Start strong with The UCU Advantage
At University Credit Union (UCU), we offer the resources you need to make smarter money moves, no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you need help managing your budget, saving for your next big purchase, or planning for retirement, you’ll find a wealth of tools and tips right here.
Experience a different kind of financial partner—one focused on your success. That’s The UCU Advantage.
Resources for a brighter year ahead
As a UCU member-owner, you’ve got access to more than just traditional banking products. We’ve curated a full suite of resources that you can access anytime, anywhere.
Consult with a Certified Financial Counselor
We understand navigating your financial journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
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UCU’s Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) are here to provide you with personalized guidance, virtually or at one of our banking hubs.
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92% of UCU employees hold the CCUFC title, so you can be confident knowing you’re receiving expert advice.
Supercharge your checking
We’re raising the bar on what a checking account can do, which is why we offer two-game changing options, including one of the highest yielding checking accounts in the country.
And remember, your funds are always federally insured and protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)-- up to $250,000 per account.
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Our University Checking Account earns up to 5.00% APY* when you meet a few requirements. This unbeatable account is not just a place to stash your cash, it’s an effortless way to grow it!
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For those looking for a simple way to maximize your earnings, our Smart Checking Account has you covered. Earn 3.00% APY1 simply by enrolling in eStatements and initiating direct deposit.
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Discover extra benefits you’ll only find at UCU, like loan rate discounts when you set up autopay.
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Enjoy peace of mind when facing surprise expenses; our Overdraft Line of Credit ensures access to funds when you need them—without the stress of overdraft fees.
Saving with a purpose
Saving should be more than just setting money aside—it should inspire you to reach your goals. Save with intention by naming your accounts after your goals, like “Dream Trip” or “New Car”.
At UCU, saving is simple, personal, and designed to support you at every stage of your financial journey
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You’ve got exclusive access to our high-yield savings accounts, money markets, and certificates, making it easier to grow your money quickly.
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Whether you’re helping young savers build a strong foundation, ready to contribute to a college fund, saving for emergency expenses, or planning for retirement, we offer educational modules and advice that help you save confidently and achieve your goals.
Loans that fit your life
We’re all about bringing you loan options that work as hard as you do. The UCU Advantage includes benefits like rate discounts, personalized loan calculators, and Skip-A-Pay, supporting you through every step of your loan.
Don’t forget, great rates aren’t just a perk of being a member-owner— they’re a promise. With our exclusive Best Rates in the Nation Guarantee2, we pledge that our lowest loan rate for cars, credit cards, consumer loans, and HELOCs are all in the top 5% nationwide. At the end of the day, your money deserves to go further, and we’re here to help make it happen.
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For your home financing needs, take advantage of one-on-one consultations with our mortgage experts, competitive rates like you’ve never seen before, and a suite of helpful of educational modules that will put you ahead in today’s market.
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When it comes to auto loans, on top of our competitive rates, you may even qualify for our First-Time Auto Buyer Program or a discounted rate, reducing payments even further. Plus, you can access a variety of options to protect your investment, including Mechanical Breakdown Protection and GAP Insurance, giving you peace of mind on the road.
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Our credit cards are as unique as you are. Whatever your priorities are, we have a card that fits. You can earn cash back, build your credit, or show off your school spirit with our one-of-a-kind university cards. With our recent card upgrade, you’ll be sporting a sleek, modern card design made from 85% recyclable plastic, plus enhanced safety features, like contactless transactions and Mastercard ID Theft Protection™.
Budgeting made easy
Take the guesswork out of managing your money with our powerful budgeting resources.
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Start with our interactive “Create a Budget” module where you’ll learn how to track expenses and gain valuable insights into your spending habits.
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Dive deeper with our financial wellness tools in digital banking. Tools like “Spend Forecasting” can predict upcoming expenses so you’re always prepared and “Spend Analysis” breaks down your shopping patterns into clear categories.
Fraud
Safeguarding your finances is a priority at UCU and we’re dedicated to providing you with the tools to stay secure.
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Start at our Security Center and explore everything fraud-related from practical tips to in-depth guides.
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Your credit and debit cards are backed by Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, an identity theft monitoring program, plus come standard with real-time fraud text alerts, multi-factor authentication, and instant card controls in digital banking.
Discover even more
There is so much more you‘ll experience with The UCU Advantage!
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Send a note to Royce, our digital assistant, who can quickly answer questions, walk you through the loan application process, or even complete basic transactions, no matter the time of day.
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Additionally, digital banking tools like Credit Journey allow you to monitor your credit score and analyze what affects it
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When you register for UCU’s digital banking platform, you’ll enter a world of special benefits to enhance your UCU experience.
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With our Ask the CEO feature, you can share feedback, ask questions, and interact directly with our CEO, David L. Tuyo. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it.
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. To earn up to 5.00% APY, member must have a qualifying University Checking Account. Based on a combined rate of 4.88%. Credit card must be active, have at least one monthly transaction (excludes balance transfers and cash advances), and be enrolled in credit card eStatements to qualify for the extra 1.00% APY in dividends. Account does not earn dividends if there is a $0 balance in a HELOC at the end of the month. All accounts must be in good standing with no delinquency or bankruptcy pending. Multiple loans in the same category count for only 1.00% APY in dividends.
Qualifying University Checking Accounts will earn 1.00% APY in dividends on balances up to $25,000. Balances above $25,000 will be paid at the regular checking rate. Qualifying University Checking Accounts are defined as having at least 25 transactions per month (includes transactions made with both debit and credit cards) and enrollment in eStatements. If the requirements are not met, then no dividend is earned. Secondary University Checking Accounts not eligible to earn APY. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method, which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account at the end of each day. Dividends are disbursed monthly into the active University Checking Account. APY is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. Rate subject to change after account opening and may vary based on qualifications met at month end. Not valid with any other offers. To establish a UCU Membership, you must deposit at least $5 to a Regular (Share) Savings Account. A $50 minimum deposit is required to open a University Checking Account. All accounts are subject to approval.
1To earn 3.00% APY, member must have a qualifying Smart Checking Account, opened August 1, 2024 and after. Based on a combined rate of 2.96%. All accounts must be in good standing with no delinquency or bankruptcy pending. Qualifying Smart Checking Accounts will earn 3.00% APY in dividends on balances up to $25,000. Balances above $25,000 will be paid at the regular checking rate.
Qualifying Smart Checking Accounts are defined as being enrolled in eStatements and having a direct deposit to the Smart Checking Account of at least $1,000 aggregated monthly. If the requirements are not met, then no dividend is earned. Secondary Smart Checking Accounts not eligible to earn APY. Dividends are calculated by the daily balance method, which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account at the end of each day. Dividends are disbursed monthly into the active Smart Checking Account. APY is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. Rate subject to change after account opening and may vary based on qualifications met at month end. Not valid with any other offers. No minimum balance is required. To establish a UCU Membership, you must deposit at least $5 to a Regular (Share) Savings Account. A $50 minimum deposit is required to open a Smart Checking Account. All accounts are subject to approval. For other details regarding this account, you can reference your account disclosures, which detail all other terms and conditions.
2UCU guarantees that our lowest loan rate for cars, credit cards, consumer loans, and HELOCs are in the top 5% nationwide as measured in a monthly rate survey by Rate Watch, a part of S&P Global. Rates are subject to approval and based on an evaluation of credit history and other factors specific to your loan (such as loan term, credit score, loan amount, loan-to-value, and length of credit) and may be higher than the lowest rates advertised. Rates are subject to change at any time.