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America First Credit Union has 128 branches in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
America First Credit Union; Insider
The bottom line: You may like America First Credit Union if you are exploring regional banking options on the West Coast. It pays high interest rates on America First Credit Union Certificate, but the savings and money market accounts have pretty low interest rates.
Overall credit union rating
FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)Savings4Checking3.75Money market4CD3.75Trustworthiness5Total4
Pros and cons
ProsCons
Free savings and checking accounts with low minimum opening deposits
High interest rates on CDs
No monthly service fees
Only available if you live in specific counties in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and UtahLow interest rates on savings accountsInterest compounded monthly, not daily$25 charge if you use overdraft protection
Savings
To become a member at America First, you’ll have to open the America First Credit Union Share Savings Account. The account doesn’t charge any monthly fees and only requires America First Credit Union Share Savings Account to open and maintain membership.
Checking
The America First Credit Union Classic Checking Account is a decent choice if you are looking for a free checking account.
Be mindful of overdrawing, though. America First provides a line of credit when you use overdraft protection but still charges a $25 fee.
CD
America First is featured in our best CD rates guide. It has several share CD options, including flexible certificates that let you deposit and withdraw money after you’ve opened one. Regardless of which term choose, you’ll also earn a good interest rate.
Money market account
The America First Credit Union Money Market Account may be ideal if you’re able to maintain a high balance on your account. Account balances over $5,000 earn higher interest than the credit union’s savings account, but it’s still lower than what online banks might offer.
America First also has a money market checking account which comes with a debit card — but you’ll need to deposit at least $10,000 to open an account.
How America First Credit Union works
America First Credit Union has 128 branches in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. Members also have access to over 5,600 shared branches and 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP Shared Network.
You’re eligible for membership at America First Credit Union if you live, work, worship, or volunteer in an Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, or Utah county mentioned on this list. If you have a family member or spouse that’s a current member, you’re also able to join. To become a member, you must open a share savings account.
Customer support is available over the phone, through email, or via live chat. Contact a customer service representative from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. MT on weekdays or 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. MT on Saturdays.
The America First mobile app has 4.7 out of 5 stars in the Google Play Store. In the Apple Store, it received 4.8 out of 5 stars.
America First is federally insured by the NCUA, so up to $250,000 is secure in your bank account.
Is America First Credit Union trustworthy?
America First Credit Union hasn’t been involved in any recent public controversies.
We also include ratings from the Better Business Bureau to provide information on how financial institutions deal with customer issues and handle transparency practices. The BBB gave America First Credit Union an A+ rating.
A good BBB rating doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a similar experience as others. You’ll want to talk to current members or read online customers reviews to get a better understanding of whether America First will be a good fit for you.
America First Credit Union vs. Ally
We compared America First Credit Union to two other financial institutions from our best CD rates guide: Ally Bank and CIT Bank.
America First Credit Union
Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Savings APY
America First Credit Union Share Savings Account
Savings APY
Ally High Yield Savings Account
CD APY
America First Credit Union Certificate
CD APY
Ally High Yield Certificate of Deposit
America First Credit Union Share Savings AccountAlly High Yield Savings Account
Both financial institutions offer strong CDs. Ally is one of the few banks that doesn’t require a minimum opening deposit, so it’ll be the best option if you have less than $500 to start with.
If you prefer to deposit $500 or more into a CD, you’ll want to review the CD early withdrawal penalties and interest rates to see which institution has the better option for you.
America First Credit Union vs. CIT Bank
Ally Bank, Member FDIC
CIT Bank
Savings APY
Ally High Yield Savings Account
Savings Builder APY
CIT Bank Savings Builder High Yield Savings Account
CD APY
Ally High Yield Certificate of Deposit
CD APY
CIT Bank Certificate of Deposits (CD)
Ally High Yield Savings AccountCIT Bank Savings Builder High Yield Savings Account
CIT Bank might be a good choice if you are planning on getting a jumbo CD. If you’re strictly looking for the highest interest rate though, you may prefer America First Credit Union.
Your decision between these institutions may also boil down to your preferences between online banks and brick-and-mortar banks. CIT Bank is an online-only institution, so you’ll have to be comfortable with online and mobile banking. If you find it hard to manage your account that way, you might prefer banking with America First since it has physical branch locations.