Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU)
Military life doesn’t always line up with traditional banking hours or traditional banking needs. Between relocations, deployments, and pay schedules that don’t always follow a typical pattern. Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) was built with service members in mind. But how does it rank against the offerings of other military credit unions?
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SSFCU History
SSFCU was founded in 1956 at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It started as a small credit union designed to serve Air Force security personnel. SSFCU began with only eight members and $25 in deposits, but it’s expanded considerably over the years. Now, it it’s one of the larger member-owned military credit unions, supporting close to 800,000 members around the world with a full lineup of financial services.
Who Can Join SSFCU?
SSFCU welcomes a wide range of military-affiliated individuals as members, including:
- Active-duty service members across all U.S. military branches
- Reservists called to active-duty status
- National Guard members activated under federal orders
- Officers in commissioning programs (e.g., ROTC, academy cadets)
- DoD civilian employees and contractors stationed at certain military bases within SSFCU’s service area (Texas, Colorado, or Utah)
Membership isn’t limited to those in uniform. Spouses, children, and other household members of eligible military personnel or current SSFCU members can also join.
Which SSFCU Accounts Qualify for SCRA Benefits?
SSFCU’s “Operation Salute the Strong” program offers active-duty and deployed service members access to financial tools built to support their day-to-day needs while serving, including those found in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The SCRA reduces interest rates to 6 percent on loans taken out before entering active duty and offers flexible options if your service impacts your ability to pay. Eligible accounts include:
- Consumer loans
- Mortgages
- Personal lines of credit
- Credit cards
- Business loans
- Federal education loans
- Private education loans
To qualify, those accounts must have been opened before entering active duty. Additionally, requests for SCRA benefits must be submitted no later than 180 days after active-duty service ends.
How SSFCU’s Direct Deposit Timing Works
Military members—active duty and retired—can sometimes get paid a little earlier than scheduled. When the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) sends out payment info, SSFCU makes the funds available as soon as they get the notice (usually 1 to 3 days before the official payday.) It’s not a guarantee, but it can make a difference when timing is tight.
This early access applies only to direct deposits made by military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Other types of payments, like civilian or federal pay, Social Security, SSI, or tax refunds, don’t necessarily follow the same early deposit timeline.
If you’re already a member and have direct deposit going into your SSFCU account, there’s nothing extra you need to do. The early deposit timing kicks in automatically. If you’re not yet using direct deposit, you must open an account and fill out the direct deposit form.
Full-Service Financial Options For Military Families
SSFCU is a full-service credit union. Military members and their families can access
- Free checking accounts with no monthly fees
- Savings accounts with tiered dividends
- Auto, personal, and home loans
- Credit cards with competitive APRs
- Insurance products (auto, home, life)
- Financial education resources
- Investment services through SSFCU Investment Services, LLC
One such example is its Power Protected Checking, which features everyday protections and tools. It includes things like identity theft monitoring, roadside assistance, and even mobile phone repair coverage.
Funding for Unplanned Expenses with Deployment Loans
Deployments often bring unexpected costs, from gear upgrades to last-minute travel to prepping your home life before heading out. There’s a smaller option (up to $500) and a larger, credit-based loan (up to $2,500). Eligibility requirements and interest rates aren’t shared publicly.
Service members interested in this kind of short-term funding are encouraged to contact SSFCU directly. Loan officers are available to discuss the options.
VA Home Loans with No Down Payment Through SSFCU
When it’s time to buy a home, SSFCU offers VA loans that don’t require a down payment in typical cases and don’t include private mortgage insurance (PMI). They also provide competitive interest rates. The credit union has loan specialists who assist with the process from pre-approval through closing to help navigate the paperwork.
Moving Your Vehicle During a Military Relocation
You don’t need to panic if you finance a vehicle through SSFCU and receive PCS orders overseas. SSFCU allows you to take your financed vehicle when you’re relocated internationally. This policy saves you from having to sell your car or find a workaround just because your orders have changed, but please note that this does not mean you are automatically allowed by your gaining command to ship a motor vehicle to your next assignment. This rule applies only where lender policies are concerned, not military PCS guidelines.
Free ATMs, Shared Branches, and 24/7 Digital Banking
SSFCU makes it easy to access your money whether you’re stationed stateside or overseas. You’ll get access to more than 5,000 shared branches nationwide and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP and Alliance One networks.
SSFCU’s digital banking platform is user-friendly and designed to work from anywhere. Using the mobile app or website, you can deposit checks, pay bills, conduct money transfers, track your balance, and lock or unlock your debit card instantly.
You can contact SSFCU by calling their main member services line at 1‑888‑415‑7878, visiting a local branch, or through its website. Military members can also reach a dedicated support line at 1‑866‑809‑6332 for help with deployment-related questions and SCRA benefits.
Should You Choose SSFCU as Your Financial Provider?
SSFCU provides banking options tailored to military members at different stages, whether you’re just starting out, deployed, or planning for retirement. If you’re looking for a credit union with experience serving military members and a range of services designed for their lifestyle, SSFCU is one option to consider.
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