State Department Federal Credit Union

Superior Service And Convenience
- mlml - Friday, December 21, 2012 - 3:52 PM

I'm not sure about some of the reviews. My experience with this credit union has always been delightful.  I've never been charged a fee for using a CO-OP ATM. I also use the ATMs at 7-eleven stores all the time, and have never been charged a fee. I earn points while using my debit card, and their online banking is terrific. I can set up a budget and track spending by catagory. I can even accept special offers and discounts from merchants while I'm logged in and attach them to my debit card if I want to, all at no charge. With their mobile app, I can take a picture of a check using my iphone and have it deposited directly into my account. Online loan applications, 24/7 live call center, rewards points, great rates. SDFCU really does seem to have it all. I recommend them to all my family and friends.

5 Yr. Cd State Dept. FCU
- lof - Monday, February 27, 2012 - 3:14 PM

Just opened a 5 year cd (2.27%apy), with State Dept. FCU, was a very easy process.  Everything was done by fax and the funds were taken directly from a money market acct.   The EWP is 180 days, the wording regarding EWP was very consumer friendly (unlike some banks & cu's).  At these rates, everything should be easy & consumer friendly!

AVOID State Department FCU -- They CHARGE You $2 Even For "Free" Co-Op Atms!
- CUGuy99 - Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - 5:42 PM

State Dept FCU is BAD for everyday banking if you don't live nearby. They're the ONLY Credit Union I'm aware of that CHARGES YOU AN ATM FEE of $2 TO USE EVEN A CO-OP ATM! Their language (hidden deep in their website that's impossible to find on its own without a google search) says that if you use a Co-Op ATM you won't be charged a "surchage" but you WILL be charged a "nominal" "$2 Transaction fee" for each transaction you do via a Co-Op "surcharge-free" ATM (if it's a non-Co-Op ATM, you'll be charged that $2 Transaction fee PLUS their ATM surcharge PLUS the other bank's ATM surcharge). But even for staying on the Credit Union Co-Op network, they STILL charge you a $2 "transaction fee" for each transaction you do on the "surcharge-free" Co-Op Network.

Wow. That's BAD. So they don't "surcharge" you, they "transaction fee" you instead. I've NEVER heard of this from any other Credit Union doing this, and I belong to 4 of them, and research credit unions all the time. Co-Op ATMs are supposed to be fee-free for credit union members (as long as it's a Co-Op ATM, and the credit union is on the Co-Op ATM network). Not here. That's just scummy.

I was considering opening an account here as well, and perhaps in the future when my current IRA expires, moving it to State Dept FCU. But not anymore. I have no problem banking with institutions not in my area... but I don't like getting charged $2 each time (especially when no other credit union does it) for doing things like deposting or withdrawing money from Co-Op (supposedly surcharge-free) ATMs.

So consider yourself warned, to read the fine print about all the hidden fees they charge. Unless it was an exceptional rate and you never touch the money for years at a time, I'd avoid this place. There's NO reason for them to charge this fee (when sticking with Co-Op ATMs). NO other credit union I'm aware of does this.

AVOID.

Unpleasant Female Tellers, Charge For Everything, Deny Loans If Not Excellent Credit
- SDFCU_SUXS - Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 1:31 PM

This credit union is AWEFUL! You are better off at a regular bank, any other bank, if you cannot change to another credit union. This place consistently denies loans unless you have excellent credit. They want your money without giving you any benefits. They charge for everything. Other credit unions don't charge for things like a basic checking account or a bank check. These guys do. You need to have direct deposit in order to have a free account, if you pay bills with them, there is a $5 fee for inactivity, and if your account is inactive for two years, they charge $10/month. I was denied for a small car loan, small personal loan twice, and a credit card. Funny how another credit union approved me for my loan and credit card. Also, the other credit union didn't charge me for a certified check. One more thing, the other bank doesn't discriminate against me. SDFCU HATES white people, and I mean hates. I have been treated like garbage so much that I hated coming in. Finally I tried to do thing over the phone, but being placed on hold for 20 minutes left me hanging up. These people are LAZY LAZY and awful. Talk about government stereotypes that come true here. I would rate this alongside going to the DMV. Both are equally unpleasant with unhappy employees!