La Joya Area FCU Review 2023

La Joya Area FCU Review 2023

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union: A Hispanic American-Led Institution

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union

Have you ever wanted to bank with an institution that aligns with your heritage and values? La Joya Area Federal Credit Union might be the perfect fit for you. Located in Hidalgo County, Texas, this Hispanic American-led institution offers a range of banking services with no monthly service fees on checking and savings accounts.

Overview of La Joya Area Federal Credit Union

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union is a community-oriented institution with two branches in La Joya, Texas. It prides itself on serving the needs of its members while promoting financial inclusion and eliminating unfair bias, particularly among Hispanic Americans.

To become a member of La Joya Area Federal Credit Union, you must live or work in Hidalgo County, or have an immediate family member who does. There is a one-time $5 membership fee and the requirement to open a La Joya Area Federal Credit Union account. This small fee gives you access to a range of banking services tailored to meet your needs.

The credit union operates during convenient business hours, with branches open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unfortunately, the branches are closed on Sundays.

Mobile Banking and Customer Satisfaction

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union understands the importance of convenience in the modern world. Their mobile app has received positive reviews, with 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and 4.5 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store. This means you can easily manage your finances on the go, ensuring a seamless banking experience.

Banking Products Offered by La Joya Area Federal Credit Union

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union provides a variety of banking products to cater to its members’ needs. Let’s take a closer look at some of their offerings:

Regular Share Savings Account

The Regular Share Savings Account is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an account with no monthly service fees. La Joya Area Federal Credit Union offers higher interest rates compared to some national banks, such as Chase or Wells Fargo. However, if you’re after the best CD rates, you may find more competitive options from online banks.

Checking Account

With no minimum opening deposit and no monthly service fee, the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union Checking Account offers affordability and accessibility. Moreover, the credit union doesn’t charge a fee when you use ATMs at Stripes Stores. However, please note that Stripes will impose a $1.50 fee for using their ATMs.

Share Certificate (Certificate of Deposit – CD)

If you’re interested in a CD, La Joya Area Federal Credit Union offers various term lengths. While their CD rates may be average-to-low, it’s worth exploring other financial institutions for more competitive rates. Take the time to compare your options before committing.

Money Market Account

The La Joya Area Federal Credit Union Money Market Account is a great choice if you can maintain a $2,500 balance. By doing so, you’ll earn a competitive interest rate. The account has no monthly service fees, and you have the convenience of paper checks for your transactions.

The Role of Hispanic American-Led Institutions

Hispanic American banks and credit unions play a crucial role in the financial industry. These institutions provide services in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse customer base. They also aim to eliminate racial prejudice that has historically existed in banking and lending, with a particular focus on serving Hispanic Americans. By banking with these institutions, you contribute to promoting fairness and inclusivity.

Some Hispanic American-led institutions even make it possible for immigrants and non-US citizens to open accounts. Although La Joya Area Federal Credit Union requires a US ID, there are several banks and credit unions that simplify the account opening process for non-US citizens. It’s important to research and find an institution that aligns with your specific needs.

How Does La Joya Area Federal Credit Union Compare to Other Institutions?

When deciding on a financial institution, it’s essential to assess your options and make an informed choice. Let’s explore how La Joya Area Federal Credit Union compares to a couple of other institutions in Texas:

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union vs. Lone Star National Bank

Choosing between these institutions depends on your preference for credit unions or banks. If you prefer credit unions and meet the eligibility requirements, La Joya Area Federal Credit Union is an excellent option. They offer no monthly service fees on savings and checking accounts. Lone Star National Bank, one of the largest Hispanic American banks in Texas, provides convenience with its extensive branch network.

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union vs. Rally Credit Union

Rally Credit Union, formerly known as Navy Army Community Credit Union, is another Hispanic American-led credit union in Texas. Comparatively, Rally Credit Union has a larger branch network, with 21 branches in the state. When it comes to monthly fees, La Joya Area Federal Credit Union and Rally Credit Union don’t impose any. If you’re seeking high CD rates, Rally Credit Union may be a better option. Additionally, Rally Credit Union offers high-yield checking accounts for those interested in maximizing their returns.

Trustworthiness of La Joya Area Federal Credit Union

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union has no public controversies, which is a positive indicator of their trustworthiness. Although the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has not evaluated La Joya Area FCU, you can seek advice from friends, family, or read online customer reviews to gain insights into their service quality.

How We Reviewed La Joya Area Federal Credit Union

At Personal Finance Insider, we meticulously evaluate different bank account features to provide comprehensive reviews. For our analysis of La Joya Area Federal Credit Union, we follow a standardized methodology that takes into account various factors:

  • CD rates and term lengths for CDs
  • ATM network size and fees for checking accounts
  • Minimum opening deposits
  • Ethical practices
  • Customer support availability
  • Mobile app ratings

By assessing these elements, we provide unbiased and valuable insights into a financial institution’s offerings.

Final Thoughts

La Joya Area Federal Credit Union offers a range of banking products tailored to meet the needs of its members. With an emphasis on affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity, this Hispanic American-led institution aims to provide an exceptional banking experience in Hidalgo County, Texas. While their CD rates may not be the most competitive, their commitment to serving the community and eliminating unfair bias sets them apart. Consider exploring La Joya Area Federal Credit Union and see how it fits into your financial goals and values.