Traditional banks seem like a necessary evil for many of us.
We need somewhere safe and secure to keep our hard-earned money.
But many banking customers complain of long lines, poor service, lower rates on savings and rising fees on debt.
These problems with the banking industry only seem to get worse each year.
There is a great alternative to banks that many people don't stop to consider—credit unions!
Consumers are often wary of credit unions due to their smaller size.
I know that before I learned how credit unions really worked, I was a bit skeptical about them too.
However, your money is almost always just as safe with a credit union as with a bank.
Credit unions have many benefits including better interest rates, and lower balance requirements.
All my concerns about credit unions disappeared when I saw the low fees, attractive rates, and competitive loan options.
Be aware though, that they can have narrow membership requirements and less polished technology than the big banks.
Of course, you want to make sure the company is reputable and offers an excellent service before you sign up.
I'll tell you how VyStar Credit Union stacks up against traditional banks and other credit unions so you can make an informed decision.
We dug deep to find out how VyStar compares to its competitors in all areas.
With this comprehensive knowledge, you can be well-informed to decide your next step.
VyStar Credit Union
VyStar has been around for over 65 years; here's some of its history
VCU was formed in 1952, by 12 founding members from the Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
It was initially founded under the name Jax Navy Federal Credit Union.
The founder's aim was to provide both military and civil service personnel, and their families, with a reliable and safe way to borrow and save money.
After only one year, 1,100 members had already joined the union.
Ten years later, membership had reached 9,178 members, and the organization had established branches on and off military bases.
Today VyStar has over 450,000 members.
VyStar is a Federally Insured State Chartered Credit Union with 33 branches and $6.88 billion in assets as of June 30, 2017.
The organization has 1,244 full-time employees and ranks as the 2nd largest credit union in the state of Florida, and 17th largest nationwide.
Who Is It For?
It's important to understand the membership requirements of VCU
VyStar is open to residents, businesses, organizations, associations, and churches.
It's also open to people that maintain employment in these qualified counties in Florida:
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bradford
- Clay
- Columbia
- Duval
- Flagler
- Gilchrist
- Hamilton
- Lake
- Levy
- Marion
- Nassau
- Putnam
- St. John's
- Seminole
- Suwannee
- Union
- Volusia
Family members of current credit union members also qualify regardless of where they currently live.
To be considered a family member, you must be related to the existing member by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Interestingly, VyStar currently has members who live all over the world.
Products and Services
VyStar offers many of the same services as a regular bank
This includes a full range of deposit and loan services for both consumers and businesses, with a wide range of credit scores eligible for approval.
VyStar branches offer bilingual service in both English and Spanish.
Checking – free accounts include debit cards, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly fees. All VyStar checking accounts pay interest.
Vehicle loansand insurance – cars, trucks, boats, jet skis, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters are all covered.
Credit cards, prepaid cards, and personal loans – Vystar's offers include no annual fee and low interest.
Business services – including shared accounts, business loans, and mortgage processing.
VyStar also offers POS solutions that allow businesses to accept credit and debit cards, as well as complete payroll.
Home equity and mortgages – a full range of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgages with a wide variety of terms.
VCU offers competitive rates, and the escrow pays interest.
Financial counseling services – available by phone and free of charge.
VyStar's BALANCE counseling and education program helps educate customers on big financial decisions.
These include buying your first home, preventing mortgage delinquencies, and foreclosures.
Other service offerings include teaching how to save, and general money management.
Investments – including many types of savings and CDs.
VyStar's financial advisors help you analyze your financial situation.
This is a no-cost service designed to help you hit your financial milestones.
They will also help you develop your own tailored investment plan.
This can include funding education for your children, and planning for retirement.
Health savings account – Save money for health care costs while taking advantage of tax savings.
Internet Banking – access your account via a web browser or mobile app that allows you to web bill pay, check balances, transfer money and more.
Free ATM withdrawals – VyStar has more than 200 of their own ATMs and 39 ATMs in Walgreens stores that are free for members to use.
