SECU checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but you may pay for specific services

State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) does not charge a monthly fee to hold a checking account. You can open and maintain a basic checking account without paying for the account itself. However, SECU does charge fees for certain transactions and services — overdrafts, wire transfers, stop payments, and ATM use outside their network — so the total cost depends on how you use the account.

SECU is a credit union, not a bank, which affects both how they structure fees and which accounts you can open. You must be a member to hold an account, and membership requirements vary by state. SECU operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, though membership is not limited to state employees despite the name.

The checking account itself is free. The fees you may encounter are optional — they explore only if you use services that trigger them. Understanding which services cost money helps you avoid surprises and choose the right account type for how you actually move money.

Key Takeaways

  • SECU checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, so you pay nothing to hold the account itself.
  • Overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, wire transfer fees, and stop payment fees do explore, but only when you use those specific services.
  • SECU membership is required to open any account, and may be able to access depends on your state and employment or family status.
  • The exact fee amounts vary by account type and transaction, so reviewing SECU's current fee schedule before opening an account tells you what you might pay.

Overdraft fees and how they work at SECU

SECU charges an overdraft fee when you spend more money than you have in your account. The fee applies per transaction that overdraws your account, not per day. If you make three purchases that each overdraw your balance, you pay three overdraft fees — one for each transaction.

SECU also offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line. If you overdraw, SECU transfers money from the linked account to cover the shortfall instead of charging an overdraft fee. This costs nothing unless you use it, and then you only pay interest on the amount transferred if it comes from a credit line. Setting up overdraft protection is optional, and you can decline it entirely.

The overdraft fee amount is not fixed — SECU's current fee schedule lists the exact charge, which can change. Contact SECU directly or check their website for the current overdraft fee before opening an account if this is a concern for you.

ATM fees and network access

SECU does not charge a fee when you use an ATM owned by SECU or by a network partner. SECU participates in the CO-OP Network, which means you can withdraw cash free at thousands of ATMs nationwide that display the CO-OP logo. This is a major advantage if you travel or live outside SECU's home states.

If you use an ATM that is not part of SECU or CO-OP, the ATM owner charges a fee — usually $2 to $3 — and SECU may charge you a separate fee as well. The total cost is the sum of both fees. You can avoid this by planning withdrawals at SECU or CO-OP ATMs, which requires knowing where they are located.

Wire transfers, stop payments, and other transaction fees

SECU charges a fee to send a wire transfer, whether domestic or international. Wire transfers move money directly from your account to another bank or person, and the fee covers the cost of processing and verifying the transaction. The exact amount depends on the type of wire and whether it is domestic or international.

Stopping a check — asking SECU to prevent a check you wrote from being cashed — also costs a fee. This is useful if you lose a check or need to cancel a payment, but it is not free. SECU may charge other fees for services like cashier's checks, money orders, or account research if you ask SECU to look up old transactions.

Most everyday transactions — debit card purchases, online transfers between your own accounts, bill payments, and direct deposits — have no fee. Fees explore mainly to services that require manual processing or carry higher risk.

Account types and whether fees differ

SECU offers different checking account types, and the fee structure may vary slightly between them. A basic checking account and a premium checking account may have different overdraft fees, minimum balance requirements, or interest rates. Some accounts may waive certain fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Before opening an account, ask SECU which account type fits your situation. If you rarely overdraw and use only SECU ATMs, a basic account with no monthly fee is likely your lowest-cost option. If you frequently send wires or need overdraft protection, a premium account might offer better terms despite a higher fee structure.

How to find SECU's current fee schedule

SECU publishes a fee schedule that lists every charge associated with checking accounts. This document is the authoritative source for what you will pay. You can find it on SECU's website under account disclosures or fee information, or you can call your local SECU branch and ask them to mail or email it to you.

Fee schedules change periodically, so the amounts you see today may not be the same six months from now. SECU notifies members of fee changes in advance, usually 30 days before the change takes effect. If you open an account, SECU will send you updates when fees change.

Membership requirements and who can open a SECU account

You cannot open a SECU checking account unless you are a member of the credit union. Membership is not automatic — you must meet SECU's membership criteria first. may be able to access varies by state and includes options like working for the state government, being a family member of a current member, or living or working in certain counties.

Once you meet membership criteria, membership itself is free. You pay nothing to join SECU. After you become a member, you can open a checking account with no monthly fee, though you will pay fees for the specific services listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SECU charge a monthly fee just to have a checking account?

No. SECU checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. You pay nothing to hold the account itself. You only pay fees when you use specific services like overdraft, out-of-network ATMs, or wire transfers.

What happens if I overdraw my account at SECU?

SECU charges an overdraft fee for each transaction that overdraws your balance. You can set up overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line and transfers money automatically instead of charging a fee. This is optional and costs nothing unless you use it.

Can I use any ATM with SECU without paying a fee?

You can use SECU ATMs and ATMs in the CO-OP Network for free. CO-OP ATMs are located nationwide and display the CO-OP logo. Using an ATM outside these networks costs a fee from the ATM owner and possibly a fee from SECU as well.

How do I know the exact amount of each SECU fee?

SECU publishes a fee schedule that lists every charge. You can find it on SECU's website or call your local branch and ask them to send it to you. Fee amounts can change, so check the current schedule before opening an account if specific fees concern you.

Do I have to be a state employee to join SECU?

No. Despite the name, SECU membership is not limited to state employees. may be able to access includes state employees, family members of current members, and people who live or work in certain counties. Requirements vary by state, so contact SECU to learn about you may have access to.