PenFed Credit Union (formally Pentagon Federal Credit Union) is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, founded in January 1935 as the War Department Federal Credit Union to serve civilian and military employees of the US War Department (the predecessor of the modern Department of Defense). Today PenFed has approximately $35 billion in assets, approximately 2.5 million members across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Japan, and operates 38 branches across 13 US states plus three US military bases. PenFed is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia (in Fairfax County, just outside Washington DC). Members get surcharge-free access to 85,000+ ATMs through the Allpoint and CO-OP ATM networks. PenFed is best known for highly competitive Money Market Certificates (CDs), credit cards (Power Cash Rewards, Pathfinder Rewards), auto loans, mortgages, and the Access America Checking account.
Map of PenFed Credit Union locations near me
Use the PenFed branch locator below to find the nearest PenFed branch in your location, with branch hours, services, and contact details. The map covers all 38 PenFed branches across 13 states plus 3 US military bases. PenFed members in states without a branch can use the 85,000+ Allpoint and CO-OP surcharge-free ATM network for cash access and the PenFed mobile app for all routine banking. You can click ‘Use my location‘ to view PenFed branches and surcharge-free ATMs around you on the map.
PenFed Credit Union at a glance
- Official name: Pentagon Federal Credit Union (commonly PenFed)
- Founded: January 1935 as the War Department Federal Credit Union
- Headquarters: Tysons, Virginia (Fairfax County, just outside Washington DC)
- Total assets: approximately $35 billion
- Members: approximately 2.5 million across all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Japan
- Branches: 38 across 13 US states plus 3 US military bases
- Fee-free ATM network: 85,000+ ATMs through Allpoint (43,000 ATMs) and CO-OP (42,000+ ATMs) networks
- Customer service: 1-800-247-5626 (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time; Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET; closed Sunday)
- Mortgage and equity line of credit: 1-800-970-7766 (same hours as main line)
- Charter type: federally chartered credit union, regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- Deposit insurance: deposits insured up to $250,000 per member, per insured credit union, per account ownership category by the NCUA (the credit-union equivalent of FDIC insurance)
- Notable products: Money Market Certificates (CDs), Power Cash Rewards Visa, Pathfinder Rewards Visa, auto loans, mortgages, Access America Checking
- 2025 Best Credit Union recognition from multiple personal-finance publications
PenFed Credit Union branch near me
PenFed Credit Union operates 38 retail branches across 13 US states plus three US military bases. The branch footprint is significantly smaller than the largest US banks, but PenFed offers full-service membership and banking nationwide through the website, mobile app, customer service phone line, and the 85,000+ surcharge-free Allpoint and CO-OP ATM network. Use the official PenFed branch locator at penfed.org/locations to find a branch with addresses, phone numbers, hours, and services.
PenFed branches by state
PenFed has retail branches in 13 US states, concentrated in regions with significant military, federal employee, and government contractor populations:
- Virginia (HQ state): Tysons (headquarters), Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, Fairfax, Sterling, and other Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Virginia Beach) locations
- Maryland: Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Annapolis, and other DC-suburb branches
- Washington DC: select downtown DC branches
- California: branches in Southern California (San Diego near military bases, the Los Angeles area) and Northern California
- Texas: branches in San Antonio (near Lackland AFB, Joint Base San Antonio), Killeen (near Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood), and other military-base-adjacent locations
- Florida: branches in Pensacola (near NAS Pensacola), Jacksonville (NAS Jacksonville), and other Florida locations
- North Carolina: Fayetteville (near Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg) and other locations
- Hawaii: Honolulu area (near Pearl Harbor)
- Colorado: Colorado Springs (Air Force Academy, USAFA), Aurora
- Georgia: Augusta (Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon), Atlanta area
- Hawaii, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Nevada: selective locations near US military installations
PenFed branches on US military bases
PenFed operates branches at three US military bases: locations on US military installations where active-duty service members, retirees, and federal employees can access in-person banking. These on-base branches are part of PenFed’s heritage of serving the US military community since 1935.
For the complete list of branches with addresses, see penfed.org/locations.
