America First Credit Union High CD rates, free savings and checking accounts

America First Credit Union High CD rates, free savings and checking accounts

America First Credit Union: Exploring Regional Banking Options on the West Coast

At times, exploring regional banking options can provide unique advantages for individuals looking for personalized services and competitive rates. If you are on the West Coast, America First Credit Union might be a great choice to consider. While their savings and money market accounts may have relatively lower interest rates, they offer some of the best Certificate of Deposit (CD) rates in the market.

Overall credit union rating

America First Credit Union is highly regarded, with a solid reputation and a large customer base. They provide a range of products and services that cater to different financial needs. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable support has earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

The Pros and Cons

As with any financial institution, America First Credit Union has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

Pros: – Competitive CD rates – Free Share Savings Account with just $1 to open – Overdraft protection with a line of credit – Access to a large network of shared branches and ATMs – Excellent mobile app with high customer ratings – Federal insurance up to $250,000

Cons: – Lower interest rates on savings and money market accounts – Higher minimum deposit requirement for money market checking account

• La Joya Area FCU Review 2023
• Garmin Venu 2 is a solid activity tracker with unique health insigh...
• Meta, the parent company of Facebook, expects to achieve higher qua...

America First Credit Union Share Savings Account

To become a member of America First Credit Union, you’ll need to open a Share Savings Account. There are no monthly fees associated with this account and it only requires $1 to open and maintain your membership. This account serves as a gateway to access all the other products and services offered by the credit union.

America First Credit Union Classic Checking Account

If you’re looking for a free checking account, the America First Credit Union Classic Checking Account is a decent option. However, it’s important to be mindful of overdrawing, as a $25 fee is charged for overdraft protection.

America First Credit Union Certificate

America First Credit Union stands out when it comes to their CD offerings. They provide various share CD options, including flexible certificates that allow you to deposit and withdraw money after opening. Regardless of the term you choose, you can expect to earn a good interest rate on your investment.

America First Credit Union Money Market Savings Account

For those who can maintain a high balance in their account, the America First Credit Union Money Market Savings Account can be advantageous. Balances over $5,000 earn higher interest compared to their regular savings account, although it may still be lower than what online banks offer. Additionally, they offer a money market checking account with a debit card, but a minimum deposit of $10,000 is required to open it.

How America First Credit Union Works

With 128 branches across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah, and access to over 5,600 shared branches and 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP Shared Network, America First Credit Union provides a wide reach for its members. They offer customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and live chat. The America First mobile app is highly rated, receiving 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store and 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Apple Store. Additionally, as a federally insured institution, your funds are secure, with up to $250,000 protected by the NCUA.

How to Join America First Credit Union

If you live, work, worship, or volunteer in an Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, or Utah county, you are eligible for membership at America First Credit Union. Additionally, if you have a family member or spouse who is a current member, you can also join. To become a member, all you need to do is open a share savings account.

America First Credit Union: Trustworthiness and BBB Rating

As a potential member, it is essential to consider a financial institution’s trustworthiness and customer satisfaction. America First Credit Union has maintained a positive reputation and has not been embroiled in any recent public controversies. Their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further reinforces their commitment to customer service and transparency. However, it is always recommended to review customer experiences and other online reviews to gain a deeper understanding of whether America First Credit Union is the right fit for you.

America First Credit Union vs. Ally

When comparing America First Credit Union with other financial institutions, Ally Bank stands out as a strong contender. Both institutions offer competitive CD rates, but Ally Bank does not require a minimum opening deposit, making it a better option if you have less than $500 to start with. However, if you can meet the minimum deposit requirement, it’s crucial to review early withdrawal penalties and interest rates to determine which institution provides the better CD option for your specific needs.

America First Credit Union vs. CIT Bank

If you are interested in jumbo CDs, CIT Bank might be a great choice. However, your decision between CIT Bank and America First Credit Union may also depend on your preferences regarding online and brick-and-mortar banking. While CIT Bank is an online-only institution, America First Credit Union provides the added convenience of physical branch locations. Consider your comfort with online and mobile banking in making your decision, along with the interest rates offered for the CD terms you are interested in.

In conclusion, if you are searching for a regional banking option on the West Coast, America First Credit Union stands out with its competitive CD rates and a wide range of products and services. While their savings and money market accounts offer relatively lower interest rates, their Share Savings Account requires only a $1 minimum deposit to open and maintain membership. With an extensive branch network, access to shared branches and ATMs, and an excellent mobile app, America First Credit Union provides convenience and accessibility to its members. Before making a decision, it’s important to compare their offerings with other institutions to ensure you find the best fit for your financial needs.

• America First Credit Union
• America First Credit Union Classic Checking Account
• America First Credit Union Savings Account