
NASA Federal Credit Union is a unique financial institution that's been serving its members for over 80 years. It was founded in 1947 by a group of NASA employees who wanted to provide a better financial alternative to traditional banks.
The credit union's mission is to serve its members with a focus on convenience, accessibility, and exceptional service. With a strong commitment to its members, NASA Federal Credit Union has grown to become one of the largest credit unions in the US.
Members can access their accounts and conduct financial transactions online, by phone, or in person at one of the credit union's many branches. The credit union also offers a range of financial services, including loans, credit cards, and investment products.
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About NASA Federal Credit Union
NASA Federal Credit Union has a rich history dating back to 1949 when it was founded as the NACA Washington Federal Credit Union by a group of employees from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

It changed its name to NASA Washington Federal Credit Union in 1958, after the agency's name change, and finalized the name to NASA Federal Credit Union in 1974.
The credit union merged with The Partnership Federal Credit Union on October 1, 2019, expanding its membership and adding two new branches in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.
History
NASA Federal Credit Union has a rich history that spans over seven decades. It was founded in 1949 by a group of employees from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
The credit union was initially known as the NACA Washington Federal Credit Union, reflecting its connection to the agency.
As the agency changed its name to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958, the credit union also underwent a name change, becoming NASA Washington Federal Credit Union.
The name was finalized to NASA Federal Credit Union in 1974.
After nearly 70 years of serving its members, NASA Federal Credit Union merged with The Partnership Federal Credit Union on October 1, 2019, expanding its membership and adding two new branches in Arlington, VA and Alexandria, VA.
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Description

NASA Federal Credit Union's digital banking app is designed to help you achieve a brighter financial future. It's a game-changer for managing your finances on-the-go.
The app is engineered to elevate your digital banking experience, providing secure access to your accounts 24-7. This means you can check your accounts at any time, from anywhere.
With its simplified design, you'll be able to find your account information quickly. Navigation is streamlined, making it easy to manage your finances.
The app offers a range of features, including biometric login for added security. You'll also receive account alerts in real-time, so you can stay on top of your finances.
One of the standout features is the ability to manage your card on the go, with options like card lock/unlock, alerts, transaction controls, and travel notices. This is a huge convenience for members.
You can also take advantage of remote check deposit, quick money movement between accounts, and free access to your credit score. These features make it easy to stay on top of your finances.
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Membership Requirements

To join NASA Federal Credit Union, you can start by checking if you're associated with NASA, but it's also easy to join if you're not.
You can join if you belong to any of the following groups: employees and retirees of NASA headquarters, any NASA center or facility, or the National Academy of Sciences.
Employees and members of partner companies or associations can also join.
Relatives and household members of a current member can join as well.
If you don't belong to one of these groups, the credit union offers a complimentary one-year affiliated membership to the National Space Society when you open an account.
To fully establish your membership, you must also set up a free primary savings account with a minimum $5 deposit.
This account is a requirement for membership and will help you get started with the credit union.
Here are the groups you can join to become a member of NASA Federal Credit Union:
- Employees and retirees of NASA headquarters, any NASA center or facility, or the National Academy of Sciences
- Employees and members of partner companies or associations
- Relatives and household members of a current member
Personal Loans

NASA Federal Credit Union offers several personal loan options to help you achieve your financial goals. Their personal loans have competitive interest rates, with credit unions beating bank rates by an average of two percentage points.
You can choose from four types of personal loans: a Personal Signature Loan, a CashLine line of credit, a share-secured loan, or a certificate-secured loan. The latter two options have much lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits, up to $125,000.
Regardless of which type of loan you choose, you can use it for almost anything, as NASA FCU doesn't specify any restrictions. Common reasons for a personal loan include debt consolidation, home improvements, moving, medical bills, weddings, funerals, vehicle repairs, and vacations.
Here are some common uses for personal loans:
- Debt consolidation
- Home improvements
- Moving
- Medical bills
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Vehicle repairs
- Vacations
NASA Federal Credit Union also offers a skip-a-payment feature, which allows you to skip one payment after making at least six payments, for a $25 service fee. However, remember that skipping a payment doesn't stop interest from accruing.
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Benefits and Satisfaction

NASA Federal Credit Union's customer satisfaction score is not impressive, with a Combined Consumer Review metric of 0.099 out of 5.
However, it's worth noting that the credit union has a score of 3 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on two customer reviews.
Unfortunately, the BBB score is much lower, at 1.08 out of 5 based on 12 customer reviews, indicating some room for improvement in customer satisfaction.
Pros Explained
One of the best things about NASA Federal Credit Union is that you can borrow as little as $1,000 with them. This is great news for those who need a small loan but may not qualify for larger amounts elsewhere.
You can also get a sense of how likely you are to be approved for a loan with NASA Federal Credit Union, without it affecting your credit score. This is because they offer pre-qualification with a soft credit check.
Their interest rates are also very competitive, topping out at 18% - which is the maximum allowed by the National Credit Union Administration. This means you can get a good deal regardless of your credit score.
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To join NASA Federal Credit Union, you'll need to qualify, but if you don't have a connection to NASA, don't worry - they offer a free nonprofit organization membership that meets the credit union membership requirement.
Here's a quick rundown of the benefits:
- Low minimum loan amount: $1,000
- Pre-qualification available with soft credit check
- Competitive interest rates up to 18%
- Easy membership process with free nonprofit organization membership option
Customer Satisfaction
NASA Federal Credit Union's customer satisfaction score is a mixed bag.
The Combined Consumer Review metric, which aggregates reviews from Trustpilot, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), gave NASA FCU a score of 0.099 out of 5.
On Trustpilot, NASA FCU has a score of 3 out of 5 based on just two customer reviews.
The BBB, however, paints a different picture with a score of 1.08 out of 5 based on 12 customer reviews.
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Auto Loans
If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, NASA Federal Credit Union is definitely worth considering for your auto loan needs.
Credit unions are known for offering competitive rates, and NASA Federal is no exception. According to The Wall Street Journal, credit unions are particularly competitive on auto loans, with the average credit-union rates beating the comparable bank figures by an average of two percentage points.
NASA Federal currently has a promotion that competes to lower an applicant's monthly payment, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their auto loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is NASA Federal Credit Union legit?
Yes, NASA Federal Credit Union is a legitimate and federally insured credit union, backed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000 in savings protection. This ensures your deposits are safe and secure with us.
What credit score do you need for NASA Credit Union?
No minimum credit score is required for a NASA Credit Union personal loan, but your interest rate will be determined by your Experian VantageScore
Is NASA Federal Credit Union related to NASA?
Yes, NASA Federal Credit Union is officially affiliated with NASA, serving its employees and space enthusiasts worldwide. As a NASA-affiliated credit union, we offer exclusive benefits to our members.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Federal_Credit_Union
- https://www.investopedia.com/nasa-federal-credit-union-personal-loans-review-8384484
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/nasa-credit-card
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nasa-fcu/id377956208
- https://www.mymoneyblog.com/nasa-fcu-federal-credit-union-review.html
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