As a newly enlisted E1, which bank is good for my direct deposit and for using down the road for car loans?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:01:16 -0400

BTW I have no credit history and 18 years old

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 1:12 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:12:59 -0400

Navy federal for bank account, USAA for auto loans and insurance was the cheapest rate I could find

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 2 at 2017 1:23 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:23:41 -0400

USAA, PFCU, Navy Fed Credit

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Aug 2 at 2017 1:56 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:56:32 -0400

The answer will, of course, be subjective depending on who is answering. For a while I was using a local credit union based in my hometown and that worked out just fine. After a while, however I got tired of not having access to a brick and mortar location (asking your mother to deposit/withdraw on your behalf gets old) so I went with Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) and they did well (still use them to this day despite not having a brick and mortar location in my town). On the other hand, my EOD brother went with USAA and had a comparable experience to mine.

Rather than tell you to go with anyone over anybody else, I'll give you this piece of advice. The main thing is to look for a bank/credit union that actually wants to help their customers. If they treat you like a number, pop smoke and find another.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 2 at 2017 2:46 AM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:46:26 -0400

NFCU or USAA all the way. There are no better choices.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 3:06 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 03:06:46 -0400

Don't get a car. I am amazed at how many folks I see simply driving their car from barracks or work site to the DFAC that is a 10 minute walk away. Consider instead, putting 30-50% of your paycheck into savings at one of the mentioned credit unions. Assuming you are single and living on post, what do you need the money for anyway. Partying and food will burn a hole in your pocket. Sure, there are times when you will want a car to do stuff off base, but with military rates at most major rental agencies, you will spend way less on car rental expenses then you would spend on monthly car payments and fairly expensive insurance. (You are in a demographic that tends to be more expensive to insure).

If you can learn to live on this budget for a couple years, you will be surprised what you end up with in the bank. You may even have enough to almost pay off a decent used car up front. You should also consider trying to build up good credit. You are also in the demographic that a lot of credit card providers like to offer cards to, knowing that the typical one will likely max the card rapidly and pay minimums. My suggestion is to set up that savings account as I mentioned earlier, and get a credit card. Set up some sort of automatic payment to your card that pays it off every month. Again, after a couple years of this you will have established decent credit and have a good base savings.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Aug 2 at 2017 3:21 AM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 03:21:03 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member Look no farther than Navy Federal

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Aug 2 at 2017 5:23 AM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 05:23:07 -0400

USAA or PFCU. If you ever get detailed to the White House, the WHCU has the best car loan program.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 6:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 06:22:56 -0400

Go with one that is geared toward the military like USAA or NFCU. Your local post most likely has a local bank or credit union for your brick and mortar needs.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 7:15 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 07:15:45 -0400

NFCU has been good to me for close to 40 years. Good luck finding a better car loan rate than with a military credit union. USAA can't be beat for insurance and have some good financial products as well. I've read good things about Pentagon Federal as well. Credit Unions have different rules due to their "membership" status. The military ones have been dealing with the challenges of deployed servicemen for a long time so they know how to help you out. I doubt anyone ever told you this but credit is almost as important to you as your credentials and credibility, so guard it with your life. It can really make a difference as you face economic challenges in the future. It's a lot more than just access to cash.

Response by 1SG Larry Taggart made Aug 2 at 2017 8:22 AM

1SG Larry Taggart — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 08:22:49 -0400

USAA. Very strong company and very easy to work with.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 9:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:37:07 -0400

USAA. Wait on the car though. Especially if you end up getting assigned to a base that is small and can walk where you need to go within 10-30 minutes.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 9:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:41:04 -0400

Honestly any bank will work for your direct deposit. The big thing I would stress is budget your money and don't check your account via ATM. That's a good way to overdraft. The sooner you can set yourself up on the budget, the easier things will be for you.

I personally use Navy Federal and USAA. Navy Federal is a good credit union which has great deals when it comes to car loans and home loans. USAA isn't bad either. I prefer Navy Federal because they have an actual building I can go to while USAA is mostly web and phone based.

I also agree with SFC Squires. Don't buy a car until you absolutely need it. When you do decide to buy a car, get pre approved for the loan before you go to the dealership. That way you can get a better deal on the interest for your loan. Talk to your Squad Leader and/or Platoon Sergeant before you go to a dealership. They should know which ones charge outrageous interest rates. I have seen Soldiers taken for a ride (no pun intended) at Fort Hood because they went to the wrong dealership. Don't let that happen to you.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 2 at 2017 9:56 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:56:12 -0400

I kept my original checking account from my original bank and did the bulk of daily transactions through them; however, I also opened a Navy Federal Credit Union account--which I still have--so I would recommend them. Besides credit unions are more customer focused as they are customer owned. Rates and lending policies tend to be better, and if you intend to stay in the military, you will likely find a Navy Federal near just about any place you go (stateside at least).

