New Member Offer

Rolling out the red carpet—just for you! 
Earn hundreds of dollars in cashback bonuses
Special benefits and discounts in your first few months
We're not-for-profit, which means we're all for you
It's all about higher deposit rates and lower loan rates here

New to Stanford FCU? You're right on time. 

You can get up to $625 when you open a new account and do things you normally do—like set up direct deposit, use your debit card and sign up for eStatements.* It's fun, easy and rewarding—a fantastic combination. 

Here's how to use CashBack+
  1. Log in to Digital Banking and go to CashBack+ 
  2. Click Activate for each of the activities you want to complete
  3. Your cashback will appear in your CashBack+ wallet shortly after you meet each requirement
  4. Transfer your cashback to your account as cash
Here's how to use CashBack+
  1. Log in to Digital Banking and go to CashBack+ 
  2. Click Activate for each of the activities you want to complete
  3. Your cashback will appear in your CashBack+ wallet shortly after you meet each requirement
  4. Transfer your cashback to your account as cash
What else do you get as a new member? Glad you asked.

The most important part—you get a lifelong financial partner dedicated to improving your financial life. 

Welcome, Ambassador

Join Stanford FCU and you automatically enjoy Ambassador-level benefits for three to four months. Once you try them, you'll want to keep them—and it's easy when you do your everyday banking with us.

The best of the Ambassador rewards**

Additional rewards you'll love 

  • .25% bonus money market rates
  • One certificate rate bump per year
  • $675 waived mortgage fee
  • Unlimited waived outgoing wire fees
  • Two Courtesy Pay fees refunded per month
  • Unlimited free checks (any style)
All you need is a free spending account with one of these...
  • Minimum $2,500/month payroll direct deposit
  • Minimum $1,250/month Social Security direct deposit
  • Spend a minimum $1,000 on your debit card

...plus any two of these

How long do these rewards last?

Both your New Member Period Ambassador rewards and your CashBack+ rewards start the day you open your membership PLUS the following three full calendar months. For example, if you joined January 1, your rewards would last until April 30 (120 days). If you joined on January 31, your rewards would last until April 30 (90 days).

Although the initial Cashback+ rewards will expire, more offers will come in the future. Keep checking Digital Banking to see new offers and earn more rewards!

The Ambassador rewards can be extended with qualifying account activities.

How can I extend my rewards?

Keep your Ambassador rewards going by having the following monthly activities on your checking (spending) account:**

  • Minimum $2,500 in monthly payroll OR $1,250 social security direct deposit OR $1,000 in monthly debit card purchases
  • One to two key qualifiers:
    • Minimum 20 debit card purchases per month
    • Deposit accounts with monthly combined $25,000+ balances (excluding certificates)
    • Credit card
    • Consumer loan: Vehicle or Personal loan
    • First mortgage (counts as two!)
    • Second mortgages and HELOCs
    • Investment account with Stanford Federal Investment Services
New members get Ambassador benefits for the first 3 months!**

If all this speaks to you, get ready for a rewarding experience and open an account.

Our members and their stories matter most.

Frequently asked questions

The FDIC provides oversight and insurance for banks and thrifts, while credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Both institutions insure accounts up to $250,000.

You can learn more about the difference between banks and credit unions by watching our short video.

Not a member yet? Join today!

If you want a banking experience that delivers lower home and vehicle loan rates, higher savings and investment rates, and leading-edge Digital Banking access, Stanford Federal Credit Union is the banking choice for you. We’re a member-owned financial cooperative providing personal service along with convenient nationwide access through Co-op shared branches.

Joining is easy! You can open an account online with as little as $5.00. Open your account today!

A credit union and a bank are both financial institutions that provide checking and savings accounts, credit cards and other financial services, but they have some key differences in how they are run and organized.

Credit unions

  • Not-for-profit
  • Members have a voice!
  • Board of Directors are volunteers
  • Income goes back to members (that's you!)
  • Low to no fees for members
  • Compelling savings rates
  • Federally insured by NCUA

Banks

  • For profit
  • Stockholders have a voice
  • Board of Directors are paid by the bank
  • Income goes to the stockholders (boo!)
  • Higher fees
  • Average savings rates
  • Federally insured by FDIC

Credit unions are member-owned. That means members have an active voice in how the credit union is run and the decisions the credit union makes. In contrast, banks are owned by their shareholders. Bank customers aren’t invited to shareholder meetings (unless they are also a shareholder), but all credit union members are regularly invited to the credit union’s annual meeting.

