative, and their branch of service. They don't even ask for a name. But joining without proof is a bad idea, because they might audit you, and freeze your accounts.

But if your grandfather served in the military, you should be able to submit a request for a DD 214 through the National Archives (archives.gov), as his next of kin. It's free.

Just don't expect it to be quick. They're known for taking a long time, and with covid it got worse.

And if you do get a copy, consider filing it with the clerk of courts in your county. Again, it should be free, and it's a way to ensure the paperwork doesn't get lost again (you can request official copies as needed).