As I wrote above, I still am a member of NFCU, with a checking account, 3 savings accounts (2 for the kids) and 2 car loans. As there are (essentially) no military facilities near me, there are no branch locations near me, but I can work around that and don't intend to stop my banking relations with them.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 2 at 2017 9:56 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 09:56:25 -0400

USAA or NFCU... a credit union will almost always be better than a bank

Response by Sgt Brendan Bigney made Aug 2 at 2017 10:02 AM

Sgt Brendan Bigney — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:02:02 -0400

When the government shuts down, if you have a direct deposit Navy Federal Credit Union steps in and will continue to cover your paycheck until the government figures itself out.

During these times Navy Fed may also offer 0% interest loans to get the service member by.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Aug 2 at 2017 10:18 AM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:18:23 -0400

Stick with USAA and credit union .

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Aug 2 at 2017 10:29 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:29:19 -0400

I use USAA and have for the past several years and won't change. I'd agree with the advice given in regards to waiting. For my first 3 years in the Military I didn't have a car. Depending on where you're going and how big the base is it would be worth waiting and seeing if a car is even necessary. Don't get a STAR card you'll get into trouble. Sign up for some Budgeting classes and Financial management classes on base and learn some stuff before you get yourself into trouble that will take you a long time to get out of that trouble.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 10:57 AM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 10:57:24 -0400

Also how do I go about adding my mother as a dependent? I’m not married or have children

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 2 at 2017 11:51 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 11:51:47 -0400

Good question. Asking it is a sign of maturity. And you already have the answers you need without me piling on.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 2 at 2017 12:30 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 12:30:12 -0400

If you are stationed at a major military installation, it should be easy to go to the local Credit Union and set up an account. Their auto loan rates are usually competitive. Also, consider USAA. They offer banking services, car loans, and car insurance.

I agree with others on this sting to counsel against buying a car right away. If you don't need (not want but need) a car to get to and from work, then put the purchase off for at least 6 months. New cars can be very expensive and used cars can turn into a money pit. You need some time to understand how your finances will work out.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 12:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 12:35:33 -0400

The first car I bought on my own was after I joined the Army but I came in at 22. One of the NCOs in my unit helped me out and I didn't get screwed over. Hindsight I think he might have had a deal with the salesman at the dealership and brought him in people but he didn't screw anyone over that I know of. I know a few other people said "yeah he helped me get a car too."

All I had to pay for was the car payment and my cell phone when I was junior enlisted in the barracks. I saved quite a lot of money between that and deployments and reenlistments. (Then I got half mooched by my ex husband and the other half I loaned to family who haven't paid much back). I'll give you this lesson: NEVER loan anyone money and if you feel the need get it in writing!!

I started to use USAA for checking a few years ago and I have no issues with it. Never get their credit card. I didn't like it. Before USAA I used my hometown bank and the account I had most of my life with them. I switched because it would take too long for things to deposit or post on my account especially on the weekend.

I would say save money and get a car in a couple years. Plenty of your friends will have a car. Or I think pretty much all bases now have shuttles that go on and off base to try to avoid drunk driving incidents. I know Ft Riley had a shuttle. My first unit at staff duty there was money for people if they couldn't pay for a taxi they came to staff duty, got the money for the cab and by the next pay day they had to repay it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 12:37 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 12:37:51 -0400

I use Navy Fed for my banking, and when you decide to get a car, USAA is great for auto insurance.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 2 at 2017 1:20 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:20:58 -0400

USAA.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2017 1:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:21:52 -0400

USAA is pretty good.

Response by Genevieve Walters made Aug 2 at 2017 1:43 PM

Genevieve Walters — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:43:28 -0400

I am a civilian, but have been a USAA member my entire life thanks to military service in the family. They have treated me well and are accessible nationwide and worldwide. USAA all the way!

Response by PFC Michael Clark made Aug 16 at 2017 8:47 PM

PFC Michael Clark — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 20:47:04 -0400

USAA is the best choice in my opinion

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Aug 16 at 2017 10:39 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 22:39:11 -0400

Navy Federal. Simple system. I made my second loan ever through them with nothing but my paycheck to recommend me. They also have some good financial training programs.

Response by SPC Shawn Durnen made Aug 13 at 2019 11:34 PM

SPC Shawn Durnen — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 23:34:14 -0400

Navy Federal will give you a great start as long as you’re consistent with payments and their services.

Response by SPC Ryan Pfeilschiefter made Aug 14 at 2019 10:51 PM

SPC Ryan Pfeilschiefter — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 22:51:43 -0400

Navy Federal Credit Union

Response by SGT Rebecca Charles made Aug 14 at 2019 11:57 PM

SGT Rebecca Charles — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 23:57:34 -0400

Definitely dont get in debt for a car now. SFC has given you great advice. Take it! You will be FAR ahead of most others your age in a few years and fully able to pay cash for a car and sometime buy a house. Take Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University series! You will not regret it. It probably costs about $150 or so but its worth its price. He will teach you how to stay debt free and how to invest and way more. Check it out. You won't be sorry.

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made Aug 31 at 2019 11:07 PM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 23:07:12 -0400

USAA has been great

Response by SFC Pamela Williams made Sep 10 at 2019 10:38 AM

SFC Pamela Williams — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:38:34 -0400

USAA is good for banking and car loan and insurance.