Navy Federal Credit Union Marks Membership Milestone with Renewed Commitment to Supporting Military Community

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 19, 2025--

As Navy Federal Credit Union welcomes its 15 millionth member this fall, the credit union reaffirms its commitment to supporting members’ financial health, not only through an enhanced suite of custom products and services but also by strengthening support for Servicemembers, Veterans and their families.

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The credit union is on track to donate more than $10 million to more than 500 community-based organizations by year’s end. This enterprise-wide effort incorporates both large financial commitments as well as smaller donations and on-the-ground volunteer support for organizations serving the military community, made possible in part by the credit union’s policy providing employees with eight hours per year of paid volunteer leave.

The credit union also recently offered its interest-free paycheck-assistance program for eligible members whose pay has been affected during the government shutdown, continuing a tradition of assistance seen during previous shutdowns in 2011, 2013 and 2018-19. Navy Federal's government shutdown support dispersed more than 195,000 loans totaling more than $350 million, with zero impact to our members’ credit history (no credit check is required) and 0% in interest charged. Navy Federal also worked to assist members with managing more than $2.5 billion in loan balances.

This comes on top of billions in earnings and savings members enjoy annually. Last year, members collectively earned and saved more than $4.3 billion —thanks to better interest rates, lower fees and exclusive member discounts. Members also continue to benefit from products and services tailored to the military community, such as a new resource hub to ease permanent changes of station (PCS). The hub helps Servicemembers navigate reimbursement processes, identify childcare providers and track expenses with checklists, spending calculators, subscription and bill managers, and 24/7 access to financial counselors.

Also new this year is a secured credit card with unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases; a new graduate student loan product to support members pursuing advanced degrees; checking account and other enhancements; and a new strategic partnership with a network of over 130 credit unions jointly investing in fintech solutions to automate lending, prevent fraud, and improve member experience. This partnership complements other new investments in artificial intelligence and digital investment tools.

At the same time, Navy Federal remains committed to growing its branch network, with more than 370 branches, many on or near military bases. In addition, Navy Federal is proud to operate the Overseas Military Banking Program in collaboration with the US Department of Defense. This program operates some sixty branch offices and hundreds of ATMs on designated military installations under the name “Community Bank.” Community Bank expands access to currency exchange services, foreign bill payment services, checking/savings accounts, and other specialized financial services to those Servicemembers deployed abroad across 10 countries and territories.

For the 10th straight year, Navy Federal Credit Union ranked first among US multichannel banks for customer experience (CX) quality, according to Forrester's latest Customer Experience Index (CX Index™) Rankings. The report recognizes brands that create and sustain customer loyalty. Also this year, the credit union marked its 14th consecutive appearance on the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For ® list and was recognized by Newsweek as a Most Trustworthy Company in America; by People as one of 100 Companies that Care; and by Forbes as one of America’sBest Employers for Company Culture.

“For nearly 93 years, Navy Federal has been driven by our commitment to give back to the community that gives so much to our country,” said Dietrich Kuhlmann, Navy Federal’s President and CEO. “We carry out this pledge every day—across hundreds of branches worldwide, through products and services tailored to military families, and with active volunteer engagement in military communities. As we mark a new milestone in our membership, Navy Federal remains focused on ensuring we are properly positioned to serve the financial needs of America’s men and women in uniform, our nation’s Veterans, and their families.”

Central to these efforts is a business unit launched this year to bolster the credit union's impact in military communities. Led by Retired US Navy Captain Keith Hoskins, Navy Federal’s new Office of Military Affairs and Strategic Partnerships is streamlining the credit union’s philanthropic endeavors; strengthening partnerships with organizations that provide direct support to the military community; and advocating for public policies that protect financial cooperatives’ ability to prioritize the needs of members.

As part of this work, Navy Federal is overseeing a three-year partnership with the USO to support financial wellness—a key need in the military community. Thanks to Navy Federal’s $9 million investment over three years ($3 million per year from 2024 to 2026), the USO is expanding its financial education programming for early-career Servicemembers and spouses.

Navy Federal is also partnering with military relief societies and The Bob Woodruff Foundation, which helps provide Servicemembers, Veterans and military families with financial literacy education, emergency financial assistance, and disaster aid. In addition, Navy Federal’s commitment to the Armed Services YMCA enables them to provide junior enlisted personnel and families with needed programs and services.

In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, the credit union chose to support Travis Manion Foundation, which supports community service projects for Veterans, their families and community members. Navy Federal will make additional planned gifts to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which supports toy collections at 330 Navy Federal branches and benefits disadvantaged children, and to Hire Heroes USA, which helps Veterans, transitioning Servicemembers and military spouses find meaningful employment.

