Personal Finance Resources: Financial Education & Literacy

Benefits of Banking with PSECU

Written by PSECU | Jun 14, 2020 5:10:00 PM

What are you looking for from a financial institution? Perhaps you want a safe place for your emergency fund, are interested in a debit card or free checking account, or would like to take out a loan. If you’re considering switching to a new financial institution, check out what we have to offer.

We’re Different Than a Bank

PSECU is a credit union, not a bank. One of the main differences is that credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions, meaning we aren’t focused on earning big bucks for stockholders. Credit unions work to support the financial well-being of members, who are all part owners of the organization.

Opportunities to Earn More

As a credit union, we’re able to offer our members benefits that banks often can’t. Our surplus earnings are returned to members in the form of benefits such as low- or no-fee products and services.

Other money-saving (and money-earning) benefits include access to 70,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and ATM rebates1, debit card rewards, and  credit card cash rewards.

Account Options and Products for Everyone

No matter your age or stage in life, we have options available for everyone, including a special youth savings rate for children under age 18, IRAs and certificates for those saving for retirement, and checking and savings shares with no monthly fees.

Commitment to the Community

Our philosophy is that of “people helping people.” We want to help strengthen our communities and give back where we can. Our efforts can be seen through several of the programs and initiatives we host, sponsor, and support throughout the year.

Just one example of this is our annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. Since 1997, we’ve provided scholarships to more than 150 students, awarding more than $750,000 to those furthering their education.

Additionally, we have a variety of financial tips and tools available for both members and non-members alike, including our Resource Center and in-person presentations. We also provide financial calculators and a free credit score service2 for eligible members.

Who Can Join PSECU?

Joining is easier than you think, and chances are, you’re eligible. Once you join, you can remain a member for life and take us with you wherever you go, regardless of where you live, study, or work. Check out the four paths to PSECU membership below – each one leads to the same member benefits you can enjoy for a lifetime:

  • Family or Household Resident: You reside with a PSECU member or your relative is a PSECU member. Qualifying relatives include: adoptive relationships, child or stepchild, grandchild, grandparent, parent or stepparent, sibling or stepsibling, and spouse.

  • Education: You attend, currently work at, or graduated from one of the many Pennsylvania colleges or universities with which we have a relationship.

  • Employee: You’re a Pennsylvania state or local government employee, a municipality or school district employee, or an employee of a company that offers membership as a benefit. More than 1,000 employers across Pennsylvania offer PSECU membership.

  • Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Membership: If you don’t meet one of the above criteria, you can join the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) through PSECU to become eligible for PSECU membership. PRPS Friend membership is a one-time fee of $20, but PSECU will cover $10 when you open your account online. We’ll also take care of your PRPS membership registration as part of your PSECU membership application.

Take the next step to achieving more with your finances and join PSECU today.

1If you use a PSECU debit card at an out-of-network ATM and get charged, we’ll rebate fees on withdrawals up to $20 per month with direct deposit, and up to $8 per month without.

2PSECU is not a credit reporting agency. Members must have PSECU checking or a PSECU loan to be eligible for this service. Joint owners are not eligible.