PenFed Credit Union ATM near me
Use the PenFed ATM finder to find the closest surcharge-free ATM machine around you. PenFed members have access to 85,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through two major networks:
The Allpoint Network (43,000+ ATMs)
Allpoint is one of the largest US surcharge-free ATM networks. PenFed members can use any Allpoint ATM without a fee. Allpoint ATMs are commonly inside:
- Target (inside most stores)
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
- Speedway
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Select Costco warehouses
- Many credit-union branches and convenience locations
Many Allpoint ATMs at retail locations also accept cash and check deposits to PenFed accounts, which is unusual for a network-partner ATM. PenFed members can deposit cash at over 5,000 Allpoint Deposit-Taking ATMs nationally.
The CO-OP ATM Network (42,000+ ATMs)
The CO-OP Network is the largest credit-union ATM network in the United States. PenFed members can use any CO-OP ATM (located primarily at other credit union branches and select retail locations) without a fee. The CO-OP network includes shared branches where PenFed members can also conduct transactions at other participating credit unions.
How to find the closest PenFed-network ATM
Use the PenFed ATM locator in the PenFed mobile app or at penfed.org/locations, or use the Allpoint locator at allpointnetwork.com. Most Allpoint ATMs at major retail and convenience-store chains are accessible 24/7 or during the host store’s hours.
PenFed membership eligibility (open to anyone)
PenFed Credit Union membership was historically restricted to civilian and military employees of the Pentagon and War Department. The eligibility rules have expanded dramatically over the decades, and today PenFed is effectively open to anyone in the United States:
Automatic eligibility (free)
- Active-duty US military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, Space Force
- Retired US military and military families
- US Department of Defense (DOD) employees
- US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees
- United States Public Health Service (USPHS) employees
- Employees of US federal agencies (most federal government employees qualify)
- Family members of existing PenFed members
- Employees of qualifying employers (a long list of corporate partners and affiliated organizations)
Open to anyone (with $20 membership fee)
If you do not qualify automatically, you can join PenFed by making a one-time $20 contribution to a qualifying affiliated organization (such as the Voices for America’s Troops or the National Military Family Association). This effectively makes PenFed open to any US resident who is willing to pay the $20 membership fee.
Membership is a one-time qualification; once you are a member, you remain a member for life regardless of changes in employment, military status, or other circumstances. Joining requires opening at least one PenFed account (typically a Regular Share Savings account with a $5 minimum balance, plus optional checking, money market, CDs, or other products).
PenFed Credit Union distinctive products
Money Market Certificates (CDs)
PenFed is consistently among the highest-APY US Certificate of Deposit issuers, particularly for 5-year, 7-year, and longer-term certificates. The Money Market Certificate is the PenFed name for what most banks call a CD; minimum opening deposit is typically $1,000 and APYs are tied to current market rates. Members often hold PenFed CDs alongside other accounts because of the consistently competitive yields.
Power Cash Rewards Visa
PenFed’s flagship cashback credit card, offering 2% cashback on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage members (a $5/month checking-account product), or 1.5% cashback for standard members. No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees. The card competes directly with the Capital One Quicksilver and the Fidelity Rewards Visa for the best flat-rate cashback card.
Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature
PenFed’s travel rewards card, offering 4x points on travel and 1.5x points on other purchases (5x and 3x for Honors Advantage members). No annual fee for active-duty military and 5+ year members; $95 annual fee otherwise. Includes 12 reward points per dollar at PayPal.
Access America Checking
PenFed’s interest-bearing checking account; earns interest on balances, no monthly fee with direct deposit, free PenFed Visa debit card, mobile check deposit, Zelle, online bill pay. Compatible with PenFed Honors Advantage for the boosted 2% Power Cash Rewards credit-card benefit.
PenFed Auto Loans
Among the most competitive US auto-loan APRs, particularly for new and used car purchases. PenFed offers a same-day approval process and direct payment to the dealer or seller.
PenFed Mortgages
Conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and refinance mortgages. PenFed has a long history of serving the VA loan market for active-duty and veteran members.