Navy Federal team members are also giving their time this season. They’ll be making over 900 no-sew blankets in support of Soldiers’ Angels “Operation Warm Winter” and participating in holiday donation drives benefiting Project Neighbors and the Marine Toys for Tots programs.

These seasonal commitments build on earlier engagements this year with partners including The Honor Foundation, which helps men and women of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community transition to civilian life; Portraits For Patriots ®, which supports transitioning Servicemembers, military spouses, and Gold Star families; and DogTag Inc, which supports military-affiliated entrepreneurship.

In September, the credit union again teamed up with Feeding America ®, the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, to support communities in need through No Plate Left Behind, a nationwide campaign combating food insecurity. In total, No Plate Left Behind donated more than 28 million* meals to those in need. Team members also donated nonperishable food items at collection bins at Navy Federal campuses and branches.

In August, the credit union dispersed $1,000 grants to 100 qualifying nonprofits supported by Navy Federal team members through its annual “Dollars for Doers” initiative. Over the past 18 years, the program has donated nearly $2 million to charities where employees have donated their time. Nearly a quarter of this year’s grants support causes benefiting military families and Veterans.

Navy Federal also engaged members and team members in its annual Back-to-School campaign this summer to prepare kids for the school year. Team members at Navy Federal campuses across California, Florida and Virginia donated pencils, markers, binders and other school supplies to local United Way chapters, while stateside branches donated backpacks to military kids in partnership with Operation Homefront. Last year, collections exceeded $20,000 worth of school supply items from campus employees, and more than 1,100 books were donated to military families through virtual book drives hosted by United Through Reading.

Navy Federal is also proud to be the official Military Appreciation Partner of the National Hockey League (NHL). Alongside the annual Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series TM, the credit union hosts a one-of-a-kind military hockey tournament—highlighting all-Veteran hockey teams committed to serving their local communities and growing the sport of hockey nationwide. The credit union also sponsored Military Makeover with Montel ®, a home remodeling show for members of the military community; put on MAM JAM, a concert series held near military communities in Texas and North Carolina that featured Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay; and supported military communities in many other ways this year.

“We’re grateful to every one of our 15 million members for the trust they continue to place in us,” said Kara Cardona, the credit union’s COO. “As we celebrate this milestone and pay tribute to our nation’s Servicemembers, Veterans and their families, Navy Federal is singularly focused on our mission to put our members first. This means equipping our team to provide world-class service, offering the very best and most meaningful financial products and support, and continuing our work to strengthen the communities in which we live and work.”

About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving more than 15 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 25,000 and has a global network of more than 370 branches. Navy Federal is contracted to operate the Overseas Military Banking Program under the authority of the Department of Defense, which provides Active Duty military Servicemembers deployed overseas with access to some 60 branches and hundreds of ATMs spread across 10 countries and territories. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org.

*$1 helps provide more than 10 meals provided by Feeding America on behalf of partner food banks

Community impact story: The Itterley family waited 10 years to see their favorite artists perform live, an opportunity that arrived in May, Military Appreciation Month (MAM). Through Navy Federal’s partnership with Vet Tix, Michelle Itterley got free tickets to see Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay in Texas, courtesy of Navy Federal’s first-ever MAM JAM concert series. “There was no way we could have ever gone if we had to pay full retail value,” Michelle says. “We’re so grateful.”

Community impact story: Tiana Schneider led her all-Veteran hockey team in Navy Federal’s fifth annual Veterans Showcase this winter—a one-of-a-kind military hockey tournament. The official Military Appreciation Partner of the NHL, the credit union hosted it alongside the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ in Ohio. Navy Federal’s all-expenses paid tournament weekend has received 600+ team applications since 2020, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to some 300 Veterans.

Community impact story: Navy Federal’s Renee Hoglen, a military spouse, this year channeled $1,000 to REINS of Valor, a horse therapy program for Veterans. Hoglen, a longtime volunteer, worked with colleagues to repair the ranch and raise funds. “’Our members are the mission’ is our motto, and I see that same spirit in REINS—serving and connecting both the local and military communities,” Renee says.

Community impact story: Kaitlin Nelson experienced food insecurity as a child. Now a mortgage supervisor at Navy Federal, she uses the credit union’s paid leave program to volunteer at the same food bank that helped her family make ends meet decades ago. “I’m grateful to work for a company that allows us to give back to such an important cause—and one that assisted my family in our times of need,” Kaitlin says.

Community impact story: Navy Federal’s Destiny Gomez-Polson launched a financial wellness fair to create a space where the community could openly discuss money concerns and gain financial knowledge. The activation at San Diego’s Mission Valley branch has since spread to other branches, serving roughly 1,000 Active-Duty military in the region—just one example of Navy Federal’s efforts, in partnership with the USO, to support financial wellness in the military community. The work, Destiny says, is “essential.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research site Tuesday, and Iran struck back against Israel and across the Gulf region, targeting U.S. embassies and disrupting energy supplies and travel.

