GECU is a Texas-based credit union that offers personal and business banking products and services, along with access to various individual investment products. The credit union’s acronym, GECU, stands for Government Employees Credit Union, which embodies the original purpose of the financial institution. Since its inception, GECU has broadly expanded its membership eligibility to include consumers who live in close proximity to a branch.
GECU’s personal banking products include checking, savings, Money Market, CD, and IRA CD accounts. Its checking account options have no monthly service or activity fees and require a relatively low average daily balance minimum in order to earn interest. A basic savings account is offered and includes a free GECU ATM card, free ATM access, and no monthly service fee. Several other savings accounts designed for youth of different ages and seniors are available, as well, and pay dividends. Several CD options are available to meet consumers’ savings goals at different stages of life. One CD account is designed for seniors and adds basis points on top of the interest rate for any CD. There is also a CD with a small minimum balance requirement that makes it easy to get a ladder started with limited funds. Similar accounts are available on the business banking side, and a business resource center is offered to provide information on relevant small business needs.
GECU online banking offers customers access to their accounts via the credit union’s web-based platform. Account management activities can be performed, including Bill Pay, money transfers, direct deposit, and financial management software integration. Mobile banking services are also available and provide access to the mobile-optimized website as well as mobile banking apps that make banking via smartphone and tablet devices simple and convenient. GECU’s website also provides a number of financial calculators and worksheets to help with budgeting and mortgage processes.
GECU was originally organized and chartered in 1932 when a group of civil servants pooled their money together to provide banking services to members of the El Paso community. Since then, the credit union has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of members and is currently headquartered in El Paso, Texas. It serves its members through multiple branches located in the El Paso area.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in GECU is open to anyone through the American Consumer Council. GECU will enroll you at no additional cost.
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Credit Unions are more family friendly
I have been banking with GECU since I was 17 years old. I was still in high school and I had started an work comp program at GECU as a general clerk. Working for them really gave me a good idea on how a credit union functioned. A year later, I started to work at a bank so I was able to really see major differences. I have always noticed that the credit union charges significantly less fees. I liked going in and seeing that all the teller windows were open on busy days such as pay day. I liked that their customer service desk was very well organized. They also had a drop off for deposits in the lobby if I didn’t have time to wait in line. The credit union would mail me a receipt. I like that the credit union installed smart ATM machines at several locations and they also had ATM machines throughout the city. They are constantly expanding their locations. Within the last 10 years, they have built small branches that have special ATM machines with video conferencing capabilities with a GECU teller. These small branches are able to handle the most basic transactions that have helped me as a customer from having to travel to a bigger branch just to get a new debit. The only thing I do not like is their web/mobile banking. They seem to always be a bit behind. They are slowly catching up. But honestly, it isn’t such a big deal since most of my transactions are done via debit card use, and I only really need to see my balance. Furthermore, I also like the credit union for their cheaper loan rates. I have bought a car before and got the best rate with them.
Skip GECU
I banked with GECU since 1997. During that time it was always an account I could rely on to receive deposits and pay my bills. However this year our relationship came to an end. I was in Germany and I was not able to withdrawal money from my account. I made the long distance call only to be told that they had fixed the issue and I also made arrangements to pay on a loan. The customer service agent was very nice and made sure I had enough money in my account. However when I went to withdrawal money I still could not and had to call them back which was horrible due to the long distance rates. This time I was told that my ATM card had be deactivated and my checking account closed. I had just been on the phone with them ten minutes prior and was not informed of this. Well they also closed my savings account without explaining why. I was put in a bad situation because I receive multiple deposits through my account monthly. Well needless to say our banking relationship is over. I could not really get any answers from the customer service people. I am still a bit confused and upset. I had the same account when I traveled abroad before I do not know why they decided to close everything on me like that. Sad thing is I had heard rumors that they do things like this frequently and I always stood up for them. Well not anymore.
Data as of Q2 2023
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 24941 |
| Year Chartered | 1932 |
| Employees | 916 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 0.86% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 8.03% |
| Annual Interest Income | $101.1MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q2 2023 | $4.35B |
| Loans | Q2 2023 | $3.13B |
| Deposits | Q2 2023 | $3.43B |
| Equity Capital | Q2 2023 | $459.8MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q2 2023 | $0 |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q2 2023 | $12.9MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q2 2023 | $0 |
