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Service Credit Union Review 2025: High-Yield Savings and Military-Friendly Banking
February 5, 2025

Looking for outstanding high-yield savings rates and military-friendly banking services? Service Credit Union (SCU) deserves your attention. Founded in 1957 to support airmen at Peace Air National Guard Base, this New Hampshire-based credit union offers some of the most competitive savings rates in the industry—including an exceptional 5.00% APY on primary savings accounts and an unmatched 10% APY for deployed military members—while maintaining its commitment to exceptional customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Top-Tier High-Yield Savings: Primary savings accounts earn an impressive 5.00% APY on the first $500
- Military Savings Champion: Deployed Warrior Savings offers an extraordinary 10% APY for active military in combat zones
- Holiday Savings Boost: Holiday Club account features 3.00% APY on balances up to $3,000
- No-Fee Checking: Everyday Checking accounts have no monthly fees
- Solid CD Options: Certificates start at just $500 minimum deposit
- Limited Branch Access: Physical branches primarily in New Hampshire, with some in Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Germany
Who Can Join Service Credit Union?
Service Credit Union membership is available to:
- Active military members, veterans, and their families
- Department of Defense employees and family members
- Employees of Select Employer Groups
- American Consumer Council members (anyone can join using SCU's promo code)
You'll need to open a Primary Savings account with a $5 minimum deposit to establish membership.
Checking Accounts
Service Credit Union's Everyday Checking account stands out with:
- No monthly service fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- Three membership levels with increasing benefits
- Potential for ATM fee reimbursements up to $30/month
- Early direct deposit (up to two days early)
For those who maintain higher balances, the Dividend Checking account offers interest on all balances but requires $1,500 to waive the $10 monthly fee.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
Service Credit Union offers several impressive high-yield savings options:
Primary Savings (5.00% APY)
- Industry-leading 5.00% APY on the first $500
- 0.25% APY on balances above $500
- Just $5 minimum opening deposit
- No monthly service fees
Deployed Warrior Savings (10.00% APY)
- Exclusive for active military serving in combat zones
- Exceptional 10% APY on balances up to $10,000
- One of the highest military-specific rates available
Holiday Club Savings (3.00% APY)
- Competitive 3.00% APY on balances up to $3,000
- 0.25% APY on balances above $3,000
- Funds automatically transfer to your account on November 1st
- Perfect for saving for holiday expenses
Credit Card Options
Service Credit Union offers a versatile lineup of Visa credit cards designed to meet different needs and spending habits:
Visa Everyday Card
- Variable APR ranging from 12.40% to 18.00% (as of January 2025)
- Credit limits up to $20,000
- No annual fee
- No APR increases for late payments
- Travel and emergency assistance services
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3198", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Variable APR", "headerHint": "Up To $20,000 Credit Limit"} ]]
Visa Signature Everyday Elite Card
- Premium rewards card offering 1.5 points per dollar spent
- Additional points in rotating categories throughout the year
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection plan
- Identity theft protection through Norton LifeLock
- Purchase security and extended warranty protection
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3199", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "No Annual Fee", "headerHint": "Premium Rewards Card"} ]]
Visa Everyday Preferred Card
- 1 point per dollar spent through uChoose Rewards program
- Points redeemable for cash back, travel, merchandise, and more
- Travel and emergency assistance services
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3200", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Assistance Services", "headerHint": "Up To $10,000 Purchase Protection"} ]]
Visa Everyday Share Secured Card
- Perfect for building or rebuilding credit
- Backed by money in your savings account
- Higher limits than many other secured cards
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "17045", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "High Credit Limit", "headerHint": "Best for Credit Builders"} ]]
Visa Business Platinum Card
- Designed for business members
- Auto rental collision waiver
- Purchase security and extended protection
- Roadside assistance
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Cell phone protection plan
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "17046", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Security and Protection", "headerHint": "Best for Business Mmebers"} ]]
All Service Credit Union credit cards can be managed through their mobile app, which allows you to set spending limits, receive fraud alerts, and set up travel notifications. You can also add your card to your digital wallet for contactless payments, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.
Certificates (CDs)
Service Credit Union's certificates offer:
- Competitive rates (ranging from 2.35% to 4.25% APY)
- Low $500 minimum deposit
- Terms from 3 to 60 months
- Monthly dividend payments
Additional Products
Service Credit Union also offers:
- Money market accounts (requiring $2,500 minimum)
- Holiday Club savings accounts
- Youth savings accounts
- Personal loans
- Auto loans
- Mortgages
- Business banking services
Online and Mobile Experience
SCU's digital banking features include:
- 24/7 customer support
- Well-rated mobile apps (4.8/5 on Apple Store, 4.6/5 on Google Play)
- Online chat support
- Free access to a large ATM network
Pros of Service Credit Union
- Industry-Leading High-Yield Savings: 5.00% APY on primary savings and 10% APY for deployed military
- Multiple High-Interest Options: Specialized accounts for different savings goals, including the 3.00% APY Holiday Club
- Military Benefits: Exceptional rates and specialized products for service members
- No-Fee Checking: Basic accounts without monthly maintenance fees
- Large ATM Network: Free access to CO-OP and Allpoint networks with 85,000+ locations
- 24/7 Customer Service: Round-the-clock phone support
Cons of Service Credit Union
- Limited Physical Branches: Primarily in New Hampshire, with limited locations elsewhere
- Tiered Savings Rates: The high 5.00% APY only applies to the first $500
- Money Market Minimum: $2,500 required to open and avoid fees
- Higher Loan Rates: Personal loan APRs start higher than some competitors
What Customers Say
Service Credit Union has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and strong user reviews for its mobile apps. Reddit users mention positive experiences with SCU's mortgage services, noting solid service and competitive rates. Long-time members frequently mention the credit union's reliability and straightforward approach.
Is Service Credit Union Right for You?
Service Credit Union is an excellent choice if you:
- Are a military member or veteran seeking specialized financial services
- Value high interest rates on smaller savings balances
- Prefer credit unions over traditional banks
- Want credit card options with competitive rates and no annual fees
- Live near their branch locations or are comfortable with online banking
However, if you need nationwide branch access or the highest possible rates on larger balances, you might want to consider other options.
The Verdict
Service Credit Union delivers solid financial products with a focus on serving military members and their families. While branch locations are limited, their competitive rates, especially for savings and certificates, make them worth considering for eligible members.
Whether you're active military, a veteran, or simply looking for a credit union with a strong community focus, Service Credit Union offers reliable banking services with some standout perks for those who qualify.

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.