Another key difference is what the financial institutions do with their profits. Banks are for profit and need to pay their Board of Directors and shareholders. Since the goal is to make money, they may charge higher fees and offer lower savings rates. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profit. Any extra income they make goes back to the members in the form of better savings rates, lower loan rates, and reduced or waived fees.

Both credit unions and banks carry federal insurance for their members’ and customers’ money. Banks are insured through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and credit unions are insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The insurance limits through both agencies are the same.

Both credit unions and banks are safe places for your money, but we believe that credit unions are something truly special. A credit union like Stanford FCU cares about you as a person (and not just an account number) and will bend over backwards to find ways to say YES to your financial success. We put our members first, and we invite you to experience the credit union difference for yourself.

Join now.

A Select Employer Group (SEG) is a company that partners with Stanford FCU to offer financial services and education as a benefit to its employees.

We proudly serve the banking needs of employees of over 100 employers throughout the Bay Area. As a not-for-profit credit union, employees will benefit from higher rates on accounts, lower rates on loans, and they won’t have to worry about hidden fees and surprises. Check out the full list of companies we serve.

If your company is interested in becoming one of our SEGs, you can learn more on our Company Benefits page.

We proudly serve the banking needs of individuals and families who comprise the Stanford community, including Stanford University and Hospital staff, faculty, students and alumni. We also serve employees of over 100 companies throughout the Bay Area. Family members of existing Stanford FCU members are also eligible to join.

Not a member yet? Join today!

If you want a banking experience that delivers lower home and vehicle loan rates, higher savings and investment rates, and leading-edge Digital Banking access, Stanford Federal Credit Union is the banking choice for you. We’re a member-owned financial cooperative providing personal service along with convenient nationwide access through Co-op shared branches.

Joining is easy! You can open a digital account with as little as $5.00. Open your account today!

Yes! You will be asked to submit an additional tax form along with the membership application and a government-issued picture ID.

Join today!

If you want a banking experience that delivers lower home and vehicle loan rates, higher savings and investment rates, and leading-edge Digital Banking access, Stanford Federal Credit Union is the banking choice for you. We’re a member-owned financial cooperative providing personal service along with convenient nationwide access through Co-op shared branches.

Joining is easy! You can open a digital account with as little as $5.00. Open your account today!

You can open your new membership online or at a local Stanford FCU branch. You’ll need a current government-issued photo ID, a U.S. address, and $5.00 as your membership share (normally paid by Stanford FCU).

We’re a not-for-profit credit union that’s owned by 92,000 members! We give back to our members every day with low rates on loans, high rates on savings, low fees and personal service. Our focus is always on our member/owners, and we’re constantly searching for new ways to offer greater value.

Joining is easy! Open your account today!

Credit union members receive a number of benefits, including:

Your dreams matter to your credit union. Watch now.

Not a member yet? Joining is easy! You can open an account with Stanford FCU with as little as $5.00. Open your account today!

Although we serve employees of select companies, anyone can join Stanford FCU! Click here to learn about our amazing benefits, and click here to join online in minutes!

It’s easy to get even more value from your Stanford FCU membership - just deposit your payroll with us or use our debit or credit card for your everyday expenses to access your Loyalty+ rewards (formerly Membership Rewards)!

At Stanford FCU, we want to help you make the most of your banking experience. That’s what Loyalty+ is all about. You get more value when you do more business with us. There are two levels of membership based on your engagement: Partner and Ambassador.

You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits like bonus deposit rates, loan discount rates, and unlimited free worldwide ATMs.

Learn more on our Loyalty+ web page, and view your Loyalty+ status in Digital Banking.

Unlock rewards, bonus rates, cashback and more!

Get more from us by doing more with us...it all starts with a free checking (spending) account.

Disclosures

*New member offers are managed by Cashback+ within Digital Banking. To qualify for an offer’s reward, each offer must be activated and completed within the eligibility period. The eligibility period begins on the date of membership enrollment and continues through the end of the third full calendar month. For example, if membership begins on January 31, offers remain valid through April 30 (90 days). If membership begins on January 1, offers are valid through April 30 (120 days). The expiration of each offer is clearly displayed within CashBack+. Each offer is earned independently. Completion of all offers is not required to receive an individual reward. Any activity after the eligibility period ends will not qualify. All offers, requirements, and rewards are subject to change without notice. 

