Vystar Credit Union Review: Credit Union Access for Florida and Southeast Georgia Residents
Written by
Cynthia Bowman
Edited by
Joe Evans
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GOBankingRates Score
VyStar Credit Union
-
Fees
4.0
-
Community Presence
5.0
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CDs
4.5
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Community Presence
5.0
Take a look at a summary of the following VyStar Credit Union review by comparing the credit union’s pros and cons.
Pros
- Fee-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs globally, and 40,000 nationally
- Plenty of free account options
- Most accounts only require $5 to open
Cons
- Low APYs overall
- High overdraft fees
- Branch locations are limited to Florida and Georgia
VyStar Credit Union Bank Overview History
VyStar Credit Union started in 1952 as Jax Navy Federal to serve military, civil servants and the families stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Today, Jax Navy Federal is VyStar and expanded membership to all military families and residents of Florida and Southeastern Georgia. There are over 100 branches in Florida and 10 in Georgia, with some located in retail stores such as Target, Walgreens, CVS and Speedway.
VyStar Credit Union is a good alternative to a traditional bank. It isn’t always easy to qualify for credit union membership due to requirements such as career affiliation or school association. VyStar is more accessible because it’s available to all military members and family, as well as Florida and Southeast Georgia residents — and to those who make a simple $5 donation to the VyStar Foundation.
VyStar Credit Union Product Overview
VyStar Credit Union’s account services will cover nearly every financial need you may have. Handling all your money-related aspects in one place may simplify your life.
VyStar Credit Union Checking Accounts
VyStar Credit Union offers an array of checking account options, all of which have no monthly minimums and don’t require an opening balance. They earn a dividend of on all balances. You’ll also get the following services at no charge: unlimited check writing, incoming wire transfers, official checks, stop payments and fund transfers.
Besides the standard checking account, teens and seniors have access to customized checking that caters best to their needs. All checking account holders have access to free ATM withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs worldwide, including over 40,000 in retail stores nationwide such as Walgreens, CVS, Costco and Target. While this is great, the $32 overdraft fee is another story. Keep an eye on your account balance by downloading the mobile app and enabling balance notifications to avoid overdrawing your account.
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VyStar Credit Union Savings Account
To get started with VyStar Credit Union, you’ll need to open a savings account first. All you need is $5 to get started. Use the account to save for goals or to set up as your overdraft backup account. In addition to the primary account, VyStar offers a Kids Club account for young savers and a Holiday account to put money aside for Christmas. You’ll earn APY on your balance — as long as you keep at least $50 in the account — and won’t have to worry about monthly service fees.
VyStar Credit Union Money Market Account
When high yields are critical, consider a money market account for the bulk of your savings. A VyStar money market will pay you the highest available dividend while still allowing you to write checks and pay bills. There are no minimum balance requirements to open an account. However, you will need to maintain a savings account to be a credit union member and access VyStar’s stellar money market account.
You’ll have check-writing privileges with the potential to earn a 1.00% to 1.50% APY based on your account balance. If you plan on making numerous withdrawals and bill payments each month, a checking account may be a better option.
VyStar Credit Union CD Rates
Finding the best CD rates takes some shopping around. Traditional CDs will lock your money in for a determined amount of time and you can’t make withdrawals or deposits without penalties (if allowed).
VyStar Credit Union offers traditional CDs with terms of three to 60 months with a minimum investment of $500. Regardless of the CD you choose, you can earn between and based on the term you choose and the amount you commit.
Best Features of VyStar Credit Union
Before writing a bank review, the GOBankingRates team analyzes a financial institution’s services, features and rates, noting its strengths and weaknesses. VyStar Credit Union’s best features are:
Fees
Credit unions are well-known as low-fee financial institutions because they run as not-for-profit organizations. VyStar Credit Union offers members low-cost banking services with no fees for account maintenance, official checks or network ATM withdrawals.
Product Depth
Credit unions often provide account holders with a variety of accounts, products and services. VyStar offers banking, savings, investments, retirement planning, credit cards, loans and insurance to individuals and businesses for full-service convenience.
CD Account Options
VyStar Credit Union’s traditional CDs aren’t different from ones you’d find at other banks. The biggest issue with a traditional CD is that the amount you invest is locked in and can’t be withdrawn or increased.
Community Presence
VyStar Credit Union has branches and ATMs throughout the areas it services. It’s also highly involved in the community, providing loans to local families and small businesses as well as partnering with nonprofits by donating more than $6.6 million in 2023 alone.
Editor’s Favorite
VyStar Credit Union’s CD rates, while not quite reaching the levels offered by some online banks, are extremely competitive for a brick-and-mortar credit union.
