Security Service Federal Credit Union Review 2026
- +1
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.
Overview
Consider Security Service Federal Credit Union if you’re looking for a military-focused credit union with a decent menu of products. It was founded in 1956 to benefit members of the U.S. Air Force Security Service Command and operates branches in Colorado, Texas and Utah. Security Service participates in shared branching nationwide, so you can bank at thousands of other locations (though not all services are always available at shared branches).
The credit union offers a full range of accounts, loans, insurance and other financial products. That’s a plus, since you can do all your banking under one roof.
Its basic checking account is solid with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirements. Its interest checking account includes identity theft protection and other perks, but we don’t like its $9 monthly fee, which is hard to avoid (you need a $50,000 balance to waive it). We didn't factor this account into the credit union's overall rating though. We scored the standard checking account instead as it's the better bet for most people. Security Service's basic savings account rate is lower than the national average rate of 0.38%, which isn’t competitive. Its share certificates have better rates.
Membership is limited to people who live, work, worship, attend school, volunteer or have a business located in Texas, Colorado or Utah; are members of select military branches and units, or Department of Defense employees at specific military bases within its service areas; or are family of an existing member or live in the same household.
No monthly fee on some checking and savings accounts.
Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
Participates in shared branching with other credit unions.
Low rates on some savings accounts.
Limited branch access.
Limited membership.
Low-rated mobile apps.
Product reviews
Certificates of deposit
The credit union’s standard certificates require a minimum opening deposit of $500. That’s less than what some banks require, but there are some online banks that don’t have any minimum opening deposit requirement at all. Its rates are higher than at traditional banks, but lower than online banks’ offerings. The range of terms stretches from three months to seven years. <br>
Security Service also offers jumbo certificates with slightly higher rates, but the minimum deposit for these certificates is a whopping $100,000. The jumbo certificates were not factored into the credit union's overall rating. Instead, we based the rating on the standard certificates because they have easier requirements.
» COMPARE: Best CD rates
Full List of Reviewed Certificate Rates
| Term | APY | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 2.40% | $500 |
| 6 months jumbo | 1.50% | $100,000 |
| 6 months | 1.40% | $500 |
| 1 year jumbo | 2.25% | $100,000 |
| 1 year | 2.15% | $500 |
| 15 months | 3.65% | $500 |
| 2 years | 2.40% | $500 |
| 3 years jumbo | 3.00% | $100,000 |
| 3 years | 2.90% | $500 |
| 5 years jumbo | 3.75% | $100,000 |
| 5 years | 3.65% | $500 |
Security Service Federal Credit Union Certificate
Rating methodology
How we rate banks and credit unions
Banking writers and editors use an objective methodology to rate banks, credit unions, and other providers, and to recommend the best products.
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
100+
Financial institutions reviewed
We took a close look at around 100 financial institutions and financial service providers, including the largest U.S. banks based on assets, internet search traffic and other factors; the nation’s largest credit unions, based on assets and membership; and other notable players in the industry. We rated them on criteria including annual percentage yields, minimum balances, fees, digital experience and more.
30+
Categories assessed
30+
Categories assessed
Each provider is evaluated across five weighted categories and 30 subcategories, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, customer experience, and overdraft services. For banks or credit unions without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
60+
Data points analyzed
60+
Data points analyzed
We considered more than 60 data points for each provider. Depending on the category, these included account fees and rates (such as annual percentage yields), ATM and branch access, account features, account bonuses, customer service access and user-facing technology, such as innovative tools and mobile apps. We gathered this information for each financial institution from its website, a media representative or both.
Star rating categories
The review team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who cover personal banking deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and certificates of deposit, as well as related banking services, such as overdraft programs and ATM networks. For providers without one or more types of accounts, the overall rating is modified to include only applicable categories. Institutions are not penalized if they don't offer every type of account.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodologies for banks and credit unions and our editorial guidelines.