Rewards will typically be credited to the member’s Cashback+ wallet on the 3rd business day after the end of the month in which all offer requirements were fulfilled, but no later than the 5th business day. For example, if an offer is activated and the requirement is met on January 15 then the reward will be credited no later than February 5. If an offer is activated and the requirement is met on January 31, then the reward will be credited no later than February 5. The new membership account(s) must be open, active, and in good standing at the time rewards are credited in order to receive the reward. Cashback+ balances can be redeemed or transferred to a Stanford FCU account via Digital Banking. 

New member offers are not available to existing members or Stanford FCU employees. New member offers are limited to one per member and are not applicable to additionally opened or joint accounts. No offer may be combined with any other Stanford FCU promotion. Any taxes owed on earned rewards are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Stanford FCU will report rewards to applicable state and federal agencies as required by law. Membership eligibility and a valid U.S. phone number are required. 

Current Promotion 
New member CashBack+ offers available to new members who join beginning 4/3/26: 
1. $500 when you: (a) open a new Stanford FCU membership with an Everyday, High Yield, or Student Spending account, (b) receive a minimum $2,500 payroll or social security direct deposit each month for three consecutive calendar months (other deposits such as checks, transfers, Venmo, Zelle® and PayPal do not qualify), and (c) spend a minimum combined $1,000 per month on Stanford FCU debit and/or credit cards (excluding refunds and returns) for three consecutive calendar months. All requirements must be met in the same three consecutive calendar months within the member’s eligibility period. Tip: Ensure your first qualifying direct deposit and card spend occur early enough to allow for three full consecutive months within the eligibility period. 
2. $35 when you apply for a new Stanford FCU credit card. 
3. $30 when you open an additional certificate or savings account with a minimum $1,000 balance.
4. $25 when you attend a new member welcome appointment. 
5. $15 when you enroll in eStatements to receive electronic statements and notifications. 
6. $5 when you opt-in to Digital Banking account alerts and set up at least one alert. 
7. $5 when you send money through Zelle® for the first time. 
8. $5 when you set up a Round Up on your Stanford FCU debit card purchases. 
9. $5 when you make your first purchase on the CashBack+ Pay app. 

Prior Promotion(s) 
New member CashBack+ offers available to new members who joined between 3/4/26 and 4/2/26: 
1. $500 when you: (a) open a new Stanford FCU membership with an Everyday, High Yield, or Student Spending account, (b) receive a minimum $2,500 payroll or social security direct deposit each month for three consecutive calendar months (other deposits such as checks, transfers, Venmo, Zelle® and PayPal do not qualify), and (c) spend a minimum combined $1,000 per month on Stanford FCU debit and/or credit cards (excluding refunds and returns) for three consecutive calendar months. All requirements must be met in the same three consecutive calendar months within the member’s eligibility period. Tip: Ensure your first qualifying direct deposit and card spend occur early enough to allow for three full consecutive months within the eligibility period. 
2. $35 when you apply for a new Stanford FCU credit card. 
3. $30 when you open an additional certificate or savings account with a minimum $1,000 balance.
4. $25 when you attend a new member welcome appointment. 
5. $20 when you enroll in eStatements to receive electronic statements and notifications. 
6. $10 when you opt-in to Digital Banking account alerts and set up at least one alert. 
7. $5 when you send money through Zelle® for the first time. 

New member CashBack+ offers available to new members who joined between 11/3/25 and 3/3/26: 
1. $500 when you: (a) open a new Stanford FCU membership with an Everyday, High Yield, or Student Spending account, (b) receive a minimum $2,500 payroll or social security direct deposit each month for three consecutive calendar months (other deposits such as checks, transfers, Venmo, Zelle® and PayPal do not qualify), and (c) spend a minimum combined $1,000 per month on Stanford FCU debit and/or credit cards (excluding refunds and returns) for three consecutive calendar months. All requirements must be met in the same three consecutive calendar months within the member’s eligibility period. Tip: Ensure your first qualifying direct deposit and card spend occur early enough to allow for three full consecutive months within the eligibility period. 
2. $40 when you apply for a new Stanford FCU credit card. 
3. $30 when you open an additional certificate or savings account with a minimum $1,000 balance.
4. $25 when you enroll in eStatements to receive electronic statements and notifications. 
5. $10 when you opt-in to Digital Banking account alerts and set up at least one alert. 
6. $10 when you send money through Zelle® for the first time. 
7. $5 when you make your first mobile check deposit.

