Get to Know the Ways We Serve You
At Service Credit Union, we are dedicated to providing products and services that fit the unique needs of our members. For our military members, moving from base to base doesn’t mean having to close your account.
PCSing Overseas?
Service Credit Union Travels with You
Check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Service Credit Union.
Have you received Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Deployment Orders?Service Credit Union is here by your side through every move, in the U.S. or abroad.Check out the move order category that best describes you for more information and resources. View our FAQs.
Benefits of Banking with Service CU
Early Pay Day
Why wait for payday when you can get your pay early? Set up a checking account with direct deposit at Service Credit Union, and enjoy the benefit of receiving your pay up to two days early.1
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Free Checking Accounts
With us, you don’t have to worry about account maintenance fees eating into your hard-earned money. Enjoy the convenience of free checking accounts designed to suit your unique lifestyle.
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Special Military Savings Accounts
As members of Service Credit Union, if you’re currently serving active duty in a combat zone as defined by Service Credit Union, you may qualify for an annual savings rate of 10% APY with a deposit of up to $10,000.2
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Discounts on Loans
We understand that financial stability is key for our military members. That’s why we offer significant discounts on auto loans and personal loans, helping you secure your financial future without breaking the bank.
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Convenient Branch Locations
With 37 branches in the United States, branches located on 14 military bases in Germany, and more than 5,000 shared branches worldwide, you can access in-person services whenever you need them.
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Online & Mobile Banking
Manage your finances right from your mobile device. With our Service Credit Union app, you can deposit checks3, transfer funds, pay bills, locate branches, and much more at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime.
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Surcharge-Free ATMs
In addition to nearby branches, both home and away, we provide easy access to nearly 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide. So whether you’re abroad or at home, you’re never far from your cash.
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24/7 Support
We know that military service doesn’t follow standard business hours. That’s why our support team is available around the clock to help with any banking issues you might encounter.
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Early Pay Day
Active duty military members can get paid early1 when they sign up for direct deposit with a Service CU checking account. With our Early Pay service, your paycheck could arrive up to two days earlier than scheduled on the following dates:
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| 10, 30 | 13, 28 | 13, 28 | 11, 29 | 13, 29 | 12, 27 |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 11, 30 | 13, 28 | 11, 27 | 10, 30 | 13, 27 | 11, 30 |
General Information & FAQs
I am moving from a stateside base to an overseas base
Check out our Newcomers’ Guide for more information on transitioning to life overseas.
For information specific to your new base in Germany, check out our pages on Bavaria, Ansbach, Kaiserslautern and Spangdahlem.
Service Credit Union has 14 conveniently located branches on U.S. Army and Air Force bases in Germany, as well as more than 85,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide through shared branching. Be prepared for overseas life with our International Bill Pay4 service, credit cards with no foreign transaction fees5, and up to $30 per month in ATM and foreign transaction fee reimbursem*nts6 with your Service CU debit card.
- Earn 5% APY on the first $500 and 5%-.25% APY on all funds over $5007 with a Primary Savings Account.
- Sign up for free Everyday Checking, and get paid up to two days early1 with Direct Deposit. Need assistance with MyPay? Check out this video on how to change your direct deposit, and this video on how to start an allotment in MyPay.
- Sign up for International Bill Pay4to pay bills in 17 local currencies in more than 40 countries.
- Need help with your moving expenses? Get a Relocation Loan of up to $2,5008
- Or, maximize your rewards by earning 1.5 points for every dollar you spend with the Visa® Signature Everyday Elite card.
- Moving to Europe? Order a V Pay card to shop safely and securely anywhere in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), with no foreign transaction fees.
- Finance your new car with a stress-free auto loan. If you’re based in the US, you can even arrange your loan straight from the dealer with our Indirect Lending program.
- Compare the American dollar against currency elsewhere in the world, and sign up for our daily Euro rate newsletter.
- Access our 24/7 live chat, apply for a loan or transfer money to a friend, all from within our mobile app.
I am moving from a stateside base to another stateside base
Get settled into your new home with a competitively priced mortgage from Service Credit Union, including VA loans and first-time homebuyer loans. Our members can easily access thousands of surcharge-free ATMs in the U.S. and around the world, plus take care of all their banking needs through our mobile app.
- Earn 5% APY on the first $500 and 5%-.25% APY on all funds over $5006 with a Primary Savings Account.
- Or, maximize your rewards by earning 1.5 points for every dollar you spend with the Visa® Signature Everyday Elite card.
- Sign up for free Everyday Checking, and get paid up to two days early1 with Direct Deposit. Need assistance with MyPay? Check out this video on how to change your direct deposit, and this video on how to start an allotment in MyPay.
