Personal Checking

Personal Checking

Open a checking account that fits your life, not the other way around.

There’s more than one way to enjoy the many benefits of being a USC Credit Union member-owner: Pick the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for a basic no-frills, no-fee option or a high-yield, interest-bearing checking account, we’ve got you covered.* As your not-for-profit credit union, we’re here to enhance your financial well-being, starting with a checking account that fits your life, never the other way around.

homecoming $100 bonus

Benefits:

  • Bank on the go and pay bills with Mobile and Online Banking
  • $0 liability for unauthorized payments with debit card
  • Get paid early with the convenience of Direct Deposit
  • Easy transfer of funds and free account alerts
  • Access to 30,000 fee-free ATMs and 5,000 shared branches
  • Low deposit requirements and low or no fees

Student Checking

Trojans, financial independence starts here.

Our student checking account fits you, your budget and your USC campus life.

  • Maintain your account with no minimum daily balance
  • No monthly service charges*
  • Make two free withdrawals per month at any ATM*

Gold Checking

Interest checking accounts made easy.

Keep a low minimum daily balance of just $750, and this interest-bearing checking account will pay you dividends with every check you write.*

  • Earn dividends with a daily balance of at least $750
  • No direct deposit requirements

APY is accurate as of 11.19.2024

Rates as high as:

0.02%

View Rates

Trojan Checking

Your best interest checking account option for higher balances.

Take advantage of all the benefits of our premium value checking account, including high interest on your balance.*

  • Earn dividends with a daily balance of at least $2,500
  • No direct deposit requirements 

APY is accurate as of 11.19.2024

Rates as high as:

0.05%

View Rates

Cardinal Checking

Open our most popular checking account online with just a $25 deposit.

Enjoy the ease of no minimum balance and a low opening deposit with this best-of-the-basics free checking account.*

  • Get mobile banking, free bill pay and more with no monthly service fee
  • No balance or direct deposit requirements

Debit/ATM Cards

Go Cashless

Just like cash.

Use at gas stations, grocery stores, shops and restaurants worldwide. It’s filled with perks, including EMV chip technology for added security.

  • Withdraw up to $500 cash per day
  • Gold Checking Account holders receive five (5) free non-USC Credit Union ATM transactions per month.
  • Trojan Checking Account holders receive unlimited free non-USC Credit Union ATM transactions each month.

 

Which checking account is right for you?

Compare Personal Checking Accounts
Features
Cardinal
Gold
Trojan
Student
The right fit if you want a…Basic no-frills checking account with no minimum daily balance requiredChecking account that earns you dividends with a low minimum balanceChecking account that gives you the biggest bang for your buck (i.e., our highest interest)Checking account designed for students (the basics with benefits)
Minimum Opening Balance$25$750$2,500$0
Daily Balance RequirementNone$750 or $3,500 in combined checking & savings accounts$2,500 or $7,500 in combined checking & savings accountsNone
Monthly Service ChargesNone$5 fee if balance falls below requirement$7 fee if balance falls below requirementNone
DividendsN/APaid monthly for balances $750 and greaterPaid monthly for balances $2,500 and greaterN/A
Free Online BankingYesYesYesYes
Free Withdrawals at USC Credit Union, Co-Op, Shared Network or Citibank (branch only) ATMs*YesYes
Plus, five free transactions at non-USC Credit Union and Co-Op ATMs per month**		Yes
Plus, unlimited free transactions at non-USC Credit Union and Co-Op ATMs**		Yes
Plus, two free transactions at non-USC Credit Union and Co-Op ATMs per month**
Additional FeaturesUnlimited check writingUnlimited check writingUnlimited check writing, plus three no-fee cashier’s checks or money orders per monthTwo free incoming wire transfers per year**
Free Debit CardYesYesYesYes
Zelle/Virtual WalletYesYesYesYes
Links to Open AccountsOpen CardinalOpen GoldOpen TrojanOpen Student

    *Citibank free ATM transactions or inquiries apply only to ATMs at Citibank branch locations.  View our Schedule of Fees for details on any fees you may incur.

    **Two free non-shared network ATM transactions per month with Student Checking, five free with Gold Checking, unlimited with Trojan Checking. When you use an ATM not displaying the USCCU or Co-Op ATM symbols, the ATM owner may charge additional fees.

    ***View our Schedule of Fees for subsequent transactions.

    Excellent customer service. I was able to obtain many perks when opening an account with USC Credit Union. I not only got a checking account but a savings account and personal checks.

    -Mayra

    • Virtual Wallet

      Wave it and pay! Simplify your purchases with a secure digital version of your debit and credit cards on your mobile devices – and never fumble for plastic again.

    • Mobile Banking

      Manage your finances wherever, whenever. Use our Mobile Banking app to check balances, pay bills, transfer money and deposit checks.

    • Share Certificates

      Lock in our best yields on your terms. Share savings earn you a guaranteed return and let you choose your deposit amount and for how long.

