PSECU
Is This Your Business?1.7
1.7
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: June 17th, 2024
Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union was started over 80 years ago in 1933 during the Great Depression. While many people were struggling at this time with their finances, state workers could barely manage to make ends meet. Banks would not lend to state workers as they were viewed as a credit risk and had little to no collateral. That is when 22 state employees decided to take control of their finances and start making a better life for their families and each other. They pooled their money together and had a meager $90 and started Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, or PSECU. Today they are a fully functioning credit union and offer various services to their members.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Easy access to accounts
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Certificates of deposit
Easy Access to Accounts
PSECU is a credit union that is about giving their members account access where it is the most convenient for them. If it's in their living room, backyard, or cell phone. They have apps available for Android and Apple devices that are well designed and rated highly by its users. Using technology, PSECU can give their members around-the-clock access to their accounts using PCs or the telephone. Many PSECU members take advantage of psecu@home online account access. This convenient service allows them to pay bills, transfer funds to pay loans or add money to separate accounts, view (and print) check images, and receive notices that report account activity.Checking Accounts
PSECU offers checking, savings, and Certificated of Deposits to any of their members; PSECU's goal is to provide members 12 years of age or older with hassle-free, no fee, dividend-earning checking. The benefits of their free checking are basic checks with unlimited check writing, free online statements and check images, free online account access, bill pay services, and credit score services. There is no minimum balance required to earn interest, and there are no monthly service fees or additional requirements to earn the dividend. Their checking accounts earn a .10% APY.Savings Accounts
PSECU allows their members to save the way they want to. They have a variety of Personal Savings Shares or Money Market accounts to help their members reach their financial goals. Their basic savings account earns a .15% APY on all balances, without any withdrawal penalties. PSECU members can make deposits at any time for any amount into their savings accounts. With the PSECU Savings Shares, you control the structure of your savings. Choose from several pre-established savings shares for an upcoming vacation or holiday, or start making a nest egg. A PSECU member can also choose a federally insured Money Market Share to earn higher dividends.Certificates of Deposit
PSECU Certificates of Deposit is a safe and easy way for members to invest their money. PSECU offers certificates for various terms and rates. PSECU requires a $500 minimum balance to open and earn dividends and have terms starting at 3 months up to 60 months. They do not have any monthly service fees for their certificates. When a member goes in to create a certificate the rates are declared weekly and fixed for the term of the certificate.The Bad
- Fees
- Limited credit card options
- Limited locations
Fees
There were only a few fees that stood out, PSECU charges $5 per account quarterly to receive paper statements. There is a fee for any dormant accounts. If the account has not been used for at least one year but remains open PSECU will assess a $2 monthly fee to that account. To avoid the fee, members can simply make a deposit/withdrawal or contact PSECU. The last fee is for address change. PSECU will assess this service charge if you move and fail to update your new address for the entire previous calendar year, the fee is $10.Limited Credit Card Options
As of right now PSECU only offers 1 credit card option, it has a low fixed rate but that is about it. There are no other rewards for using their card.Limited Locations
Lastly, PSECU only has three walk-in branches. Part of their philosophy is "By not spending money on branches, we can give members competitive rates for loans and savings, as well as a host of low or no-cost services." In the long run this is potentially a good thing for their members, however for those who don't use PCs or mobile apps banking with them could be difficult. Besides, compared to other credit unions there are many that have multiple branches in the 50s that offer slightly higher rates.The Bottom Line
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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA
PSECU has been such a reliable bank for me in the past year. Its online and mobile banking options are easy to navigate and accessible on many types of devices. I also find that the bank is transparent about my finances and trustworthy!
10 months ago
Kramer West Newton, PA
Great place for everything I've needed or wanted so far. Only been a member for little over a year but they have done everything I expected and more. Just didn't give 5 star because of short length of time I've been with them. Originally opened checking and savings accts because everyone at work raved about this place. Free checks and a great app for depositing checks by picture, transfers and making bill payments. I don't understand these other ppl complaining because I have had 0 problems with anything so far. Then I learned they had great rates on credit cards as well as great rewards on cards. I have 2 cards with $10k limits, 1 under 10% apr and the other gives great rewards so pay your bills thru that rewards card and pay it off monthly and you get some sweet rewards! The topper was the other day I decided to call for a personal loan of $10k. I called and after 13 minutes on the phone I was approved. After that I received an email that I looked over and electronically signed in about 7-8 minutes. At the end of the email I was told it would be 1-2 days until the funds would be disbursed into my savings acct but dealing with PSECU I've realized they are far quicker than they usually say. I immediately went to my PSECU app and when I got in the $10k hadn't hit yet but literally 30 seconds later the $10k was in my savings. I watched the numbers roll, which is cool on its own, but the quickness extremely impressed me. I would recommend PSECU banking to anyone. Not having a local branch bothered me and caused me to miss out on 2 years of this great bank and its advantages but after joining I quickly realized I was wrong to think I needed a local branch but I also keep accts with a local bank just in case so what could it hurt to try PSECU. I'm glad I did. Thank you
1 year ago
Zina Harrisburg, PA
I love this bank for so many reasons. The customer service is outstanding, they always deliver what they promise and they are very forgiving. There were 2 times where I was overdrawn and they forgave me for it. The founders must me Christian! I have all my needs through them. Car loan,mortgage,school loan and credit card. I love ❤️ this bank. Thanks PSECU and all the wonderful employees.
