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Join SECU

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

Experience the SECU difference

Our member focus means lower fees, smarter borrowing, and more breathing room in your budget. We use member feedback to shape what we do. What began in 1937 continues today, because it's always been about you.

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Enjoy a financial head start

From youth accounts to retirement planning, we offer products and services to grow your savings and peace of mind. Competitive rates and lower fees aren't a just perk - they're the point.

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Get dependable access

With branches and ATMs across all 100 North Carolina counties as well as 24/7 access online and via phone, you can stay on top of your finances and your goals.

$56 billion
in assets
2.8 million
members
275
branch locations
1,100
ATMs
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Employees of the state of North Carolina, and:

  • Employees of North Carolina public boards of education
  • Employees of North Carolina county departments of Social Services, Health, Mental Health, and Civil Defense (i.e., Emergency Management)
  • 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 otherwise subject to the North Carolina State Personnel Act (now known as the North Carolina Human Resources Act) except employees of county, municipal and related government units who currently have a credit union chartered by North Carolina or the federal government and who are included in that field of membership
  • Employees of federal agencies assigned to North Carolina state agencies (e.g., United States Department of Transportation employee assigned to work for the North Carolina Department of Transportation through a formal agreement that assigns personnel)
  • Members of the North Carolina National Guard
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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 This includes former employees who are “vested” and have not withdrawn or terminated future eligibility to be a pensioner and/or annuitant.

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Immediate family of an existing member, including:

Spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, and adoptive relationships

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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.

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Un-remarried spouses of persons who died while in the field of membership:

If your spouse was a member and passed away, you are eligible for membership so long as you have not remarried.

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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)
  • Topaz Shared Services, Durham, NC
  • Employees of Manpower Group who work at BCBSNC
  • Palmetto Government Business Administrators, a division of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina (located in NC)

If you’re still unsure about your eligibility, call Member Services Support at (888) 732-8562 or visit your local branch.

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).

    • Proof of identity (government issued photo ID, Social Security card, or birth certificate) for minors may be required.

  • 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.

SECU offers a variety of Visa credit cards that come with convenient benefits and no annual fee. Compare our credit cards and apply today.

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.