Chartway Federal Credit Union experiences?

[u/electronautix]

I’m surprised that there’s virtually zero discussion of Chartway FCU on this subreddit or reddit as a whole. This post is probably the first about them here, yet they seem decently large with a mobile app that has over 5k ratings and physical branches across Virginia, Texas, and Utah. They seem really appealing from what I’ve managed to uncover about them - no fees or minimums, a high yield checking account, $10 monthly ATM fee rebates, an unlimited 2% cash back credit card with no annual fee + no foreign transaction fee + a $200 sign-up bonus, both personal and business account offerings, good rates from what I can see…

Has anyone actually dealt with them? Are there any catches or are they a solid choice?

[u/oarmash]

Your best bet is to check local subreddits in the cities the cu is located.

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[u/LowlyJ]

Check out PenFed CU. They offer co-op, 2% cards, good rates on loans, etc.

I went through a big study of a bunch of CU, although my requirements are slightly different. Considered Baxter, NavyFed CU, PenFed CU, and redstone

In my opinion and with my requirements, Navy Fed is best, PenFed good second. The other ones were also very good as well. However, didn’t consider your CU.

I looked for a large credit card offering

[u/TheWandererWise → u/LowlyJ]

Navy Fed is a joke these days. They might have been good back then but.. Yeah those fees and service are appalling

[u/LowlyJ → u/TheWandererWise]

What fees? They have no foreign transaction fees. And generally low wire transfer fees.

They have us based customer service. I was considering banking with them

[u/electronautix → u/LowlyJ]

What put PenFed over the rest for you? How’s the customer service and user experience

[u/LowlyJ → u/electronautix]

Mainly the credit card offering. IIRC, every target has an atm in their co-op network which is nice. They have Zelle, no foreign transaction fees. Their wire transfer fees are generally lower than other banks.

Credit Cards: Their annual fee is waved for their travel card if you have a checking with direct deposits. The card gives $100 credit for in flight services, and free tsa precheck, and damage insurance for your phone ($500).

They also offer a 2% card. And another card with 4.2% back groceries, etc.

Rates: They are generally known to offer really good rates for home, auto loans. They also have a pretty good high yield savings account.

Biggest con(for me): This doesn’t apply to their 2% cashback card, but Their other points card, the points are only redeemable for .0085 cents and only as a Visa gift card from what I’ve heard.

So good credit union, but has pros and cons. I was looking for a CU with large amount of ATMs, Zelle, good credit card offering with no foreign transaction fees.

Edit: I haven’t dealt with their customer service, however I’ve heard it’s better than most. Their app is alright, not amazing. I previously had Chase and really like their app, but I’ve heard CU apps are generally terrible.

[u/suzyclues]

This feels like an ad

[u/electronautix → u/suzyclues]

Fwiw, it’s not. I don’t have an account w/ them, I bank with Schwab. I ended up giving them a call to ask a few things about their credit card, but the representative sounded uncertain and I’m not sure the info I got was even fully legit. Had a better experience calling Baxter CU afterwards, but, notable that I called close to what I think is Chartway’s closing time while Baxter’s extended hours if not 24/7.

[u/Gullible_Yam_285]

What do you do for them?

[u/electronautix → u/Gullible_Yam_285]

? I don’t work for them or anything, I’m shopping for a credit union to join and they’re one I’m strongly considering. Mostly between them and Baxter FCU.

My more immediately local CU choices lack a lot features that people on here take for granted it seems - no shared branching, limited Co-Op participation (some just do Allpoint), no international wires, poor rewards credit card choices, rough mobile app reviews. Which is what’s driven me to look into the large-ish non-local ones, though I suppose if I end up needing a loan I’ll just go for whatever rate is lowest

I primarily bank with Schwab Bank, and I haven’t gone ahead and opened accounts at these CU’s because I feel I need to cool down on Chex inquiries after the time I was shopping for a good HYSA