- Finance your new car with a stress-free auto loan. You can even arrange your loan straight from the dealer with our Indirect Lending program.
- Get into your dream home with our quick and easy mortgage process.
- Find a branch or shared branching location near you.
- Download our free mobile app for iOS or Android and learn how to get started with convenient services such as mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and more.
I am moving from an overseas base to a stateside base
Welcome back to the U.S! If you opened a Service Credit Union account while abroad, there’s no need to close your account when you return. Take advantage of Service CU’s dedicated and supported team to finance your new home with a VA loan, finance your new car with a competitively priced auto loan, and more.
- Get into your dream home with a competitively priced mortgage, including VA loans.
- Sign up for free Everyday Checking, and get paid up to two days early1 with Direct Deposit. Need assistance with MyPay? Check out this video on how to change your direct deposit, and this video on how to start an allotment in MyPay.
- Finance your new car with a stress-free auto loan. You can even arrange your loan straight from the dealer with our Indirect Lending program.
- Find a branch or shared branching location near you.
- Access our 24/7 live chat, apply for a loan or transfer money to a friend, all from within our mobile app.
I am being deployed
No matter where you in the world, we are here by your side.
- If you’re serving active duty in a combat zone as defined by Service Credit Union, you may qualify for an annual percentage yield of 10% APY with a deposit of up to $10,0002 through our Deployed Warrior Savings Account. Contact us to determine if you qualify.
- Sign up for free Everyday Checking, and get paid up to two days early1 with Direct Deposit. Need assistance with MyPay? Check out this video on how to change your direct deposit, and this video on how to start an allotment in MyPay.
- Sign up forInternational Bill Pay to pay bills in 17 local currencies in more than 40 countries.
- Access our 24/7 live chat, apply for a loan or transfer money to a friend, all fromwithin our mobile app.
I am retiring or being discharged
We are so grateful to our veterans for their service and are proud to serve you both during and after your military career. Whether you’re retiring abroad or in the U.S., we have the tools you need to make the most of your finances.
- Get into your dream home with a competitively priced mortgage, including VA loans.
- Retiring in Europe? Sign up for International Bill Payto pay bills in 18 local currencies in more than 40 countries, and order a V Pay card to shop safely and securely anywhere in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), with no foreign transaction fees.
- Maximize your credit card rewards by earning 1.5 points for every dollar you spend with the Visa® Signature Everyday Elite card.
- Get help planning your retirement income or your child’s college fund with a free consultation from the Service Financial Group.
- Find a branch or shared branching location near you.
- Download our free mobile app for iOS or Android and learn how to get started with convenient services such as mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and more.
Why can’t I call my branch directly?
External calls cannot be received at our branch locations. For immediate assistance, kindly contact our 24/7 Contact Center. If you wish to speak with a particular branch associate, the 24/7 Contact Center can facilitate the connection.
Why doesn’t my SSA retirementcheck deposit every 3rd Wednesday each month?
The date you get your benefits every month depends on your birthday and the type of benefits you receive. For more information, or to see your upcoming and past payments, please visit the Social Security Administration website.
What is my ATM withdrawal limit?
The daily withdrawal limit is $1000. When withdrawing in a foreign currency, the limit remains at $1000 in the equivalent value of that currency. The combined limit for both regular and foreign currency withdrawals is a maximum of $1000, regardless of the currency type.
Can you increase my ATM withdrawal limit?
Requests to increase an ATM daily withdrawal limit, whether temporary or permanent, can be considered on a case-by-case basis. To make such a request, please contact our24/7 Contact Centeror visit a nearbyService Credit Union branch.
Auto FAQs
What do I need to do to ship my vehicle(s) from overseas to the states?
If you are not shipping a vehicle due to official relocation and therefore cannot provide the required orders, we will ask for three personal references as an alternative. For assistance with any vehicle shipping request, please contact our 24/7 contact center or visit your local branch office.
When will I receive my title, my car was paid off last month?
Please expect a delivery time of 6 to 8 weeks for title processing by our Records department. We recommend verifying your current address on file before completing the vehicle payoff to ensure accurate delivery address.
Even though I paid my loan early this month, why did it still pull with the autopayment recurring?
For automatic loan payment transfers arranged by a Service Credit Union representative, the outcome varies depending on the chosen transfer method during setup. Only a Service Credit Union representative can adjust these types of transfers. If your automatic loan payment was facilitated by a credit union representative and you need modifications, please reach out to our 24/7 contact center or visit your nearest branch for assistance.
