Member story: How UCU's Checking helped Talia build financial confidence
One member's story of finding stability and empowerment through smarter banking
When Talia graduated from college last spring, she was filled with hope for the future. A first-generation college student, she had just started a full-time job in student services at her alma mater. With a steady income and her degree in hand, she felt ready to step into adulthood, but despite her best efforts, managing her finances still felt overwhelming.
Like many recent grads, Talia found herself stuck in a cycle where money came in and went out almost as quickly. Her checking account, which was held at a traditional bank, offered virtually no interest and often came with unexpected fees. That, combined with the rising cost of living, left her feeling anxious and financially uncertain.
"I remember checking my account at the end of the month and just hoping I hadn't missed something that would trigger another fee," Talia shared. "It was exhausting."
Discovering University Credit Union
Talia first heard about University Credit Union through her job on campus. She noticed their involvement in community events, such as how they sponsored the food pantry on campus, their hosting of financial literacy sessions, and their constant support for athletic programs. Over time, she became curious. She started asking coworkers about their experience with UCU and heard consistently positive feedback.
One day, a colleague mentioned UCU's University Checking Account. The name caught Talia's attention. She'd never heard of a checking account that actually helped people earn interest on their money, or at least not one without strings attached.
At first, she was skeptical, but as she learned more it was clear that UCU was intentional about its services and providing financial support to its members. It was founded by the university community, for the university community. There were no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and the account really did offer a competitive interest rate.
"I didn't believe it at first," she said. "I thought there had to be a catch. But the more I learned about UCU, the more I felt like this was a place I could trust."
Talia opened her UCU University Checking Account that same week.
Building a better financial foundation
Within just four months, Talia was able to save over $300 by not paying account fees and gaining interest on her checking account balance.
She had set a small goal to create an emergency fund, something she'd always wanted to do but couldn't manage with her previous bank. With UCU's interest earnings and the support of budgeting tools available through their mobile app, she was able to make consistent progress. Her savings became a point of pride.
"For the first time, I wasn't just surviving. I had a cushion. I could breathe a little easier."
Using UCU's mobile banking tools, Talia also got more organized. She set up transaction alerts, tracked her monthly expenses, and used the budget tracker to plan ahead. These small actions helped her feel more in control of her finances and encouraged her to continue building good habits. Within one year, Talia was able to save $2,500 for her emergency fund.
"I used to avoid looking at my bank account," she said. "Now, I check in every few days just to see how I'm doing. It's not scary anymore."
Looking ahead with confidence
Today, Talia is thinking about her future in a new way. With her emergency fund in place and her checking account continuing to earn interest, she has started saving for graduate school and is researching affordable car options.
The financial stress she once carried with her has faded into the background. She credits the shift not just to the account's features, but to the experience of banking with a credit union that prioritizes its members.
"UCU doesn't feel like a bank to me," she explained. "It feels like a partner. They're on my side."
What Talia found with UCU's University Checking Account wasn't just a better place to put her money. She found a new level of financial confidence and a sense of control she hadn't experienced before.
Explore what's possible with UCU
Talia's story is just one example of how UCU's University Checking Account can make a meaningful difference in members' lives. With competitive interest rates, no monthly fees, and digital tools designed to help members succeed, it's more than a checking account. It's a smarter way to bank.
If you're ready to make your money work harder without giving up flexibility, you can learn more about UCU's University Checking Account here.
What could you earn with UCU's University Checking?
Average Balance | Traditional Checking (0.01%) | UCU University Checking (up to 5.00% APY) |
| $1,000 | $0.10/year | $50.00/year |
| $5,000 | $0.50/year | $250.00/year |
| $10,000 | $1.00/year | $500.00/year |
Leaving University Credit Union Website
Giving our University Communities a financial advantage
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.