PenFed hours, customer service hours, and open now
PenFed branch hours vary by location. Most PenFed branches follow this typical schedule:
| Day | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM lobby |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at many PenFed branches |
| Sunday | Closed at all branches |
PenFed branches are closed on the standard 11 US federal holidays. ATMs at all branches and across the 85,000+ Allpoint and CO-OP networks are available 24/7 even when branches are closed. The PenFed customer service line at 1-800-247-5626 is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET (closed Sunday).
Federal holidays:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January)
- Presidents Day (third Monday of February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday of September)
- Columbus Day (second Monday of October)
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Is PenFed Credit Union open now near me? Most PenFed branches keep weekday business hours (9 AM to 5 PM local time) plus Saturday morning hours at many locations. ATMs at all branches and 85,000+ Allpoint and CO-OP network ATMs are available 24/7. The PenFed customer service line is open M-F 8 AM-8 PM ET and Saturday 9 AM-5 PM ET.
Contact PenFed Credit Union: customer service phone numbers
- PenFed Member Services (main line): 1-800-247-5626 (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time; Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET; closed Sunday)
- PenFed Mortgage and Equity Line of Credit: 1-800-970-7766 (same hours as main line)
- PenFed Credit Card Customer Service: 1-800-247-5626 (use the main line and select the credit card option)
- PenFed Lost or Stolen Debit Card: 1-800-247-5626 during business hours; the PenFed mobile app also allows immediate card lock without calling
- PenFed Online Banking and Mobile App technical support: 1-800-247-5626 (same as main line)
- Visit a branch: use the locator at penfed.org/locations to find your nearest branch and its direct phone number
About PenFed: history from 1935 War Department Federal to today
Founding: 1935 War Department Federal Credit Union
PenFed was founded in January 1935 as the War Department Federal Credit Union in Washington DC, with an initial membership of civilian and military employees of the US War Department (which was reorganized into the Department of Defense after World War II). The 1935 founding makes PenFed one of the older US credit unions; it was chartered under the Federal Credit Union Act of 1934, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1956 rename to Pentagon Federal Credit Union
In 1956, the credit union was renamed Pentagon Federal Credit Union (commonly shortened to PenFed) to reflect the consolidation of the US military departments under the Department of Defense and the new Pentagon headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Membership initially remained restricted to Pentagon employees and military personnel.
Membership expansion and growth
Through the second half of the 20th century, PenFed gradually expanded membership eligibility to include Department of Defense civilian employees, Department of Homeland Security employees, federal government employees, family members of existing members, and ultimately (through the $20 affiliated-organization donation pathway) effectively anyone in the United States. The membership expansion combined with PenFed’s competitive rates on auto loans, mortgages, and CDs drove rapid growth.
PenFed today
PenFed is now one of the top 3-5 largest US credit unions by assets ($35 billion), serving approximately 2.5 million members across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Japan. PenFed continues to maintain its strong military-and-federal-employee heritage while serving any qualifying US resident. The credit union has been recognized as a Best Credit Union by multiple personal-finance publications in 2025 and 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Nearest PenFed Credit Union Branch Near Me?
Use the official PenFed branch locator at penfed.org/locations to find your nearest branch by ZIP code, city, or state. PenFed has 38 branches across 13 US states plus 3 US military bases, with the densest concentration in Virginia (the headquarters state), Maryland, and Washington DC. If there is no PenFed branch near you, members can still use the 85,000+ Allpoint and CO-OP surcharge-free ATM network for cash access plus the PenFed mobile app for all routine banking.
How to Find the Closest PenFed Credit Union ATM Around Your Location
Use the PenFed ATM finder in the PenFed mobile app or at penfed.org/locations to find the closest surcharge-free ATM machine around you. PenFed members get access to 85,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint Network (43,000+ ATMs, including most Target, CVS, Walgreens, Speedway, 7-Eleven stores) and the CO-OP Network (42,000+ ATMs at credit union branches and retail locations).
Use the Map to See Locations of PenFed Credit Union Around You
The map on this page shows PenFed branches and surcharge-free ATMs near your location. PenFed has the densest branch concentrations in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC (the headquarters region), plus California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Hawaii, and other states with significant US military, federal employee, and government contractor populations.
