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Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:23 pm
by Thomas
I currently only have a Bank of America checking and savings account. BoA hasn't been bad to me or anything, but I don't like hearing them in the news, and I can probably get more benefits with one or both of the other two.

I've read a few posts on various websites, and they seem to lean USAA. My friends on Facebook are unanimous for USAA. I'll most likely be using USAA for insurance at the least. I also need to get a credit card.

So, do any of you have advice or horror stories about either institution?

Thanks in advance :tiphat:

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:59 pm
by hpcatx
I have banked with USAA for many years and only have great things to say about their services. I have a handful of USAA financial products (multiple bank accounts, brokerage services, credit card, etc.), in addition to several types of insurance (vehicles, homeowners, and valuables). If you bank with them, you'll need some line of credit (their no-annual-fee credit card will suffice) to use the deposit at home/mobile deposit, whereby you can scan or snap a photo of a check you need to deposit. No horror stories here. The only negative thing is that I hear about USAA is that their San Antonio facilities are posted 30.06, although I've never been.

OTH, I've heard that Navy Federal has some of the most competitive mortgage rates around -- if that's something to factor into your decision.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:05 pm
by 2farnorth
I really like working with USAA for banking and insurance. Their service has been superb.
I too have no experience with the Navy Federal so I can't compare.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:23 pm
by katmandu
USAA has been awesome for me. I have 3 credit cards, along with checking, & savings from them (plus auto insurance). I'm also considering auto refinance with them, and if I ever get a mortgage they will get first & favored shot at that too.

I'm not eligible for NFCU, but I've heard they have great customer service as well, and have very generous credit card limits, for those who are.

You might also check out:

http://www.alliantcreditunion.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.dcu.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are very easy ways into those, if you're not already eligible, and both have good reputations. I have an application in to both. You can join with as little as a $10 donation to one of their causes.

They each have a problem I posted about elsewhere here - Alliant is in Chicago and DCU is in Mass. :roll:

Also there's https://www.ngfcu.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (Northrup Grumman). I believe you can make a donation to Western Museum of Flight and be eligible to join.

And also Penfed - https://www.penfed.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

See this article:

http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/7-cr ... -can-join/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:41 pm
by E.Marquez
Look at Pentagon Federal Credit union.

I can not beat them for my checking, and we have done 5 auto loans, our toy hauler, two motorcycle and two of our houses,, all with the best rates at the time available.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:43 pm
by GWE Chally
Had NFCU a looooong time ago, wasn't too impressed.

Joined USAA about a year ago and can't say anything bad about them. Plus I get paid a day earlier than most of the people I work with!

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:49 pm
by AEA
Do a "Search" for "USAA" on this Forum. You will get some interesting results.

Hint: Has something to do with 2nd A.......

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:55 pm
by pbwalker
USAA posts their main campus (TXPC 30.06)...that's the only thing I can find wrong with them. I wanted to leave...believe me. I generally will not do any business with an anti-2A establishment, but...well...USAA rocks! Their customer service is out of this world. I love 'em.

I know...I know. :???:

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:01 pm
by E.Marquez
pbwalker wrote:USAA posts their main campus (TXPC 30.06)...that's the only thing I can find wrong with them. I wanted to leave...believe me. I generally will not do any business with an anti-2A establishment, but...well...USAA rocks! Their customer service is out of this world. I love 'em.

I know...I know. :???:
All USAA banking and Mortgage buildings are posted, I pulled a significant amount of insurance biz (well for me significant , 2 cars, 2 trucks,2 house, toy hauler, 4 Motorcycles) when they came to Killeen built the new banking center and posted it... Up until 2006, Id been a customer since 1985

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:24 pm
by snatchel
We bank through Bank of America... but we also have an account with NFCU. We keep the NFCU account for loans, etc. BofA is just so convenient because they are EVERYWHERE. NFCU, not so much.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:45 pm
by powerboatr
Look at Redstone Federal Credit union
they are in Huntsville Al, but we use them exclsuivley as an internet bank
one credit card and the normal debit card. they are ever vigilant about your card usage, if it gets used out of your NORM, they call you..I mean right then, within 20 minutes to verify its a real charge
plus like most debit or credit cards if you call and give them a rough itinerary they will be ever more vigilent.

we use FARM Bureau for insurance. not farmers
these guys are great and rates are low low with superb service
plus you get discounts at grainger and a few other places. You dont have to have a farm to join
they are like a big coop of insurance


we had navy fed for years and usaa
moved to north bama and found redstone a hidden gem. excellent rates to on loans and deposits

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:01 pm
by Right2Carry
I use both. I have no complaints about either one and love USAA insurance rates.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:30 pm
by Heartland Patriot
I had NFCU when I was stationed in Iceland some years ago, and they were okay. However, we have been with USAA for quite a few years now and they do well by us. Good rates on everything except motorcycle insurance (?) and everything is done on-line. No major complaints that I can think of offhand since we have never been to their building in San Antonio.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:36 pm
by CrimsonSoul
I would never EVER use Navy Federal again. The only reason I did in the first place was I was young and dumb and in the Navy lol. Soon afterwards I switched to the Armed Forces Bank.

Re: Banking: Navy Federal or USAA?

Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:56 pm
by Thomas
Thank you all for your advice. I will look into those leads.