Membership Benefits | Bay Area, CA Low Loan Rates

Way better debit and credit cards

Travel the world—you'll never pay a foreign transaction fee (banks charge 3%)
Pay a fee just to carry the card? Not here, not ever
You won't pay a fee for cash advances or balance transfers, either–the point is to help you save money
A single low interest rate for all credit card activity—purchases, cash advances and balance transfers
If your card goes missing, a replacement is free and issued instantly

Lots of freebies!

Free in-branch notary service—just make an appointment
Simply free Student Spending Account truly means no fees, plus unlimited worldwide ATMs, with every fee reimbursed up to $5
See how your good habits keep your credit score —check it with free quarterly updates in Digital Banking
Learn and earn with Zogo—test your financial IQ and get gift cards for your efforts
Free incoming wires (banks charge $15 even though it costs nothing to receive a wire)
We might reject a transaction, but we won't charge you a fee (banks charge $35)
Transfer money between your accounts anytime, fee-free, for overdrafts or any other reason

More value

Everyone gets our best savings rates, with our Certificates and Money Market accounts earning our highest rates, regardless of the balance
Buy new or used, you'll get the same low rate on your Vehicle Loan
Pay off your loan early and we'll celebrate with you–not penalize you with a fee like some other places we know
If you're short of money during a transaction, we'll cover the payment with a $10 Courtesy Pay fee (banks charge $35)

Great options and rewards

Using all the great options to help with my goals including their car loan, certificates for savings and wonderful rewards credit card! I love SFCU!

Rewards for referrals

The bank's generous discount programs and cashback rewards have helped me save significantly on my everyday purchases. The exceptional services and benefits have been so impressive that I've already referred three of my friends to join SFCU, and I plan to continue recommending it to others. Being a member of SFCU bank has truly been a rewarding financial experience.

Personalized service

Stanford FCU has been very easy to work with and we get personalized service for every aspect of our banking need. It has been a pleasure working with all the SFCU team members.

Always helpful

Great rates always helpful and wonderful service.

Support and knowledge

SFCU's advisors...have been such a great source of support and knowledge from when I began my career at Google, to buying my first house, and then buying my second house.

There when you need financial support

Stanford FCU was always there for me when I needed financial support such as giving me credit card when I was new to the country without a credit score.

Professional and kind

The employees at the downtown branch 525 University Ave are all very professional, helpful and kind. Best banking experience of my life.

Rates that do more for your money

SFCU has always been my go to for any loans as they give you an affordable interest rate loan. Even with high yield account that will help save money.

Committed to financial education

Stanford FCU’s commitment to financial education and member-focused solutions has significantly supported my journey toward financial stability and growth.

Is the credit union insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), like banks and thrifts? Show

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!

What's the difference between a credit union and a bank? Show

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.

What is a Select Employer Group (SEG)? Show

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.

Can anyone join the credit union? Show

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!

Can I become a member without a social security number? Show

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!

What documents are required to open a new membership? Show

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!

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