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LAST UPDATED: January 11th, 2024

Founded in 1952, VyStar Credit Union (formerly Jax Navy Federal) is northeast Florida's largest credit union, and the 16th largest credit union in the country.

VyStar members can benefit from low deposit requirements, no monthly fees, and account options for the whole family, including kids and teens.

If you live in Florida or Georgia, VyStar Credit Union could be a good choice for your banking needs.

Continue reading for a full review of this credit union, and VyStar reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • Checking Account Options
  • Savings Account Options
  • Accounts for Kids and Teens
  • Overdraft Protection
  • Loan Products and Services
  • Business Features
  • Investment Services
  • Credit Cards
  • Mobile Banking

Checking Account Options

VyStar offers multiple checking account options:

  • Checking Accounts — free interest-earning accounts
  • Money Market — earn dividends with competitive rates
  • Teens, Students & Young Adults — teens and students can learn to manage their money wisely
  • Senior Class — checking account for members age 50+

VyStar prides itself on offering free checking accounts. Thus, there are no fees to write checks, transfer money between accounts, or deposit money into your account. In addition, you can earn interest on your daily balance.

Savings Account Options

VyStar offers multiple savings account options:

  • Savings Accounts — free access to funds for financial goals or emergencies
  • Kids Club — free account for children 12 years old or under
  • Holidays Savings Account — special savings account for the holiday season
  • Revocable Living Trust — custodial account that allows you to transfer your assets to a trustee
  • FLUTMA Account — custodial account to manage funds for a minor
  • Certificates of Deposit (CDs) — lock in a fixed interest rate to earn money over a period of time
  • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) — save for your retirement
  • Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) — save for your child's future educational expenses
  • Savings Bond — savings bond redemption is available at any VyStar branch
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)H — save money for healthcare costs
  • Safe Deposit Boxes — secure option for protecting important documents and other personal assets

VyStar savings account options don't have a monthly service fee, allowing you to easily save money and grow your savings.

Accounts for Kids and Teens

VyStar offers a checking account for teens, young adults, and students, as well as a savings account option for children 12 years old or under.

These account options are a great way to teach children and teens how to save money, as well as how to successfully manage their money.

Overdraft Protection

VyStar offers an overdraft protection plan that safeguards your accounts by automatically transferring funds from linked accounts if there is less than is required for a check or automated clearing house (ACH) debit.

There are no fees associated with overdraft protection and you can use multiple accounts to protect one account if needed.

As part of VyStar's overdraft protection service, you can also use Courtesy Pay to defend against certain returned and/or denied transactions.

Loan Products and Services

In addition to its personal and business banking services, VyStar offers auto and recreational loans, personal loans, and mortgages.

VyStar advertises low, competitive rates, although rates aren't disclosed on the website.

Business Features

For their members who require accounts for business services, VyStar Credit Union offers business shared accounts, business loans, mortgage processing, VyStar is an approved mortgage seller, business credit card services, solutions that allow businesses to accept credit and debit cards and payroll.

Investment Services

One of the best things that VyStar offers to their members is their investment services and products. VyStar provides financial analysis and services at no cost or obligation.

Members can make a savings and investment plan; protect financial assets, fund education and plan for retirement.

VyStar also offers a comprehensive list of value-oriented products and services for members, such as the VyStar Money Makeover program, which is free and is designed to help members take a closer look at their money.

This program also provides unique money management tips and tools to help drive down debt, increase savings, and improve a member's financial outlook.

Credit Cards

VyStar Credit Union also offers three kinds of credit cards:

  • Visa Signature Rewards Plus
  • Visa Signature Cash Back
  • Platinum Visa

All of the VyStar Visa credit cards have no annual fee and low-interest rates.

Mobile Banking

VyStar has a mobile app through which you can view and manage your accounts, transfer money, pay bills, and locate branches or ATMs.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

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The Bad

  • Hidden Fees
  • Lack of Information
  • Only Available for Florida and Georgia Residents

Hidden Fees

VyStar Credit Union has a $5 one-time membership fee when you open any account, including loads of other hidden fees when opening any account:

  • If you decide to close your account within 6 months of opening it, there is a $5 fee.
  • If you change your address and don't update it with VyStar, there is a "bad address fee" that starts at $5 for the first three months, and then tacks on $5 every month thereafter.

While these fees aren't necessarily high, they can add up and become inconvenient.

Lack of Information

Lastly, VyStar Credit Union does not give a rate/dividend schedule for their checking accounts, or list the types of checking accounts available for membership. If you want this information, you must either go into a local branch or call a VyStar representative.

Only Available for Florida and Georgia Residents

VyStar primarily serves residents in Florida and Georgia. Due to the fact that you may need branch access for some of the credit union's services, VyStar is a good option for residents of these two states

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The Bottom Line

VyStar is a trusted credit union serving residents of Florida and Georgia. It offers multiple account options for both checking and savings, including account options for kids, teens, and young adults that provide an opportunity to learn how to save and successfully manage money. Beyond accounts, VyStar also offers three credit cards, as well as personal loan and mortgage options.

You can easily view and manage your accounts with the VyStar Mobile Banking app, available on both iOS and Android devices. This is a unique and helpful service, allowing you to do your banking on-the-go.

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Vystar reviews are currently limited. If you bank with this credit union, please tell us about your experience by leaving a review.

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Star Rating

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1.8

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11 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

18%

4 grade

0%

3 grade

0%

2 grade

9%

1 grade

73%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Robert Fenn Saint Augustine, FL

I have used many banks in my lifetime. Over the years banking has become stressful and it seems they look for ways to take advantage of you not help. Vystar has been the exception. I started banking with them over 5 years ago. My experience with them has been AMAZING. I feel like I am actually being treated as a person and an individual. When I have had challenges they always seem to be on the side of, let me see if I can help you. Never do I hear the expression "they system wont allow me to". THEY ARE THE BEST. Always have taken my personal situations and tried to help. Always listen to me and I have always felt a positive outcome. I love this bank! By far the best customer service and offerings any bank can give!

2 years ago

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Winford Martin High Springs, FL

I have been with VyStar for fifteen years and have never had a problem with them. I have had several car loans of which I never had a problem getting approved. I currently have a mortgage with them as well. Overall I am 100% satisfied with them.

1 year ago