Smart Financial CU – 2020-2021 Review & Ranking
AdvisoryHQ recently reviewed the top credit unions in Houston, Texas. Each credit union that was reviewed demonstrates an excellence in quality, provides exceptional service, offers a wide range of products, and affords a high level of convenience to its customers.
Included in this list is Smart Financial Credit Union.
Below, we have provided a detailed review of Smart Financial Credit Union and the specific factors we used in our decision-making process.
Click here for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodology: AdvisoryHQ’s Methodology for Selecting Top Banks and Credit Unions.
Smart Financial Credit Union Review
Since 1934, Smart Financial Credit Union is a Houston credit union that’s put their focus on people and not profits. They are committed to giving back to their local community through sponsorships, scholarships, and in other ways.
Top-Rated Credit Unions in Houston, TX
This top credit union in Houston, TX has 15 locations throughout the Greater Houston area and is also a member of the Credit Union Friendly ATM Network, which gives members access to over 90 ATMs throughout the area.
Eligibility for membership is limited to people who live, work, attend a school or own a business located in in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris or Montgomery Counties in Texas.
Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Top Credit Union in Houston
Insurance Services
One convenience that many of the top credit unions in Houston is the ability to purchase insurance in addition to open checking/savings accounts or apply for loans.
As a part of the comprehensive financial services available, Smart Financial offers a wide range of insurance offerings through their Smart Insurance Group.
Insurance products offered by this top Houston credit union include:
- Auto
- Homeowner
- Life
- Mobile home
- Flood
- Wind
- Recreational vehicle
- Boat
- ATVs
- Motorcycle
- Umbrella policies
See Also: Primeway Federal Credit Union Reviews
Convenient Savings and Checking Accounts
Smart Financial offers account holders a variety of savings and checking accounts to choose from along with modern conveniences.
Savings
Potential account holders may open a Smart Financial savings account with a deposit of $5 and get online banking access, savings tools, and optional overdraft protection.
Accounts with a $100 balance or more will accrue interest, and there will be no monthly fee.
Further benefits and terms may apply. Check out all the savings options on the Smart Financial website here.
Checking
When it comes to checking accounts, members have options. Smart Financial offers four separate checking account choices to fit individual needs:
- eChecking: This account has a $50 minimum opening balance but no ongoing minimum balance and no monthly fee. This account is for people who don’t write checks. There is a $2 per branch transaction fee.
- Smart Select Checking: Offers no monthly service charge if there are $1,000 or more in direct deposits made per month. Otherwise the fee is $12/month. This account earns interest.
- Smart Choice Checking: Has no minimum balance, and a $50 minimum opening deposit. The $10 a month service fee is waived if you have $500 or more in direct deposits per month.
- Smart Scholar Checking: This account is specifically designed for high school students who are learning to manage their money. It has no monthly services fee, no minimum balance, and a minimum opening deposit of $25.
Each account comes with a varied set of terms and conditions, but they can all be linked with the following services:
- ATM access
- Online banking access
- Smart financial debit card
- Bill pay
- Optional overdraft protection
Don’t Miss: Members Choice Credit Union
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Cutting-Edge Solutions
Mobile App
Smart Financial has created a mobile app so that account holders can conveniently access accounts on the phone or other mobile devices. Some of the services available on the app include:
- Money transfers
- Mobile deposits
- Bill pay
- Account management
- Enhanced security
- Alerts and notices
SmartLine Access
SmartLine is a phone banking service that allows account holders to access account information 24/7 without any additional charges.
The dial-in system provides access to balances, checking or loan status, account history, loan applications, and more.
Online Banking
Smart Financial offers online banking for both personal and business accounts. Features and services available from online banking include things such as viewing account history, making transfers, and bill pay.
Also included are tools to budget and manage saving towards goals.
Related: Memorial Credit Union | Top Credit Unions in Houston
Rating Summary
Smart Financial Credit Union is a full-service institution offering members multiple services all designed to make managing their finances as easy as possible. Their online and mobile banking options ensure members can manage their money when and where they need to.
With robust services that cover banking, lending, and protection through insurance and a focus on helping their customers forge a successful financial future, Smart Financial Credit Union earns a 5-star rating as a top Houston credit union to consider in 2020-2021.
To browse exclusive reviews of all top-rated credit unions in Houston, Texas, please click on any of the links below:
- BP Federal Credit Union
- Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union
- First Community Credit Union
- First Service Credit Union
- Harris County Federal Credit Union
- Houston Police Federal Credit Union
- Houston Texas Fire Fighters
- JSC Federal Credit Union
- Members Choice Credit Union
- Memorial Credit Union
- People’s Trust Federal Credit Union
- Primeway Federal Credit Union
- Smart Financial Credit Union
- TDECU
- Texas Bay Credit Union
Image sources:
- https://www.smartcu.org/i-want-to/become-a-member
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Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
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