5 years ago
Chris Bauer Quakertown, PA
Very good credit union. I have had no trouble with them at all. They have loan rates way better than typical banks, and any fees they have are reasonable. I don't know why there are two bad reviews here, I think they were legitimately charged overdraft fees and when PSECU wouldnt refund them they complained here. Simple solution, dont overdraw your account!
6 years ago
Review Source
ana ford
I would give 0 stars if there was an option. This bank is BS . Don’t let them pull your credit. Don’t waste your time. They will decline and you will need to apply somewhere else. It’s definitely ridiculous. I have 846 credit scores, income of $260K a year, no credit cards debts,2 years of employment and they declined my auto loan application for $93k…. What??? Yes , thats true. They said lack of employment…. and many BS.
I bought my house 8 months ago and i was approved for $990k( almost million dollars house)…. And this back decline a simple loan of $93k.:. For real???
And plus, nobody from the bank ever contacted to request documents or asked questions …It’s a joke. Stay away!
7 months ago
David Wayne Wills Point, TX
SOMETHING HAS CHANGED.
I've been with them for a long time. Credit cards, vehicle loans, and everything, even after I moved out of state. Something has recently changed, and I am no longer a PSECU fan.
First off, applying for an auto loan via their web site has hot SO many snags, errors, and redirects, I had to give up and call them.
I am told to upload my taxes, for the review. When I go to upload everything, I am informed the max file size is 5M. You have got to be kidding!
I decided to fax them in ... then wait .... and wait ... called after two days, and told two more days .... called again today, and was told the manager hasn't reviewed the application yet, and not to expect any activity until next week.
It was once a fine institution, and I am sure for some, it still is. However, if this would have been my first experience witt them, I would NEVER have gone back.
5 years ago
Jake S Macungie, PA
I never had a bank that I could not make additional principal payments online. The only way to make additional principal payments is by calling the bank. They make it so inconvenient purposely so they can maximize on the interest they make on the loan. Please consider another bank to manage your loan as PSECU is very old school and inconvenient to deal with.
11 months ago
Thomas Maxwell Lansdowne, PA
This bank is super inconvenient for just about any service that bigger and smaller banks offer. To get a new debit card you have to fill out a paper application and then send it back and wait over 2 weeks just to get a card. At my other bank that is just one button click to request a new debit card. Bank hours are severely limited. No physical location outside of Harrisburg and State College. No communication about actions taken against your account like fees starting, debit cards closing, or anything else. Tey use Plaid for external transfer verification, so I am unable to connect my PNC Account to them. They don't even have the added perks of most other credit unions where they give you access to payroll deposits 48 hours in advance. I actually got part of a payroll deposit later than when I got it from PNC who doesn't do the 2 day advance. All in all, I would not use them as your main driver, but maybe to place money you don't want easy access to.
1 year ago
Tracie Raven Hellertown, PA
Worst CU I've ever done business with. Wait times are in excess of 30 mins. A check that was accidentally not endorsed was essentially held hostage. They gave us the run around had us reach out the atm where it was deposited, with no satisfaction. Then forwarded us to the bank that the check was issued by, this was a cashier's check by the way. No satisfaction there. Here to find out that the live check was sitting in their lockbox for over 15 days. They have still not resolved this issue and we just need to check sent back to the issued bank to void & reissue. This is a complete nightmare and the check is for over 4k. Absolutely nightmarish.
2 years ago
Tez West Chester, PA
I've been a member w/ PSECU for over 25 yrs & have had several auto loans & never had any issue paying off my loans. In Oct 2021 I caught covid and ended up paying my auto loan over 60 days late. I called to pay my auto loan once I realized I hadn't paid it (I hadn't had a car payment for several yrs). Anyway the representative informed me a repossession request had been issued. I was rather shocked bcuz I received no notification. The rep was very rude to me & talked down to me. I paid the nominal past due total amount around $700. The rep informed me the repo request would not b cancelled until payment cleared. (The payment I made w/ her over the phone was done electronically & was immediate.) PSECU reported the incident 3 times to credit bureau. I called back a. Ouple weks later and spoke to a supervisor that didn't care I was a long time member & completed several loans or I had covid. Needless to say I paid off the remaing $7K on my auto loan & will no longer do any business w/ PSECU. It was always inconvenient to make auto payments bcuz they don't have an automated system. Also I always remained on hold 4 long periods when I called customer service. There are also very few PSECU branches.
There are a lot better credit unions in PA that provide superior services.
There are 340 credit unions based in PA & many federal credit unions.
Check out these: #1 is First Commonwealth Credit Union, Police & Fire Federal Credit Union, TruMark, Benchmark, Citadel, Diamond, Ardent, Franklin Mint, Pittsburgh Credit Union, Erie Federal, Philadelphia Credit Union, Navy Credit etc etc etc
I recommend people take their business elsewhere for more satisfaction.
