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Join SECU

Learn more about State Employees’ Credit Union, our eligibility requirements, and how to join.

Our story

Our story

SECU (State Employees' Credit Union) has been helping people make better decisions about their money since 1937. With more than 2.8 million members, $57 billion in assets, 275 branch locations, and over 8,000 dedicated employees, we’re the second largest credit union in the United States.

our mission

Our focus

As a not-for-profit credit union, we’re owned by our members. Our focus is to help you succeed through financial tools, services, and community support.

our values

Our values

SECU believes in the power of community. We’re dedicated to building meaningful relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of members and our communities.

$57 billion
in assets
2.8 million
members
275
branch locations
1,100
ATMs

Who can join SECU

SECU membership is open to people employed through the State of North Carolina, related entities, and their family members. Review the requirements below to determine whether you are eligible to join SECU.
 

  • Employees of the State of North Carolina
  • Federal employees assigned to North Carolina state agencies
  • Employees of North Carolina public boards of education
  • Members of the North Carolina National Guard
  • Employees of Social Services, Health, Mental Health and Civil Defense of North Carolina counties
  • Employees of associations formed for the benefit of state of North Carolina employees (e.g., State Employees’ Association of North Carolina)
  • Employees of agencies or departments whose employees are subject to the North Carolina State Personnel Act
  • Individuals retired from the above employment or service as pensioners and/or annuitants from the above employment or service. This includes former employees who are “vested” and have not withdrawn or terminated future eligibility to be a pensioner and/or annuitant.
  • Un-remarried spouses of persons who died while in the field of membership
  • Immediate family of an existing member (spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, and adoptive relationships)
  • Persons living in the same residence maintaining a single economic unit of a current member. A single economic unit is defined as people who live in the same household with a member with a sense of permanency and contribute their economic resources to maintain and support the household.
  • Active (including part-time) and former employees of:
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Inc.
    • BCBSNC Credit Union
    • Any subsidiary organization of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Inc.
    • Cahaba Benefit Administrators, a division of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (located in NC)
    • Palmetto Government Business Administrators, a division of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (located in NC)
    • Topaz Shared Services, Durham, NC
    • Employees of Manpower Group who work at BCBSNC

Still not sure if you’re eligible? Chat with Member Services Support at (888) 732-8562.

How to join SECU:

If you meet our eligibility requirements, follow these steps to join:

  • Locate an SECU branch near you.

  • Request to open a regular share account in person, or via mail by filling out a form.

  • Deposit a minimum amount of $25 into your share account.

What is needed to open an account:

  • Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN)

  • Driver's license, state photo ID, U.S. passport, military card, or permanent resident card (green card)

  • Applicable documentation for proof of eligibility 

  • Initial deposit via cash or check

Required documentation for membership

Eligibility criteriaRequired documentation
Employees of the State of North Carolina and related entities

Must bring one of the following:

  • Paystub
  • W-2
  • Verification of employment by calling member’s payroll office
State of North Carolina retireesRetirement number
Immediate family of an existing memberAccount number of existing member
Persons sharing an economic unit with a memberCurrent utility bill or similar document proving shared household with a member

Frequently asked questions about SECU

Like other financial institutions, a credit union accepts deposits and makes loans, but we are not in business to make a profit. 

 

Most banks and savings and loans are owned by a group of stockholders whose interests include earning a healthy return on their investments. In contrast, credit unions are not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions owned by their members.

To be a member of the State Employees' Credit Union, you must meet the eligibility requirements above. 

Membership in the Credit Union is obtained by opening a share account with a minimum deposit of $25. Deposits consist of shares that have a face value of $5 each. At least five shares must be purchased initially to obtain membership. Only one share is required for initial membership for children under 13 years of age.

Yes, immediate family members (spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, and adoptive relationships) of current members are eligible for SECU membership.

There is no minimum amount required to open a Credit Union Checking Account or earn the stated dividend rate, however a Share Account must be opened before a Checking Account can be established. Once an account is open, sufficient funds must be maintained in the account to cover the $1 monthly maintenance fee and other authorized charges (debits, checks ordered, stop payments placed, etc.).

The Credit Union is committed to offering members low-cost financial services. Fees are subject to change daily and we will provide notice of any changes as required by law or regulation. Our current service fees may be found under Fees.

Member accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is administered by NCUA and insures member deposits in all federal credit unions nationwide as well as in qualifying state-chartered credit unions, such as SECU.

 

The standard NCUA share insurance coverage amount is $250,000 per share account owner, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category.

You can enjoy the convenience, security, and prompt delivery of your paycheck through direct deposit and avoid the hassle of mailing checks monthly by establishing automatic drafts from your Checking Account.

As part of our commitment to provide convenient, low-cost financial services, the credit union offers a competitive credit card program.

To accommodate members who have an urgent need to send money fast, the Credit Union offers Wire Transfer services.

SECU offers Investment Accounts through Credit Union Investment Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SECU. Investment advisory services and retirement planning offered through Credit Union Investment Services. Securities offered through SECU Brokerage Services. Member FINRA, SIPC. Securities products are not Credit Union deposits. They are not obligations of or guaranteed by a Credit Union or its affiliates. They are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency. Securities products involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal. Investment representatives are also Credit Union employees, who may accept deposits.