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Cardinal
Checking
Get the best of the basics with this free checking account.
Enjoy the ease of no minimum balance and a low opening deposit with this best-of-the-basics checking account. Named after the brilliant red in USC’s official colors, Cardinal Checking is our basic free checking account* – low on frills, high on features, including:
- No minimum balance
- 30,000 fee-free ATMs and 5000 Shared Branches
- No monthly service fee*
- Flexible ways to pay with debit card, Zelle®, and Virtual Wallet
- $0 liability on unauthorized purchases with your debit card
Insured Security
As a credit union, we keep your deposits safe with the National Credit Union Administration, a federal agency that insures balances up to:
$250,000
No minimum. Free online banking. No monthly service fee.
Basics with benefits? You got it. Cardinal Checking checks all the boxes, plus it’s easy to open online or at any branch.
The checking account doesn’t have all those hidden fees that the big banks do.
Educational Resources
Home Loan Advice
How much down payment is normally required to buy a home?
For many people, buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make in their lifetime. One of the key considerations in this process is the down payment, which is the amount of cash that a buyer pays upfront toward the purchase price. While the amount of the down payment required can vary depending on several factors, it is an essential component of the home-buying process.
How much down payment is normally required to buy a home?
Credit Unions
Why Do Credit Unions Have Better Rates?
There’s a reason more than 130 million people belong to a credit union. Individuals choose credit unions over traditional banks for higher dividend rates, minimal account fees, and lower interest rates on loan products. But how can a small army of 5,000+ federally insured credit unions offer these benefits and a host of other financial benefits to everyday consumers?
Why Do Credit Unions Have Better Rates?
Students
Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters
You’ve received your college acceptance letters – congratulations! If you’ve been accepted to multiple schools, one of the biggest determining factors for your final choice may be the out of pocket cost for each option. Along with your acceptance letters, you should receive an award letter outlining the financial aid for which you are eligible at each college. Here are some important definitions you should know.
Understanding Financial Aid Award Letters
Credit Unions
What is the difference between a credit union and a bank?
When it comes to managing your finances, you have several options available to you, including banks and credit unions. While both offer similar financial products and services, there are some key differences between the two that can affect your decision about which one to choose.
What is the difference between a credit union and a bank?
Fraud Awareness
5 Pinch-Proof Tips to Prevent Scams & Fraud
Don't let scams and fraud catch you off guard this St. Patrick's Day. Protect your identity and money with these 5 pinch-proof tips!
5 Pinch-Proof Tips to Prevent Scams & Fraud
Borrower Advice
Free Auto Buying eBook
This eBook will give you everything you need to know before buying a car. Learn how to be a savvy car shopper so you don’t get taken for a ride. We’ll arm you with knowledge of financing, interest rates, terms, and more. Be prepared, so you can drive off the lot with confidence.
Free Auto Buying eBook
Home Loan Advice
‘Pre-qualified’ and ‘pre-approved’ for a loan – what’s the difference?
As a home buyer, knowing the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved is an important step in the mortgage process. Making your decision on which one to choose starts with understanding the definition of each of those terms.
‘Pre-qualified’ and ‘pre-approved’ for a loan – what’s the difference?
Protecting What You Value
Debt Protection
If the unexpected happens, you don’t want to be compounded by financial worry. With Debt Protection, you may cancel your loan balance or payments in the event of involuntary unemployment, disability, or death.
Debt Protection
Student Loans
Consolidation vs. Refinancing Student Loans
Student loan consolidation and refinancing are two options available to borrowers looking to manage their student loan debt. We break down the differences between loan consolidation and refinancing, discuss the eligibility requirements, and help you determine which option is best for your financial situation.
Consolidation vs. Refinancing Student Loans
News
USC Credit Union Member Michael Broughton Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 List
On November 29, 2022, Forbes honored Altro Cofounder/CEO and USC Credit Union board member Michael Broughton with a selection to its prestigious “30 Under 30” list for 2023.
USC Credit Union Member Michael Broughton Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 List
*View our Schedule of Fees for details on any fees you may incur.
U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes and generally do not incur transaction fees.
When using Zelle®, only send money to those you trust. If the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle®, you can’t cancel a payment once it’s been sent. Neither USC Credit Union nor Zelle® offers a protection program for authorized payments made with Zelle® – for example, if you do not receive the item you paid for or the item is not as described or as you expected. If you are asked to send yourself money with Zelle® or are asked to provide your Zelle® credentials, don’t click on text message links or call the number that contacted you. Do not share your Zelle® and any other passwords with anyone.
Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.