Low fees, affordable services, and philanthropic work emphasize the SECU Difference
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) was created to be a difference maker for its member-owners. It was built over 88 years ago on the values of affordability, accessibility, and exceptional member service. SECU’s commitment to supporting its members and their financial well-being is unwavering, and the work to provide more value at less cost remains a priority so members keep more money in their pockets, where it belongs.
When it comes to fees, SECU continues to rank as one of the lowest in the country among its peers. While many financial institutions offer an overdraft service where a fee is applied when a transaction is covered in lieu of being returned, SECU continues to offer a no-fee overdraft transfer program to help members avoid returned items and a simple non-sufficient funds (NSF) program to address items that cannot be paid. For more than three decades, SECU has maintained a $12 NSF fee and helps members avoid this fee by offering services such as text alerts, an NSF Fee Free day, and a free program called Another Chance, which allows a member the opportunity to cover items that would otherwise be returned.
SECU’s focus on affordability and value is also demonstrated through its lending and deposit products, including the First Time Homebuyers Mortgage that allows 100% financing, no private mortgage insurance, and up to an additional $2,000 to assist with closing costs. Savings options like Share Term Certificates and Money Market Share Accounts are available with initial deposits as low as $250 to expand member accessibility. SECU also offers youth savings accounts, FAT CAT® and Zard®, which provide free life insurance benefits.
To further expand SECU’s impact for members and North Carolina communities, the SECU Foundation was established over 20 years ago to address initiatives focused on education, housing, healthcare, and human services. Through its unique funding strategy, SECU members have been able to turn their $1 monthly checking account fee into a contribution to the Foundation. Since 2004, the power of these dollars has led to a commitment of nearly $340 million in scholarships, grants, and loans benefiting non-profits serving North Carolinians in all 100 counties of the state.
“As 2025 comes to a close, SECU is grateful to serve nearly three million members throughout North Carolina and beyond, and we remain committed to helping them see and feel the SECU Difference,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “Whether saving for a child’s future, buying a home, or navigating daily finances, we will continue to look for ways to help bring even greater value to our members – that’s our promise.”