Personal Finance Resources: Financial Education & Literacy

Switching from a Bank to PSECU

Written by PSECU | Jun 30, 2020 4:54:43 PM

Are you tired of having to pay hefty ATM fees to access your own money? Have you been considering making the switch to a credit union but were unsure how to get started? You’re in the right place — read on to learn how you can join PSECU and take advantage of a variety of member benefits.

It’s easier than you think to switch. Here’s how to get started. 

 

 

Step One: Find Your Way to Join PSECU

Credit unions are financial cooperatives, and like other types of cooperatives, to reap the benefits, you must be a member. Joining is easy, as multiple paths exist to be eligible for PSECU membership. Below are the four paths to PSECU membership. Chances are, you’re eligible to join. And once you do, you can remain a member for life regardless of where you live, study, or work.

  1. Family or those you reside with: You have a family member or live with someone who’s a PSECU member. Qualifying family members include parents, stepparents, siblings, step-siblings, grandparents, and spouses. 
  2. Education: You’re currently enrolled, graduated from, or work at specific colleges or universities across Pennsylvania. 
  3. Employment: You work for a state or local Pennsylvania governmental entity, a municipality or school district, or one of the employers who partner with PSECU.
  4. PRPS membership: You become a member of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS). PRPS Friend membership is a one-time fee of $20, but we’ll cover $10 of that when you join PSECU. 

With one of these four pathways to membership, nearly any Pennsylvania resident can join PSECU.

Step Two: Apply for Membership

Once you determine your path to membership, it’s time to get started on your application. Applying for membership is easy and you can complete our application online. 

PSECU performs a credit check when you apply for membership, but a low score won’t necessarily affect your ability to become a member. Instead, your credit score is used to determine what additional financial services you may qualify for, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. 

Step Three: Fund Your Account

To open your account, you’ll need to make an initial deposit of $5. Be certain to leave adequate funds in your previous bank account to cover any outstanding checks or pending recurring payments. 

Step Four: Set Up Digital Banking 

After you become a member, use our digital banking tools to manage your money anytime, anywhere. Sign up for online banking and download our mobile app for easy and convenient account access. This is also a good time to update your direct deposit information with your employer. 

Step Five: Review and Update Payment Information

Confirm that all of your automatic payments and subscription services now reflect your new account information and sign up for bill payer service for a convenient way to pay your bills. 

Being a PSECU member may save you money on monthly bills, too. If you have an auto loan, for example, we may be able to refinance it so that you can save money on interest. Depending upon your credit, we may be able to transfer your balance to lower your interest rate and help you pay down credit card debt more quickly. 

Enjoy Your PSECU Perks

We have a range of low- or no-fee products and services to put you on the road to financial freedom. We offer credit cards with cash rewards, competitive rates on loans, and access to money anytime, anywhere through digital banking. We also have a wealth of online financial education resources, including a blog that provides tips for how to make the most of your hard-earned money.

Switching to PSECU Is Easy and Hassle-free

Switching from a bank to a credit union like PSECU is simple. What are you waiting for? Get started on making the switch and taking control of your finances today. Apply online or contact us to learn more.