Andrews Federal Credit Union
Andrews Federal Credit Union (Andrews FCU) was born to meet the day-to-day banking needs of military communities. With branches in the Washington, D.C. area and on U.S. Army bases across Europe, it serves the financial realities of military life, including PCS orders, overseas moves, pay system quirks, and household transitions.
Here’s a look at Andrews FCU’s history, who can join, and how its offerings reflect the needs of servicemembers and their families
The History Behind Andrews FCU
Andrews Federal Credit Union began in 1948 when eight civilians from the Andrews Air Force Base bowling league pooled their money together to form a small credit union. By 1955, they expanded their charter to include military personnel and their families, becoming Andrews Air Force Base Credit Union as we know it today.
The institution grew, and Andrews FCU became one of only six credit unions offering overseas service in 1968. Today, with branches and ATM access in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Northern Virginia, and New Jersey, as well as U.S. Army garrisons in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Andrews FCU serves more than 139,000 members.
Membership Tailored to the Military Community
Membership at AFCU is rooted in its selective field: if you’re active-duty or retired military, a military spouse or dependent, or a DOD civilian/contractor at Joint Base Andrews or McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, you’re eligible for membership. That includes personnel stationed overseas in the Netherlands, Belgium, or Germany, provided you hold a valid military ID and reside within the coverage area.
Additionally, civilians can qualify to join by working for one of over 200 select employer groups in the D.C./Maryland/New Jersey region or by joining the American Consumer Council.
Financial Solutions Designed for Military Life
Digital and Global Banking Access
Andrews FCU’s Digital Banking platform supports international lifestyles with online account access, mobile deposits, Zelle® transfers, and secure payments in local European currencies. Whether in Europe’s garrisons or stateside, these tools give you flexibility and control—24/7, from anywhere.
Vehicle Financing in Europe
Since 1963, Andrews FCU has partnered with Military AutoSource (MAS) to offer service members stationed overseas military-specific vehicle purchasing options. This means you can use privileged military pricing, secure financing, select from a global inventory, custom-order a vehicle, and take delivery overseas or upon return home, all without the usual complications of buying a car abroad.
Overseas Utility Relief During Crisis
When utility costs spiked during the Ukraine conflict, Andrews FCU introduced two targeted relief programs for overseas military members. These programs are designed to ease financial strain caused by external global events.
- Overseas Utility Relief Assistance Grant: Up to $2,500, available to qualifying households in USAG Benelux or Wiesbaden after budgeting consultation and receipt of supporting bills
- Overseas Utility Relief Assistance Loan: Low-interest loans up to $5,000 for similar purposes.
Everyday Banking with Military Perks
The credit union’s core banking products are built to serve military members:
- Andrews FCU’s free checking account earns interest on balances up to $25,000. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no deposit needed to open the account. You’ll also get up to $25 in nationwide ATM fee refunds each month, and you can link the account to a free Kasasa Saver to automatically move your earned rewards straight into savings.
- Andrews FCU offers competitive rates on money market accounts and share certificates, giving members flexible ways to grow their savings. With options for short- and long-term terms and rates that stay competitive with national averages, these accounts are designed to work for a range of savings goals. Share certificates are available in various term lengths and typically come with higher yields for larger balances.
- Andrews FCU also offers mortgage loans, including VA loans, and auto and personal loans with competitive rates and terms that accommodate military moves and purchasing needs.
Loan Payment Options at Andrews FCU
Andrews Federal offers several ways to pay off your loan, depending on how you handle your finances. If you already have an account and use its digital banking, you can log in to set up one-time or recurring payments straight from checking or savings. It’s the simplest option if you’re already managing other accounts there.
If you don’t bank with Andrews regularly or just don’t want to log in, there’s also an external payment portal on their site. After a verification step, it lets you make a one-time payment using a debit card or another bank account. You’re limited to $2,500 per transaction and up to four payments a month through that method.
Both options are available through the credit union’s main website, and there are no fees for using either service. Whether you’re paying on a personal loan, auto loan, or another Andrews Federal loan product, you can choose the best method for your routine.
Financial Education and Guidance
Andrews FCU helps service members through initiatives like their Armed Forces Financial Guide, written by personal finance experts and experienced military leaders. It also provides free financial counseling and on-base classes that cover everything from budgeting during deployments to preparing for major life transitions or PCS moves.
Andrews Federal Customer Support Services
Andrews FCU offers several ways to get help when you need it. You can call them at 800-487-5500 if you’re in the U.S. or use 00800-487-56267 if you’re overseas. If you prefer not to call, its digital banking platform has a secure messaging feature that allows you to ask questions safely without leaving your account. There’s also a live chat assistant, Mission, who can answer common questions anytime online.
If you want to handle things in person, Andrews Federal has branches in Suitland, Maryland, and Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, where you can get face-to-face support during business hours.
Is Andrews FCU Right for You?
If you’re a service member, part of a military family, or a civilian connected to the DoD, Andrews FCU offers banking services tailored to the needs of military communities. With over 70 years of history, it continues to adapt its services to meet the practical needs of those it was established to serve.
Visit Andrews FCU.
