New Member Offer
Open a free spending account online with no minimum balance, no monthly fees, and opportunities to earn extra cash rewards.
Looking for simple yet rewarding banking? We got you.
Open a checking (spending) account and earn up to $625 in cash just for taking care of basics like direct deposit and eStatements.
All of our checking (spending) accounts include:
- No monthly service fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- No minimum opening balance requirements
- Free online banking, bill pay and eStatements
- No non-sufficient funds fees
- 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Keep any balance in your account—there's no minimum requirement
- We eliminate any monthly fees, too
- You can easily set up direct deposit for your paycheck, but you're not required
Go on, you've earned it! Now make your money work for you.
- Earn 3.25% APY** on balances up to $100,000
- Qualify with at least $5,000 in monthly direct deposits
- Spend $1,000 monthly with your debit and credit cards
Spend more time doing what you want, and less time managing your money.
- View your account balances and transactions
- Deposit checks
- View and store eStatements and other documents
- Open another account, apply for a loan or credit card and check the application status
- Renew Certificates or choose different terms and options
- Earn gift cards while boosting your financial IQ with Zogo in Digital Banking
- Check your Loyalty+ rewards status
- Generate your unique promo code to refer friends (you'll each get a cash bonus!)
- Get cash bonuses when you buy gift cards (for yourself or others) through Digital Banking
- Instant digital card
- Lock and unlock your debit and credit cards
- Set up text alerts to monitor transactions
- Set spending limits
- Submit a travel notification so we don't block your cards
- View and redeem credit card rewards
- Transfer funds between your accounts, other members and your other (external) banks
- Make a payment to your Stanford FCU loans and credit cards
- Automate your loan and credit card payments
- Pay bills
- Send money to anyone with a mobile phone or email address through Zelle®
- Send and receive domestic and international wires
- Touch and face ID for personalized protection
- Go paperless with important documents and statements to keep them out of the mail
- Use secure Message for encrypted communications and to send and receive documents
- Manage your user information: Address, phone, email, Login ID and password
- Set security alerts
Get more from us by doing more with us...it all starts with a free checking (spending) 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.
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:
- Fewer fees
- Lower loan rates
- Higher rates of return on savings accounts
- Personal attention
- Free financial education
- And more!
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!
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.
*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.
**APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are subject to change without notice. High Yield Spending Account interest is determined on the last day of each preceding month. If all requirements are met by month-end, then the interest will be paid at the current Qualified Rates up to $100,000 and > $100,000 on the average daily balances on the last day of the following month based on the average daily balance of the account for that month. If the requirements are not met by the last day of the preceding month, then the interest will be paid at the current Non-Qualified Rate on the last day of the following month based on the average daily balance of the account for that month. Limit one High Yield Spending account per primary member.
Monthly Requirements to earn the Qualified Rate: (a) receive at least $5,000 in combined payroll direct deposits in the member's Stanford FCU accounts, and (b) spend a minimum $1,000 on the member's combined Stanford FCU debit and credit cards with the same primary account owner as the High Yield Spending Account. Payroll direct deposit is defined as recurring ACH payments from your employer or the Social Security Administration. Other deposits such as checks, transfers, Venmo, Zelle® and PayPal do not qualify. Deposits and purchases must post by the last day of each month to qualify.
Grace period: During the first two months of opening a new High Yield Spending Account the interest will be earned at the current Qualified Rate, and the account requirements at the end of the second month will be used to determine the rate paid on balances in the third month. Existing checking accounts that convert to a High Yield Spending Account will not have a grace period.