June 15, 2024

VyStar Credit Union Review

By Darlene Santos

Overall Score

3.3

Savings

3.0

CD

3.0

Checking

4.0

Money Market

2.0

Mobile App

4.5

Customer Service

3.5

5-point scale (the higher, the better)

Pros and Cons

Free checking account
No monthly fees
Access to 20,000+ surcharge-free ATMs

Low rates
Membership is not open to all

Bottom Line

Florida-based credit union offering financial products with low fees

VyStar Credit Union offers a range of banking products and services to its members. And, they come with minimal charges.

However, their rates may not be the most competitive. Are they worth considering? Continue reading to find out.

What is VyStar Credit Union?

VyStar, founded in 1952, is a well-known credit union based in Jacksonville, Florida. They offer personalized financial products with low fees and a few decent rates.^[1]

However, only members can access their products and enjoy their services.

Who is Eligible?

To open an account, you must be a member. Membership is available to most residents of Florida, southeast Georgia, military personnel, and their families.^[2]

You must also be either a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien who is at least 18 years old and can provide the following:

$5 initial deposit
U.S. Driver's License, Passport, Military ID, or State ID
Social Security number
Valid email address

If you qualify for membership, you can join and open your preferred account online (simultaneously).

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free checking account
Access to 20,000+ surcharge-free ATMs
No monthly fees for checking and savings
Little to no balance requirements
24/7 online and mobile banking

Cons

Low APY on savings options
Limited physical branches
Membership is not open to all

What aspect of VyStar Credit Union interests you the most?

Checking Account

VyStar Credit Union offers a Free Checking account with no fees for money transfers or bill payments. It has no monthly minimums and you can earn some interest on your daily balance.

This account also comes with a customizable VyStar Visa debit card with fee-free access to over 20,000 ATMs nationwide. You can conveniently manage your account anywhere through their 24/7 online and mobile banking platforms.^[3]

VyStar Credit Union: Personal Checking Account - $175 Bonus

Open a new VyStar+ Checking account. Mention this offer at account opening. Set up and receive recurring direct deposits of $1,000 or more within 90 days of account opening. Complete 15 or more debit card transactions within 90 days of account opening.

Learn More

Expires 12/31/2026

Savings Account

VyStar Credit Union has a Regular Savings account with a low APY. You need to deposit at least $5 to open it and keep a minimum balance of $50 to earn that rate.^[4]

Money Market Account

VyStar Credit Union also provides a Money Market account with low rates that can increase as your balance grows. It comes with check-writing privileges, making your funds easily accessible.

Certificates of Deposit

VyStar Credit Union provides a variety of CD terms ranging from 3 months to 60 months. The fixed rate you earn depends on the term and balance of the CD you choose.

To open an account, a minimum balance of $500 is required.

Fees to Look Out For

VyStar Credit Union doesn't charge monthly fees for their personal checking and savings accounts, and many other features are free too such as:

Online & mobile banking
Funds transfers
Incoming wire transfers
ACH transfers
Card transactions at VyStar and in-network ATMs

While all that sounds good, there are other charges you might face like a $32 fee for insufficient funds and a $15 fee for outgoing wire transfers.^[5]

Depositing and Withdrawing Funds

For depositing funds into your account, you have several options: visit a VyStar Credit Union branch or a VyStar Deposit ATM, receive wire transfers from another bank account, or do a mobile check deposit.

For withdrawals, you can use your complimentary card at any VyStar, Accel, or Visa® Plus ATM nationwide. You can also make outgoing wire transfers from your VyStar account to an external bank account.

How VyStar Credit Union Compares

Compare High-Yield Savings

Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - Up to 4.25% APY Boost

With 6 month boost, you earn:

Tier	Boost APY
Balance over $5,000	4.25%*
Balance less than $5,000	0.75%*

After boost is completed, you will continue to earn our best standard rates:

Tier	APY
Balance over $5,000	3.75%¹
Balance less than $5,000	0.25%¹

Needs to use promo code to qualify: Boost50
Boost lasts 6 months over standard APY
Tiered account
$100 minimum account opening
Member FDIC
No Monthly Service fees
No account opening fees

Learn More

Read Review

Expires 12/15/2026

Disclosures

Platinum Savings is a tiered interest rate account. Interest is paid on the entire account balance based on the interest rate and APY in effect that day for the balance tier associated with the end-of-day account balance. APYs — Annual Percentage Yields are accurate as of January 9, 2026: 0.25% APY on balances of $0.01 to $4,999.99; 3.75% APY on balances of $5,000.00 or more. Interest Rates for the Platinum Savings account are variable and may change at any time without notice. The minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $100.

This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria.

Accounts enrolled in the Platinum Savings Annual Percentage Yield (APY) Boost promotion will receive a 0.50% APY boost on the Platinum Savings current standard APY tiers for 6 months following the opening of a new account or when an existing Platinum Savings account is enrolled in the promotion. The Platinum Savings APY boost will be applied on account balances up to $9,999,999.00. Account balances above $9,999,999.00 will earn the standard APY. If the standard-published APY should change during the promotion period, the APY boost will move with it, offering an account APY above the standard rate.