Who can join PenFed Credit Union?
Anyone in the United States can join PenFed. Automatic eligibility includes active-duty and retired US military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, Space Force), Department of Defense employees, Department of Homeland Security employees, federal agency employees, family members of existing PenFed members, and employees of qualifying organizations. If you do not qualify automatically, you can join by making a one-time $20 contribution to a qualifying affiliated organization, which effectively opens PenFed membership to any US resident.
What is the PenFed Credit Union customer service phone number?
The main PenFed Member Services number is 1-800-247-5626, available Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET (closed Sunday). For mortgage and equity line of credit, call 1-800-970-7766 (same hours).
Is PenFed Credit Union NCUA insured?
Yes. PenFed Credit Union is federally chartered and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per member, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category. NCUA insurance functions equivalently to FDIC insurance for banks; both are federal-government-backed deposit insurance programs.
Where is PenFed Credit Union headquartered?
PenFed Credit Union is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, in Fairfax County just outside Washington DC. The Tysons area is a major Northern Virginia business district close to the original Pentagon location (in Arlington, Virginia, where the credit union was originally focused).
How many PenFed Credit Union locations are there?
PenFed operates 38 retail branches across 13 US states plus 3 US military bases. The branch footprint is concentrated in the Washington DC metro (Virginia, Maryland, DC) plus regions with significant US military and federal employee populations. PenFed members in states without a branch get full access through 85,000+ surcharge-free Allpoint and CO-OP network ATMs, the PenFed mobile app, and the customer service phone line.
Are PenFed Credit Union branches open on Saturday?
Yes, at many branches. Most PenFed branches in Virginia, Maryland, DC, California, Texas, and Florida have Saturday hours, typically 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Some branches in smaller markets are closed Saturday. Confirm with the specific branch using the locator at penfed.org/locations.
Are PenFed Credit Union branches open on Sunday?
No. PenFed branches are closed on Sundays at all locations. The customer service phone line is also closed Sunday. ATMs at all branches and across the 85,000+ Allpoint and CO-OP networks are available 24/7. The PenFed mobile app handles routine banking 24/7. See our Banks Open on Sunday Near Me page for the list of banks with Sunday hours.
What is the difference between PenFed and Navy Federal Credit Union?
Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest US credit union (approximately $185 billion in assets, ~14 million members), focused on US Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and DoD members and their families. PenFed is the third- or fourth-largest US credit union (approximately $35 billion in assets, ~2.5 million members), originally focused on Pentagon and DoD members but now effectively open to anyone via the $20 affiliated-organization donation. Both serve the US military community heavily; many military members are eligible for both. Membership at one does not affect membership at the other.
What credit cards does PenFed offer?
PenFed’s main credit cards are the Power Cash Rewards Visa (flat 2% cashback on all purchases for Honors Advantage members, 1.5% for standard members, no annual fee), the Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature (travel rewards, 4x points on travel, no annual fee for active military and 5+ year members), and the Promise Visa Card (a credit-builder card for members with limited credit history). All are issued by PenFed Credit Union and report to the major credit bureaus.
What is PenFed Honors Advantage?
PenFed Honors Advantage is a $5-per-month tier (free with Access America Checking direct deposit, or for active-duty military) that unlocks the highest tier of PenFed rewards: 2% cashback (vs 1.5%) on the Power Cash Rewards Visa, 5x and 3x points (vs 4x and 1.5x) on the Pathfinder Rewards Visa, and other perks. For members who use the cashback or travel credit cards heavily, the Honors Advantage usually pays for itself.
For more banking guides
- Navy Federal Credit Union Near Me, the largest US credit union, focused on US military and DoD members and their families
- Allpoint ATM Near Me, the 43,000+ ATM surcharge-free network that PenFed members use for fee-free cash access
- ATM Near Me, find ATMs at any bank, surcharge-free options, and drive-thru ATMs
- Banks Open on Holidays Near Me, the federal holiday schedule and which banks observe which holidays
- Banks Open on Sunday Near Me, the full list of banks with Sunday hours
- Banks Near Me homepage, a directory of 70+ US, UK, and international banks