Credit Union National Association applauded a new report from the Department of Defense (DoD) that undercuts for-profit banks’ rationale for seeking rent-free access on military bases.  

The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) required the DoD to report on the availability of financial services on military installations.  

“It’s time to put to rest the notion that Wall Street banks offer the same support to our military members as do credit unions,” said CUNA President Jim Nussle. “Our bottom line lies in enhancing the financial well-being for all we serve. That means higher rates, lower fees, and the flexibility to design services and solutions to meet the unique needs of our service members.”  

The report found that “the Department has not received any comments from military installation commanders or their respective Military Service Secretaries that Service members do not have adequate access to financial institutions.” 

Additionally, the report stated, “there are no domestic DoD installations identified by the Military Services as lacking adequate access through on-installation and off-installation means.” 

CUNA has worked closely with the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) and National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU) to preserve the Department of Defense’s discretionary authority to exempt credit unions from the costs associated with land leases on military bases. Each agreement is the result of specific negotiations between the base commander and credit unions. The joint trades sent letters to both the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee in June.