my son has both - we were USAA members long ago - he also opened and now primarily uses NFCU - both are great - NFCU being on campus and its their free ATM on campus (USAA does give back like $20 a month in ATM fees) that convenience/access is why he opened nfcu
We are USAA members and have been for many many years. Our DS chose USAA since they have way more to offer. He has a checking account and a debit card and has not had an issue with getting the $ back when using the ATM. He also has a small renters policy that covers his uniforms and computer. He can use this for the rest of his life and get his car insurance, house insurance, life insurance whatever he needs through them.
You can pick what works best for you and your DS or DD. There will be reps of both at R Day and Parents weekend if you have questions.
Many sea service people have both, depending on what their needs are at the time. You can’t go wrong with either. NFCU took a long time to catch up with mobile solutions, but they did. I like USAA’s mobile app better. I am equally fond of both, and they have served me well for many years.
USAA is awesome. I don't use Navy Federal Credit Union. USAA also gave me the $36,000 cash loan at 0.75%, which I've made thousands in investment returns from.
If you have a USAA checking account, it is typically easy to get one of their no-fee credit cards. Their four years in the academy is a good time to start learning good credit habits and establishing their credit scores.