The Promotion begins on September 29, 2026, and ends December 15, 2026. Customers enrolled in the promotion prior to the end date will receive the APY boost for the 6-month period outlined in the terms and conditions.

The promotion can end at any time without notice.

New CIT Bank Customers: This Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion offer is valid for New CIT Bank customers, who, at account opening, do not have a valid CIT Bank User ID (a "New Customer") or any open CIT Bank accounts provided that the following requirements are met:

New customers must open a Platinum Savings account with a valid Promo Code, Boost50. The Platinum Savings APY Boost Promo Code will appear on the online account opening enrollment web page. The Promo Code must be used at the time of account opening. Accounts opened during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.
The enrolled Platinum Savings account must be open to receive the APY boost during the promotional period.

CIT Bank Customers with an account prior to the promotion: This Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion is valid for a Primary account owner with an existing account with a CIT Bank User ID before the start of the promotion, provided that the following requirements are met:

Customers without a Platinum Savings account open prior to the Promotion must open a new Platinum Savings account via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers with a Platinum Savings account opened prior to the promotion may enroll their current Platinum Savings account into the Platinum Savings Boost promotion via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers who are not the Primary account owner on a Platinum Savings account may open a new Platinum Savings account as the primary account owner via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Accounts opened or enrolled during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.

There is a limit of one Platinum Savings APY Boost promotional offer per account and per Primary customer. If multiple Platinum Savings accounts are opened, only one account per primary account owner is eligible.

There is no minimum account balance requirement to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion.

Additional Important Terms

The Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion may not be combined with other promotions.
Customers are ineligible to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion if:
- They are earning an APY over the standard rate.
- They participated in a previous APY Boost promotion.
- They participated in a cash bonus promotion in the past 6 months.
Custodial accounts and accounts in the name of a Trust are not eligible.
This offer is non-transferable.

The value of Platinum Saving Boost will be reported as interest income on IRS Form 1099-INT for the calendar year in which it was paid. The recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.

For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.

Member FDIC

High Yield Savings - 3.20% APY

3.20% APY
$100 minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees

Learn More

Read Review

Member FDIC

Personal Savings - Earn 4.00% APY

Earn 4.00% APY
No minimum balance requirement
No monthly service fee

Learn More

Current Savings - Up to 4.00% bonus

4.00% bonus on up to $6,000 balance if you receive and maintain a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more in a rolling 35 day period. (Otherwise, 0.25%)
Simply add money to your Savings Pods and enable the Boost feature.
Earn bonus on up to 3 Savings Pods, up to $2,000 balance each.
Bonuses accumulate daily.

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.

Learn More

Read Review

Empower Personal Cash

3.30% APY
$0 monthly fee
Withdraw up to $100k per day

Funds placed in the Empower Personal Cash Program are FDIC insured by program banks up to an aggregate of $5,000,000. (up to $10 million for joint accounts)

Get Deal

Read Review

What's your biggest concern when choosing a credit union?

Is My Money Safe in VyStar Credit Union?

Yes, your money is safe with VyStar Credit Union. They are federally insured by the NCUA (Cert #68490) which means deposits are insured up to $250,000. Thus, you are guaranteed to get your money back should the credit union fail.

Who Is It Best For?

VyStar Credit Union is a good choice for those who want straightforward bank accounts without any fees. More so if you live in Florida because their main branch is located in Jacksonville, FL.

You get exclusive perks and discounts as a member. But, if you're looking for more convenience or better rates, you might find better options from online banks.

How to Open an Account

You can open a VyStar Credit Union account online. Simply do the following:

Go to the VyStar Credit Union website and click Open an Account.
Determine your membership eligibility and provide your information.
Select an account and wait for confirmation.

Remember that you must be a member to successfully open an account. You can also visit a VyStar Branch or send an application via mail to open an account.

Which account are you most interested in with VyStar Credit Union?

Bottom Line

VyStar is a great option for those residing in Florida and Georgia. They offer many fee-free financial products with some decent rates, along with easy-to-use online and mobile banking.

Overall, if you qualify to join VyStar Credit Union, take a look at what they offer.

References

^ VyStar Credit Union. Who We Are, Retrieved 02/13/2024
^ VyStar Credit Union. How to Join VyStar, Retrieved 02/13/2024
^ VyStar Credit Union. Free Checking Accounts, Retrieved 02/13/2024
^ VyStar Credit Union. Savings, CDs, IRAs & Money Markets, Retrieved 02/13/2024
^ VyStar Credit Union. VyStar Credit Union - Schedule of Services & Fees, Retrieved 03/23/2024

Member FDIC

Bank of America Advantage Banking - Up to $500 Cash Offer

Learn More

Expires 1/31/2027

The up to $500 cash offer must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
The offer is for new checking customers only.
Offer expires 01/31/2027.
To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Your cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of your Qualifying Direct Deposits received in the first 90 days of account opening.

