Are you a Veteran who doesn’t have a bank or credit union? You’re not alone! Many Veterans were in the same situation, and that’s why VA established the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) in December 2019. Since then, more than 75,000 Veterans have signed up to receive their VA benefits through direct deposit instead of pre-paid debit cards or paper checks.

Benefits of direct deposit

VBBP provides Veterans and their beneficiaries with banking options and resources to help manage their finances and reduce instances of fraud. Veterans can sign up for bank accounts and receive their VA benefits using direct deposit, which is proven to be easier, safer, and more reliable than pre-paid debit cards or paper checks. With direct deposit, payments are automatically placed into a secure bank account, ensuring that Veterans get the benefits they have earned on time, every time. Learn more about how direct deposit can help you safely get your VA benefits.

How VBBP works

VBBP is a partnership between VA, the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA) and the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC). The program leverages a group of military-friendly financial institutions that have experience dealing with the unique financial issues facing the military and Veteran communities. These banks and credit unions have undertaken a commitment to open bank accounts for all Veterans, regardless of whether they immediately qualify.

VA, AMBA and DCUC do not endorse any bank or credit union and you are not required to use a VBBP bank or direct deposit to receive monetary benefits.

For more information

Life comes with plenty of challenges, but banking shouldn’t be one of them. Please visit benefits.va.gov/VeteransBanking or veteransbenefitsbanking.org to find participating banks or get more information about VBBP.

Veterans who already have a bank account but want to use direct deposit for their federal benefits can call VA at 1-800-827-1000. You can also visit va.gov/change-direct-deposit/.

Topics in this story

VBBPVeterans Benefits Banking Program

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25 Comments

  1. Tony Price August 5, 2021 at 14:57

    You can sprinkle cinnamon on sht and it’s still sht…just sweeter than your average pile.

  2. Charles Roberts August 5, 2021 at 00:45

    Buy a cat? One vet says he means a car. Car Cat=CAD like in Caddilac.. ?? Dogs. They cost more money than people to take care of but they love you no matter what.

  3. Jerome Grant August 1, 2021 at 00:26

    THE EARLIER YOU GET PAID THE QUICKER YOU CAN HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS

  4. Roscoe July 30, 2021 at 23:25

    Disappointed in your free healthcare?Become an expatriate.Move to South Korea.They’re listed as number one for healthcare.That’ll help me with my taxesAnd you’ll be a happy camper!Just saying.

  5. Ronnie Bradley July 30, 2021 at 22:01

    I’m trying to get travel pay!!!

    • TRESA LANGLEY August 12, 2021 at 20:12

      I NEVER get any of my travel pay! I drive an hour and 45 min to my appt!

  6. Anne E Mathis July 30, 2021 at 19:04

    Frankly none of nothings are sought up to get us a foothold. .

  7. Dallas July 30, 2021 at 16:12

    I think this is meant for vets that can’t get or don’t qualify for a bank account due to credit and other issues.

  8. Timothy K July 30, 2021 at 14:11

    Next thing you know, the VA will be advertising on TV for deposits $

  9. Gregory Cross July 30, 2021 at 12:18

    They had to start a bank because so many veterans cant go to NFCU because of the stricked requirements to open an account their , unfortunately lots of veterans are awful at maintaining credit or good banking habits , like keeping a balance and not overdrawing their accounts ….

  10. Charles Collins July 30, 2021 at 10:23

    I don’t trust the VA for my medical care I’ll be damn if I’ll trust them with my money

  11. Richard A Kolakowski July 30, 2021 at 01:19

    Why would the VA start its own bank, when you have NFCU that takes in all branches and let’s them also bring in all of there family members?
    This seems like a slam on NFCU AND USAA. Didn’t need another Credit Union mudding the waters for the Members of the 2 Credit Union sectioned. Just another way for the VA to waste money, when it could of used this money that it started the new bank with on Veterans Homelessness and built a nice facility for them to live at, get treatment at, form long lasting new friendships with there new neighbors. A one bedroom apartment is all that most would need, and the Veteran would feel that the VA really cares about his/her well-being. So that is my 2 cents.

    [Editor: VA did not start a bank. More info in the post above.]

    • John Coley July 30, 2021 at 12:45

      I trusted the VA Mental clinic and that was my biggest mistake. I trusted the MD that persuaded me to continue taking mental health drugs that I was experiencing adverse side effects. Their level of neglect produced drug induced Parkinson’s , nerve/brain damage due to the numerous concussions and suicidal idealations. And to top off their commitment to this homeless vet who served in NC national guard and the USAF, they refused to treatment yet I had been their Mental Health patient once separating from the USAF….You. Denied me access thanks for ruining my life. I will NEVER entrust my well being to you ever again

    • Darryll July 31, 2021 at 01:52

      USAA is not a credit union. They are also just as bad as big banks like BoA, WF…

  12. Charles Jamison July 29, 2021 at 19:37

    I need a calculator.

  13. Charles Jamison July 29, 2021 at 19:20

    I will join asap when H.L.R. adjudication my appeals that’s pending.

  14. Billy Gaunce July 29, 2021 at 17:55

    Is there a program that helps veterans in buying a cat when their is not good veteran is disable credit is bad and need help

    • Bolliver Spivins July 30, 2021 at 08:52

      My advice…get a dog.

      • Wayne Grant July 30, 2021 at 10:36

        He means car

        • Name July 30, 2021 at 17:54

          If they treat my money like my health then no fcking way!

    • Ray Raymond July 30, 2021 at 09:44

      If the VA helps with buying a cat then I want their help buying a dog too! I like dogs. I don’t really care for cats too much. To each their own I guess…….

      • Elizabeth July 30, 2021 at 14:53

        LOL!!

      • Luz LEBRON July 31, 2021 at 01:50

        Hey that’s great, I also want a cat.

  15. James Thompson July 29, 2021 at 16:36

    I understand that putting your VA check in the bank or credit union have benefits but what I like about prepaid debit cards, you can get your money a lot sooner. banks and credit unions they sit on your money until the first of the month.I like getting my money as soon as possible, it’s just convenient.

    • Naomi Peace August 1, 2021 at 09:29

      RBFCU is good about releasing your deposits as soon as they are available and not waiting for the first of the month. Only problem is their physical locations are limited to San Antonio, Austin and central Texas area.

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