Palmetto Health Credit Union, now operating as Curis Financial Credit Union, serves as a trusted nonprofit financial institution in Columbia, South Carolina.
This full-service credit union employs a dedicated team of 11-50 professionals and has built its reputation by prioritizing its members’ needs.
Let’s take a closer look at what sets this credit union apart from traditional banking options. Members can maximize their savings through various services and programs tailored to their financial well-being.
This honest review covers essential information about joining and banking with this credit union. You’ll learn about their core banking services, digital features, and special perks for healthcare workers.
Their detailed financial solutions help members achieve their financial goals effectively.
Understanding Palmetto Health Credit Union Basics
Palmetto Health Credit Union fundamentally differs from traditional banks. Their operational philosophy puts members first instead of focusing on profits since they operate as a not-for-profit institution.
Palmetto Health Credit Union: What sets PHCU apart from regular banks
PHCU’s member-first approach influences all their services. Members see this difference in their straightforward banking practices and clear fee structures. The credit union builds strong local ties and has branches throughout Columbia’s neighborhoods.
Current membership requirements
Starting an account with Palmetto Health Credit Union is straightforward. You need to make a $5.00 deposit into a regular savings account and pay a one-time $5.00 membership fee.
Membership eligibility extends to several groups:
- Prisma Health employees and their family members
- Current credit union members’ families
- Employees at medical facilities affiliated with Prisma Health
- Richland County residents, workers, or students (with a credit score of 551 or higher)
- Immediate family of those who live, work, or study in Richland County
The credit union follows a “once a member, always a member” policy that guarantees lifetime access to their services. This dedication to lasting relationships stands out today when most banking relationships seem temporary.
PHCU’s structure allows them to deliver tailored service while upholding professional standards. Members get personal attention, especially when they need financial guidance or want to learn about banking options.
Core Banking Services and Savings Features
Palmetto Health Credit Union helps your savings grow faster with competitive interest rates for accounts of all types.
Members can earn rates up to 1.76% APY with premium money market accounts when balances exceed $250,000. Standard savings accounts maintain a steady 0.35% APY and need just $100 as a minimum balance.
Palmetto Health Credit Union: High-yield savings accounts
Higher balances earn better-tiered interest rates. Health savings accounts with balances over $2,000 can earn up to 1.56% APY. The credit union’s certificate rates are four times better than national averages.
Competitive loan rates
Members enjoy substantial cost benefits through the credit union’s lending programs. Auto loans begin at 4.99% APR with terms of up to 35 months. Members can save about $975 on a $30,000 new car loan when compared to traditional bank rates.
Fee structure comparison
The credit union charges much less in fees than traditional banks:
- NSF fees average $28.08, which is $3 less than bank averages of $30.81
- Annual checking account fees are $72, while banks charge $183
- Low-balance account holders at the credit union pay less in fees than high-balance bank customers
The credit union’s steadfast dedication to member savings goes beyond single transactions. Studies show credit union members pay less than half what bank customers spend on checking accounts each year.
This benefit comes from the credit union’s nonprofit structure that returns earnings to members through better rates and lower fees.
Digital Banking Advantages
Palmetto Health Credit Union’s digital services take banking convenience to the next level. Members can access their accounts anytime through reliable online and mobile platforms.
Palmetto Health Credit Union: Online banking platform features
The online banking platform puts your money management at your fingertips. You can check account balances, see your transaction history, and find your account and routing numbers right away.
The platform lets you send secure messages to PHCU staff, get loan payoff amounts, and update your address without a branch visit.
Moving money between accounts is simple. You can transfer funds between PHCU accounts and other U.S. financial institutions. This feature gives you more control over your money while keeping everything secure.
Mobile app capabilities
The mobile app takes banking beyond your desktop. Every online banking user can download the app for free and access their accounts securely through smartphones and personal devices.
The mobile platform has these key features:
- Mobile check deposit capability
- Bill pay functionality
- Branch and ATM locator
- Person-to-person payment options
- Apple, Google & Samsung Pay integration
There’s another reason to love the app – account alerts. You can customize eAlerts for:
- Balance notifications when accounts reach specified thresholds
- Transaction alerts for withdrawals or deposits above set amounts
- Security updates about password or personal information changes
Text banking offers a different way to check balances and review transactions. You can use this service without internet access on up to three devices per member number.
We designed text banking to give you quick account access even when you don’t have smartphone data.
Real Member Benefits and Perks
Palmetto Health Credit Union members get exclusive perks that go beyond regular banking services. The credit union shows its dedication to healthcare professionals and their families through these benefits.
Healthcare worker special offers
PHCU gives special attention to Prisma Health employees.
New healthcare workers can join without paying the $5.00 membership fee and receive a free $5.00 share deposit. Medical professionals who finance auto loans within 60 days of opening their account get a 1% cash-back bonus.
Palmetto Health Credit Union: Employee discount programs
Members can access a wide network of discounts with their accounts. They get free notary services at every branch location. Members save money year-round on:
- Movie tickets and entertainment venues
- Retail shopping at over 250 major retailers
- Travel accommodations and car rentals
- Theme park admissions and attractions
Financial education resources
PHCU goes beyond basic banking by focusing on financial literacy through educational resources. Members have access to:
Members can watch on-demand webinars about different financial topics. These sessions teach vital money management skills and investment strategies. PHCU works with GreenPath Financial Wellness to give members expert financial guidance.
Members receive free financial counseling to help them reach their money goals. These sessions create individual financial plans and budgeting strategies. Regular workshops and seminars keep members up to date on managing their finances.
PHCU’s approach to financial education shows its dedication to serving Prisma Health team members’ financial needs. These resources help members make smart money decisions while building lasting financial stability.
Conclusion
A look at Palmetto Health Credit Union shows why their members save more than traditional bank customers. Their nonprofit structure helps them offer better interest rates and lower fees. They also provide personal services that bigger banks can’t match.
Healthcare workers get special benefits from this credit union’s targeted programs. Members enjoy competitive loan rates, pay less in fees, and receive exclusive perks made just for medical professionals. The resilient digital banking platform will give you easy account access from anywhere.
PHCU goes beyond simple banking services. They show their dedication to member success by giving you tools and knowledge for lasting financial wellness. Their complete financial education resources and expert guidance make a real difference.
PHCU stands out from traditional banking options for healthcare professionals and Richland County residents alike. Members can build stronger financial futures through competitive rates, modern digital features, and services that put them first.