      Educational Resources

      • News

        2024 Charity Challenge: USC Credit Union vs. Notre Dame FCU

        This year’s Charity Challenge brings USC Credit Union and Notre Dame FCU together to support a cause bigger than the game itself. Each credit union has pledged $5,000, and the stakes are high: the winner of the Notre Dame vs. USC football game on November 30 will decide which charity receives a boosted $10,000 donation.

        Read Full Article

        2024 Charity Challenge: USC Credit Union vs. Notre Dame FCU

      • News

        USC Credit Union Celebrates Success with The RightWay Foundation: Empowering Foster Youth through Financial Literacy

        USC Credit Union is proud to announce the successful conclusion of a transformative 10-month financial literacy program in partnership with The RightWay Foundation.

        Read Full Article

        USC Credit Union Celebrates Success with The RightWay Foundation: Empowering Foster Youth through Financial Literacy

      • Investments

        High-Yield Business Savings Accounts: Consider a Credit Union!

        Are you looking to make your business’s savings work harder? High-yield savings accounts (HYSA) and high-yield money market accounts (MMA) can help grow your business savings at a competitive interest rate. It’s just one way to beat inflation while growing your funds for the future.

        Read Full Article

        High-Yield Business Savings Accounts: Consider a Credit Union!

      • Credit Unions

        Business Accounts at Credit Unions vs. Banks

        Choosing the right financial partner for your business isn’t always easy. Many traditional banks come with high fees, rigid rules, and one-size-fits-all services that might not fit your business needs. Business credit unions, like USC Credit Union, shine by offering competitive business bank accounts that often have better terms and more flexibility than traditional banks!

        Read Full Article

        Business Accounts at Credit Unions vs. Banks

      • Managing Debt

        Budgeting: Your Best Partner When In Debt

        With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, you can transform budgeting from a chore into a powerful ally against debt.

        Read Full Article

        Budgeting: Your Best Partner When In Debt

      • Student Loans

        Smart Student Loan Repayment Tips for 2024

        Navigating student loan repayment can be challenging, but 2024 brings new opportunities to ensure you’re on the right track towards financial freedom!

        Read Full Article

        Smart Student Loan Repayment Tips for 2024

      • Student Loans

        Celebrating the Holidays with Student Debt

        The holidays are a time of joy and giving, but for many of us managing student loan repayments, it can also be a season of financial stress. But with a bit of planning, creativity, and focus on what truly matters to you this season, it’s possible to find holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

        Read Full Article

        Celebrating the Holidays with Student Debt

      • Identity Theft

        The Rise of Card Skimming and How to Fight It

        Skimming is a persistent and evolving threat, but by being aware and taking preventative measures, we can fight against compromised cards and protect our financial well-being. Read this guide for tips and signs to watch out for.

        Read Full Article

        The Rise of Card Skimming and How to Fight It

      • Student Loans

        Repaying Student Loans: Budget Your Way to Freedom

        Managing student loan debt can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But the truth is, a smart budget, personalized to your income and other expenses, can be your greatest asset in paying off your student loans while maintaining your quality of life. In this guide, we walk you through the steps to create your own budget that works for you and your goals.

        Read Full Article

        Repaying Student Loans: Budget Your Way to Freedom

      • Fraud Awareness

        Recognizing Text Scams

        Does this sound familiar? “Did you attempt a payment for $3,000? Reply YES or NO.”  If so, you're not alone. Financial institution impersonations are the most common text scams and usually include bogus fraud warnings and transfer alerts. Follow these tips to help you identify potential scams and keep your personal information safe and secure.

        Read Full Article

        Recognizing Text Scams

        Let’s Chat

        Need help to open a checking account? Talk to a member specialist. We’re always here to lend an ear and all the guidance you need.

        Homecoming $100 Bonus: Offer starts November 16, 2024. Must open a new checking account product with a debit card and share account with a minimum of $10. Must sign up for e-statements and establish a direct deposit totaling $500 within the first sixty (60) days of account opening. Account must be in good standing at the time of award, with no negative balances or loan delinquencies. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion and may be canceled at any time without notice. Offer does not apply to second or multiple checking accounts and/or existing checking members and is limited to one bonus per household. The $100 bonus may be considered interest reportable on IRS Form 1099-INT. Must use Promo Code HC24 to qualify. Offer ends December 31, 2024. Subject to change.

        *View our Truth-in-Savings Disclosures in Online Banking for details on free checking. View our Schedule of Fees for details on any fees you may incur.

        **View our Schedule of Fees for details on any fees you may incur.

        ***Citibank free ATM transactions or inquiries apply only to ATMs at Citibank branch locations. View our Schedule of Fees for details on any fees you may incur.

        ****Two free non-shared network ATM transactions per month with Student Checking, five free with Gold Checking, unlimited with Trojan Checking. When you use an ATM not displaying the USCCU or Co-Op ATM symbols, the ATM owner may charge additional fees.

        12 free incoming wires annually by calendar year, January 1st, (combined domestic and foreign) with Student Checking. See Schedule of Fees for subsequent transactions