For the second year in a row, AirForce Federal Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union and NavyFederal Credit Union have been named among the Top 5 MilitaryBanking Institutions byGOBankingRates.

The consumer shopping website, owned by ConsumerTrack, Inc., ofLos Angeles, recently unveiled the new rankings, which were basedon the types of services and programs offered, the companysaid.

“This list can help active and retired members of the armedforces connect with banks and credit unions that are making waveswhen it comes to financial education and money-saving resources formilitary families,” said Jennifer Calonia, a senior editor atGOBankingRates.

The $361 million Air Force FCU in San Antonio, whichtopped lastyear's list, was toppled this year. The number one spot in 2014goes to USAA Bank, followed in order by Navy Federal, Air Force,PenFed and Armed Forces Bank.

The $55 billion Navy Federal was recognized for products such asits Recruit Training Credit Building Program, which offers apre-approved credit card with a $1,000 limit to qualified membersstationed at the Great Lakes and Parris Island military bases.

Other products and services at Navy prompted praise fromGOBankingRates, including Active Duty Checking, which provides upto $20 in ATM fee rebates each month, free military checks andpriority access to military pay.

“The men and women of the U.S. armed forces deserve the verybest and we give it to them,” said Cutler Dawson, CEO and presidentof the 4.7 million-member Navy of Vienna, Va. “They show us intheir loyalty and continued member growth that we are doing theright things, providing them with real value, and helping them toachieve financial success.”

Air Force FCU received kudos for its sequestration assistanceand Temporary Relocation Relief program, which entitles qualifiedmembers being deployed or assigned outside the U.S. to defer loanpayments up to 90 days.

“These programs are intended to assist our members by offeringloan extensions, bridge loans to cover their checks or refinancingof their loans as they deal with financial hardship,” said BobGlenn, President/CEO, of Air Force FCU. “With today's economicpressure to cut military spending affecting many members and theirfamilies, we have developed services specially designed to meet theunique needs of those providing for the defense of our country,” headded “We continue to support those who serve our countrywhen they need it most. It is one of our greatest honors.”

The $16.8 billion Pentagon Federal Credit Union in Alexandria,Va., landed on the list by helping to secure members' financialstability with low-interest credit card offers, affordable autoloans and a regular savings account that yields 0.10% APY with aminimum deposit of $5.

“It is an honor to make the “Best Military Financial Intuitionsof 2014” list,” said James Schenck, executive vice president atPenFed. “Our service to the military isn't about business — it'sthe focus and core of all that we do. Our great rates and low feesaren't an accident; these are the kind of outstanding financialproducts that our nation's heroes deserve.”