Banking Experience
VyStar Credit Union provides a friendly, community experience for account holders. VyStar’s strength lies in the number of physical branches and accessible phone services provided.
Customer Service
If you need help, visit a local branch or call customer service Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1-800-445-6289 or 904-777-6000. You can also use the online chat feature 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Accessibility and Branch Availability
Vystar Credit Union has 30-plus branches in Greater Jacksonville and more than 80 branches in Florida and Georgia, with some located in retailer stores such as Target, Walgreens, CVS and Speedway.
Mobile and Digital Experience
VyStar Credit Union receives great reviews for its mobile app. Here are the ratings and where you can download the app.
- Google Play: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 14K reviews
- Apple Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars, 9.8K reviews
The VyStar mobile banking app is designed to make managing your account possible at any time day or night, review recent transactions and balances, pay bills, make mobile deposits and find the nearest ATM.
VyStar secures your accounts and information online using multi-factor authentication, timed log out, encryption and firewalls.
How To Open an Account
To open a bank account with VyStar, you’ll need to sign up for membership first online, at a branch or over the phone. You can also mail in a complete application. Membership is available to military personnel, individuals who live or work in Florida and southeast Georgia, as well as their families. However, membership is really accessible to all, as making a simple $5 donation to the VyStar Foundation is also enough to qualify for membership. Once you’re approved for membership, you’ll need to open a Primary savings account with at least $5. You’ll need the following to open an account:
- Social Security number
- Government-issued photo ID
- Bank and routing number for the first deposit
- Email address
Fees
There are times when you may accidentally bounce a check or need to send or receive a wire transfer. Here are VyStar Credit Union’s most common fees:
- Monthly Maintenance Fees: None
- Returned Item Fee: $8
- Wire Transfer (Incoming): None
- Wire Transfer (Outgoing): $15
- NSF/Overdraft Fee: $32
VyStar Credit Union vs. Competitors
Other credit unions are offering similar products to VyStar. Here’s how they compare:
| Credit Union | Best For |
|---|---|
| VyStar Credit Union | Northeastern Florida residents |
| Georgia United Credit Union | Georgia residents |
| Alliant Credit Union | Savings |
| Radifi Credit Union | Access to branches nationwide |
VyStar Credit Union vs. Georgia United Credit Union
VyStar serves Florida and parts of southeastern Georgia but only has 10 branches in the Peach State. VyStar makes up for its regional branches with an ATM network of 55,000 machines, but sometimes you need to walk into a branch for help. Residents of Georgia looking for a larger presence may find that Georgia United Credit Union is a good option.
VyStar Credit Union vs. Alliant
VyStar offers membership to community members in select areas of Florida and Georgia. In contrast, Alliant’s membership is available to anyone in the country willing to join Foster Care Success. It’s worth it — Alliant’s accounts earn a APY compared to VyStar’s APY.
VyStar Credit Union vs. Radifi Credit Union
VyStar and Radifi Federal Credit Union both started in Jacksonville and offer checking and savings accounts but VyStar’s offerings are more diverse. VyStar has more members than Radifi’s 41,000. However, Radifi provides customers with 5,000 shared branch locations nationwide, beating VyStar’s 111 branches.
Final Take
VyStar Credit Union is a great choice for customers based in the Jacksonville area and its surroundings. The bank offers free checking and savings accounts while paying competitive interest rates. Opening an account with VyStar is simple — apply online, call, mail an application or visit a branch near you to get started.
VyStar Credit Union FAQ
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about VyStar Credit Union.- What are CD rates at VyStar Credit Union today?
- VyStar Credit Union currently offers CDs with APYs between 3.40% and 3.90%. CD rates are subject to change at any time.
- How long do VyStar Credit Union deposits take to clear?
- VyStar generally makes check and cash deposits available on the same business day the deposit was received.
- How many withdrawals or transfers can I make from my VyStar savings account?
- ou can make only six "reauthorized, automatic, internet or telephone transfers and withdrawals" to comply with federal regulations. Vystar may close your account if you exceed the limit.
- Is VyStar only in Florida?
- VyStar Credit Union has branches in Florida and Georgia. However, there are numerous ways to join the credit union if you're from another state, including making a simple $5 donation to the VyStar Foundation.
- Is VyStar and Navy Federal the same company?
- No. VyStar and Navy Federal are two completely separate credit unions.
John Csiszar contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Sept. 24, 2024.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by VyStar Credit Union. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by VyStar Credit Union.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- CareerSource Northeast Florida. 2024. "VyStar expanded land, branches and philanthropic efforts in 2023."
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