What else should I know about shipping my vehicle from OCONUS to CONUS; CONUS to OCONUS; OCONUS to OCONUS?
Apart from the shipping cost, other factors need consideration when shipping a POV, including vehicle size, modifications, and specifications. For more details, please refer to the Military PCS of Personal Property FAQ page.
Housing FAQs
Why does my foreign currency rent payment change monthly?
The daily exchange rate between USD and EUR is influenced by numerous economic factors, causing fluctuations. Consequently, as the rate shifts, so does the equivalent amount in USD necessary to fulfill your requested payment in Euros. To ensure sufficient USD allocation for the transaction, it’s advisable to monitor the exchange rate trends.
For your convenience, Service Credit Union’s website provides access to international exchange rates. To view them, visit servicecu.org/rates. Additionally, you can opt to receive daily updates exclusively on Euro rates.
What’s the process of getting long-term housing?
Preparing for New Installation Housing:
Before you head to your new assignment, it’s recommended to research the available housing options in your designated community. Housing choices can vary based on factors such as on-post availability, family size, rank, and your active duty or DoD civilian status.
Research and Contact Housing Division:
For active military and Department of Defense civilians, reaching out to the Housing Division is advised for questions and assistance related to housing options at your assigned installation.
Seeking Long-Term Housing During TLA:
If you receive Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) approval, it’s essential to proactively explore permanent housing while under TLA status. The duration of TLA can differ based on your assigned military installation, so researching beforehand is crucial. Typically, it does not extend beyond 30 days.
For more detailed information, please visit the Military One Source website.
International Banking FAQs
What is an IBAN?
An International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is a globally recognized system that identifies bank accounts across borders, streamlining cross-border transactions and reducing errors. Each IBAN is distinct to each account, ensuring precision in transaction handling.
IBANs at Service Credit Union are used to send transfers within the Single European Payment Area (SEPA). The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is a mechanism that facilitates the standardization of electronic payments denominated in euro across Europe. Under SEPA, all bank accounts must be identified by an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and a Bank Identifier Code (BIC).
While your Service Credit Union savings account has an IBAN, it should not be used or provided to vendors for the purpose of external euro debits. It is suitable to provide to vendors for the purpose of receiving euros as a credit. Only a Service Credit Union Checking Account IBAN can be used for external euro debits. The IBAN for your Service Credit Union Checking Account can be used and provided to vendors for the purpose of both external euro debits and credits.
How do I know what my IBAN is?
To obtain your IBAN, please contact our 24/7 Contact Center or visit your local branch office.
What is Service Credit Union’s International Bill Pay Service? Do I need it?
Your Service Credit Union Checking or Savings Account can be used to send one-time international payments in local currency via our International Bill Pay service available in-branch or through online and mobile banking. However, please note, a Service Credit Union savings account cannot be used to establish a Recurring Payment Order (RPO) via our International Bill Payment Service. Only a checking account can be used to establish a Recurring Payment Order.
Why was my Recurring International Bill Payment Order debited on Monday when the scheduled date should have been Saturday/Sunday?
If the requested International Bill Payment date falls on a weekend or U.S. holiday, the effective debit date will be the next business day. Additionally, If the requested payment date falls on a date which does not occur in a given month (such as the 31st), the payment date will be adjusted to the last calendar day of the month.
Why didn’t a scheduled transfer take place for an international bill payment?
Weekend or Holiday Submission: If your submission date fell on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be processed on the following business day.
Late Submission: If the payment request was sent after the day’s processing deadline, it will be processed on the next available business day.
Insufficient Funds: If the debiting account lacks sufficient funds, kindly review your balance. The payment will be retried in 5 business days. To cancel the retry, please contact our 24/7 Contact Center or visit your local branch.
Incorrect Account Selection: For one-time international bill payments, you have the flexibility to choose any checking or savings account where you are the account holder. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you select the appropriate account with sufficient funds for the payment to be debited successfully.
What is an exchange rate?
Currency exchange rates refer to the relative value of one currency compared to another. These rates determine how much one currency is worth in terms of another currency. Exchange rates fluctuate due to various economic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, political stability, and market demand.
You can view exchange rates offered at our Overseas Branch locations and through our International Bill Pay service.
Rates are typically updated by 4 p.m. CET daily.
You can learn more about foreign change rates on this blog post.
“10 years and counting. Wish we had known about Service Credit Union way before. We LOVE the low loan rates, great customer service, early pay, international bill pay option, V Pay card and fair charges. Love banking with you guys.”
Nana N.
“Best Credit Union for Military”
“A Top Military Credit Union”
“Best Military Savings Account”
“Best Military Credit Union – High Yield Savings”
“Stars and Stripes Best of Germany”
Helpful Resources
Expert guidance and helpful hints for every step of your journey.
