Both First Tech Federal Credit Union and State Employees' Credit Union (SECU - NC) offer comprehensive financial services, but they cater to different demographics and geographic locations. First Tech has broader membership eligibility and a nationwide ATM network, while SECU focuses on North Carolina state employees with a strong branch presence within the state. SECU edges out First Tech with a slightly higher mobile app rating and lower ATM fees.
| Attribute | First Tech Federal Credit Union | State Employees' Credit Union (SECU - NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Eligibility | Multiple paths: employment at partner companies, State of Oregon employment, Lane County (OR) residence/work, family member, Computer History Museum/Financial Fitness Association membership, Marion County employees (and family). | Open to NC state employees, related entities, and their family members. Requires opening a Share Account with a minimum deposit of $25 (or $5 for children under 13 with an adult cosigner). |
| Savings Account Interest Rates | First Tech Rewards Savings (up to 3.00% APY with requirements), Instant Access Savings (tiered rates up to 0.40% APY), Membership Savings (0.01% APY). | Share Account (min. $25 deposit), Money Market Share Account (min. $250 deposit), Share Term Certificate (STC) Account (min. $250 deposit, terms 6-60 months). STC rates: 6 months: 3.90% APY, 12 months: 4.10% APY, 18 months: 4.40% APY, 24 months: 4.40% APY, 30 months: 4.00% APY, 36 months: 4.00% APY, 48 months: 3.75% APY. |
| Loan Interest Rates | Personal Loans (8.14% to 18.00% APR), Mortgages (e.g., 15 Year Fixed at 5.877% APR as of July 11, 2025), HELOC (variable rates tied to Prime), Secured Loans (as low as 3.00% APR), Student Loan Refinance (fixed rates start at 8.60%). | New auto loans (36-month term): 5.00% - 7.50% APR. Used auto loans (36-month term): 5.50% - 8.50% APR. Mortgages: 5.425% - 6.875% (fixed/adjustable). HELOCs: starting APR 7.50%. Personal Loans: Available to members 18+ in NC, SC, GA, TN, or VA. |
| Fees | Overdraft Fee ($33), ATM Fees ($2.00 at non-First Tech/CO-OP ATMs), Wire Transfers (Incoming: $5.00, Outgoing Domestic: $20.00, Outgoing Foreign: $65.00), Safe Deposit Box (varies by size), Card Rush Fee ($20-$35), ATM deposit adjustment fee ($5), card PIN rush fee ($20), statement copy fee ($3), international transaction fee (1%). | Checking account: $1 monthly maintenance fee (can opt-out). ATM fees: $0.75 (non-SECU ATMs). NSF fee: $0. Overdraft fee: $12 (after first two per year). Visa international transaction fee: 1%. Balance transfers: 3% or $5 (whichever is greater). Bill Pay Service Fee: $0.00 first 50 items per calendar month. $0.20 per item in excess of 50 per Calendar Month. |
| Mobile Banking App | Features: Deposit checks, pay bills, view balances, transfer funds, Zelle, manage cards, pay loans, find branches/ATMs, contact customer service. Security: Fingerprint login, PIN backup. App Store: 4+ rating, Google Play: 4.3 rating. | Features: Mobile Check Deposit, Loan Advances, Secure Messaging, Find Branch & CashPoints ATM locations, BillPay, Transfer money between accounts, Make payments to SECU loans or credit cards, Card Lock, View account balances and transaction details. Security: Unique device passcode, Fingerprint authentication, Facial recognition, Encryption technology. Apple App Store: 4.8/5. |
| Branch & ATM Network | Over 30 branch locations (CA, OR, WA, CO, GA, ID, MA, TX), 30,000+ fee-free ATMs (CO-OP Network), CO-OP Shared Branch network (5,000+ branches). | 275 branches across North Carolina. CashPoints ATM network with over 1,100 ATMs in every NC county. |
| Customer Service | 24/7 phone support, secure messaging. Some users report long hold times. | Branches open M-F (8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.). 24/7 Member Services phone line. Email and secure messaging available. |
| Online Banking | Pay bills, access electronic deposits, initiate wire transfers, send secure messages. | Member Access platform: review balances/e-statements, complete transactions, use BillPay. |
| Loan Application | Apply online, phone, or in person. Requires SSN, ID, contact info. Most loans approved instantly or within one business day, funded same day or up to three business days. Pre-qualification available. | No-cost, no-obligation pre-qualifications for mortgages online, phone, or in branch. Requires credit check, income, debt, assets, residential/employment history. Pre-qualification letter within one business day. |
| Financial Education | Articles/videos on budgeting, saving, credit, debt management, financial calculators, financial wellness consultations, Envision Future Finance program, grants to non-profits. | FAT CAT program (youth 12 and under), Biz Kid$ program (middle school), Reality of Money (grades 8-12), consumer education presentations, Sensible Savings Sessions (NC state employees), AFCPE partnership. |
| Credit Cards | Choice Rewards World Mastercard (2x points on select categories, no annual fee), Odyssey Rewards World Elite Mastercard (3x travel/hotels, 2x dining, $75 annual fee after first year), Platinum Rewards Mastercard (1x points), Platinum Secured Mastercard (1x points). Max APR: 18.00% | Cash Rewards Credit Card (1.5% cash rewards, 0.5% bonus with direct deposit, APR 15.00-18.00%), Points Rewards Card (3x gas/EV charging, 2x restaurants, 1.5x other purchases, APR 15.00-18.00%), Classic Credit Card (12.00-15.00% variable APR). No annual fee. 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers. |
| Investment/Retirement | Investment advisory services through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc., access to financial advisors, no-cost consultations. | Investment accounts for retirement/education. Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs (no service/transaction fees, min. $25 deposit). SECU Financial Advisory Services, CUIS partnership. |