You also get access to thousands of network ATMs worldwide.
VyStar Pros and Cons
VyStar's line of services and products are competitive with the best banks and credit unions in America
As a member, you can take advantage of lower balance requirements and fees on your VyStar accounts, as well as better rates on investments.
VyStar's overall CD rates are 39% higher than the national average, including a 2.65% rate on a 60 month (5-year) CD.
The most significant drawback to being a VyStar member is the lack of physical locations.
Their branches are restricted to only the Northeast Florida region.
If you move out of this area or need to visit a branch while traveling, you may be out of luck.
Compared to major banks, their number of ATMs where you can make free withdrawals is also limited.
VyStar's interest earned on savings and checking accounts is a little below the average for credit unions, with a 0.25% rate and 0.10% rate respectively.
NSF fees are also a bit high at $32, but if you don't bounce checks that shouldn't be a concern.
Next Steps
Now that you've seen some of the perks and downsides of VyStar, you should check how it stacks up against the competition
Factors to look at include the following:
Fees, including those for ATM withdrawals and wire transfers.
Interest rates on both loans and savings.
Minimum balance requirements for checking and savings accounts.
Vystar's financial calculators can show how loans are impacted by different interest rates, and terms.
Opening An Account
Becoming a VyStar Credit Union member is easy, and the application can be completed online
To sign up, you will need the following:
A valid email address. Any active email address that you can access will work.
A valid picture ID. Options include a scanned copy of your passport with a photo, a current/valid U.S. Driver's license, or U.S. State ID.
Your personal information. This includes your date of birth, address, and phone number—your employment information, and Social Security number will also be required.
The personal information of anyone else on the account. This means you will need the address, date of birth, and Social Security number for anyone who will be listed as a joint account holder or beneficiary.
Your current banking information. They will require the routing number and account number of any existing accounts you will use to fund your new VyStar account.
Applying For A Loan
Be prepared in advance for your application by gathering everything you need
To apply for a VyStar Loan, you must be a VyStar member.
You can apply at a VyStar branch, online through Internet Banking, or by phone by calling 1 (800) 445-6289 option 3.
Loan approvals are quick, and you will usually hear back the same day you contact VyStar.
To apply, you will need the following documentation:
Your VyStar member number. You must already be an active member in order to apply for a loan.
Your loan request details. This means you need to know the amount you want to borrow, and length of time you want to finance your loan.
Employment information. Your current employer name and contact information, and current income are all required.
Contact information. This includes your address, phone number, and email.
Any co-applicant personal information. You will need their full name, address, and Social Security number.
Previous employer information. Thisis required if the length of current employment is less than two years.
Current creditors, for a debt consolidation loan. You will need to provide the name of creditors to be consolidated as well as the amount owing to each one.
Collateral information. For refinance and individual sale requests, the year, make, and model of collateral such as a vehicle, boat, etc.
VyStar Contact Information
Here's how to get a hold of the Credit Union if you still have questions or concerns
Website:www.vystarcu.org
Phone: (904) 777-6000 or (800) 445-6289
Fax: (904) 908-2485
Address:
VyStar Credit Union
4949 Blanding Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32210
OR
P.O. Box 45085 Jacksonville FL 32232
Routing & Charter Numbers
VyStar Credit Union Routing #: 263079276
VyStar Credit Union Charter #: 68490
FAQ
Our Verdict
VyStar Credit Union provides services and products that can compete with any major American bank
VCU has been providing financial services for over 60 years and has all the requirements necessary to ensure your money is kept safe and secure.
The most significant drawback of banking with VCU or any credit union is their geographic limitations.
They simply can't compete with a major bank with nationwide branches.
As long as this isn't a dealbreaker for you, VCU offers a great alternative to regular banks including lower fees and better rates.
Do you use VyStar?
How has the company worked for you?
Any great tips (or nightmares) to share with the rest of us?
Let us know in the comments below!
