Having a customized debit card can be a great way to express your personality and preferences. Many banks now offer custom card designs to help their customers personalize their finances. Navy Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the world, allows its members to order customized debit cards. Here is what you need to know about getting a customized Navy Federal debit card.
Overview of Customized Debit Cards at Navy Federal
Navy Federal offers several customizable debit card options to its members. You can choose from dozens of background images or upload your own photo to make your card truly unique. Navy Federal also allows you to edit the text that appears on your card. This gives you control over what name shows up on your card if you want something other than your legal first and last name.
Some key things to know about Navy Federal’s customized debit cards:
- Available on all consumer debit cards including Active Duty Checking, Campus Checking, EveryDay Checking, Flagship Checking, and CashPoints Checking
- No extra fee to customize your card
- Process your customize card order online through online banking or the mobile app
- Over 50 background images to choose from including Americana, landscapes, floral, abstract, and more
- Upload your own photo for the card background
- Add your name, nickname, or other custom text
- New card sent within 7-10 business days after order
Customizing your Navy Federal debit card is easy, free, and can help you show off your personality or interests every time you make a purchase. It’s a great way to add some fun and uniqueness to your everyday banking.
Requirements for Custom Navy Federal Debit Cards
Navy Federal wants to give its members options for custom debit cards, but there are some requirements and restrictions in place. Here are the requirements to get a customized Navy Federal debit card:
- Must be a Navy Federal member in good standing
- No past due accounts or Navy Federal credit cards revoked in the past 12 months
- No overdrafts on any Navy Federal accounts in the past 60 days
- Must have an active Navy Federal debit card or order a new card
- Custom card only available on consumer debit cards, not business debit cards
- Uploads must be your original photographs or images
As long as you meet those requirements, you can feel free to design a Navy Federal debit card that fits your personality. Just make sure your accounts are in good standing first!
How to Order a Customized Navy Federal Debit Card
Ordering a customized Navy Federal debit card is easy and can be done through online banking or your mobile device. Here are the steps to order a custom debit card:
- Log in to online banking or open your Navy Federal mobile app
- Go to the card management page
- Click “Customize card” or “Order custom card”
- Browse background images or upload your photo
- Edit the card text if desired
- Review and submit your custom card order
Once you’ve submitted the order, Navy Federal will print and mail your new customized debit card within 7-10 business days. You’ll get email alerts letting you know when your order is being processed and when the card ships. Activate the new card as soon as you receive it, then destroy your old card.
Background Image and Photo Options
One of the best parts of ordering a customized Navy Federal debit card is picking out your card’s background image. You can browse through dozens of images across various themes, or upload nearly any photo you want.
Here are some of the background image categories available from Navy Federal:
| Image Theme | Examples |
|---|---|
| Americana | Statue of Liberty, American flag, Mt. Rushmore |
| Flora and Fauna | Trees, flowers, animals |
| Geometric Shapes | Circles, grids, abstract patterns |
| Landscapes | Beaches, mountains, sunsets |
If none of the available images appeal to you, you can upload nearly any photo you take or find online. However, there are some restrictions on uploaded photos:
- Must be an original photo taken by you
- Cannot contain other people’s images or copyrighted material
- No product photos or logos
- No images containing profanity or nudity
- Supported image formats include JPG, GIF, PNG up to 10MB
As long as your photo meets those requirements, you can make your debit card background truly unique and personalized.
Customizing Your Card Text
In addition to a custom background, Navy Federal allows you to customize the text that appears on your debit card. You have a few options for customizing your card text:
- Name: Print your first and last name, a shortened version of your name (like Will instead of William), or even a nickname.
- Initials: Add your initials before or after your name.
- Locations: Print the name of your city, state, or country after your name.
- Titles: Add titles like Mr., Ms., Dr., Capt., etc. Must match your Navy Federal account.
When customizing your name on the card, keep these rules in mind:
- No inappropriate or offensive words
- Space limits for card text
- Names and titles must reasonably match your identity
With these options, you can customize your card text to say almost anything you want within reason. Get creative or keep it simple – the choice is yours!
Costs for Custom Navy Federal Debit Cards
One of the best things about customized debit cards from Navy Federal is that they are completely free. Navy Federal won’t charge you anything extra to customize your debit card background, add text, or upload your own photo.
You’ll pay the same costs as any other Navy Federal debit card:
- No monthly service fees
- No Navy Federal fees for purchases or ATM withdrawals
- Possibility of fees from non-Navy Federal ATMs
Just keep in mind that you are limited to one free debit card reissue per calendar year. If this is your first debit card order for the year, customizing it is free. But if you already requested a replacement card earlier in the year, you may have to pay a fee. The reissue fee is currently $10.
Pros and Cons of Customized Debit Cards
Customized debit cards have some clear benefits, but also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Express your personality and interests
- Easily identify your card in your wallet
- Fun conversation starter when you pay with your card
- No extra cost from Navy Federal
- Option to refresh your card background whenever you want
Cons
- New card must be activated and old card destroyed
- Only one free card reissue per year
- Possibility of card rejection if custom text doesn’t match your ID
- Some merchants may examine card more closely
For most Navy Federal members, the pros of customized debit cards easily outweigh the cons. But it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before you order your customized card.
Conclusion
Customized debit cards are a fun way for Navy Federal members to showcase their personality through their banking. With dozens of background options plus the ability to upload your own photo, you can create a debit card as unique as you are.
Just remember that custom cards have to meet Navy Federal’s requirements. As long as your accounts are in good standing and your photo and text are appropriate, you can order a customized Navy Federal debit card at no extra cost. With a few clicks, you’ll have a stylish, one-of-a-kind card to use for all your purchases.
So bring some more of your personal flair to your finances! Log in to your Navy Federal account online or via mobile and order a customized debit card today.