PSECU treats customers w/ little regard and provide inferior bank services.
2 years ago
Alan Gallagher
Management leaves much to be desired. We have had an existing Membership Account (Share (Savings). Checking, Home Equity) and recently obtained an auto loan. However, the names on the auto loan were reversed compared to the existing membership account (for ex. Mary & John existing Mmbshp; John & Mary for auto loan) so PSECU created a New Membership Account for the same two people and refuse to combine them. Half tempted to let them re-po the car! Haven't ruled that out yet! In protest I am switching all accounts from digital to mailing; did Not response to the request for Membership Eligibility; and looking into switching to Members1st.
In addition to their lack of common sense I had to wait Over an hour to get a live person on the phone. Then her attitude wasn't pleasant.
2 years ago
Nick Garcia Chambersburg, PA
I've never have had a worse experience in getting my Home Equity Loan. With this bank you sacrifice every ounce of customer service and communication for a lower rate. Yes, great rates but what a nightmare my loan process was, it took weeks for anyone to get back with me about a decision, and I have GREAT credit and credit history. I've spent HOURS on hold waiting on support, just to get the status of my loan. I've been cut off time after time after being on hold, noone ever bothers to call back, you have to call back in and wait on hold. This is a shame they advertise to be such a great bank but left me with such a bad experience.
2 years ago
Talia Ruley Carlisle, PA
We joined PSECU to try to get a mortgage. They pre-approved us and we found and got full loan approval. We set a closing date for two months out. They said we would miss closing because the appraisal would not take place until the closing date. We later learned that the appraisal was done two weeks before the closing date, and the seller knew it was done, and thought we were still going to keep the closing date. PSECU held the appraisal report from us until three days after we missed the closing date. The report required several thousand in repairs that were not necessary. We called PSECU twice. The first person said, "I guess you won't get the house." The second person said, "Should I withdraw your loan application now?" It really felt like they tried to make us miss closing date, and annoy the seller so that the seller would put the house back on the market. I didn't understand it until I looked up reviews on PSECU and found all these things about lying, giving loan approvals and then withholding the loan, etc. There is something going on here.
3 years ago
Craig Stabley
Worst experience ever! Not one person told me the same thing. Could not belive how the persons on phone had no knowledge of what the other persons was telling me. Never again will I ever use this place again.
6 months ago
Carla King
Ever since COVID it's like they do the bare minimum to get by. I attempted (key word, attempted) to do a balance transfer a little over 2 weeks ago... the balance has not been transferred and PSECU is blaming the post office. They can't help with any request and just give you the lamest explanations that really don't explain anything. This credit union will make you want to stand in traffic.
1 year ago
Kareem Frazier Sicklerville, NJ
PSECU is the worst credit union ever. They frozen my account for weeks now for a check I deposited . I comfirmed with them that I deposited the check and the transactions and they have done nothing to resolve the situation. All I get is lip service about them doing their best and make notes and say that they dont know what another person or department discussed with me. They have put my whole life on hold. Do not trust your money with them.
2 years ago
zatonna dash Philadelphia, PA
The worst bank ever they let somone steal out of my account....somone stole my card and made transactions at a store through credit and PSECU told me I was liable for the charges and that they weren't going to do anything I don't even live we're the person was making charges i was even on the phone with PSECU while they were stopping the person from making more charge...i am in the process of closing my account I can't bank with a bank that allows fraud to happen on a person account
DO NOT BANK HERE
3 years ago
Maria Mansfield, PA
I have had a auto loan with psecu for about 3 years now with a decent rate. I recently tried to trade my vehicle in to get something newer and go through psecu again and was denied, which I was surprised being I was never late or missed a payment with them. Last year I applied for there Visa card and was denied also. I will never use them again or recommend them to anyone everything to do with them is a hassle from applying to making a payment and forget trying to talk to someone you need everything like account number pin etc and then hold !!! Stay away
5 years ago
Andie Byron
Everyone said how great a credit union is, but I haven't experienced a single benefit from being part of this one. Don't expect a loan unless you don't actually need it. If you so much as missed a payment on your KMART layaway when you were 16, they want nothing to do with you.
2 years ago
Nikki Wilmington, DE
A predatory capitalist bank. Horrible theft. Money was in my account. They took the money that was left which would have covered the fees that were being withdrawn then they charged me multiple overdraft fees back to back in the same day. This cant be legal. Please stay away from this place. Corruption.
7 years ago Edited September 14, 2021
psecu sucks Lake Ariel, PA
Absolute nightmare! they charged back my car loan and my car was repossessed! they are terrible to do business with and impossible to talk to a human! the worst, NEVER EVER USE THEM!!!!
1 year ago
Michael donahue
Psecu horrible they overdraft my account which is no way they lie called better buisness burea and in contact with my Laywer
7 years ago
Jay N. Atlanta, GA
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER! They will have you waiting on hold for almost an HOUR!!!!!!!!!
2 years ago
Cala Tolerico Carbondale, PA
Terrible company. I've never had so much problems attempting to make a payment
4 years ago
