FAQs

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.

You can automatically generate a verification of deposit letter in Digital Banking! Click here.

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.

You can close a checking (spending), savings or money market account in Digital Banking and direct us on what to do with the remaining account balance: Either transfer the balance to another Stanford FCU account where you’re the primary or joint owner, or have a Cashier’s Check mailed to you. Click here to close an account in Digital Banking.

You may close a Certificate on the maturity date or during the 7-day grace period that follows it.

Alternatively, you may close your account by calling 888.723.7328, sending a secure Message in Digital Banking, or visiting a local Stanford FCU branch.

If you already have a beneficiary on file, you’ll see the beneficiary name appear under Add As Beneficiary on the Account when you open a new deposit account in Digital Banking. Simply check the box next to the beneficiary name you wish to add to the new account.

You can also add and delete new beneficiaries through the Manage Beneficiaries tool in Digital Banking, use authenticated Chat through Digital Banking, call us at 888.723.7328, or schedule an appointment at our Virtual Branch.

Form W-8BEN, a Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for U.S. Tax Withholding, is used by a foreign person to establish both foreign status and beneficial ownership, and to claim income tax treaty benefits with respect to income other than compensation for personal services. We must have this form on file to guide us on the tax withholding for any interest-bearing accounts that you have with us. You can complete the W-8BEN form in Digital Banking.

Rates may change frequently, but they are always updated on our website. View our current Savings, Money Market and Certificate rates online 24/7.

 Find the deposit account that’s right for you

Stanford FCU offers a variety of convenient savings account options to suit the unique banking needs of each individual or family. Learn more about our savings accounts by selecting one of the links below!

• Share (Savings) Accounts
• Companion Account
• Money Market Account
• Share Certificates
• Individual Retirement Account
• Health Savings Account
• Youth Savings Account

Current members can open a savings account through Digital Banking. Non-members can open an account online.

Rates may change frequently, but they’re always updated on our website. View our current Certificate rates online 24/7.

You can learn more about our Certificates, Money Market, and other savings accounts online, too!

Current members can open new accounts through Digital Banking. Non-members must first apply for membership online in as little as 10 minutes.

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

To open a Certificate or CD, you must be a current member of Stanford Federal Credit Union. If you are a member, click here to open a new account.

If you are a current member and have not registered for Digital Banking, you can enroll here. 

If you are not yet a member and would like to open a Certificate, please first open a checking (spending) or savings account to become a member.

Once your Certificate matures you have a seven (7) calendar day grace period following maturity to renew or make changes. Your Certificate will automatically renew for the same term, or you can choose a different term or close the Certificate directly in Digital Banking. You can close or renew a 7-Month No Penalty Certificate any time after the first 7 days from opening.

If you don’t make any changes through the portal or by contacting us, your Certificate will automatically renew for the same term on the last day of the maturity grace period with the rate that is in effect on that day. You can view current rates at sfcu.org/why-stanford-fcu/market-leading-rates/deposit-rates.

To close or renew a Certificate click here.

Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency similar to the FDIC.

The NCUA calculator can explain more and help to determine your coverage amount.

Learn More! View our deposit account options and rates.

Visit our Wealth Management website to learn more about investments and choose a Financial Advisor!

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are an important part of planning for your future financial well-being. These specialty savings accounts offer tax advantages, and there are two primary categories of IRAs: Traditional and Roth.

1. Traditional IRAs allow tax-deductible contributions - taxes are not paid on your deposits until you begin making withdrawals, so the investments grow tax-deferred.
2. Contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax-deductible, so they are tax-free when you start making withdrawals because you’ve already paid the taxes.

You should discuss your specific situation with a tax expert to ensure that you choose the right plan for your needs.

Choose an IRA that’s right for you!

Your retirement is secure with Stanford FCU! Choose a Traditional or Roth IRA as a savings account or a Certificate.

Our Member Advisors can help you choose the account that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment at a local branch to discuss your options and open your account, or call 888.723.7328 to speak with a Member Care Team Specialist.

Learn more or open an IRA at our Retirement Central resource center.

 Looking for more options? Visit our Wealth Management website to learn more about retirement planning and schedule a free consultation with a Financial Advisor.

Yes! A Health Savings Account (HSA) with Stanford FCU helps you cover expenses not covered by your health insurance. HSAs combine the protection of your high-deductible health insurance plan with a tax-deductible savings account. Our HSA accounts feature no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, free checks, and free online and debit card access− all at great rates!

Set up an appointment with a member of our team for more information, or open your HSA online today.

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

Yes, our Money Market Account (MMA) lets you enjoy the same high rate whether you’re a small saver or a big depositor. This is one of the many ways your credit union gives back to members. Other financial institutions pay higher dividends for higher balances, but we want every saver to earn more. Learn more.

We also have MMAs for businesses! Check out our business accounts here.

Your retirement is secure with Stanford FCU! You can choose a Traditional or Roth IRA as a savings account or a Certificate.

Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration.

Our Member Advisors can help you choose the account that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment at a local branch to discuss your options and open your account, or call 888.723.7328 to speak with the Member Care Team.

Learn more or open an IRA at our Retirement Central resource center.

Looking for more options? Visit our Wealth Management section to learn more about retirement planning and schedule a free consultation with a Financial Advisor.

The penalty for Certificates with terms less than one year is equal to ninety (90) days of dividends on the amount withdrawn, whether earned or not.

The penalty for a Certificate with a term of one year or more is equal to one hundred eighty (180) days of dividends on the amount withdrawn, whether earned or not.

A 7-Month No Penalty Certificate may be closed after seven (7) calendar days from opening with no penalty.

The penalty may be deducted from either dividends or principal.

Certificates are non-negotiable and non-transferable. You’ll receive advance notice of the maturing Certificate 30 days before the maturity date. The Certificate will automatically renew on the maturity date for the same term unless you notify us that you wish to make a change or if your Certificate had a special promotional term. The Interest Rate and Annual Percentage Yield on the renewed Certificate will be the rate that is in effect for that term. A grace period for withdrawal or transfer is available for seven (7) days after the maturity date. Thereafter, withdrawals of the principal balance on the renewed Certificate will again be subject to an early withdrawal penalty until the new maturity date.

Deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 (Individual Retirement Accounts up to an additional $250,000) through the National Credit Union Administration.