Security Service Federal Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and Certificates
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Overall bank rating
4.0
The bottom line:
Security Service Federal Credit Union was founded in 1956 to benefit members of the U.S. Air Force Security Service Command and operates branches in Colorado, Texas and Utah. The credit union participates in shared branching, so you can bank for free at thousands of other locations. Security Service offers a full range of accounts, loans, insurance and other financial products. Its basic checking account is solid with a monthly fee only for paper statements, while its interest checking account has identity theft protection and other perks but also a tough-to-avoid monthly fee. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re looking for basic savings, Security Service’s rate is around the national average, which isn’t competitive.
» Want more options? See NerdWallet's analysis of the best credit unions.
Pros
- No monthly fee or minimum balance for basic checking, if opted out of paper statements.
- Competitive rates and low minimum deposits on certificates (equivalent of CDs).
- Special services for members of the military.
- Participates in two big shared networks, including Co-op ATM network and shared branches across credit unions.
Cons
- Membership is mainly limited to people in three states or affiliated with the military.
- Low interest on basic savings.
- Hefty balance required to avoid the monthly fee on interest checking.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
