San Diego County Credit Union is more commonly known as SDCCU. Well, it truly stands out and counts amongst the best options one should choose to go for banking in Southern California. As a matter of fact, this is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative that offers a whole plethora of banking services both for personal as well as business use. Let’s have a look at what makes SDCCU stand out, its assortment of products, and why maybe just perhaps it’s the one that could be exactly right for you.
What is San Diego County Credit Union?
SDCCU is a not-for-profit credit union in service for the greater San Diego area since 1938. It started out as a small, locally owned credit union that cared about service among local county employees and has become one of California’s largest, locally owned financial institutions. The purpose is always to help people reach their financial goals and dreams by putting the well-being of its members above all else.
Why a Credit Union Instead of a Bank?
You may be asking yourself, “Why a credit union?” Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives. By that, they are in a better position to provide higher interest rates on loans and savings accounts, lower fees, and a more community-oriented approach compared to a bank. Unlike for-profit banks that seek maximum returns for shareholders, credit unions focus on the financial interest of their members.
SDCCU Products and Services
In addition to serving the varied needs of its members, SDCCU provides wide range of products and services to its membership. These include:
Personal Banking; check and savings accounts and money market accounts among others
check and savings accounts and money market accounts, among other credit cards
Business Banking; merchant checking accounts, merchant services and commercial loans.
Loans; auto loan, mortgage, personal loan, student loan.
Investments; access to financial advisors as well as investment products.
Let’s drill down a little further into what each category is and why SDCCU really stands out above the rest.
Personal Banking at SDCCU
SDCCU makes personal banking easy and accessible. From a no-frills checking account to a high-interest savings account with real earning power, SDCCU has the right option for every lifestyle.
SDCCU Checking Accounts
At SDCCU, we know that checking accounts should be easy and convenient. You can select from
Classic Checking: Bare-bones checking with low fees and a free Visa debit card.
High-Yield Checking: Earn interest on your balance without a monthly fee. Great for account holders with higher balances.
Teen Checking: Get young members off to a head start on managing money without monthly fees.
All accounts include free online banking, mobile banking, and eStatements from SDCCU to track your finances.
SDCCU’s Savings Accounts
Saving for your future is easy with SDCCU’s diverse savings accounts:
Main Savings: Main savings with an aggressive interest rate.
Money Market Accounts: Higher interest rates vary according to your balance
Certificates: Fixed rate time deposits with a more aggressive interest in behalf of the saver who wants his money work.
Business Banking Solutions
SDCCU is smart enough to not forget that small and medium-sized companies have needs too. Their business banking product lines include:
Business Checking accounts that are free, but their size will vary.
Merchant Services: Provide Tools to accept payments in-store, online, or on-the-go.
Business Loans: To support business expansion, or purchase equipment or real estate.
SDCCU Loans
SDCCU offers loans with competitive interest rates and flexible terms. Below is a summary:
Car Loans at SDCCU
SDCCU has a range of loan options when buying a new or used car or refinancing an existing car loan. Some of the features that include:
Low-Interest Rates: A very competitive interest rate that will fit every pocket size.
Flexible Terms: Take a pick from several loan terms that’ll fit your budget perfectly.
Fast Approval: Apply today and be approved in most cases on the same day.
Mortgage Options
At SDCCU, one of the mortgage options will help you make your dream to buy that ultimate dream home come true. Your option is here-
Fixed-Rate Mortgages: For those like to have the same amount to pay every month
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Lock into low introductory rate then adjust over time
First-Time Buyer Loans: Loans given to first-time buyers with relatively flexible repayment options.
Online and Mobile Banking
In this day and age of everything being digital, it’s all about being convenient, and SDCCU really drives that home through their online and mobile banking options. This online banking system offers account management features such as the ability to check your balances, transaction history, and transfer funds, in addition to electronic payments through the bill pay option to set up future payments and scheduling recurring payments. You can even deposit checks, find an ATM, or take care of accounts with the mobile app. SDCCU Community Involvement
A unique feature that really sets SDCCU apart is its involvement in the community. SDCCU sponsors local events, contributes to charities, and offers financial education programs. Helping a more involved, stronger community can prove how committed the credit union is to more than just banking.
Membership Eligibility
So, do you want to be a member of SDCCU? Virtually any person who lives, worships, works, or attends school in San Diego, Riverside, or Orange counties is eligible to become an SDCCU member. All SDCCU products and services are offered to members at the most competitive rates, and all the added benefits credit unions provide.
Obtaining a Checking Account with SDCCU
Opening a new account is not very complicated; you can request it through the website, over the phone, or even in person at any of the local offices. To open a new account, you will be required to provide the following:
Valid identification; this can be either a driver’s license or a valid passport
Social Security number or taxpayer identification number
Proof of residence
After this, you will be entirely equipped and geared up to avail all the benefits that keeping membership at SDCCU has to offer.
SDCCU Branches and ATMs
SDCCU has a large number of branches and thousands of ATM branches spread all over Southern California. Being an SDCCU member is one way to ensure you can take care of your money anywhere and everywhere you go as you enjoy over 30 fee-free branches, access thousands of fee-free ATMs across the country through the CO-OP Network.
SDCCU Customer Support
Customer service is one of the essential keys to success for SDCCU. It has given several support options to numerous contacts, such as:
Phone Support: Call the customer services and make a direct dialling with a customer representative on personal basis.
Online Support: An online chat, email support along with an extended FAQ section
In-Branch Support: One may visit any local branch and get face-to-face help for any banking need.
Conclusion
San Diego County Credit Union is an all-around financial provider offering full sets of financial products and services, member-centric to customer service. With personal and business banking, along with a myriad of loan options, SDCCU remains committed to helping its members to realize their financial goals. For the benefit of remaining one of the best institutions in Southern California, SDCCU boasts strengths in community involvement, digital banking, and competitive rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets San Diego County Credit Union apart from a bank?
SDCCU is not-for-profit, member-owned. Unlike banks, interested only in maximizing investors’ earnings, SDCCU will operate in the best interest of its members – with better rates, lower fees, and more personalized services.
Do I need to live in San Diego to join SDCCU?
All residents of San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties are eligible to join.
Does SDCCU have online banking?
Yes! SDCCU also offers an extensive suite of services through its online banking platform and mobile app, where a member can easily access and manage one’s account, pay bills, and deposit checks using a smartphone.
SDCCU offers phone support, e-mail, or even an online chat. They also have local branches where you could visit them in person for any help. Their customer service team will assist in answering any questions you may have and address the problem that may come along.
