--- title: "How to save money and earn bonuses in May" description: "From checking to home and auto loans, saving money in May—Military Appreciation Month—had never been easier. " date: "2026-05-28" modified: "2026-05-28" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/sponsored-content/how-to-save-money-and-earn-bonuses-in-may/" categories: - "Sponsored Content" --- # How to save money and earn bonuses in May ![Smiling father carrying daughter on shoulders while walking at beach]() May is National Military Appreciation Month, which means there are a lot of great deals out there designed to support Servicemembers, Veterans, and military families. If you’ve been wanting to make some financial decisions like opening a new credit card or checking account, buying a house, or refinancing an auto loan, Navy Federal Credit Union is offering some deals that come with cash bonuses or lower rates. Navy Federal is a military-friendly credit union whose employees have intimate knowledge of Active Duty, deployments, change-of-stations, and being a dependent, so they’re a great place to look at for all-around financial support. Here are just a few of the deals they’re offering for May 2026: ### Checking Account Cash Bonus If you join Navy Federal, open a [Free Active Duty Checking® Account](), and use your debit card three times by the end of June, you can receive a $10 bonus. Plus, enjoy zero ISA fees on all Free Active Duty Checking Accounts. ([Expires 5/31/26]()) Navy Federal reimburses your [Free Active Duty Checking® Account]() $20 in ATM fees per statement period, allows you to access military pay a day [sooner](), and offers a 0.05% dividend rate/0.05% [APY](). Check out the details and your eligibility [here](). ### VA Home Loan Navy Federal is a [top VA lender](). During the month of May, those rates [are lowered by 0.25%](). Check out the details, apply, or learn more at [navyfederal.org/celebrate](). (Expires 5/31/26) ### Credit Card Bonus Join Navy Federal and open a [*cash*Rewards or *cash*Rewards Plus Credit Card]() when you click the Special Offers link after becoming a member to get a [$50 bonus](). Then, spend $2,500 in the first 90 days for an additional $250 bonus cash back. (Expires 7/31/26) You can also save with a 1.99% intro APR for 12 months after opening an account on balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a variable APR between 10.24% and 18% [applies](). ### Savings Earn $30 when opening a 12-Month [EasyStartSM or Special EasyStart Share Certificate]() during May and completing 3 recurring transfers by the end of August. ([Expires 8/31/26]()) A Standard Certificate allows you to plan out your savings by providing guaranteed returns that you can access on a set maturity date. It’s great for individuals who want to earn at a higher dividend rate, who don’t need flexible access to savings, and who are interested in making a single deposit and accessing the matured funds later down the road. EasyStart Certificates are an easy way to start building savings quickly with a low minimum purchase and flexible term lengths. They’re excellent for individuals who want to save for a specific goal, who want to build good savings habits, and who want the flexibility to add money at any time. Whether you’re early in your investment journey or opening an account for a dependent, the EasyStart Certificates might be the way to go. Special EasyStart Certificates let members who have direct deposit and a checking account take advantage of saving at a special rate with a low minimum purchase. They’re designed for individuals who want to start saving quickly, who are interested in adding money at any time, and who want to take advantage of a special rate. You can learn more about [Navy Federal savings certificates here](). ### Auto Loan Join and earn $250 when [refinancing an auto loan]() of $5,000 or more from another lender with Navy Federal. ([Expires 5/31/26]()) If you’re overwhelmed by all the options, new to making big financial decisions (hello, class of 2026!), or just considering looking to expand your financial portfolio, check out the [wealth of resources Navy Federal has available online]() or connect with their free financial consulting for members. *Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA. This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.* ![NFCU website navigation ]() [https://www.navyfederal.org/]() → Personal → Smart Money Strategies ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()