Cash Bonus Total Direct Deposits

$100 $2,000

$300 $5,000

$500 $10,000+
After the Deposit Period ends, and once you satisfy all the requirements, we will attempt to deposit the earned bonus directly into your new eligible personal checking account within sixty (60) days. The new eligible personal checking account must be open and in good standing up to and including the date any earned bonus is paid.
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
*A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC

Cash Bonus	Total Direct Deposits
$100	$2,000
$300	$5,000
$500	$10,000+

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $400 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 1/27/2027

New Chase checking customers can receive $400 when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account and make direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment.
Unlock more offers with Chase. Get up to $500 per calendar year by referring friends and family. Plus, get cash back from top brands with Chase Offers when you use your debit card.
Chase Total Checking^® has a $15 monthly service fee, you can easily avoid the fee with direct deposits totaling $500 or more, or a minimum average daily balance each statement period.
Chase Overdraft Assist℠ – no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Chase is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Apps among National Banks by JD Power.
Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. with thousands of ATMs and branches. Use the Chase locator tool to find a branch or ATM near you.
Chase helps keep your money protected with features like Zero Liability Protection, fraud monitoring and card lock.
Chase Total Checking includes FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Member FDIC

CIT Bank Platinum Savings - Up to 4.25% APY Boost

Learn More

Expires 12/15/2026

With 6 month boost, you earn:

Tier	Boost APY
Balance over $5,000	4.25%*
Balance less than $5,000	0.75%*

After boost is completed, you will continue to earn our best standard rates:

Tier	APY
Balance over $5,000	3.75%¹
Balance less than $5,000	0.25%¹

Needs to use promo code to qualify: Boost50
Boost lasts 6 months over standard APY
Tiered account
$100 minimum account opening
Member FDIC
No Monthly Service fees
No account opening fees

Disclosures

This is a limited time offer available to New and Existing customers who meet the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion criteria.

The promotion can end at any time without notice.

New customers must open a Platinum Savings account with a valid Promo Code, Boost50. The Platinum Savings APY Boost Promo Code will appear on the online account opening enrollment web page. The Promo Code must be used at the time of account opening. Accounts opened during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.
The enrolled Platinum Savings account must be open to receive the APY boost during the promotional period.

Customers without a Platinum Savings account open prior to the Promotion must open a new Platinum Savings account via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers with a Platinum Savings account opened prior to the promotion may enroll their current Platinum Savings account into the Platinum Savings Boost promotion via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Customers who are not the Primary account owner on a Platinum Savings account may open a new Platinum Savings account as the primary account owner via the enrollment web page using Promo Code Boost50.
Accounts opened or enrolled during the program period without the Promo Code are ineligible to receive the APY boost.

There is no minimum account balance requirement to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion.

Additional Important Terms

The Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion may not be combined with other promotions.
Customers are ineligible to participate in the Platinum Savings APY Boost promotion if:
- They are earning an APY over the standard rate.
- They participated in a previous APY Boost promotion.
- They participated in a cash bonus promotion in the past 6 months.
Custodial accounts and accounts in the name of a Trust are not eligible.
This offer is non-transferable.

The value of Platinum Saving Boost will be reported as interest income on IRS Form 1099-INT for the calendar year in which it was paid. The recipient is responsible for any applicable taxes.

For complete list of account details and fees, see our Personal Account disclosures.

Member FDIC

HSBC Premier - Up to $3,000

Learn More

Expires 12/31/2026

Earn a cash bonus when you open an HSBC Premier checking account and complete qualifying activities.

Get $1,000: Deposit or invest $50,000 to $99,999
Get $1,500: Deposit or invest $100,000 to $249,999
Get $2,000: Deposit or invest $250,000 to $499,999
Get $3,000: Deposit or invest $500,000+

The $50,000 minimum Qualifying Balance may qualify you for the promotional cash bonus, but HSBC Premier checking account has a $50 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet Premier qualification criteria (for example, $100,000 in combined balances).

How the offer works

Open a Premier checking account by December 31, 2026
Add your preferred amount of deposits and/or eligible investments within 30 days
Maintain your balances for 3 full consecutive months
Remain opted-in to receive HSBC marketing emails

If all offer requirements are met, the bonus will be paid within 8 weeks.

Your partner for every stage of life
We offer a unique range of products and privileges that gives you more of the things you care about. Plus, a personal Wealth Relationship Manager to help you reach your goals.

Wealth: Get access to a variety of investment solutions through HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. Investments are Not FDIC Insured; are Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of the Bank; and May Lose Value.
Health: Enjoy the support of a health and wellness concierge service, plus complimentary membership to 24/7 telemedicine services for you and your family.
Travel: Our credit cards come with a competitive range of rewards and benefits that complement your lifestyle.
International: Manage your finances around the world, with Premier privileges in select countries, perfect for global lifestyles.

No-Fee Business Checking

Get Deal

$0 monthly service fee
$0 minimum opening deposit
Open up to 20 individual business checking accounts
Earn up to 3.00% APY with automated savings
Issue up to 50 Visa® debit cards to your team

Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.

Darlene Santos is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Darlene Santos at darlene.santos@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.