With an extremely small amount of capital (raised through a bake sale!), Self-Help Credit Union got its start in the early 1980s to help North Carolina workers get financing. Today, Self-Help Credit Union is a part of the Self-Help family of nonprofit organizations – which includes two credit unions (Self-Help Credit Union and Self-Help Federal Credit Union), a loan fund (Self-Help Ventures Fund), and a research and policy organization (Center for Responsible Lending). Self-Help Credit Union focuses on communities throughout North Carolina.
In addition to consumer loans and financial services, Self-Help Credit Union offers various deposit banking products. These include checking accounts, saving accounts, money market accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), and IRA CDs.
The credit union offers “premium” checking accounts, which yield better interest rates in return for a larger initial deposit and minimum average daily balance. In addition to basic savings accounts and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), it also provides savings accounts for children and for special purposes (such as holiday expenses). Self-Help’s checking and savings accounts all offer convenient online and mobile banking, as well as nationwide ATM access.
Self-Help’s money market accounts earn dividends in two tiers, depending upon the balance of the account. The credit union’s CD terms range from 3 months to 60 months. As for IRA products, Self-Help provides both Traditional and Roth IRAs. It also offers the option to open a CD and/or savings account within the IRA. The terms for IRA CDs range from 12 to 60 months.
On the corporate side, Self-Help Credit Union also offers business savings accounts, business money market accounts, and business CDs. Its business savings accounts have very low required initial deposits to open, and they can easily be linked to other accounts. Self-Help’s business money market accounts offer two dividend tiers depending upon account balance, just like the personal money market options. Finally, Self-Help’s business CDs also range in terms from 3 to 60 months, with higher interest rates for longer terms. The credit union also offers “community-friendly term certificates,” in which the deposits specifically help Self-Help to support the environment, women and children, and local businesses in North Carolina.
Field of Membership Restrictions
Membership in Self-Help Credit Union is open to anyone through joining the Center for Community Self-Help ($5 membership fee). Membership is also open to those live, work, worship, or attend school in Washington, Hyde, Beaufort, or over other 40 counties in North Carolina.
See current membership details
Related Posts
2/3/10 - 2.07% 12-Month CD Continues at Self-Help Credit Union - Available Nationwide
12/6/09 - Competitive CD Rates at Self-Help Credit Union in NC & CA - Available Nationwide
6/16/08 - Self-Help Credit Union - CD Rates and a Big Policy Change
6/7/08 - Self-Help Credit Union - Unique CDs, Good Rates, Easy Membership
11/25/06 - 6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU Still Available (United Services).
11/7/06 - 6.25% 24-Month Flex CD Available Until Nov 17th at United Services
9/7/06 - 6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (United Services)
8/28/06 - 6.14% 7-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Carolina Mountains)
7/4/06 - Self-Help Credit Union CD Update
2/13/06 - Self-Help Credit Union CDs - The Perfect CD Ladder?
12/28/05 - Major CD Rate Changes at SHCU
12/27/05 - 5% 1-year CD Milestone
12/2/05 - Best CD Rates Available to All
11/4/05 - SHCU 1-year CD rate now 4.92%!
11/4/05 - Very High CD Rates (4.88%/1yr) - Open to All
my thoughts
I started banking withe my home town credit union after having issues with a major bank. I could not be happier with them being with them for over 8 years. One example of there customer service was when I was having some financial problems and I tried to get money from an online cash service. I tried several and was hit with over 200 dollars in over draft fees not having the funds in my account. I spoke with a customer rep and explained my situation. She was very understanding and dismissed all the over draft fees. Some times I forget my credentials for there online bank and get locked out. I call them and immediately am able to access my account with a temp code they give me. When I go into the branch they make me feel like I am important to them by the way they act with a warm welcome.
Never been happier
We left a major bank two years ago and became part of the Self-Help family (originally they were Cape Fear Credit Union) and we have been thoroughly pleased. The interest rates we're earning on the basic checking account is higher than we received from our old big name bank.