Four days into a war that President Donald Trump suggested would last several weeks but perhaps longer, nearly 800 people have been killed in Iran, including some Trump said he had considered as possible future leaders of the country.

Explosions rang out Tuesday in Tehran and in Lebanon — where Israel said it retaliated against Hezbollah militants — and the American embassy in Saudi Arabia came under drone attack. Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, though most of the incoming fire has been intercepted. Eleven people in Israel have been killed since the conflict began.

The spiraling nature of the war raised questions about when and how it would end. Trump seemed to leave open the possibility for more extensive U.S. military involvement, telling the New York Post on Monday that he was not ruling out the possibility of boots on the ground.

The administration has given various objectives. While the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government, senior administration officials have since said regime change was not the goal.

Trump said Monday the military campaign’s four objectives were to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its navy, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that it cannot continue to support allied armed groups.

Trump said Tuesday that “someone from within” the Iranian regime might be the best choice to take power once the U.S.-Israel campaign is finished.

Speaking from the Oval Office Tuesday, Trump said Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s toppled Shah, is not someone that his administration has considered in depth to take over.

As far as possible leaders inside Iran, “the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said.

“I guess the worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right? That could happen," Trump said. "We don’t want that to happen.”

Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen. Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement.

Information coming out of Iran has been limited because of poor communications, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight restrictions on journalists. But across Iran’s capital, aircraft were heard overhead and explosions rang out.

The Israeli military said it conducted a wave of airstrikes on sites that produce and store ballistic missiles, in Tehran and Isfahan. It also said it destroyed what it called Iran’s secret, underground nuclear headquarters. Without providing evidence, it said the site was used for scientific research “to develop a key component for nuclear weapons.”

“The regime attempted to rebuild its efforts and conceal them, thinking we wouldn’t notice. They were mistaken,” said Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin.

Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June, though it has maintained its right to and says its nuclear program is peaceful.

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site had sustained “some recent damage,” though there was “no radiological consequence expected.” The U.S. hit Natanz during the 12-day war in June, when Israeli and American strikes greatly weakened Iran's nuclear program.

New rounds of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes rattled Tehran and several other Iranian cities.

“Since midnight, I and my wife are hearing sound of explosions,” said Ali Amoli, an engineer living in north Tehran. “Sometimes from the west side of the city and sometimes from other directions.” Streets and gas stations appeared quieter than in recent days.

Local media published images of a damaged commercial plane at Bushehr airport that broke apart following an airstrike on Tuesday.

A north Tehran resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation described growing fears in the capital as it comes under heavy bombardment. The resident said most stores in the normally bustling area of Tajrish were closed, though bakeries and supermarkets remained open.

An attack from two drones on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh caused a “limited fire,” according to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry, and the embassy urged Americans to avoid the compound. It followed an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. U.S. Embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon said they were closed to the public.

The U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. also urged citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, though with much of the airspace closed many were stranded.

The State Department said Tuesday it’s preparing military and charter flights for Americans who want to leave the Middle East. Several other countries also arranged evacuation flights for their citizens.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes have killed at least 787 people in Iran, according to the Red Crescent Society. In Lebanon, where Israel launched retaliatory strikes on the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah, 40 people were killed, including seven children, in Lebanon, the health ministry said. The ministry had previously said 52 people were killed.

The U.S. military has confirmed six deaths of American service members. In addition, three people were killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday criticized Iran's attacks against Gulf neighbors that had worked to prevent war as an “incredibly flawed strategy” that threatened to widen the war if these states decide to retaliate.

This story has been updated to correct that communications in Iran are poor, but that the internet isn't shut down. It also clarifies that more than one drone hit the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Some instances referred to just one drone.

Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece, and Magdy from Cairo. Seung Min Kim, Michelle Price and Konstantin Toropin in Washington, David Rising in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Hallie Golden in Seattle, Giovanna Dell'Orto in Miami, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

A firefighter extinguishes fire at a building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A woman crosses almost deserted square with a billboard at rear showing a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the U.S.–Israeli military campaign, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Smoke rises from a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

An Iranian flag is placed among the ruins of a police station struck Monday during the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Jewish men covered in prayer shawls pray in an underground parking garage as a precaution against possible Iranian missile attacks, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A group of men inspects the ruins of a police station struck Monday amid the U.S.–Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, early Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F-35C Lightning II preparing for launch on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury on Monday, March 2, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)

Mourners take cover while air-raid sirens warn of incoming missiles launched by Iran toward Israel during the funeral of Sarah Elimelech and her daughter Ronit who were killed in an Iranian missile attack, in Beit Shemesh, Israel, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A worker instals a billboard on an overpass containing a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the ongoing joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Smoke engulfs a street after a strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohsen Ganji)