Both Suncoast Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union offer a range of financial products and services. Suncoast is ideal for those residing or working in specific Florida counties and seeking high-yield savings on smaller balances. Navy Federal is better suited for military members, DoD employees, and their families, offering 24/7 customer service and a wide range of credit card rewards programs. The choice depends largely on membership eligibility and individual financial needs.
| Attribute | Suncoast Credit Union | Navy Federal Credit Union |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Eligibility | Anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in one of the 40 Florida counties that Suncoast Credit Union serves can become a member. K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida s 67 counties are eligible for membership. Minimum deposit of $5 to open a Regular Share Membership account. | Open to active duty, retired, and veteran members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force; Department of Defense (DoD) employees and contractors; Immediate family and household members of existing Navy Federal members. A minimum $5 deposit into a share savings account is required to establish membership. |
| Savings Account Interest Rates | Regular Share Membership: 0.250% APY. High-Yield Savings: 4.50% APY on the first $500; balances over $500 earn 0.25% APY. | Share Savings Account: 0.25% APY; Money Market Savings Account (MMSA): Rates vary based on balance tiers (e.g., balances between $2,500 - $9,999 earn 0.95% APY); EasyStart Certificates: Varying APYs based on the term (e.g., 12-month certificate has a 3.95% APY). |
| Loan Interest Rates | Signature Loan: Starting at 11.00% fixed APR. Technology Loan: Starting at 9.75% fixed APR. Personal Line of Credit: Starting at 11.50% fixed APR. Home Improvement Signature Loan: Starting at 11.50% fixed APR. Home Improvement Secured Loan: Starting at 11.00% fixed APR (10.00% variable for 20-year term). | Auto Loans: Rates vary based on credit history, loan type, model year, mileage, and term; Personal Loans: APRs range from 8.99% to 18.00%; Mortgages: Rates are influenced by creditworthiness, loan-to-value (LTV), occupancy, property type, and loan purpose. As of July 2025, rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged around 6.250% interest and 6.394% APR. 15 year fixed rate is 5.375% interest and 5.569% APR. |
| Fees | Smart Checking: No monthly service fees. Teen Checking: No monthly fees. No overdraft fees if you use your savings account, money market account, line of credit, or Suncoast Visa credit card for overdraft protection. Overdraft Privilege: A nonsufficient funds fee of $29 per day may be assessed until the account balance is restored to positive. ATM withdrawals at non-Suncoast, non-PRESTO! ATMs: $2.00 each. Card Replacement: $5. | Checking Accounts: Various checking accounts with waivable monthly fees; Overdraft Fees: $20 fee per overdraft paid (no fee for transactions of $20 or less, or if the overdrawn amount is less than $50). Only one overdraft fee is assessed per day per account; ATM Fees: $1.00 service fee for transactions at non-Navy Federal/non-CO-OP Network ATMs. |
| ATM Network | Over 3,000 free ATMs within Florida and 30,000 nationwide. Suncoast members have access to fee-free ATMs at Suncoast ATMs, Publix Presto ATMs, and ATMs within the CO-OP network. | Wide ATM network, including access to over 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs with no fees for members. Navy Federal ATMs can be found at most branches or nearby locations. |
| Branch Locations | Approximately 75-79 branches across Florida. Many branches offer extended hours via drive-thru and interactive teller machines (ITMs). Lobby hours are typically Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Drive-thru hours are typically Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. | Over 360 branches worldwide. Branches are designed to meet accessibility standards, and assistance is available for visitors with difficulties. Find branch locations using the branch locator on Navy Federal's website. |
| Mobile Banking App | Manage finances, deposit checks, pay bills, and transfer funds. Key features include device authentication, account nicknames, transaction history, and personal financial management tools. The app provides accessibility settings and in-app feedback options. The app is free for all Suncoast members. | Compatible with Android & iOS accessibility software. Accessible features include keyboard-accessible links, color contrast, text hierarchy, descriptive links, online chat, and eMessaging. Allows depositing checks, transferring funds, paying bills, and managing accounts. |
| Customer Service | Customer service can be accessed via phone support, secure messaging in online banking, and at branch locations. Member Care Center is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | 24/7 member service at 1-888-842-6328. Customer service can be reached by secure message, in person, chat, social media, or mail. |
| Online Banking | SunNet Online Banking allows secure and convenient online access. The platform allows you to manage accounts, pay bills, transfer funds, and maintain contact information. | Designed for accessibility, with features like keyboard navigation, color contrast, and descriptive links. Allows managing accounts, paying bills, transferring funds, and applying for loans. |
| Financial Education | A variety of free financial education resources, including in-person options, virtual webinars, an mPower eLearning program, and financial and credit counseling. | Provides financial education resources and workshops. |
| Loan Application | Apply for loans online, through the mobile app, over the phone, or in person at a service center. Applying online through SunNet Online Banking or the SunMobile App is secure and fast. To apply for a personal loan, you typically need to become a Suncoast member first. | Offers online preapproval for mortgages, with some cases allowing instant preapproval through HomeSquad. The loan application process is streamlined, and borrowers can track the status of their application online. Personal loans may offer same-day funding. |
| Credit Card Options | Rewards Platinum Visa (APR as low as 14.00%), Rewards Classic Starter Visa (APR as low as 18.00%), Rewards Student Classic Visa , Rewards Share Secured Visa . All Suncoast VISA credit cards feature low interest rates and no annual fees. | Navy Federal cashRewards Credit Card: Earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases; Navy Federal cashRewards Plus Credit Card: Earns unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases; Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card: Earns 3 points per $1 at supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and on transit, plus 1 point per $1 on all other purchases; Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card: Earns 3 points for every $1 spent on travel and 2 points on all other purchases; Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card: Offers a low variable APR. All Navy Federal credit cards include 24/7 help from a US-based member service team and no balance transfer or foreign transaction fees. |