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1 Immediate credit of your direct deposit to your Service CU account up to two (2) business days early is based upon when we receive your payroll from your employer. Service CU cannot assume any liability for not depositing these funds to your account early. Must be a member of Service CU or establish membership with $5 in a Primary Savings Account.
2 Warriors deployed in combat zones may deposit up to $10,000 into a Service CU Deployed Warrior Savings Account which earns 10% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) up to $10,000.00. If actual daily balance exceeds $10,000, the remaining balance will receive variable APY of 10%-0.10%. Rates are variable and subject to change; accurate as of 07/01/24. Service member must be serving in a combat zone as defined by Service CU; orders of deployment to a combat zone must be provided. Direct deposit of net pay is required into members Service CU account. No minimum balance is required to open the Deployed Warrior Savings Account; $5 deposit is required to open a Primary Savings Account. Monthly deposits into a Deployed Warriors Savings Account cannot exceed the amount of your monthly net military pay; however, deposits into the Deployed Warrior Savings Account may be direct deposit, an allotment, or a transfer of funds from a Service CU account. Withdrawals are not permitted from a Deployed Warrior Savings Account. If a withdrawal is made from the Deployed Warrior Savings Account before the redeployment date plus 120 days, the funds in the Deployed Warrior Savings Account will be transferred to the Primary Savings Account, and the Deployed Warrior Savings Account will be closed. The Deployed Warrior Savings Account will stop accruing 10% APY at the end of the month of return date per deployment orders plus 120 days. eCommunications is required.
3 Must be at least 18 years old to deposit checks remotely. Members between the ages of 13 and 17 years old must have a parent/legal guardian accept the terms and conditions. Standard funds availability policy and other restrictions apply. Please see terms of use agreement for additional details. Checks deposited in real time are subject to Service CU discretion.
4 Recurring International Bill Pay payments are available only from a Service CU checking account. One-time International Bill Pay payments are available from any share or share draft account with an available balance that is eligible to make transfers. If the account selected for payment does not have sufficient available funds at the time the transaction is processed an overdraft charge will be debited from the account and the associated payment may not be executed. Automatic debits are available only to merchants in Europe. Select any day of the week to make recurring payments weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly. International Bill Pay incurs a $1.00 fee per online or mobile transaction and for recurring payments. One-time International Bill Pay transactions initiated in a branch, over the phone or through chat incur a $2.00 fee per transaction. Service CU is not liable for, and has no influence over the conversion rate applied to the conversion of the funds. All payments are transferred in the selected currency. If the beneficiary accounts to which the funds are ultimately credited is not denominated in the selected currency, the amount will be converted to the appropriate currency (i.e. British Sterling, Swiss Franc, Swedish Kroner, etc.) or returned by the receiving financial institution. Any funds returned to SCU will be converted using the reconversion rate in effect on the date of credit.
5 Annual Percentage Rates (APR) range from 13.40% to 18.00%; accurate as of 07/01/24 and subject to change without notice. APR is variable and based on your creditworthiness. Cash advance fee and balance transfer fee is 1.00% of the amount of each transaction. Returned payment fee is $20, or the amount of the required minimum payment, whichever is less.The card replacement fee is $9. There is a document copy fee of $15.
6 ATM surcharge fees and foreign transaction fees will be rebated up to $15 a month for the Direct Deposit Checking Account tier and up to $30 a month for the Direct Deposit+ Checking Account tier. Excludes Basic Checking Account tier. Rebates will be applied to account on the first business day of the following monthly cycle that the rebate eligibility requirements were met. ATM surcharge fee rebates would apply to fees imposed by non-network ATM owners/operators.
7 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date of 07/01/2024 and subject to change without notice. Dividends paid on daily balances of up to $500; variable APY of 5.00%. If actual daily balance exceeds $500, the remaining balance will receive variable APY of 5%-0.25%. Dividends are calculated based on the daily balance with the sum of the daily earnings credited on the last day of each month. Must be a member of Service CU or establish membership with $5 in a Primary Savings Account.
8 Military and civilian personnel with PCS(Permanent Change of Station) orders or deployment orders to any overseas duty stations are eligible for the Relocation Loan. Temporary duty assignments are not eligible. Loan applications must be received within 120 days before or after the member’s reporting date to new assignment. Underwriting and creditworthiness factors apply. Only one (1) Relocation Loan authorized at a time. Must be a member with full direct deposit into a Service CU account to qualify. Additional “Relocation Loan” terms and limitations apply.