Disclosures

Effective 1/08/2026

**Loyalty+ is a program available to consumer (not business) members of Stanford Federal Credit Union (“Stanford FCU”). All features, requirements and offers are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of Stanford FCU. Through this program members can qualify for available discounts, bonuses, and other rewards as described below. In order to qualify, a member must have an active spending (checking) account with their Stanford FCU membership in good standing. Each member’s membership status; Classic, Partner, or Ambassador, is subject to change each month based on whether they meet the requirements the previous month. After close of business at the end of each calendar month, the member’s accounts, balances and transactions will be auto-reviewed to determine the membership status for the next month. 

Members may view their current Loyalty+ status in Digital Banking.

Joint account holders may meet the Loyalty+ requirements based on their shared accounts, however since rewards are applied at the account level, not the person level, a joint account holder must be a tax-reported owner on at least one deposit account to receive rewards.

Requirements
To qualify for an Ambassador or Partner membership status you must have a Stanford FCU checking (spending) account, plus one of the following:

  • A minimum $2,500 monthly payroll or $1,250 Social Security direct deposit or 
  • A minimum $1,000 in monthly debit card purchases

Direct deposit is defined as recurring ACH payments from your employer. Other deposits such as checks, transfers, Venmo, Zelle® and PayPal do not qualify.

Ambassador status also requires two (2) additional Key Qualifiers listed below and Partner status requires one (1) additional Key Qualifier:

  • Debit card with a minimum 20 debit card purchases per month
  • Credit card with a minimum $2,500 monthly balance or $500 monthly purchases
  • Vehicle or fixed-rate personal loan 
  • Investment account with Stanford Federal Investment Services (minimum $50,000 combined investment balances)
  • Deposit accounts with combined balances of $25,000 (includes all savings, checking/spending, money market and IRA savings accounts, excludes certificates and business accounts)
  • Second mortgage and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) (combined balances of $10,000 to $49,999 = 1 Key Qualifier; combined balances greater than $49,999 = 2 Key Qualifiers)
  • First mortgage = 2 Key Qualifiers

Rewards
The following rewards are available to members who are qualified Ambassadors and Partners at the time the reward is applied. Rewards are not available to business accounts and loans, trust accounts, regardless of the Loyalty+ status.

  • Ambassador rewards
    • Unlimited worldwide waived ATM withdrawal fees (maximum ATM fee reimbursement is $5.00 per transaction)
    • 1.00% discount rate for auto and fixed-rate personal loans (credit score required)
    • 0.50% bonus certificate rates
    • 0.25% bonus money market rates
    • One (1) certificate rate bump per year (bump the interest rate for any one certificate up to the current higher rate once every 12 months; must be an Ambassador for a minimum of three consecutive months, and a certificate can only bump once during its existing term until it rolls into a new term)
    • $0 outgoing wire fees
    • 2% cash bonus on credit card purchases (bonus is calculated based on purchases made with your Stanford FCU credit card, minus any credits and returns, and excluding cash advances and balance transfers; member must be an Ambassador at the time the cash bonus is paid at the beginning of each month; cash bonus is capped at $100 per month and $1,200 per year, and deposited into the member’s checking or savings account; any taxes due on the bonus deposit are the sole responsibility of the recipient, and the bonus is discretionary and subject to change without notice)
    • Unlimited free checks (any account, any style from Stanford FCU’s approved vendor)
    • $675 waived mortgage fee (credit up to $675 is deposited into the member’s checking or savings account upon funding of a first mortgage)
    • Two (2) Courtesy Pay fees refunded per month
  • Partner rewards
    • Three (3) worldwide waived ATM withdrawal fees per month (maximum ATM fee reimbursement is $5.00 per transaction)
    • 0.50% discount rate for auto and personal loans (credit score required)
    • 0.50% bonus certificate rates
    • Reduced outgoing wire fees (50% off)
    • One (1) Courtesy Pay fee refunded per month

New Member Period
New members of Stanford FCU will automatically receive Ambassador status during their New Member Period. The New Member Period starts the day a new membership is opened and continues for the following three full calendar months. For example, if a member joined January 1, their rewards would last until April 30 (120 days). If a member joined on January 31, their rewards would last until April 30 (90 days).  

All Ambassador rewards described above are available to new members during their New Member Period. If a member does not qualify as an Ambassador after the New Member Period ends, any certificates with the Ambassador bonus rate will revert to the lower rate that was posted at the time the certificate was opened.