We're able to do online bill pay and transfer money from checking to savings easily and with fees and when we do go the the local branch to deposit checks or whatnot the staff is always prompt and friendly.
There do not have locations on every corner but for our needs that doesn't matter. Loan rates may be lower at other credit unions (we haven't shopped around) but all in all our time with Self-Help has been nothing but wonderful.
Overwhelmed
I opened an account, and linked the accounts a few days later to external accounts to fund transfers in. The reversal of the micro deposits from these institutions generated 2 insufficient funds charges despite $1000.00 sitting in the account. I was able to call them, and they reversed the charges with minimal argument.
Other times I called for account setup questions, and was on permahold. I left a message on their system, and sent a secure message on their website. Neither was returned.
When you can speak to a person, they are pleasant and competent, but they seem to have too much business relative to their staffing levels, thus I haven't funded the account beyond my first deposit.
Better Than The Big Boys!!!
To Who Ever Reads This Review,
Please listen to someone who actually banks with Self Help Credit Union. I am a very satisfied client and would NEVER go back to the "BIG" Banks. I have a long banking history with two major banks and have had average satisfaction. The cost of an average checking account is over $150.00 annual but free if you "only" do online banking. Really? What's the point of having a bank next door if I can't go in for any of the services plus there are many hidden fees is you do not go by the rules. With Self Help Credit Union there are no fees with direct deposit. If you do not have direct deposit and have to mail in your deposit Self Help Credit Union sends you paid postage envelpoes to do so and the monthly fee is only $5.00. I do everything online anyway and have always had direct deposit. As a matter of fact direct deposit is standard, hardly anybody receives a check in the mail anymore. The online banking is extremely user friendly and dependable. Self Help Credit Union is not comparable to dealing with the big banks they are better. I e-mail any questions I have and I receive a prompt reply. If you need to talk to someone via phone they are there to help and are very friendly. They are Honest and truly put their clients first. As the realtor vents her frustration listen to what she says...the bank went through the client to get things done! Isn't that the way things should be? Who has to re-pay the money anyway. The client should be apart of all decisions where their money is concerned. They offer everything the big banks offer but are way more affordable. To get a loan...you don't need the standard 4 tradelines of debt to prove you can pay back your loans and are trustworthy. In this economy, what is the point of carrying all that debt to get a loan for more debt. Isn't that train of thought backwards? I think so. If you are a responsible person and are trying to save money you probably don't have all those trade lines and with Self Help Credit Union thank God you don't need them. All you need is two(2) tradelines to apply for a home loan or a small business loan. If you are patient, do not mind banking online and withdrawing cash at Walmart, Dollar Tree or anywhere that offers cash back for free at check out then Self Help Credit Union is like a Diamond in the Rough. You'll make out way better with them than you would with any big bank. Plus you keep your $150.00 and you earn dividends on your basic checkings...Yes they pay you!
I'd be their poster person if they advertised and I'd do it for free. That's how GREAT they are.
Linda
Raeford, NC
Data as of Q2 2023
Learn why bank health mattersHealth Grade Components
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| NCUA # | 66258 |
| Year Chartered | 1983 |
| Employees | 289 |
| Primary Regulator | |
| Profit Margin | |
|---|---|
| Return on Assets - YTD | 1.62% |
| Return on Equity - YTD | 16.36% |
| Annual Interest Income | $43.0MM |
| Assets and Liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assets | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $1.76B$1.65B |
| Loans | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $1.51B$1.09B |
| Deposits | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $1.25B$1.17B |
| Equity Capital | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $175.0MM$155.8MM |
| Loan Loss Allowance | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $0$17.3MM |
| Unbacked Noncurrent Loans | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $14.6MM$9.2MM |
| Real Estate Owned | Q2 2023vs Q2 2022 | $0$0 |
