Frequently Asked Questions

Opening an account with SECNY is easy! You can visit any of our Syracuse area branches, apply online through our website, or call us at 315-469-5599 directly. We offer various checking accounts and savings account options to meet your needs, including free checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees.

Open an Account

If you meet either of the below requirements, you're eligible to become a SECNY FCU member!

• Persons working, living, worshipping, attending school, or businesses and legal entities in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego and Cayuga counties.

• Immediate family of current members (including spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent, grandchild, stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings and adoptive relationships) or household member (Persons living in the same residence and maintain a single economic unit).

Open an Account

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage is easy and can be done online or by visiting our Syracuse area branch locations. Our mortgage pre-qualification process helps you understand how much home you can afford and strengthens your position when making offers. We provide quick turnaround times and competitive mortgage rates.

Find Out if You Pre-Qualify for a Mortgage

Download the SECNY mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. The app provides 24/7 account access, mobile check deposit, bill pay, fund transfers, and credit monitoring. You can also manage your debit card settings and receive account alerts through the mobile app.

Our debit cards are compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. You can easily add your SECNY debit card to your preferred digital wallet for contactless payments at stores, online, and in apps. Digital wallet payments are secure and convenient.

SECNY home equity loans offer flexible financing for many purposes including, but certainly not limited to:

• Home renovations
• Debt consolidation
• Education expenses
• Investment opportunities
• Vacation
• Emergency expenses
• and more

Learn More About Home Equity Loans View Home Equity Loan Rates

The key difference lies in how you receive and repay funds. A home equity loan provides a lump sum upfront with fixed monthly payments over a set term, making it ideal for one-time expenses like major renovations or debt payoff. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) works more like a credit card - you have access to a credit line that you can draw from as needed during the draw period, typically paying interest only on what you use. HELOCs offer flexibility for ongoing projects or expenses where you're unsure of the total amount needed.

Both options use your home's equity as security, but the repayment structure and access to funds work very differently.

Learn More About Home Equity Loans and HELOCs View Home Equity Rates

Credit unions frequently offer more attractive interest rates because of their unique ownership structure. Unlike banks that answer to external investors, SECNY operates with members as the primary stakeholders. This fundamental difference means surplus revenue stays within our Syracuse community rather than being distributed to outside stockholders. When SECNY performs well financially, those benefits flow directly to members through reduced borrowing costs and enhanced savings yields. Our local focus allows us to make lending decisions based on community relationships rather than solely on profit margins, often resulting in more favorable terms for Central New York residents seeking auto financing, home loans, or personal credit solutions.

View Mortgage Rates View Personal Loan Rates View Savings Account Rates

SECNY offers loan decisions in 30 seconds or less for qualifying applications! Our streamlined approval process helps you get the financing you need quickly, whether it's for auto loans, personal loans, or other lending needs. Apply online, by calling (315) 469-5599, or visit one of our Syracuse area branches for fast, local service.

Apply for a Loan

Use our ATM locator tool on our website or mobile app to find the nearest surcharge-free ATMs. We participate in shared branching networks, giving you access to thousands of ATMs and branches nationwide. Many locations offer 24/7 access for your convenience.

Find an ATM Near You

Branch hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday with extended hours and Saturday availability at select locations. Many services are also available 24/7 through our mobile app and online banking.

Find a Branch Location Near You

SECNY offers comprehensive online services including free online banking, mobile banking app, eStatements, bill pay, account transfers, mobile check deposit, and personal finance management tools. Business members get additional online banking features. All these services are included free with your membership - no monthly fees or balance requirements.

Open an Account

SECNY's First Time Homebuyer Program offers two excellent options to make homeownership more affordable. Option #1 provides a $500 lender credit at closing, while Option #2 covers your closing costs entirely. Both options require just 5% down payment, escrow and PMI with auto pay from a SECNY account, and include completion of our free homebuyer education course.

Additionally, our Save2Own program is a specialized savings account that helps first-time buyers reach their goals faster with higher dividend rates than regular savings, automatic transfer capabilities, and an extra $500 credit at closing when you save a minimum of $5,000. The program includes one-on-one mortgage guidance, access to community partners, and Credit Sense tools to help improve your credit profile.

We also offer conventional mortgage loans and other financing solutions to meet various first-time buyer needs in the Syracuse area.

First Time Homebuyer Programs Save2Own